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Post by kiladecus on Jan 14, 2012 9:31:40 GMT -9
Greetings all, I announced that I was going to be rolling out GREY MATTER GAMES a little over a month ago. Well, I have faced my share of frustrations, but it is slowly coming together. One of my BIGGEST problems is lacking discipline to focus on one project and completing that before wanting to tackle something else. All of that aside, I am working on developing new models, while trying to make my "older" models better. I came up with this idea for a new Mecha. *This is only a "sketch" so try not to be too cruel.* It should stand about 6" (150mm) tall, and will have modular pieces and can be posed in a variety of choices when it is built. You can see ALL of my work progress at the Grey Matter Games Facebook page: www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Grey-Matter-Games/281314675240017 Thank you for your attention. Attachments:
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Post by Rhannon on Jan 14, 2012 10:30:37 GMT -9
... One of my BIGGEST problems is lacking discipline to focus on one project and completing that before wanting to tackle something else. Biggest no, but big yes, imho. Sorry Kil. It is that I mean ( in my bad english ) with "you aren't quiet". Ciao. PS: I'm waiting for paper minis' evolution not for square-mega-bot. ;D
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Post by kiladecus on Jan 14, 2012 12:58:19 GMT -9
You are correct... the BIGGEST issue is with my computer. I am awaiting my new machine to be able to do the work on that. My current machine is inadequate for the moment.
This should be "remedied" no later than the end of February, and once that is complete, I should be able to have the elements look smoother and more professional (as Parduz pointed out).
I am trying to fill what little time I have with improving my Shuffler models. The model won't be as square as the image implies, but yes, there is a certain amount of "boxiness" to it.
So, you think I should abandon this project?
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Post by Rhannon on Jan 14, 2012 15:09:29 GMT -9
... So, you think I should abandon this project? No. My words are generic. 1- I'm not a card modeller and don't like much models. Not kiladecus' models but all models. 2- I like above all paper figures. I am impressed by the colors, shapes ... especially by the visual impact. So I haven't evaluative skills to tell you if you have to stop or not. I hope more figures and improvements about them but this is only my personal preference ( I think that a good figure can only be done by hand-drawing work and you are on right way ) Ciao
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Post by paladin on Jan 14, 2012 15:52:59 GMT -9
kiladecus, there is no reason to ever stop any creative process - only time or energy/health limits are acceptable reasons. The least acceptable reason is the opinion of others about your creative process. Others are not able to see your full potential as an artist. Only you yourself (and I mean it!) can know your own ability to grow by listening to your inner voice (heart). I've seen artists beginning late with really crappy stuff. No one bid on them - literally nobody. 2 years later they had firm ground under their feet - just by strength of will and systematic (!) practice. And I've seen other artists, talented as hell in young years - and their abilities dying when growing older, just by wasting their time and talent. It's never too late in the arts - never! Just keep on doing things - just DO it. That's enough for art and your mind to grow ... . If you want to take the professional route, then professionalize your mind-set, though: 1. Keep a table of your projects - and keep it secret. Don't waste your energy by talking about projects without hope or a clear and confirmed (thought-out) time-table. Decide for yourself, what to do, why and when - and how. And for whom. 2. Make a list what you want/have to improve - your skills, your art, your product, your marketing, whatever. Estimate, how long it will take to improve significantly. Decide, if your projects are realistically timed in regard to those constraints of skill and resources. 3. If you have a good plan, prove to yourself, that it's a good one. Check it from time to time. Change your plan, if you FEEL it doesn't work. Trust your instincts. The market is too fast and complex, you cannot THINK through all the hassle - FEEL your goal. Trust it - and then stick to it. If there are difficulties, make a pause, relax. If you feel better, go on ... . Hope that helps.
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Post by kiladecus on Jan 14, 2012 16:35:51 GMT -9
Sage advice, Paladin!
Ok, I will follow your advice, and plam my work, then work my plan.
