Hello peeps.

For the new year I am seriously considering setting up a small online business selling my own fantasy models and possibly themed terrain. For legal reasons none of the products will be named after any GW, Newline or Tolkien creation. (Whether or not you choose to purchase them with that theme in mind is of course at your discretion).

I want to try and somehow incorporate my UKFB monogram into the site name. The best I can come up with at the moment is 'The Unworldly Keep of Fantasy Beings'.

The name is subject to change though and I welcome any suggestions using those initials.

I will mainly be focussing on larger fantasy beings initially (ie 40mm base upwards).
tree giants, perhaps a dragon and a bear. . . .

It will require a significant initial investment by myself to set up, so I am asking is this the sort of thing that would interest people?

Any feedback on this idea is welcome, be it positive or negative.

I can only (just about) speak for myself: if the quality is there, the look is right and the prices are fair, I would say yes. It's a big step - the best of luck with it if you go ahead but get a good business plan drawn up - that does not mean complex, it means covering all the areas, looking very hard at income and costs.

_________________
Published ebooks:
Instrument of the Empire
A Note of Defiance
Phantom Ships, Ghost Flotilla
More to come!

Yeh. I wouldn't try selling anything I wouldn't be prepared to buy.

Talks with a casting company are underway.

Things are in motion.

Sounds like a nice plan! I'd love to see some more bigger figures (but do prefer the 25/28mm range...). There's really a lack on big 25/28mm figs I think, especially as you say yourself Dragons, Trolls, ... and that sort of things.
And when I see your sculpts in your gallery, you're really perfect to do the job!

I like the title you came up with, but as it is a rather long name, it makes it harder to remember. Short names are always easier to remind, and are so easier to find back...

Good luck anyway! You have caught my interest

_________________
CMON-gallery

Hmm. Good point about the long name. I think that will have to go. Gives me a bit more freedom to come up with something more catchy then. Cheers.

I have seen your gallery on tla and here and would buy your products if they were for sale.

_________________
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
Thorin Oakenshield

Sounds very interesting...

I'm with Dorth, if the quality is the same as your other work, with good looking, fairly priced minis available, i would be interested. Definately keep LOTR scale though, that is my favourite mini size because the figures can still be challenging to paint, without being tiny.

I hope all goes well for you ukfreddybear.

I would buy one of your ents...ahmm...tree mens if theprice would be a good value.

have you thought about getting together with ebob?

_________________
Measure Converter, Currency Converter

Good luck, large models seem to be your thing

If you are serious about production casting, I would reccomend Griffin Moulds. They are in the UK and of the people I've tried-Jeff valent (too slow), Silvercast (failed to finish jobs, never refunded money, recently found to have scammed multiple customers) and Griffin, Griffin are the cheapest, most reliable, and easiest to work with, and do good work.

Keep in mind that large models will cost more per unit to cast but probably not that much.

Cheers

Thanks for the advice and general support guys. I have sent a pm to a couple of you.

Oh I dont know... most folks remember ours, they just cant say it or spell it!

_________________
"Melding Construction and Art in Miniature"

Because of your brilliant Giant in the WiP thread: how are things evolving Freddy? I would like some updates, perhaps an early version of your upcomming website, some estimated prices, or maybe some new sneak peeks?

_________________
[size=84][b]Potenza[/b] - Silly (ex-) Staff Member - Beer Swilling Rock Pig[/size]

Too True - LMAO

_________________
One day people will realise Tolkien was right

Having seen some of the things in your gallery, I would have to say go for it - If your prices are fair and the sculpts are good (I would buy your ent!) then you would do well.

_________________
Brush licking is for better painters.

Don't get too excited. I want to do this properly so am not rushing into it. I have decided on a name now, but I have yet to register the domain so I will keep that a secret for now.

Things are progressing, all be it slowly. The first Tree Giant model (Birch) is currently at the casters. I chose to completely resculpt the model, because as you know I painted up the original, hence taking out some of the depth of detail required for casting. The second model is similar to the original, yet I have changed certain aspects so that it is slightly less movie-like. Other Tree Giants are still WIP. The next model going to the casters will likely be the Mountain Giant that I am currently working on. (see my thread in the WIP forum.)

I'm still looking into packaging. I will probably go down the road of clear plastic blisters with a card insert. I obviously want to try and keep the costs down.

I will probably be looking to enroll a decent painter to do my models so that I can post decent pics on the website product page. Although I am adequate at painting I don't have that 'X' factor that others do.

_________________
You don't have to be great to start. But you do have to start to be great.

i can see its on a 60mm base but is there any idea of scale compared to treebreard ?

but ether way put me down for 1 of the treemen its so to the movie its untrue and i would love to be one of your first customers

Here is a pic of the original model and Treebeard. It is a fraction taller than Treebeard because of all the overhead branches. The eye line is virtually the same however.


As for pricing, i wont know that for sure until i speak to the casting company again. I'm hoping to sell the Tree Giants for around 15 - 20 pounds. That is pure speculation on my part at this stage though so it could be subject to change.

The website will obviously have a product page. In addition to that there will be the sneak peak / WIP page, guides on assembling my multi part models, tips on sculpting, a suggestion box, and customer gallery where I will display customer pics of my models painted up, converted or dioramas.

_________________
You don't have to be great to start. But you do have to start to be great.

im sold . . . looks brilliant much better than the multipart gw ones that would be better off in a WH wood elf army

(and i have seen them in them)

if its going to be under £30 put me on your pre-order list

Righty-ho. I will PM you once I have some available.

_________________
You don't have to be great to start. But you do have to start to be great.

I would also like a pm imeaditatly once they are avaliable

_________________
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
Thorin Oakenshield