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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Mar 31, 2009 4:41:47 GMT
I would just some cheap acrylic circular bases... I've seen a lot of model builders order those in bulk...having all pieces seperate is a great idea as well...many of mine hang from the ceiling.
Meso - my screen is 12x15" , diagonally is around 18".
Dinonikes - checks in the mail as of this morning for this guy.... ;D
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Post by Meso-Cenozoic on Mar 31, 2009 6:16:46 GMT
Thanks, Malcolm! And, those new pics are much better!
I'm still on the fence as to which way I would display mine. To base or not to base??? I like Blade's idea about the clear acrylic circular bases. They seem like they would be very light for shipping too. And, if you can get a great bulk deal on them, you could also use them for your other prehistoric marine animals! ;D
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Post by timlee3005 on Mar 31, 2009 7:21:36 GMT
That base is fine,it worked for the Rush Brachiosaurus and Icarosaurus models I've got ;D |
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Post by kikimalou on Mar 31, 2009 9:20:51 GMT
I think an acrylic base is more suitable with a toy line, even if we are not speaking about actual toys.
Having all pieces seperate is essential for me. It's a good way to attract different collectors.
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Post by dinonikes on Mar 31, 2009 11:07:09 GMT
Yes but would you want to pay extra for an acrylic base? I can get the wood for free from work as they throw out quite a lot of scrap wood- acrylic bases would add quite a bit of work, I would have to polish up the edges which is a bit of time to do- right now this piece costs 15.00- I would have to add at least another 5.00 for an acrylic base probably more- acrylic is not cheap- Captain Obvious has purchsed museum models from me and has models on bases just like this- see above-
Plus I really think that the figures are the important thing- I don't want to be spending all of my time making bases-there are going to be a lot of these marine reptiles and they will all be on bases- would rather be spending my time making figures- people could always make their own bases if these aren't to their liking-
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Post by bmknj17 on Mar 31, 2009 16:48:09 GMT
Since I'm in large part responsible for this discussion, I'll say that ideally my first choice for a base for marine figures would be interchangeable simple sculpted ones, perhaps a large and small version for correspondingly sized marine figures, and maybe with a bit of attention to making them look different if viewed from different angles.
For flyers, I'd prefer circular Acrylic bases or, barring that, the same as above, though in this case extremely, minimalistically simple, so as not to draw the animal too close to the ground in the viewer's eye. And of course I'd prefer a taller rod with the flyers.
If a base has to be wood, I'd likely paint all of the marine ones a greenish blue to at least suggest ocean water. And I'd paint the flyers' bases sky blue and/or grey.
I'd want them aesthetically (to my eye) more to scale with the figures (in this case, read: smaller) so as not to not overpower the animal nor take up shelf space that could otherwise hold more pieces.
And I'd want them circular, particularly if the rods were fixed, so I wouldn't have to worry about square bases sitting at odd angles based upon what position I want the figures facing.
And I'd definitely rather the rods not be fixed if dealing with a base with which I'm not excited.
As I explained to Malcolm, I'm perfectly willing to and absolutely would forego his bases all together if he chooses to do the type he's doing now and make my own. I'd just need to know that the weights of the figures don't necessitate bases that are aesthetically too large for them, as again I feel this one is. And he assures me they won't.
I'm happy to do this. But I would also pay an extra $5 per figure for a base I like--particulary sculpted ones for marine figures or Acryclic circular ones for flyers, since I couldn't make those myself.
Also, as I think about it, I'll likely make my own bases for some terrestrial animals anyway, as I think those with a very thin sculpted bit of ground, the Indri, for instance, will look better, richer, sitting on top of a painted or stained wood oval or rectangular base.
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Post by kikimalou on Mar 31, 2009 17:01:15 GMT
All right Malcolm, don't spend time on bases and make new figures. The muraenosaurus is so beautiful that it produces a big contrast with the base.
