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Post by glennwilliams on Apr 26, 2011 10:51:48 GMT -9
“Sarge, I keep a’ lookin’ up, and them walls, they keep a’ goin’ up! Are you SURE this is our target? Can I see that map? Hoo-whee! I figger if the general wants that fort, HE can taker ‘er!” “Corporal did you forget we’re jump troops? Up, up and a– . . .” ZZSST! All the troops saw of Sergeant Johnston were charred bits floating down as the twin laser turret scanned in their direction. They scattered for cover. So ended Operation Dragon’s Nest. The only thing remaining was the board of inquiry back at forward operating base Lima Zulu. General Morgan was reduced in rank, Sergeant Sherry Topol received a posthumous Star of the Alliance, but Corporal Zeigart was neither heard from nor seen again. Finger and Toe Models announces the release of TANGO PRIME: CITADEL, a massive 28mm, modular sci-fort. The basic wall modules are six inches wide and nine high. The gate fits the same footprint as a wall module, with a four inch wide operating gate that can accommodate most large vehicles. Towers are assembled from a basic eight inch tall unit, to which you can add a two inch tall extension, topping it with a watchtower that can also serve as a standalone bunker. Included are two weapons turrets: a twin laser turret that helps hold wall modules together, and a rail gun that can top the towers. Since this is a TANGO PRIME series model, it is scaled and textured to fit all the other Finger and Toe Tango Prime sets, while also being compatible with the ARSENAL series of standalone weapons. For a slide show go to www.fingerandtoe.com and navigate to 28mm sci-fi structures. Remember, every Finger and Toe model comes with SMOOSH ASSURANCE: if ya’ll smoosh any part of your TANGO PRIME: CITADEL, a new one waits your summons (if you have the sacrifice) from hard drive and printer. TANGO PRIME: CITADEL is available from www.rpgnow.com or www.wargamevault.com for $7.50. Uploaded with ImageShack.us
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Post by glennwilliams on Apr 20, 2011 6:41:45 GMT -9
Great! Thanks.
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Post by glennwilliams on Apr 15, 2011 6:18:30 GMT -9
very nice.
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Post by glennwilliams on Apr 11, 2011 6:11:58 GMT -9
Satrek, I use 3d Canvas Pro, but I'm pretty sure this is true (as Tirick said) for all: one unit in your modeller can be set as one inch in Ultimate Papercraft (it's the default IIRC). Ultimate Papercraft also has a scale to setting where you can input the model's largest dimension.
3d tools/scale to/model
you can also scale in the print output (in the output dialog box).
and in the edit menu
edit/layout/scale
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Post by glennwilliams on Apr 10, 2011 6:02:53 GMT -9
Awesome job, as always, Glenn! . . . I have to say that your designs are not only well thought out, but look practical while still having a sci-fi flair. Maybe one reason I consider you one of best designers in this field! Thanks for the kind words. Glenn
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Post by glennwilliams on Mar 23, 2011 7:15:44 GMT -9
Sketches in Adobe Sketchbook Pro (really this is to help me learn to use my graphics tablet) Design: 3D Canvas Pro (I've got Carrara but the learning curve's VERY steep) Ultimate Unwrap Pro to make the UV maps Photoshop CS5 to paint (haven't learned the 3d features) Ultimate papercraft Pro to create the unfolded model Adobe InDesign to create the pdf and instructions
I've got Blacksmith 3d because it seems to be the least expensive program that will let me bake on UV maps, which I want to try.
I would recommend Metasequoia (Mel Ebbles swears by it, but I just couldn't get used to it) and the free version of 3d Canvas (free is good). Also the 3d magazines (3D Artist and 3D World often have free software on their DVDs--usually the prior version of something that rolling out a new release--that's how I got Carrara Pro)
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Post by glennwilliams on Mar 22, 2011 6:06:48 GMT -9
Four color schemes in the multi-layers:" Russian OMON urban (it's really a uniform camouflage but I just love it for vehicles); Russian "dazzle" that's yellow-brown (you can see it on some Sukhoi aircraft); Russian aviation gray (taken from a TU-164) and olive drab (taken from a Kamov helicopter).
