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Artistic Frustrations
Posted 13 years agoWhat do you do when you feel like packing it in?
I get frustrated occasionally, when I'm tapped out in terms of time/money/body/spirit/mind, and can't work any harder than I already am. Bones and I are pulling 14-18 hour days right now to prep for fan-expo, and I think its impacting my state of mind.
I feel so...frustrated when I see artists using people's posted images to recreate something as close to the original as they can, then hanging out a shingle and declaring themselves open for business. We've seen people demand other artists hand over their methods, complete with a materials list, their suppliers and pricing. We've had people leave us snarky comments about our prices (despite the fact we strive for a level of quality and durability that was as high as we could possibly make it - we literally guarantee our resin horrors). We've had people tell us they were going to make our designs better and cheaper. People compare our monsters to things that are made of hot-glued together rabbit fur.
And I just cringe when I see artists applauded for emulating another artist's extremely distinctive style of sculpting and painting. I've found artists who've done work of someone else's character without even asking. People who've glued things to the surface of someone else's design, and claimed that made it theirs. Artists claiming copyright on crazy things like real living animals, rainbow as a colour scheme, and anything with wings. Seriously?
Just...frustrated I guess. Hopefully this will pass quickly.
~W
I get frustrated occasionally, when I'm tapped out in terms of time/money/body/spirit/mind, and can't work any harder than I already am. Bones and I are pulling 14-18 hour days right now to prep for fan-expo, and I think its impacting my state of mind.
I feel so...frustrated when I see artists using people's posted images to recreate something as close to the original as they can, then hanging out a shingle and declaring themselves open for business. We've seen people demand other artists hand over their methods, complete with a materials list, their suppliers and pricing. We've had people leave us snarky comments about our prices (despite the fact we strive for a level of quality and durability that was as high as we could possibly make it - we literally guarantee our resin horrors). We've had people tell us they were going to make our designs better and cheaper. People compare our monsters to things that are made of hot-glued together rabbit fur.
And I just cringe when I see artists applauded for emulating another artist's extremely distinctive style of sculpting and painting. I've found artists who've done work of someone else's character without even asking. People who've glued things to the surface of someone else's design, and claimed that made it theirs. Artists claiming copyright on crazy things like real living animals, rainbow as a colour scheme, and anything with wings. Seriously?
Just...frustrated I guess. Hopefully this will pass quickly.
~W
Contest Closed
Posted 13 years agoSomehow I forgot to post here as well (not that we got many entries here), but the barbary whelp contest is closed. We're still going through entries, but hopefully will have a verdict on the winners early next week.
~W
~W
Barbary Whelp Design Contest is Open!
Posted 13 years agoDesign-a-Whelp!Contest Line Art
This little guy is an example of our barbary whelp.
The immature version of a barbary drake (adults coming soon), they're so named for their barbarous nature (mind your fingers). Barbaries are voracious eaters, and when full grown quite capable of tackling prey larger than itself (mind you there isn't too much larger than a full grown barbary). Hatchlings display a wide variety of colour patterns, often in outrageous combinations. These bright, distinctive pelts are thought to advertise the immature drake's venomous nature to any would-be predators. Although somewhat unpredictable in captivity, whelps imprinted at hatching can be domesticated with some measure of success.
Each whelp comes fully armatured, hand painted and sewn. Made of durable resin & acrylic, these guys are perfect as cosplay or larp accessories, bjd photoshoots, or protectors for your all important desk detritus. They're quite pose-able, and can have a small loop added to their belly upon request so that they can be pinned securely to your shoulder.
Want one?
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to design a barbary the likes of which has never been seen before. If we pick your design, we'll make and ship a barbary made-to-order from your design to you! :3 Two runners up will also receive prizes (more info. on prizes below).
How are you judging these?
Designs will be judged based on uniqueness & plausibility. What's that mean? It means if you cover the body with forty-seven thousand lightning bolts all 3.3333 millimeters wide, that isn't something we can actually MAKE for you, so you're not likely to win. Really think about your design, and ask yourself, why would it be the colours/patterns you've chosen? No explanation for your chosen colour scheme is actually required, but it'll help you in your design process to consider why it might look the way it does.
How do I participate?
1) Design a whelp! You can either use the line-art provided, or come up with your own.
2) Post it! You can upload entries on DA, FA, Tumblr... anywhere your heart desires.
3) Make sure to link both our DA account (or FA/Tumblr account if you're posting there), and the contest journal in your entry's comments.
4) Post a link to your entry on this journal so we can see!
Prizes!
First place will receive their barbary, in the flesh (okay, in the fur), & a coupon good for a discount on any of our cast horrors.