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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Mar 31, 2009 19:54:59 GMT
I'd swear there was someone who told me they buy those acrylic bases were cheap if bought in bulk... ? Anyway.. bases are generally important to those collectors who are not or do not have time to be artistically inclined... one time it was said that about every member here does some for of sculpting or customizing work so could make a base easily. But for presentation purposes especially like for the review in PT and those other kind of collecters which we have few of... maybe make optional bases...I can whip up a stone like base or water base using hot glue in 30 minutes or so...sculpting time...so I don't thik it would take too long...right now just make a couple underwater ones coral reef and seabed make the oval or circualr in basic form or even odd shaped that way they could fit several together like a puzzle and make a whole scene. Many collectors will be interested in overall presentation of their collection... having an optional bases or two for the fliers and swimmers kind of like Kinto would provide for all types I think.
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Post by bmknj17 on Mar 31, 2009 20:02:56 GMT
I didn't want to speak to anything but my own preferences but as long as Blade mentions it I agree that if pictured in an ad or for review the current base will detract.
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Post by timlee3005 on Mar 31, 2009 21:19:37 GMT
I didn't want to speak to anything but my own preferences but as long as Blade mentions it I agree that if pictured in an ad or for review the current base will detract. I'll have to disagree,I don't think this base is so bad as it keeps getting described as...it certainly does not detract from the model.As stated before,it's the figure itself that's the most important thing. |
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Post by [][][]cordylus[][][] on Mar 31, 2009 21:34:59 GMT
I didn't want to speak to anything but my own preferences but as long as Blade mentions it I agree that if pictured in an ad or for review the current base will detract. I'll have to disagree,I don't think this base is so bad as it keeps getting described as...it certainly does not detract from the model.As stated before,it's the figure itself that's the most important thing. I agree. Maybe you could put a small * behind the word "base" in an ad, and at the bottom have a small blurb that says "Custom bases available at request" or something like that. |
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Post by bmknj17 on Mar 31, 2009 22:07:46 GMT
Everyone understands that some people would be perfectly happy with this base. Some would also buy the figure as is and live with the base even if they're not so happy with it.
My point is that those of you who are fine with it need to understand that some people, given this base as an only option, would buy the figure and create a new one and some might forego the figure all together because of it, particularly if the figure, post, and base were all fixed, or, as we know they don't have to be, if they didn't bother finding out they weren't.
If the latter was the case though, I would not buy the piece regardless of how beautiful the figure is.
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Post by timlee3005 on Mar 31, 2009 23:35:19 GMT
Everyone understands that some people would be perfectly happy with this base. Some would also buy the figure as is and live with the base even if they're not so happy with it. My point is that those of you who are fine with it need to understand that some people, given this base as an only option, would buy the figure and create a new one and some might forego the figure all together because of it, particularly if the figure, post, and base were all fixed, or, as we know they don't have to be, if they didn't bother finding out they weren't. If the latter was the case though, I would not buy the piece regardless of how beautiful the figure is. I'm not sure how fixed the rod will be to the model in this case,but I know that the life size Icarosaurus can be removed from it's rod.(Though the rod,which is disguised as part of the foliage that is glued down along with small pebbles as if part of a diorama,is permanently attached to the base)The rod goes up through a tiny hole in the bottom of the hollow model and is curved inside to hold it in place. |
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Post by kuni on Mar 31, 2009 23:44:02 GMT
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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Mar 31, 2009 23:58:19 GMT
I'll have to disagree,I don't think this base is so bad as it keeps getting described as...it certainly does not detract from the model.As stated before,it's the figure itself that's the most important thing. I agree. Maybe you could put a small * behind the word "base" in an ad, and at the bottom have a small blurb that says "Custom bases available at request" or something like that. Really it's not bad at all..it serves it's function and hold the figure aloft.. it would be a good " base " to add to to make your own base. I do think though if seen on an ad it should look like a piece of artwork since these are more model quality... wether that's a seafloor base or a stained wood one...it just adds more to the overall piece. That being said optional detailed bases would be fine...display it in pics with one and have the * at the end that says bases sold seperately. My thoughts as briefly mentioned before : Sea Reptiles : Sandy sea floor with ammonite or bones ( kind of like in Sea Monsters ) Coral reef base Air Reptiles : Surface of water Cliff face with rode extending from side Or..... some sort of clear plastic base...if not acrylic weight will need to be added. FInal note, rods , bases , and figures should all be seperate when shipping... cuts down on needed space in a box and likeliness of rod breaking. |
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Post by [][][]cordylus[][][] on Apr 1, 2009 0:03:59 GMT
I'd be happy enough to just have a pterosaur flying over some piece of random limestone... As long as it is natural-ish, it'll most likely look nice.  |
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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Apr 1, 2009 0:09:32 GMT
Well I'm looking at it from other companies and the general dino collector/art collector's perspectives... personnally I just hang both marine reptiles and Pterosaurs from the ceiling...so I don't even need this wood base and rod at all... that might be another option there... just sell them with no base and save a buck or two... that would def help people who like to make schools and squadrons... ;D
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Post by bmknj17 on Apr 1, 2009 0:41:02 GMT
I'm not telling Malcolm what I think he should do. I'm stating what I would do or what I'd like to see done. I'll manage one way or another with whatever choice he makes.