That yellow-brown is just so weird I couldn't resist. I think of it as "smog".
BTW, the design comes from a HIND A front end and an OV-10A back end.
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Post by glennwilliams on Mar 21, 2011 12:12:12 GMT -9
“Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to the Milova Headquarters building and watch as our new MI-124 Strekoza darts around the building to begin a demonstration strafing run. Ladies and gentleman, given the Dragonfly’s built-in armament, I promise this will be a demonstration to remember. Wait, it’s not supposed to fly at us! Why are the guns spinning? Oh my God! Aiiieee!” “Kelly Sexton here. That was the scene earlier today as an armaments demonstration went terribly wrong. A previously unknown terrorist group, Free Peoples of Norwon, has taken credit for the murder of forty-eight arms merchants and six Milova technical personnel and flight crew. Milova stock plummeted seventy-two points on the Horian Interplanetary Exchange before trading in it was suspended. More at Eleven.” Finger and Toe Models announces the release of the 28mm MI-124 STREKOZA (Dragonfly) in two versions: the lightly armed scout and the heavily armed gunship. Four color schemes are available through multiple layers in the pdf: a blue-gray urban, yellow-brown dazzle, gray, and olive drab. The model has a three inch wingspan and a four inch length. Although the model represents the Milova Design Bureau’s scout as produced in its main factory complex on Acidion IV, of course, the MI-124 Strekoza can be used in any near-future setting. For a slide show go to www.fingerandtoe.com and navigate to 28mm sci-fi vehicles. Remember, every Finger and Toe model comes with SMOOSH ASSURANCE: if ya’ll smoosh your MI-124 Strekoza, a new one waits your summons (if you have the sacrifice) from hard drive and printer. MI-124 Strekoza is available from www.rpgnow.com or www.wargamevault.com for $3.00.
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Post by glennwilliams on Mar 21, 2011 7:15:18 GMT -9
gotta love the stack of bank notes!
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Post by glennwilliams on Mar 14, 2011 6:38:57 GMT -9
Dave, Dave, Dave... Empty Room, Arid Hills, Fat Dragon, World Works, Odyssey, WotC, ... Even One Monk's Crypts (Still waiting for Lord Zsezse Works and Finger-Toe). More is better! It'll be a while before I tackle horror. I'd rather be able to sleep at night! ;D
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Post by glennwilliams on Mar 6, 2011 13:02:05 GMT -9
Don't forget marketing, site maintenance, research et al when you look at time to produce a set, and overhead. Also, you're now self-employed, which means you need to include ALL business expenses (internet connection, Photoshop, Social Security--if you're US, etc).
Let's assume that 20 hrs is actually 40 by the time you're done. That's an $800 expense. AT $10 a set you need to sell 80 sets. Initial release is always a big sales bump (and generates sales of older inventory from new customers). Say you sell twenty sets the first week and three a week thereafter. That's 21 weeks to recoup your expenses for each set, BUT, it's all profit after that. AND, you're not actually managing physical inventory, so you don't have those expenses and time.
In my experience, fantasy and historical sell better than sci-fi (but remember, I don't really do figures, just terrain and vehicles), so fantasy/historical pays back faster than sci-fi.
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Post by glennwilliams on Mar 3, 2011 7:44:00 GMT -9
Yeah, after the release yesterday, I crashed and didn't do the maintenance or update on the website. Now, coffee IV in place, I launch into the task.