Second runner up will receive a handmade bitty-barbary from Bitty Things, painted to look like their design & a coupon.
Third runner up will receive a handmade barbary pendant from Lemoneewonder (on DA), & a coupon.
If we get lots of entries, we'll add more prizes. :)
Deadline
The contest will run until Saturday August 4th at 12am EST.
********************************************
FAQs
How many entries can I have?
You can have a max. of three entries. For every entry over your first however, you need to signal boost the contest in some other way, be it a journal entry linking the contest, a tumblr link, or whatever you can think of.
What media should I use?
Whatever you're most comfortable with. Digital, watercolour, markers, coloured pencil, acrylic... just no macaroni-glued-on-with-sparkle-paint. :P That's right out.
Do I get any points for drawing my own line-art?
Short answer, no. The contest is about the design, not the drawing. If you'd prefer to use your own line drawing to make your design, that's cool with us; just remember that anything that distracts from your design (fuzzy line-work, inaccurate proportions etc.) isn't going to help you.
Can I make a barbary based on Captain America/some other pre-existing character?
Well you CAN, but Steve would be SO DISAPPOINT. Which is to say, we're looking for original, unique designs... not iron-man-the-barbary. Fanart barbaries aren't eligible to win.
Do I have to enter the contest to adopt a Barbary?
Nope! While this contest is the only way to win a whelp, Custom whelps are available made to order for 85$ + shipping. Just send us an email, wormsandbones[at]gmail.com if you want to skip the colouring pages and go straight to whelp ownership.
Ready, set, go!
$20 "The Car is Dead" Sketches
Posted 13 years agoThe car is dead. Long live the car. *sigh*
Long story short, the car is now past the point where repairing it is worthwhile (you don't dump 3K into a car that isn't worth $500... unless I don't know, there's some sentimental value attached. And there isn't. Trust me. Damn you little white car... DAMN YOU.) and since we've just poured all our money into supplies (and I mean all...), we're pretty much boned.
Not having a car is not an option unfortunately, between work, and the barn (which is not a place public transit goes) so we need to scrap up a few hundred dollars if possible to buy some kind of 'this is an ugly piece of junk, but it runs' vehicle.
To that end, we're offering quick n' dirty (or not if that's yer preference) sketch commissions like Ven over here. I'm going to bang out a flat colour option as well quick-like, and an avatar option as well. Basically its 20 bones a sketch, one character, whatever ratin' you'd like. If you have reference pictures, cool, if not, no worries. Just give us a description and we'll work from that. Flat digital colour on top would be another $10 (so $30 total), and full colour avatars $15.
Will keep a running list here, but please EMAIL us instead of sending a note. :P wormsandbones@gmail.com.
We may also end up doing a sale on custom casts if there's any interest in those. :/
Guh. Goddamned car. :/
Cheers guys;
~W
Long story short, the car is now past the point where repairing it is worthwhile (you don't dump 3K into a car that isn't worth $500... unless I don't know, there's some sentimental value attached. And there isn't. Trust me. Damn you little white car... DAMN YOU.) and since we've just poured all our money into supplies (and I mean all...), we're pretty much boned.
Not having a car is not an option unfortunately, between work, and the barn (which is not a place public transit goes) so we need to scrap up a few hundred dollars if possible to buy some kind of 'this is an ugly piece of junk, but it runs' vehicle.
To that end, we're offering quick n' dirty (or not if that's yer preference) sketch commissions like Ven over here. I'm going to bang out a flat colour option as well quick-like, and an avatar option as well. Basically its 20 bones a sketch, one character, whatever ratin' you'd like. If you have reference pictures, cool, if not, no worries. Just give us a description and we'll work from that. Flat digital colour on top would be another $10 (so $30 total), and full colour avatars $15.
Will keep a running list here, but please EMAIL us instead of sending a note. :P wormsandbones@gmail.com.
We may also end up doing a sale on custom casts if there's any interest in those. :/
Guh. Goddamned car. :/
Cheers guys;
~W
MLP: Bait Ponies?
Posted 13 years agoSo, if I ever have any 'spare' time again between now and the end of my life, I'd like to try customizing a pony or two. Bones and I sorta want to make ourselves into ponies, for kicks, but don't necessarily want to write up our own ponies.
