Welcome to the Thread, Metman. Firstly, a great start you have. I like the placement of your beads on the 1/1 token (?). And, as you show, Treasure Hunt has great layering. Now for your question. If you really want a water like look, might I suggest using a card sleeve? Preferably one that has very little wear on it so it remains clear enough to see through, but visible enough to notice its inclusion. Cellophane might work. Not sure how colored plastics will work, they may be too dark. Cut the card then try a few options in the layers. I'm curious to see the finished product. I, too, am not fond of foils, but sometimes it is what the customer wants.
Nice call on the card sleeve Serrot. I'll definitely try it and let you know what I come up with. It isn't essential to the final product, however it is something unique that I would think would create a cool effect if done properly.
On closer inspection of the card, I notice that the figure in the image casts not only a shadow on the surface but also a slight reflection. I think I see a little bit of the crimson on what would be the surface of the water. How would you incorporate or exempt a shadow or reflection in a 3d image like this?
I had bounced the idea of putting an element of the surface off my wife and she remembers her step-father using a clear liquid plastic like an epoxy over some of her school projects to give a look of water. She can't remember what it was called. My only concern with using something to "fill" the card to the surface would be potential damage done to the integrity of the card stock. On a somewhat related note, my wife's step-father could make anything and with incredible precision. He made precision metal and wood crafting tools as a hobby among some other incredible mechanical and electronic devices that completely blew my mind. Anyway, I can't ask him what he used or I would.
I usually just leave the shadow or whatever on the thing its casting it on. If that part happens to be where a cut happens, I cut it like normal. Shadows fall onto 3 dimensional objects in a flat way. As for the fill in a 3d card. I have considered either a liquid epoxy or polyurethane. I've not tested this, but Mendi and I have discussed that it might be worth trying. If I do try it, I'll make sure to post the results. I don't think either will eat the cardstock, but they may shift the art if it is not held tightly.
Hmm...I'm torn as to how approach this considering my lack of experience. Take a look at the best available image I can find of the art archive.wizards.com/mtg/images/daily/ftl/ftl81_ulaArt.jpg
Would you cut the reflection 10-20 times and layer them at each level, or would you leave the reflection on the bottom layer, completely remove it from all of the other layers (make the cut on the ledge the guy is standing on) and then include the reflection at the water level? I'm looking at either cutting it out 10-20 times or just the once. My thinking is the latter, that I cut it once at the water level. Reflections are kind of funny when doing this as you see it on a surface level but of course it doesn't actually exist below the surface like a shadow does.
Remember, shadows are flat on the surfaces that they are on. So there is no need to cut any extras or to layer them up. And I don't really see any flecks or red in the water area. Though, I am colorblind so I may not be the best judge here. I wouldn't worry about the reflection though. If you are talking about the "dark mass" that is in front of the person's face in the art then you could cut 1 piece and bend it to go to the bottom.
That's what I'm worried about. I've been searching for hours trying to find cards done with reflections in them to see how the artist did it without avail. Has anybody done a 3d alter with a reflection in it that could be linked in? I can't tell you how many Islands I looked at thinking there would be one in there.
Good question on the print to cellophane idea. I'm not sure if something like that is possible. I'll check at the local craft store; I need to make a trip anyway. This Quest for Ula's Temple may be a bigger bite than I can chew. I'm thinking that I could do this in thirty-five layers not including the spacers. I'm not sure if it would look cheesy if I consolidated some of the lower levels and my plans were to do a separate layer for each stair in the staircase as it spirals down. Suggestions for simplifying this one? I like the idea of epoxy as a "water" but it sure would suck if I did all of this work only to find out that the epoxy either looks terrible or ruins the cards somehow. I would definitely have to do some practice before hand.
Thanks for the acknowledgement on the Treasure Hunt.
Menozxm: I can't tell from the photo, did you do part of Battle Mastery in foil? It looks like the very top / border is foil but not the rest of it. I thought it would be cool to do the spirit / red part in foil and maybe the metal part of the axes too.
By the way, other than the change in the bottom of the card and the difference as the border approaches the bottom and the slight change in font what else has been change on the M15 cards. I can't tell if the border is thinner. Some of my buddies seem to think so. Wondering if it will change some of the spacer -> show cards.
Yeah, when testing stuff, nothing is a failure. It is only how not to do something. This is a learning experience, even for me after some 4+ years of me doing this(?). I may or may not get to try some stuff that is off the beaten path, but I have my epoxy/polyurathane test ideas in mind. Original artwork.
Oh man, no need to ask for my permission. I would love to see it done. As a newbie to this I'm looking at the cards you guys are altering and trying to replicate them myself.
Are you going to try epoxy as a filler? I keep looking at all of those potential layers and feeling as though I wouldn't get the look I want unless I do ~30 layers. All of those steps...
Anyway, in the meanwhile I've been sharing my work at the local card shop and got my first commission. I really got stuck as to how to get the image to pop. I definitely got frustrated on this one. I have a hard time imagining the back few layers of the figure to ensure that I can build forward. I would really like to watch somebody complete a relatively complicated 3D alter. Do any of you guys have a YouTube video explaining how you go about building these?