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Post by glennwilliams on Mar 2, 2011 10:55:24 GMT -9
“My apologies, noble one, but beyond these gates is the Pharaoh’s palace for his harem. As I’m sure you understand, no one but the Pharaoh, the concubines, their guards and servants are permitted within. There’s no need for anger, my lord. Please, put away that khopesh, no swords are permi–GACK!” Finger and Toe Models announces the release of PALACE, third in the ancient Egyptian PHARAOH series. This 28mm PDF card stock set can be used as an objective or simply as terrain in your skirmish (or tactical) battles or roleplaying adventures–all on fifteen sheets of photorealistic models. The set includes a 4'x6" “big house”(the original meaning of PHARAOH) with interior that can be stacked then balconies and a rooftop added. A smaller (3"x4") building with a removable top and detailed interior can be used to create kitchens, storerooms, or quarters for the harem. An ornamental gate and walls can be used to encircle the compound, which can then be landscaped with date palms. Of course, PHARAOH: PALACE can be used with any fantasy system using 28mm figures–and any back story you devise. The buildings can be used for any setting where adobe is the primary architecture, although the smaller building does contain Egyptian frescoes on the interior walls. For a slide show go to www.fingerandtoe.com and navigate to 28mm historic structures. Remember, every Finger and Toe model comes with SMOOSH ASSURANCE: if ya’ll smoosh your PHARAOH: NECROPOLIS , a new one waits your summons (if you have the sacrifice) from hard drive and printer. PHARAOH: NECROPOLIS is available from www.rpgnow.com or www.wargamevault.com for $6.00. Uploaded with ImageShack.us
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Post by glennwilliams on Feb 28, 2011 7:27:12 GMT -9
I'm in between. Essentially a mod is a collaboration. If released separately, I can see a mod getting out of hand, taking off, and yet, the IP underlying the entire work gets no credit (money).
That said, why not give it a try and see? Maybe announce that the mods are available for 3- or 60 days and evaluate.
Even so, shouldn't the original artist have at least a right to say no even when the modded set is included as a bonus with his own original?
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Post by glennwilliams on Feb 28, 2011 7:16:49 GMT -9
Best paper I've found is the cover stock Mel Ebblews sells. It's all I use now. It produces bright colors, and even though slightly thinner than 100# card stock, holds up as well or better. www.ebblesminiatures.com/#ecwid:category=521086&mode=product&product=2040452$12.99 a ream plus shipping. It's maybe a little pricey, but you're paying for absolute quality. When I compared it to my standard 100# card stock bought at Wal Mart and Staples, I threw them away and never looked back.
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Post by glennwilliams on Feb 23, 2011 8:08:58 GMT -9
Tommygun, expect a visit from armed Umbrella Corporation lawyers looking for the negatives of the pictures you took in Raccoon City.
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Post by glennwilliams on Feb 22, 2011 8:54:27 GMT -9
Wow. I am constantly impressed by the number of true artists around here, and just wish I were one.
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Post by glennwilliams on Jan 31, 2011 7:11:01 GMT -9
Hello Cardboard Warriors, inspired by kiladecus' love for the Undead and afet's definition of NPC, I've worked on this deadly vicious LICH CLERIC. Maybe his red rotten robe is a bit dark, but I imagine him scheming plots in dim catacombs ... ;D inspired creepy.
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Post by glennwilliams on Jan 26, 2011 7:16:56 GMT -9
Man, there is NO way I'd post a picture of my workspace! Besides, I can't find my camera. It's in there somewhere, I just know it is.
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Post by glennwilliams on Jan 25, 2011 8:49:02 GMT -9
For a board you could use 6x6 tiles with 2-4 areas on each so that each campaign would have a different layout.
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Post by glennwilliams on Jan 24, 2011 9:51:43 GMT -9
I think the most important thing is DON'T LET IP LAWS GET IN THE WAY! Copy, Draw over pictures, Make an army from one mini. Field your army against your friends. As long you use them for personal uses that is ok. Worry with IP if you market these minis. Everyone started copying. Even the big names. And is important to begin somewhere. If you like WH40K, make WH40K minis. Games Workshop lawyers won't get in your house and burn the minis (well, not yet...) Many designers have lines of minis that are very loose with IPs. Didn't early GW minis where also "heavily inspired" by other works? Hear, hear--just respect the author's IP.
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Post by glennwilliams on Jan 24, 2011 7:29:05 GMT -9
I particularly like the way you did the domes. Very nice work all the way around.
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Post by glennwilliams on Jan 21, 2011 6:56:49 GMT -9
maybe two sets of ten: modern/near future and medieval/fantasy?
My preference would be the first, but I'll bet the most popular would be the second.
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Post by glennwilliams on Jan 19, 2011 12:19:01 GMT -9
If you copy a Games Workshop vehicle, develop the UV maps, unfold the model and print the pdf and put it on your table, who the heck cares?