Any good places other than ebay to find MLPs (G1 preferably) in need of some TLC? Unfortunately most of the lots on ebay we'd be interested in won't ship to Canadia. :P
I'd REALLY like to get my hands on some of the ponies that were my favorites as a kid (masquerade, sunny bunch, sky rocket, barnacle), not to customize, just to have over my desk with Cringer, Capt. America and Jareth. :3
~W
Any good places other than ebay to find MLPs (G1 preferably) in need of some TLC? Unfortunately most of the lots on ebay we'd be interested in won't ship to Canadia. :P
I'd REALLY like to get my hands on some of the ponies that were my favorites as a kid (masquerade, sunny bunch, sky rocket, barnacle), not to customize, just to have over my desk with Cringer, Capt. America and Jareth. :3
~W
Barbary Whelp Contest Info.
Posted 13 years agoWe'll open this contest later this week: this is just a bit of a head's up to get people thinking about their designs!
This guy over here!
If you haven't seen him yet, the little guy in the link is a new cast and we call him a barbary whelp. The immature version of a barbary drake (who we'll be making as well), these hatchlings come fully armatured, hand painted and sewn. They're quite poseable, and can have a small loop added to their belly upon request so that they can be pinned securely to your shoulder. Alternately, we recommend a small harness or halter.
Even small, barbaries have a reputation for being a bit... nippy. That wouldn't ordinarily be too large an issue given their size, however immature barbaries are a touch venomous. Mind your fingers!
Want one? If you don't mind the nipping with the venom and all, then this might be a contest for you.
In a few days time when the contest opens, we'll be posting an uncoloured line-art character sheet much like this one for Scugog pre-orders. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to design a barbary whelp the likes of which we've never seen. Which won't be TOO tricky since we've only made a couple so far! Colours and patterns are entirely up to you, and you may use any media you like. You don't have to use our line-art either: if you'd prefer to draw your own, no problem. We'll judge submitted designs on uniqueness & aesthetic appeal, and come up with a winner and two runner ups.
The winner will have their whelp made and sent to them (we're not responsible for any injuries incurred while handling your whelp. I suggest gloves.).
The 2 runners up will receive something as well: what we haven't quite decided yet.
How do I participate?
1) Design a whelp.
2) Post your whelp! DA, FA, Tumblr are all options, make sure you include a link back to our DA page in the comment, and the contest journal.
3) Spread the word!
Now the questions!
The jury is still out on how long we should run this for: anyone have any thoughts there? For runner-up prizes, would you rather have something like a discount coupon for custom casts, or a physical thing? Maybe an imp?
~W
ETA: We haven't yet decided if we'll consider multiple entries or not at this point, still thinkin' about it. What we may do is say if you'd like to submit multiple entries, post a journal about it as well. Dunno, just a thought!
This guy over here!
If you haven't seen him yet, the little guy in the link is a new cast and we call him a barbary whelp. The immature version of a barbary drake (who we'll be making as well), these hatchlings come fully armatured, hand painted and sewn. They're quite poseable, and can have a small loop added to their belly upon request so that they can be pinned securely to your shoulder. Alternately, we recommend a small harness or halter.
Even small, barbaries have a reputation for being a bit... nippy. That wouldn't ordinarily be too large an issue given their size, however immature barbaries are a touch venomous. Mind your fingers!
Want one? If you don't mind the nipping with the venom and all, then this might be a contest for you.
In a few days time when the contest opens, we'll be posting an uncoloured line-art character sheet much like this one for Scugog pre-orders. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to design a barbary whelp the likes of which we've never seen. Which won't be TOO tricky since we've only made a couple so far! Colours and patterns are entirely up to you, and you may use any media you like. You don't have to use our line-art either: if you'd prefer to draw your own, no problem. We'll judge submitted designs on uniqueness & aesthetic appeal, and come up with a winner and two runner ups.
The winner will have their whelp made and sent to them (we're not responsible for any injuries incurred while handling your whelp. I suggest gloves.).
The 2 runners up will receive something as well: what we haven't quite decided yet.
How do I participate?
1) Design a whelp.
2) Post your whelp! DA, FA, Tumblr are all options, make sure you include a link back to our DA page in the comment, and the contest journal.
3) Spread the word!
Now the questions!
The jury is still out on how long we should run this for: anyone have any thoughts there? For runner-up prizes, would you rather have something like a discount coupon for custom casts, or a physical thing? Maybe an imp?
~W
ETA: We haven't yet decided if we'll consider multiple entries or not at this point, still thinkin' about it. What we may do is say if you'd like to submit multiple entries, post a journal about it as well. Dunno, just a thought!
Wolf Test Animation
Posted 13 years agoWe badgered Celorn into trying his hand at stop motion... and while its only a test, its not too bad for a 15 minute affair with a regular camera, no software and a guy who's never done stop motion before!
http://fav.me/d4w71uu
Better vid to come, once we get after effects up and running. But it does show how poseable/expressive these guys are anyway!