Actually, there is a cool trick that I use for "boring" or flat back grounds. Curve the background.
The Soul's Attendant is about 30 or so layers. Karona is 20. I utilized a full curve (both side edges go from the rear layer to a front layer) on Karona and a half-curve (only one edge goes from the back to the front) on the Attendant. I also got the "how-to" from Shazaam. If it is still a bit confusing, let me know and I'll maybe do a quick image how-to after my current commission work is completed.
@Metman: That Thoctar looks pretty sweet. Other than not taking it over the top with small bits (Head plates, claws, arms on different layers, etc), your piece is really solid. And yes, the Background does look a little bland since it is flat and so far away. But it's not bad, since your attention is pulled to the front by the art. Those cuts are super clean, too.
Serrot: when you curve the background do you glue the sides a couple layers above the bottom layer and then glue that backside to the bottom. I like that it frames the card. It's a cool look.
Thanks for the compliments. I delivered the thoctar this evening and the guy nearly spit out his food he was so excited.
Serrot: when you curve the background do you glue the sides a couple layers above the bottom layer and then glue that backside to the bottom. I like that it frames the card. It's a cool look.
Thanks for the compliments. I delivered the thoctar this evening and the guy nearly spit out his food he was so excited.
Something like that, yes. I Glue the stationary part (the middle in Karona) to the lowest layer, then I curve the edges up and glue those to the uppermost layer i want to put it at. I really should take pictures of this.
I was inspired by one of you masterclaftsman to do my next project. Thanks to whoever inspired me to do Psychic Barrier. I can't recall who it was. I really like the art and relative ease on it. Some of the cuts down the skull and along the teeth were super tight but I'm happy with the results. One thing I'm not super happy with is how some of the edges flare up. Is that because I'm pressing too hard or am I not keeping the knife perpendicular?
The flaring up edges can be caused by a few things, from my experience.
-The blade is starting to dull
-You are using a thicker part of the blade (due to missing tip or something)
-You are cutting too fast
-Knife is skewed so you aren't perfectly on the cutting edge
-Knife is not perpendicular
-Or any combination of the above
There could be other reasons, but these are the ones that I, personally, have discovered. I really like the work you did on the Barrier, Metman.
[edit]As a side note, my last commission is completed. I just have to clean some glue residue and seal the edges. After some glamour shots tonight, I'll be done-DONE. It may be a while before I post pics of it as I like to wait until the requester gets the items before I show the world. Unless of course He'd like to pop in here and say otherwise.
Thanks for the cutting tips Serrot. I have found that my best and cleanest cuts come when I cut my spacers with a straight edge and a straight cut. I'll need to try some new cutting techniques to discover what works and what doesn't.
User Zerou commissioned Vampire Nocturnus and Obsidian Fireheart, fully foil, over a month ago. I think I'm a week or so overdue, but its not bad since my wife broke my timetable to bits day 1.
Well, I have the "glamour" shots, but due to the baby coming sooner than we expected I haven't trimmed them down to usable size. So you guys will have to deal with the quick phone image I took. Err... nix that. I think I have something I can use for now.... So, for now I will be rather quiet on my front after today.
You guys can thank Mendi for me having these stored online in unedited form. Cropped them down for this. I will say, I will be rather quiet from now on as my activity will cease for a bit as I do my fatherly duties.
I considered submitting, but I'm not sure I want to draw that kind of attention right now only to have to turn people down. I might. We'll see. I have to get the raw files and find time to edit them to adjust the lighting/color balance/etc. The images I posted above are rather raw with only the size changed. I felt it was a good idea to go over the top a bit with these since they were my last pieces. It's hard to tell, but there are 2 layers on top of the last full Nocturnus/Fireheart cards. I cut off the black border and the art/text boxes and put that on a full card. Then I affixed the Name/Type/P&T on to that. You can kinda see it on the upper left corner of the. Oh, pic on my phone.. Uploaded and ...
Hello everyone, I figured I'd finally join up here. You might know me as "ablarga" from the mtgaltered subreddit - here are a few of my recent 3D counters. Right now I'm working on an Emerald Dragonfly, really digging into the details.
URGEDH Biovisionary.dec BShirei WBSelenia
The brain is the muscle that pumps stupid through the body
On closer inspection of the card, I notice that the figure in the image casts not only a shadow on the surface but also a slight reflection. I think I see a little bit of the crimson on what would be the surface of the water. How would you incorporate or exempt a shadow or reflection in a 3d image like this?
I had bounced the idea of putting an element of the surface off my wife and she remembers her step-father using a clear liquid plastic like an epoxy over some of her school projects to give a look of water. She can't remember what it was called. My only concern with using something to "fill" the card to the surface would be potential damage done to the integrity of the card stock. On a somewhat related note, my wife's step-father could make anything and with incredible precision. He made precision metal and wood crafting tools as a hobby among some other incredible mechanical and electronic devices that completely blew my mind. Anyway, I can't ask him what he used or I would.