Let me add another wrinkle. I helped write my college's IP policy (the college had tried to assert ownership of anything saved to a hard drive until we pointed out that a former dean had downloaded child porn). We were reeeaaallly careful about "fair use." which is a big deal in academia (every semester I changed the poems of living poets--Emily johnny-oinson's OK). So, I have double reasons to get nervous.
For my own conscience in commercial products, I try to stay away from the" look and feel" (to quote the Lotus 123 lawsuit). Games Workshop has a great bombard and I love the excessively big-barrled thingie they put on a Rhino (can't remember, don't care), so how would I create them? For my preliminary sketches I went to WWII and the German Thor, the sturmtiger, as well as the ISU-152. Eventually they'll lead me to a design I like and that I'm comfortable is mine.
Had I done Jose's figure, I'd ask myself a series of questions: how much is mine, am I marketing it, am I making money off it? But notice that he said he had modified it, the original exemplars we started with weren't modified--they were blatant copies, not even an attempt at "NOT"-space marine. These are all personal, ethical issues to think about, not hard fast rules. I'm uncomfortable, while others might not be.
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Post by glennwilliams on Jan 18, 2011 9:35:05 GMT -9
Very well done, but where's the cease and desist letter? I'm uncomfortable with actually copying their stuff--not because I'm a Games Workshop fan (so NOT), but because I'm a designer and publisher and wouldn't want to see my stuff ripped off.
(The Forge World Phaeton Base and Imperial Fortress walls were what got me started because of their "sell your home to buy a model" pricing.)
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Post by glennwilliams on Jan 18, 2011 7:39:58 GMT -9
If you have paint.net all you have to do is select the magic wand tool, set the flood mode to global, select the black outline on the figure, invert the selection, and hit delete. print it or save it as an image for later. same in photoshop, although you may have to zoom in to be able to choose precisely.
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Post by glennwilliams on Jan 2, 2011 22:06:17 GMT -9
I guess I should point out that when the chips were down, I added a "tube top" to my Mayan priestess/assassins in the Tulum series (they're made from licensed clip art which is substantially modified). I chose non-nudity deliberately and covered their breasts--my product, my choice.
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Post by glennwilliams on Jan 2, 2011 21:57:55 GMT -9
Yeah... Thanks, Tommygun! Just what I want to be remembered for! Oh well, what have I learned from all of this Life is better if I do this... Nah. There's a great moment in the movie 1776 where the cantankerous old man from Delaware (IIRC) tells the Continental Congress during the debate for independence, "I never met a subject that was too dangerous to talk about." I just think skin is not armor. Too many "Chicks in Chainmail" would die from a quick thrust to the belly. Silly, silly, silly. (but oh, doesn't she look good in it!) Nudity per se in miniatures: If I don' wanna, I don' gotta' buy. Raise the topics fearlessly, then duck back under cover.
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Post by glennwilliams on Dec 22, 2010 7:26:46 GMT -9
Finger and Toe Models announces the release of its first “ACTION FIGURE” terrain set release, OUTLANDS. This PDF card stock set can be used to build a secret headquarters, an evil lair, a hidden laboratory, or just a really dangerous neighborhood for your 3 3/4"action figures to explore. Are you frustrated with the cost of scenery, terrain, and props for action figures? So was I, then a customer suggested I expand into action figure scale. Well, Doc Outlands, this one’s for you, and for all the kids out there who want to play with their heroes and villains. This set is designed so that you only need scissors, not a hobby knife, and the larger pieces and tabs should with adult supervision make assembly by younger gamers fairly easy. Build tower modules, ramparts, and walkways, then stack and connect to create a stage for your adventures. A basic tower module is four inches square and six tall, while the walkways have a six inch span. Also included are a storage container and an oil drum to be used as cover or objectives. For a slide show go to www.fingerandtoe.com. Remember, every Finger and Toe model comes with SMOOSH ASSURANCE: if ya’ll smoosh your Outlands, a new set waits your summons from hard drive and printer. Outlands is available from www.rpgnow.com or www.wargamevault.com for $5.00. Uploaded with ImageShack.us
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Post by glennwilliams on Dec 16, 2010 15:37:09 GMT -9
oh . . . wow.
Those are impressive.
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