I didn't realize that I share my projects too much. I see people like Dave Graffam, for example, that shows his untextured buildings and shares with them as the skins are developed. So, I guess I should post NOTHING, except the finished pictures.
You DID hit the nail on the head. I am trying to develop new models to improve my style. Practice makes perfect, and I need all of the practice I can get!
Thanks for the excellent advice and support!
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Post by paladin on Jan 15, 2012 5:18:50 GMT -9
kiladecus, you're welcome! I don't want you to feel unsure (I have been unsure and undecided half of my life). Do, what you want to do - and do it NOW. Showing nothing until it's finished, is a bit radical, but it depends on your project. I've said, the market is too fast/complex to observe and think through, so you're left alone to your INNER world of trusting your vision, ability and luck. Sometimes (especially if you want to earn some dollars) it's more wise to keep a good idea secret than to spread it for the ones who recognize its market potential and develop it faster/better than you ever could. This may be more of a problem in other disciplines (e.g. Mobile Games), but secrecy may be in general the safer option until you have secured your territory. Dave Graffam is established on the paper model market, everybody of the scene knows his products - and they like watching his WIP. It's part of his marketing strategy to keep customers and fellow artists interested and his work open-minded and personal. Marketing by Tutorial and Atelier Invitation has a long tradition in the arts. In Germany we have the term "Werkstattschau" - that means something like "(artist's) workshop show" ... . EDIT: your Mecha is promising - 15 cm is f***ing huge. Sounds interesting that it will be poseable. You see, those are the things potential customers are listening to: poseable Mecha? Cool ... . Expand and refine on those core ideas etc. - e.g. what about a completely MODULAR (BOXY) Transformers-style Mecha-Universe!? (Ups, good idea!? Damn ...) I know, it's only a fast concept sketch, so, you have copy&pasted the textures. Be careful, the larger the model, the more details and variety you need to make it look outstanding and not boring. So learn to layer different textures (basic + scratches + dirt + rust + symbols + technical stuff + cables + ... etc.) and combine them to generate variety and safe time. Sometimes even fast color dirt washing with opacity 50% or so on a new layer will do the trick. There are tons of texture tuts out on the net ... .
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Post by kiladecus on Jan 23, 2012 4:15:56 GMT -9
Well, I am running about two weeks behind schedule on this project due to some technical problems. I *think* this should be available by mid-February. It is my SYNFED trooper from my first set of ERA OF WAR figures. There will be 10 figures in the set, in multiple colors and styles. This is only a sample of one of the figures. Of course, I will be adding weapons and arms, but this is just a preview. Hopefully you will see the COMPLETE set within the next few weeks. Thank you for your attention. Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2012 8:37:59 GMT -9
Really like this one - looks kinda "retro" (which is good!!!) With some washed colors it might be even more exciting - so waiting to see where this leads
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Post by kiladecus on Jan 23, 2012 14:13:23 GMT -9
Thanks, Mesper! I was afraid to read your post because you have an AMAZING gift... Retro... I get that a LOT in my drawings. People say my stuff looks like "old-school D&D" only in a Sci-Fi setting. I am planning on a couple color variations... Don't want to give too much away (since I seem to talk too much). I have 4 unique figures done (just needing colored and arms). I have a couple more that I will be adding that *may* look familiar, along with a couple figures I have yet to draw. In case you are curious, I will MOST likely be coloring them with my set of Crayolas again, because it adds to the "Retro" feel, and I am LOUSY in GIMP! This set is coming together pretty quickly (by MY standards) so it should be available *soon!*
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Post by sammo on Jan 23, 2012 14:19:27 GMT -9
My god man! he has no arms!! This is looking really good. Can't wait to see him with a complete anatomy, a weapon and in a color scheme!! (besides arctic camo). Keep up the good work.
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Post by gilius on Jan 23, 2012 14:33:54 GMT -9
Looking great! When you say you'll be adding weapons and arms, do you intend to add different options to the base figure (for instance, carrying an assault rifle or two pistols)?