URGEDH Biovisionary.dec BShirei WBSelenia
The brain is the muscle that pumps stupid through the body
Would you cut the reflection 10-20 times and layer them at each level, or would you leave the reflection on the bottom layer, completely remove it from all of the other layers (make the cut on the ledge the guy is standing on) and then include the reflection at the water level? I'm looking at either cutting it out 10-20 times or just the once. My thinking is the latter, that I cut it once at the water level. Reflections are kind of funny when doing this as you see it on a surface level but of course it doesn't actually exist below the surface like a shadow does.
URGEDH Biovisionary.dec BShirei WBSelenia
The brain is the muscle that pumps stupid through the body
WIP:
www.Facebook.com/CMAlters
Good question on the print to cellophane idea. I'm not sure if something like that is possible. I'll check at the local craft store; I need to make a trip anyway. This Quest for Ula's Temple may be a bigger bite than I can chew. I'm thinking that I could do this in thirty-five layers not including the spacers. I'm not sure if it would look cheesy if I consolidated some of the lower levels and my plans were to do a separate layer for each stair in the staircase as it spirals down. Suggestions for simplifying this one? I like the idea of epoxy as a "water" but it sure would suck if I did all of this work only to find out that the epoxy either looks terrible or ruins the cards somehow. I would definitely have to do some practice before hand.
Thanks for the acknowledgement on the Treasure Hunt.
Menozxm: I can't tell from the photo, did you do part of Battle Mastery in foil? It looks like the very top / border is foil but not the rest of it. I thought it would be cool to do the spirit / red part in foil and maybe the metal part of the axes too.
By the way, other than the change in the bottom of the card and the difference as the border approaches the bottom and the slight change in font what else has been change on the M15 cards. I can't tell if the border is thinner. Some of my buddies seem to think so. Wondering if it will change some of the spacer -> show cards.
WIP:
www.Facebook.com/CMAlters
URGEDH Biovisionary.dec BShirei WBSelenia
The brain is the muscle that pumps stupid through the body
Are you going to try epoxy as a filler? I keep looking at all of those potential layers and feeling as though I wouldn't get the look I want unless I do ~30 layers. All of those steps...
Anyway, in the meanwhile I've been sharing my work at the local card shop and got my first commission. I really got stuck as to how to get the image to pop. I definitely got frustrated on this one. I have a hard time imagining the back few layers of the figure to ensure that I can build forward. I would really like to watch somebody complete a relatively complicated 3D alter. Do any of you guys have a YouTube video explaining how you go about building these?
@Metman: That Thoctar looks pretty sweet. Other than not taking it over the top with small bits (Head plates, claws, arms on different layers, etc), your piece is really solid. And yes, the Background does look a little bland since it is flat and so far away. But it's not bad, since your attention is pulled to the front by the art. Those cuts are super clean, too.
URGEDH Biovisionary.dec BShirei WBSelenia
The brain is the muscle that pumps stupid through the body
Thanks for the compliments. I delivered the thoctar this evening and the guy nearly spit out his food he was so excited.
Something like that, yes. I Glue the stationary part (the middle in Karona) to the lowest layer, then I curve the edges up and glue those to the uppermost layer i want to put it at. I really should take pictures of this.
URGEDH Biovisionary.dec BShirei WBSelenia
The brain is the muscle that pumps stupid through the body
-The blade is starting to dull
-You are using a thicker part of the blade (due to missing tip or something)
-You are cutting too fast
-Knife is skewed so you aren't perfectly on the cutting edge
-Knife is not perpendicular
-Or any combination of the above
There could be other reasons, but these are the ones that I, personally, have discovered. I really like the work you did on the Barrier, Metman.
[edit]As a side note, my last commission is completed. I just have to clean some glue residue and seal the edges. After some glamour shots tonight, I'll be done-DONE. It may be a while before I post pics of it as I like to wait until the requester gets the items before I show the world. Unless of course He'd like to pop in here and say otherwise.
URGEDH Biovisionary.dec BShirei WBSelenia
The brain is the muscle that pumps stupid through the body
I look forward to seeing your next piece.
*Pieces
User Zerou commissioned Vampire Nocturnus and Obsidian Fireheart, fully foil, over a month ago. I think I'm a week or so overdue, but its not bad since my wife broke my timetable to bits day 1.
URGEDH Biovisionary.dec BShirei WBSelenia
The brain is the muscle that pumps stupid through the body
Yes, cutting at an angle underneath makes sense. I'll try it out.
Devoted to Monsters
Mono White Allies
TitanShift
Proudly part of Clan Limited
You guys can thank Mendi for me having these stored online in unedited form. Cropped them down for this. I will say, I will be rather quiet from now on as my activity will cease for a bit as I do my fatherly duties.
URGEDH Biovisionary.dec BShirei WBSelenia
The brain is the muscle that pumps stupid through the body
URGEDH Biovisionary.dec BShirei WBSelenia
The brain is the muscle that pumps stupid through the body
Devoted to Monsters
Mono White Allies
TitanShift
Proudly part of Clan Limited
Oh, here are my oversize counters. The Plots was a commission, and the dragon is my personal counter. Feed the Machine was the first big one I did!
Devoted to Monsters
Mono White Allies
TitanShift
Proudly part of Clan Limited