~W
http://fav.me/d4w71uu
Better vid to come, once we get after effects up and running. But it does show how poseable/expressive these guys are anyway!
~W
Scugog the Dragon Cast Pre-Orders - 1 spot left
Posted 13 years agohttp://www.furaffinity.net/view/7360146/
For those that haven't seen him yet, Scugog was one of the first dragons we did, and still one of our favorites. He's gotten a HUGE reaction everywhere we've taken him, and since we're a little too fond of him to sell the original we've decided he'll be cast in resin. :D
He's a pretty big boy (over 2 feet), and the casts will be fully armatured for poseability & durability (the cool thing about casting him too is that we'll be able to offer lifetime warranties on the casts). Each cast will be made to order, in your choice of colours & furs.
We're offering 5 pre-orders for $225 CDN each with a short fur belly, or $250 CDN for a hand scaled belly. This price is for pre-orders only; later orders may be a little more depending on material costs. Casts will be done after Anime North at the end of May, and be finished and shipped out in June. :)
A $50 deposit will secure you a pre-order; the remainder of the payment will be invoiced to you when we've pulled the casts and are ready to get to work. We're also happy to do split payments as well; half when we start, and half upon completion.
And if anyone has any questions, feel free to fire away! Now, I'm going to go sleep for an eternity... final exams, yurrrgh.
~W
1)
scenceable
2)
portlypossum
3) UniqueTreats (DA)
4) SlashKishi (DA)
5)
For those that haven't seen him yet, Scugog was one of the first dragons we did, and still one of our favorites. He's gotten a HUGE reaction everywhere we've taken him, and since we're a little too fond of him to sell the original we've decided he'll be cast in resin. :D
He's a pretty big boy (over 2 feet), and the casts will be fully armatured for poseability & durability (the cool thing about casting him too is that we'll be able to offer lifetime warranties on the casts). Each cast will be made to order, in your choice of colours & furs.
We're offering 5 pre-orders for $225 CDN each with a short fur belly, or $250 CDN for a hand scaled belly. This price is for pre-orders only; later orders may be a little more depending on material costs. Casts will be done after Anime North at the end of May, and be finished and shipped out in June. :)
A $50 deposit will secure you a pre-order; the remainder of the payment will be invoiced to you when we've pulled the casts and are ready to get to work. We're also happy to do split payments as well; half when we start, and half upon completion.
And if anyone has any questions, feel free to fire away! Now, I'm going to go sleep for an eternity... final exams, yurrrgh.
~W
1)
scenceable2)
portlypossum3) UniqueTreats (DA)
4) SlashKishi (DA)
5)
Premades & Originals Available
Posted 13 years agoIn an effort to avoid confusion, these are the premades we've got available right now. All prices are in CDN (not USD), and do not include shipping. Let us know via email where you are and what you're interested in and we can give you a variety of shipping options. :)
Current list of premade casts available for sale:
Wolves: white, black & blonde/gold - $200 + shipping
Foxes: red, white & white mark black (white blaze, toes & tailtip) - $150 + shipping
Voodoos: Frosted black fur,red, dark brown - $75 + shipping
Voodon'ts (voodoos with dark heads/hands/feet): yeti (white fur, iron gray skull/hands/feet), black w/dark purple head/hands/feet - $75 + shipping
Sneks: Purple & red long nosed - $45 + shipping
Bats:yellow nosed brown, purple sabino & red/orange/black - $35 + shipping
Originals for Sale
These guys are one of a kinds NOT casts; there will never be another like 'em. These are the original hand sculpts, then hand painted, with one-off patterns, hand sewn & dyed. They're priced according to size, complexity & time-in. They are not as stupidly-durable as the casts, but not made of glass either.
