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Conbadge Creation/Laminating Advice?
18 years ago
I'm actually pretty new to this whole conbadge-making thing. And I'm wondering if anyone can offer advice before I screw up any more badges.
See, My first two badges ever were
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/565456/
and
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/577039/
Now, these scans were taken before I got them laminated. I do not own my own laminator because I haven't really had a reason to own one until now. Even now, I don't have a huge demand for commissions on these yet (and I'm glad I haven't been payed for one just yet since I need to get the kinks out!) and I'm unsure buying the laminator would be worth it if no one wants to commission me on conbadges anyways.
I had to have these 2 badges taken elsewhere to get laminated. I'm regretting it now... Staples fudged them up big time. Okay, so they could be worse, and I appologize I have no pics to show you the lamination job on them... But they look perfectly fine halfway, and then they bubble near the edges on the other side. I didn't know if it was because they were die-cut? Or my bristol is too thick? But why would that be the case if it looks perfectly fine until halfway? But this is the inquery I have.
How does everyone else take care of their laminations? Do you have your own laminator? Is it worth getting one? (I have actually found a nice 4 roller one for like, 80 bucks.)
What kind of paper does everyone use for the art on their badge? See, I have to use a little bit thicker paper for my art, since I use the burnishing technique on bristol board. Anything thinner I'm afraid I'd color holes right through the paper.
I dunno. I don't know what to do. I have 3 more badge trades to finish, and I don't want to fudge them up like these 2. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated so that perhaps in the future when someone does commission me for a conbadge, it'll look perfect. :3
______________________
Trades: (NOW CLOSED)
1.
schulo
2.
kendra
3.
yuchiangel
See, My first two badges ever were
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/565456/
and
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/577039/
Now, these scans were taken before I got them laminated. I do not own my own laminator because I haven't really had a reason to own one until now. Even now, I don't have a huge demand for commissions on these yet (and I'm glad I haven't been payed for one just yet since I need to get the kinks out!) and I'm unsure buying the laminator would be worth it if no one wants to commission me on conbadges anyways.
I had to have these 2 badges taken elsewhere to get laminated. I'm regretting it now... Staples fudged them up big time. Okay, so they could be worse, and I appologize I have no pics to show you the lamination job on them... But they look perfectly fine halfway, and then they bubble near the edges on the other side. I didn't know if it was because they were die-cut? Or my bristol is too thick? But why would that be the case if it looks perfectly fine until halfway? But this is the inquery I have.
How does everyone else take care of their laminations? Do you have your own laminator? Is it worth getting one? (I have actually found a nice 4 roller one for like, 80 bucks.)
What kind of paper does everyone use for the art on their badge? See, I have to use a little bit thicker paper for my art, since I use the burnishing technique on bristol board. Anything thinner I'm afraid I'd color holes right through the paper.
I dunno. I don't know what to do. I have 3 more badge trades to finish, and I don't want to fudge them up like these 2. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated so that perhaps in the future when someone does commission me for a conbadge, it'll look perfect. :3
______________________
Trades: (NOW CLOSED)
1.
schulo2.
kendra3.
yuchiangel
I work for Kinko's. I suggest taking it there, I'm positive they all know what they are doing. I sure as hell do.
The reason it bubbled is because the laminator was too hot and they probably didn't use a carrier to run the bristol through.
I recommend 80 pound Cardstock to do the badges on, though. They hold the color nicely, they are durable and the laminator hardly ever eats the stuff up. If you happen to be in the Arizona area, I'll laminate these for you for free.
Thanks for the advice on the cardstock, however. I'll definately have to check that out.
My boyfriend suggested just making the badges and telling anyone who trades or commissions me for one that they should take care of the lamination themselves. But that's a big pain in the butt and may discourage anyone from commissioning me. :(
Personally, if I was a commissioner, I'd wish that they'd be laminated (mostly since most people who commission are not artists and actually do not have their own personal lamination machines to do it. :3)
Maybe try some other printing places, or see if you have a large enough market to invest in one. :3
I dunno.
I suppose we'll just have to keep on trying and see what happens. :3
Here:
http://community.livejournal.com/conbadges/profile
Thank you so much dear for the info and link!
Definately checkin that out. :D