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Post by kiladecus on Jan 23, 2012 15:36:26 GMT -9
Yes, I am hoping that he will be ARMED and dangerous soon! I will be having pistol and rifle variants, Gillius. The Elite troopers and Heavy Assault figures are pretty much done (with the exception of arms). I am REALLY having a hard time deciding on the Fast Assault figures. I am either going to be doing a large figure, OR a jump pack trooper. I can't seem to decide. If this goes as well as I hope, I will be releasing a core infantry set for each of my 10 armies, and then an 11th set that will include the 10 leaders for each of the ten armies. This figures in this set will be unique figures and will EACH have an ability that benefits the army. Since my game is based on BALANCE, it will be hard to come up with special abilites that won't offset the balance. Since Adam Souza is taking some personal time to recover, I am not sure about how my figures will be laid-out... I was kinda counting on him for his ability to take files and place them into PDF's. I guess I will burn that bridge when I get to it. If nothing else, I may just have to wait, unless someone like Sammo would volunteer to help! ;D I will keep you posted as the set progesses.
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Post by uptrainfan89 on Jan 23, 2012 18:22:50 GMT -9
I can take a stab at it if u need help with pdf files. Lol sorry I've been a little scarce on posting lately. Lol college seems to have made the past couple months fly by lol. Tho the best part of it is a couple of the classes I'm taking are Illustrator and PhotoShop. It's fun learning something I can use to create, color, and export models for my paper model hobby (thats a goal anyways, lol)! ;D
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Post by kiladecus on Jan 24, 2012 3:16:39 GMT -9
That's what I need to do... take classes in software! Especially if I am ever going to have a go at commercial figures!
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Post by Reivaj on Jan 24, 2012 4:33:44 GMT -9
Great work in your Snyfed Trooper kiladecus !!! Will you make your minis modular?? or you didn´t finish it yet
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Post by Vermin King on Jan 24, 2012 7:02:16 GMT -9
Arctic Camo ... LOL
Hey, if Arctic Camo is good for astronauts, why not for robots.
Looking good so far.
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Post by kiladecus on Jan 24, 2012 12:29:51 GMT -9
I will have to see about the modularity of this. I ran into another snag, so the modular figures are put on hold (again) for the time being.
Artic Camo is a PERFECT option for this guy! The SYNFED uses two color schemes: Gray for urban assault and white for all other uses. They chose white because they are the military presence of what is left of Earth, and they like to make their presence known. I never considered Arctic camo, but that is only natural since it blends white and grey!
Good job. Now I just have to resolve these issues so I can get these guys out on the battle filed!
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Post by kiladecus on Jan 25, 2012 6:39:14 GMT -9
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Post by kiladecus on Feb 10, 2012 12:24:40 GMT -9
Not a lot to report... BUT, I did get my *new* computer today, and am getting my laptop over-hauled! My person life is still circling the drain, but at least there are little glints of hope peeking through here and there. My computer is a BEAST! (or at least compared to what I have BEEN using). Maybe closer to late-Spring/ early-Summer, I can plan my "come-back." Until then, I'll make brief stops in to see what is happening, and to let you know I am still alive! Attachments:
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Post by Adam Souza on Feb 11, 2012 11:35:46 GMT -9
Glad to hear your still puttering around
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Post by kiladecus on Feb 11, 2012 14:59:01 GMT -9
Thanks, Adam! ;D I picked up my laptop so I have my "Work Horse" at the house, and my "Mustang" that will allow me to "work" even when away from the house. I had to step away from some very dear projects for now, but that hasn't stopped me from doing some designs in my head, if nowhere else. Baby steps, and one day at a time... I am learning patience. I guess old dogs CAN be taught new tricks. I may be posting some new concept pictures in the *near future* but don't get too excited. Life is what it is, and once I get a hold of that, I can dream again!! Keep you posted...
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