The Sqwueeeeeeawul (how many e's did I use again?) - $350
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7548161/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7548067/
Prophoria the Entelodont - $400
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7360217/
Ultramaureen - $75
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7360292/
You can email us about any of the above - wormsandbones@gmail.com. :D While we're not open for original commissions right now, we can still do custom colours on any of our casts (snek, bat, wolf, fox, voodoo) - just email us your colour ideas for more info. :3
~Worms
Current list of premade casts available for sale:
Wolves: white, black & blonde/gold - $200 + shipping
Foxes: red, white & white mark black (white blaze, toes & tailtip) - $150 + shipping
Voodoos: Frosted black fur,
Voodon'ts (voodoos with dark heads/hands/feet): yeti (white fur, iron gray skull/hands/feet), black w/dark purple head/hands/feet - $75 + shipping
Sneks: Purple & red long nosed - $45 + shipping
Bats:
Originals for Sale
These guys are one of a kinds NOT casts; there will never be another like 'em. These are the original hand sculpts, then hand painted, with one-off patterns, hand sewn & dyed. They're priced according to size, complexity & time-in. They are not as stupidly-durable as the casts, but not made of glass either.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7548161/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7548067/
Prophoria the Entelodont - $400
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7360217/
Ultramaureen - $75
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/7360292/
You can email us about any of the above - wormsandbones@gmail.com. :D While we're not open for original commissions right now, we can still do custom colours on any of our casts (snek, bat, wolf, fox, voodoo) - just email us your colour ideas for more info. :3
~Worms
What happens when you ask a fat horse to trot?
Posted 13 years agoTRUFFLE SHUFFLE!
http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/.....306_210002.mp4
I can post this now because my horse is no longer grossly obese (he's slimmed down to 'chunky'. That's the technical term.), and no longer crinkles and jiggles rhythmically when asked to trot.
Also, apologies for my constantly slumped shoulders/back. My riding is not pretty. :P
~W
http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/.....306_210002.mp4
I can post this now because my horse is no longer grossly obese (he's slimmed down to 'chunky'. That's the technical term.), and no longer crinkles and jiggles rhythmically when asked to trot.
Also, apologies for my constantly slumped shoulders/back. My riding is not pretty. :P
~W
Looking for a Trade or Two...
Posted 13 years agoI've got a little over a month until the birthday of someone vury special, and he is bar none, the WORST person to buy presents for. I never know WHAT to get, and if I try to go the tech. route, its invariably the wrong thing, or the wrong size, blah blah blah.
I think we got lucky this Christmas when Bones and I went in on a kitten for him, but that's probably the biggest success thus far.
SO! I'm casting the net to see if anyone has anything that might be a hit that I could trade a custom cast for. :)
The sort of things I'm looking fer:
* Chainmaille braclets
* Scalemaille bracelets
* Leather armor of some description (bracers, pauldron)
* Utilikilt type kilt
* Long flowy gothy lookin' skirt
Those are just the sorts of things that come to mind first, but if you have somethin' else you think might suit the grumpy goth guy (don't tell him I called him that... I'll never hear the end of it!) who has everything, pipe up by all means!
In return, I'd be happy to trade a custom cast of a similar value: we've got bats n' sneks n' foxes n' wolves n' voodoos, and should shortly be adding more critters to that list as well. :)
Cheers!
~W
I think we got lucky this Christmas when Bones and I went in on a kitten for him, but that's probably the biggest success thus far.
SO! I'm casting the net to see if anyone has anything that might be a hit that I could trade a custom cast for. :)
The sort of things I'm looking fer:
* Chainmaille braclets
* Scalemaille bracelets
* Leather armor of some description (bracers, pauldron)
* Utilikilt type kilt
* Long flowy gothy lookin' skirt
Those are just the sorts of things that come to mind first, but if you have somethin' else you think might suit the grumpy goth guy (don't tell him I called him that... I'll never hear the end of it!) who has everything, pipe up by all means!
In return, I'd be happy to trade a custom cast of a similar value: we've got bats n' sneks n' foxes n' wolves n' voodoos, and should shortly be adding more critters to that list as well. :)
Cheers!
~W
Sneks it is! (Snek Sale this Weekend)
Posted 13 years agoIt was a close one, but we decided to throw our premade Sneks up on the sale block this weekend. I won't list them all (because I am lazy, and don't want to dig them all out to check...hurhur), but among them are a flamingo (pink/black/iridescent points),cold metal (metallic silver & blues), tiger (need I explain?), & iridescent albino... and more I can't remember. This lot is roughly 50% mayans, 50% long-nosed, and as always if you don't see exactly what you're after, we can customize make you any snek in whatever colour/pattern/fur your heart desires for just a couple bucks more. :)
Hoping to get this lot up later tonight!
~W
Hoping to get this lot up later tonight!
~W
Which Cast Would you Like to See a Sale On?
Posted 13 years agoWe've got some con-left overs taking up space, and we thought it might not be a bad idea to put some of them up for a small discount like we did with the bats. We'd like to do it by species if we do decide to go that route though, and well, we can't decided WHICH species.
Right now we have a small selection of premade wolves, foxes, voodoos & sneks. I'm kinda partial to the sneks personally, just because we have some really cool colour morphs (I don't like pink, but even I think the flamingo snek is pretty keen), but I dunno what other people would prefer to see.