If I was doing this I'd want to make the most money I can but I'd especially want to do the best work I can all around. To me, those two goals mean I'd pay careful attention to the entire project--bases included. Maybe this is unworkable in terms of cost; I'm not sure.
Though the clear posts are great, I can't see a reviewer singing the praises of a big square block of wood. And I can't see anyone looking at these pieces and saying "hey the figure is great and that base is too." Rather I'd at best imagine "hey the figure is great and it's cool that it comes with a base."
I can't believe anyone here who is saying the base is fine believes it's the ideal base for these, or the kind for which they'd hoped. Still, if you're satisfied that's fine. Just know others won't be--and why not try to attract the most buyers?
And from an art collector's perspective (I've framed a lot of artwork (and displayed a lot of collectibles).)--not agreeing or disagreeing with anything said, just stating my case--a base or picture frame has to be worthy of that which it is displaying. It has to not only work with (not against) the piece, but compliment it as well.
I'd be satisfied to get the figures with the holes drilled and accompanying rods but ideally I'd prefer a complete piece with a great base.
Last, I would want these looking the best they possibly could in an ad.
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Post by timlee3005 on Apr 1, 2009 2:35:13 GMT
... personnally I just hang both marine reptiles and Pterosaurs from the ceiling...so I don't even need this wood base and rod at all... that might be another option there... just sell them with no base and save a buck or two... ;D That would work for me too (as I said,it's the figures themselves that are the most important thing);D |
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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Apr 1, 2009 4:46:28 GMT
... personnally I just hang both marine reptiles and Pterosaurs from the ceiling...so I don't even need this wood base and rod at all... that might be another option there... just sell them with no base and save a buck or two... ;D That would work for me too (as I said,it's the figures themselves that are the most important thing);D The figure itself is the most important... but for the sake of argument look at toy companies... they spend money on attractive packaging, commercials which show the toys being played with and in scenes we only wish we had the money to duplicate... advertising that will pull us into buying this piece..it gears up the mind to a receptive state in adults..in kids it makes them yell " I want that ! " . Point is, presentation does matter quite a bit as well as the item itself. If you don't have good presentation..your quality product is worthless. I think offering bases as an option is fine, showing them with them doubly so..there will still be cheap skates, customizers and people like us who don't want any base ...though I admit if it was neat enough I might be persuaded... I think bases made with an irregular shape would be really good...you could turn and put them together different ways to make scenes... fighting Pteros or Sea reptiles... I have this mental image of these sculpted bases sitting on a stained hardwood base w/ black background and nice lighting... showing them off as works of art as well figures ...I'm sure most have how Sideshow shows off their Dinosauria pieces in galleries...think of these..displayed like that. These bases just look like what they are.. cheap blocks of wood ( no insult intended ) I'm pretty sure I've seen the same types of blocks used at many museums..most of which are under funded as we all know... but you can bet they would rather show full dioramas or at least more of an " art " piece if they could... at the moment this one looks a bit like a teaching tool instead of a piece of sculpted art or collectible. I really want this line to be successful..as I mentioned before I have part of similar projects that never even got this far..so I have high hopes. |
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