What'd ye think; sneks? Wolves? Foxes? Voodoos? None of the above?
~W
ETA: So far voodoos are the most requested, followed closely by foxes & sneks.
Right now we have a small selection of premade wolves, foxes, voodoos & sneks. I'm kinda partial to the sneks personally, just because we have some really cool colour morphs (I don't like pink, but even I think the flamingo snek is pretty keen), but I dunno what other people would prefer to see.
What'd ye think; sneks? Wolves? Foxes? Voodoos? None of the above?
~W
ETA: So far voodoos are the most requested, followed closely by foxes & sneks.
Furnal Equinox, WHOOOO!
Posted 13 years agoNo more back to back cons. Just... no. We stumbled home, and pretty much IMMEDIATELY fell asleep. Bones was a little more stoic than I, and stayed up for a couple hours more to tidy (bless her little heart for that).
ANYWAY! Whining aside, we had an amazing time!
It was really nice to be able to see so many people we lost touch with over the years we were both mired in the wallet-busting college experience/some wiener stealin' my (Worms' email accounts), and find out how they're doing and what they've been up to. Incidentally, Khakiwolf is an amazing chef! PASTRY. HOLY SHIT. *cough*
We were really hoping a bunch of us could get to Feral this year (which, if you've been thinking about going we HIGHLY recommend it! Nothin' like hanging out in the woods in good company: http://campferal.org/ )... alas, it overlaps Fanexpo this year which we're already committed to. BAW. :/ We're hoing we can at least donate something that they can auction off , and maybe doodle something up for the conbook anyway.
Also wanted to say thank you to the con staff (Silvax! :D Send us pictures of your lil' metal snek!), security & volunteers (thank you for bringing me coffee so I didn't die). Special thanks to Manny (I hope that's right, I'm horrible with names) for running the dealer's den. :D
Mind you probably the best part was getting a chance to talk shop with the other artists and crafters. Northern Armour Studios is fixing my pauldron for me, and hopefully will be making Odin (my big fat draft/paint horse) a faceplate, which is amazing. Actually if we had all the money in the world, we'd be getting them to make both horses leather barding... but alas, money. You know how it is! We also met UniformGrey, who does some beautiful glass etching (this sort of craft work is like witchcraft to us... I have no idea how its accomplished, but its lovely!), Bernice Gordon who we got some AWESOME shirts from (I won the rock-paper-scissors match for the boar shirt, HA!). We also got to see Neogeen briefly to fix up her Snek.
Of course there were tons more people we talked with, but being stuck behind a table meant we didn't really get to go to ANYTHING which was less than awesome. Next year we'll probably work the table in shifts, so at least ONE of us gets to go do stuff. There were a couple panels I would have liked to check out especially. Oh well, next year!
~W
ANYWAY! Whining aside, we had an amazing time!
It was really nice to be able to see so many people we lost touch with over the years we were both mired in the wallet-busting college experience/some wiener stealin' my (Worms' email accounts), and find out how they're doing and what they've been up to. Incidentally, Khakiwolf is an amazing chef! PASTRY. HOLY SHIT. *cough*
We were really hoping a bunch of us could get to Feral this year (which, if you've been thinking about going we HIGHLY recommend it! Nothin' like hanging out in the woods in good company: http://campferal.org/ )... alas, it overlaps Fanexpo this year which we're already committed to. BAW. :/ We're hoing we can at least donate something that they can auction off , and maybe doodle something up for the conbook anyway.
Also wanted to say thank you to the con staff (Silvax! :D Send us pictures of your lil' metal snek!), security & volunteers (thank you for bringing me coffee so I didn't die). Special thanks to Manny (I hope that's right, I'm horrible with names) for running the dealer's den. :D
Mind you probably the best part was getting a chance to talk shop with the other artists and crafters. Northern Armour Studios is fixing my pauldron for me, and hopefully will be making Odin (my big fat draft/paint horse) a faceplate, which is amazing. Actually if we had all the money in the world, we'd be getting them to make both horses leather barding... but alas, money. You know how it is! We also met UniformGrey, who does some beautiful glass etching (this sort of craft work is like witchcraft to us... I have no idea how its accomplished, but its lovely!), Bernice Gordon who we got some AWESOME shirts from (I won the rock-paper-scissors match for the boar shirt, HA!). We also got to see Neogeen briefly to fix up her Snek.
Of course there were tons more people we talked with, but being stuck behind a table meant we didn't really get to go to ANYTHING which was less than awesome. Next year we'll probably work the table in shifts, so at least ONE of us gets to go do stuff. There were a couple panels I would have liked to check out especially. Oh well, next year!
~W
Heads Up for those Asking for Tutorials
Posted 13 years agoI thought I'd better post this since we've been getting a LOT of inquiries as to how we make blank, how we do blank, and where to get blank.
This is something we've already mentioned on DA in our FAQ, but unfortunately since journals get bumped to make room for new ones, I think people there have forgotten to check it out before they ask questions:
Bones and I don't do tutorials, nor will we tell you how to blank, where to get this that or the other thing, or what's the best way to blank.
Firstly because we're not teachers. I'm a lousy teacher actually - I yell a lot, and use inappropriate language. Secondly, because this is our business; we do this because we love to, but also because we have things like student debt, rent and the pressing desire to continue eating food that might occasionally not be macaroni with powdered cheese sauce. Mmm, powdered cheese goodness.
That said, there are a lot of other really talented people who've done amazing work all on their own. It definitely ain't impossible folks; our method was nothing more complicated than the following:
I want to make a _____.
What if I tried this?
*Falls apart*
Okay, how about this?
*Sorta falls apart*
What about this?
*Explodes*
Eventually you get to the point where things stop exploding, then you can fine tune it from there. We spent a metric shit ton of time on the engineering side of things to get our monsters to the point where we're happy with them, their relative durability, poseability and look. That's all it is, just hard work, trial and error.
Nothin' special, and definitely something everyone's capable of!
~W
This is something we've already mentioned on DA in our FAQ, but unfortunately since journals get bumped to make room for new ones, I think people there have forgotten to check it out before they ask questions:
Bones and I don't do tutorials, nor will we tell you how to blank, where to get this that or the other thing, or what's the best way to blank.
Firstly because we're not teachers. I'm a lousy teacher actually - I yell a lot, and use inappropriate language. Secondly, because this is our business; we do this because we love to, but also because we have things like student debt, rent and the pressing desire to continue eating food that might occasionally not be macaroni with powdered cheese sauce. Mmm, powdered cheese goodness.
That said, there are a lot of other really talented people who've done amazing work all on their own. It definitely ain't impossible folks; our method was nothing more complicated than the following:
I want to make a _____.
What if I tried this?
*Falls apart*
Okay, how about this?
*Sorta falls apart*
What about this?
*Explodes*
Eventually you get to the point where things stop exploding, then you can fine tune it from there. We spent a metric shit ton of time on the engineering side of things to get our monsters to the point where we're happy with them, their relative durability, poseability and look. That's all it is, just hard work, trial and error.
Nothin' special, and definitely something everyone's capable of!
~W
Con Schedule
Posted 13 years agoI realized today that I hadn't posted this here (I blame sleep deprivation and generalized stress). DERP.
Anyway Bones & I will be heading to the following Ontario cons this season:
Comicon Toronto (this weekend!)
Furnal Equinox
Anime North
Fanexpo
We may also wind up doing a couple of smaller engagements between if the opportunity arises. :)
See ye there!
~W
Anyway Bones & I will be heading to the following Ontario cons this season:
Comicon Toronto (this weekend!)
Furnal Equinox
Anime North
Fanexpo
We may also wind up doing a couple of smaller engagements between if the opportunity arises. :)
See ye there!
~W
Custom Cast Critters!
Posted 13 years agoWe've more or less got all our molds now (the wolf should be done by early next week), cast orders are open.
A custom lets you pick the colours, fur, paint & eyes of a pre-existing cast. We can add a little fancy paintwork too for the custom price, but please note that doesn't include things like sixty-four lightning bolts on the left cheek, and intricate celtic knotwork on each toe. :P That's beyond the scope of the prices listed below, but CAN be done... we just need to know specifics to give you a price. We can also do extensive customization, like the addition of wings, change in body shape (ie. edits to the pattern), horns, scales, extra fur on the sculpt etc. Those things are also not included in the below price - let us know what you have in mind and we can give you a quote.
We will have pre-mades for sale from time to time as well (none right now unfortunately), which will be slightly cheaper but offer no customization. :)
Shipping is extra, and generally runs between $10 and $30 depending on which model and where its going. For most US destinations, it averages about $15. Prices are in CDN, so paypal doesn't sucker-punch us on conversion fees.
Pricelist
Bats (fruit & insectivore)
Pre-mades - $40
Custom - $45
Sneks - (long-nosed & mayan)
Pre-mades - $50
Custom - $55
Voodoos (Ursine based)
Pre-mades - $85
Custom - $100
Foxes
Pre-mades - $150
Custom - $170
Wolves
Pre-mades - $200
Custom $225
Within a couple months we hope to have a wider variety of casts, including an ungulate based voodoo, a dragon type critter & possibly a second style of wolf that's more angular and sinister looking, for lack of a better term.
As always feel free to email us about any of the above, questions, comments, gripes... whatever. :D
Cheers!
~Worms
A custom lets you pick the colours, fur, paint & eyes of a pre-existing cast. We can add a little fancy paintwork too for the custom price, but please note that doesn't include things like sixty-four lightning bolts on the left cheek, and intricate celtic knotwork on each toe. :P That's beyond the scope of the prices listed below, but CAN be done... we just need to know specifics to give you a price. We can also do extensive customization, like the addition of wings, change in body shape (ie. edits to the pattern), horns, scales, extra fur on the sculpt etc. Those things are also not included in the below price - let us know what you have in mind and we can give you a quote.
We will have pre-mades for sale from time to time as well (none right now unfortunately), which will be slightly cheaper but offer no customization. :)
Shipping is extra, and generally runs between $10 and $30 depending on which model and where its going. For most US destinations, it averages about $15. Prices are in CDN, so paypal doesn't sucker-punch us on conversion fees.
Pricelist
Bats (fruit & insectivore)
Pre-mades - $40
Custom - $45
Sneks - (long-nosed & mayan)
Pre-mades - $50
Custom - $55
Voodoos (Ursine based)
Pre-mades - $85
Custom - $100
Foxes
Pre-mades - $150
Custom - $170
Wolves
Pre-mades - $200
Custom $225
Within a couple months we hope to have a wider variety of casts, including an ungulate based voodoo, a dragon type critter & possibly a second style of wolf that's more angular and sinister looking, for lack of a better term.
As always feel free to email us about any of the above, questions, comments, gripes... whatever. :D
Cheers!
~Worms
What's a Conbadge Worth These Days?
Posted 13 years agoJust tryin' to figure out what we should be charging for badges - its been a few years since we did 'em and honestly neither of us remember what we were charging then anyway.
I'm working on some 'example' badges at the moment, but we'll likely be doing 'tiers' of badges something like this:
Sketch badges
Inked badges
Flat colour badges (inks/watercolour)
Fully rendered badges (ink/watercolour/coloured pencils)
Unfortunately we don't have any really current art to use as examples, but our ID painting isn't a bad example of the level of drawrin' we do.
Anyone have any good price scale ideas? What do your badges go for?
Very much appreciate the info!
~Worms
I'm working on some 'example' badges at the moment, but we'll likely be doing 'tiers' of badges something like this:
Sketch badges
Inked badges
Flat colour badges (inks/watercolour)
Fully rendered badges (ink/watercolour/coloured pencils)
Unfortunately we don't have any really current art to use as examples, but our ID painting isn't a bad example of the level of drawrin' we do.
Anyone have any good price scale ideas? What do your badges go for?
Very much appreciate the info!
~Worms
Furnal Equinox Anybody?
Posted 13 years agoHeeeeeeey, so, its been about four thousand years since Bones and I went to any cons but we're booked in for Furnal Equinox next month... and we're pretty excited. :D And, frantic, since we're not ready and don't even have new badges done yet. *cough*
Anyone else planning on going? Come see us in dealers if so; we're sorta out of the fandom loop, and don't know anyone anymore. *coughcoughwe'reloserscough*
If all goes according to plan, we'll have a bunch of cast horrors for sale (cast pieces, but hand painted, hand sewn), including wyverns and bats, foxes and wolves as well as some voodoos and a bunch of originals (Scugog and the gryphon included). Anything else you'd like to see in an original? I'd really like to do something like a microraptor, but I'm not sure that's something many people would appreciate!
We'll also be taking commissions then, both for totally original monsters AND customized casts (say you'd like one of our wuffs made to your colour specifications), and likely doing badges as well because that's always fun.
Anyway that's enough rambling from me!
~W
Anyone else planning on going? Come see us in dealers if so; we're sorta out of the fandom loop, and don't know anyone anymore. *coughcoughwe'reloserscough*
If all goes according to plan, we'll have a bunch of cast horrors for sale (cast pieces, but hand painted, hand sewn), including wyverns and bats, foxes and wolves as well as some voodoos and a bunch of originals (Scugog and the gryphon included). Anything else you'd like to see in an original? I'd really like to do something like a microraptor, but I'm not sure that's something many people would appreciate!
We'll also be taking commissions then, both for totally original monsters AND customized casts (say you'd like one of our wuffs made to your colour specifications), and likely doing badges as well because that's always fun.
Anyway that's enough rambling from me!
~W
