United3dArtists Archive

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 03 Nov 2009, 11:08

I just realised these guys don't have a thread yet so here is one. I am working on converting the last two books I have (all others have been redesigned). They are Halloween and Xmas themed so the right time of year to be working on them.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 03 Nov 2009, 13:03

I doubt anyone is still in the mood for Halloween related stuff but I need to do it anyway. Here is a first attempt at pepe in the pumpkin patch...for those who don't know the series, the images are meant for younger readers and, as such, are quite simple so while I always appreciate your feedback (that's why I post them), there is no need to point out too many technical errors.
Still, comment away please...

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 03 Nov 2009, 14:22

Looking good Paul! BTW I missed your work here, good to know that you are starting another project.

Cya

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 03 Nov 2009, 15:52

Cheers Leon, I have to admit to having a soft spot for the Barn Buddies series; they were the ones I started with and my kids loved them. The illustrations are deceptively simple and there is always the pepe movie posters when I feel like being a bit more 'cheeky'...

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 03 Nov 2009, 22:47

Hey Splinters which age group is your target? How many years old... I could ask my little brothers to send some feedback.

Cya

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 04 Nov 2009, 12:02

My target market is as young as you can read/use a computer and as old as you are still interested. I thought 4 to 10 but I know of a 3 year old girl who uses the site and I often find my A level students (upwards of 18 years old) playing the games and reading the books.

Reaslistically, my 4 to 10 range is about right but I don't limit it either way. In particular, older children with learning difficulties or weak readers enjoy the books and acitivities.

You can always visit the site for a free tour and see if you like it:

http://www.buddyworldbooks.com"

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 10 Nov 2009, 21:38

Slow week for posting stuff. Still, here are a few from the Halloween book...

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 10 Nov 2009, 21:41

A few more...

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 11 Nov 2009, 03:19

You should do a CD of your work flow Splinters... I love zombie pig

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 11 Nov 2009, 14:41

Thanks but not sure what I could teach any of you guys. I am still contemplating if the werewolf rabbit and clown duck are just too creepy for a kids book....

You wanna see them?

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 11 Nov 2009, 14:46

Mmmm..too freaky methinks but maybe one for the scrapbook??

Karthogen · Post by **Karthogen** » 11 Nov 2009, 15:04

Nice, I like the rabbit a lot. But, maybe a little freaky for the younger kids.

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 11 Nov 2009, 20:23

If you make the eyes of the rabbit less menacing or just a lot rounder he/she will be far less menacing...

The duck is terrific so to be menacing would really rely on how you use it....

I wouldn't worry too much about how these characters are recieved. If you don't scar the kids emotionally then they will blame it all on their parents later anyway....

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 12 Nov 2009, 12:10

Couple more today..here is the first.

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 12 Nov 2009, 15:52

This lack of chicken to make a good meal.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 12 Nov 2009, 17:37

marcel wrote:This lack of chicken to make a good meal.

Not sure what you mean Marcel but it sounds like a joke, so I like it...

EDIT: just noticed that a trident is spearing pep's face...time for a re-render.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 12 Nov 2009, 20:15

Looks like my former bosses.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 12 Nov 2009, 22:25

Mmmm...sounds bad. Anyways, a few more.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 16 Nov 2009, 13:04

Well, the Halloween book is finished now...onto Christmas next!!

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 16 Nov 2009, 23:03

...and not one to rest, here is a start on the Xmas book:

jamesmc · Post by **jamesmc** » 17 Nov 2009, 01:48

Enjoyed the images Splinters, you always had the ability to make those colors pop and give real character to your images.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 17 Nov 2009, 08:23

Cheers James. Not sure the Xmas ones will be 'quite' so colourful in places but I am having fun messing with the snow effects...

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 17 Nov 2009, 17:47

splinters wrote:Not sure what you mean Marcel but it sounds like a joke, so I like it...

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 19 Nov 2009, 20:32

Quite happy with this Christmas scene...

froo · Post by **froo** » 19 Nov 2009, 20:39

hey! time to go sledding!

I like it splinters.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 19 Nov 2009, 21:32

Wot u guys think of this as a gift card you can give to someone if u buy them a membership?

Karthogen · Post by **Karthogen** » 20 Nov 2009, 02:27

Looks good, nice idea. The only thing I would change is the "From" in the "
Christmas Gift from Buddy World"
As it would be from the person who bought it for them.

Something more like:
Holiday fun and more at

A ticket to adventure and fun

Your Holiday pass to

Just my opinion

froo · Post by **froo** » 20 Nov 2009, 02:58

I like the overall appearance splinters.
Karthogen is correct; the 'From' text needs alignment.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 20 Nov 2009, 15:08

Good points guys, just as well they're not live yet.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 23 Nov 2009, 00:02

One more for the Xmas book:

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 23 Nov 2009, 22:47

A few more....

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 24 Nov 2009, 06:24

I can't wait for the Barn Buddies Christmas Card Collection....

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 26 Nov 2009, 15:47

Cheers guys. Progress is slow at the moment as I just got back from London (school trip) but I hope to finish this book in the next week. Then a few pepe posters to complete...then, heaven forbid, some new stuff!

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 28 Nov 2009, 16:03

A few more...

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » 28 Nov 2009, 20:24

I'm impressed of your works. It's great creativity and lot's of new things.

Now I have been curios about what is in the Danish and Swedish parcels in the left corner?

They looks as our flags... Maybee I have to wait until Christmas.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 29 Nov 2009, 13:30

Subliminal european advertising...well, that is my excuse!

One more image to make then a few tweaks and this is done!

Not sure what to do; the text reads something lke this:

coco says “I do believe,
this night it must be Christmas Eve;
a night when children go to bed
and wait for santa and his sled.

Problem is, I never feature 'children' in the Barn buddies books. An image of a childs room would look very out of place in the book. Not too keen on putting a Santa model in there either.

And if you are the superstitious type, this is the last book for me to convert to the site, and this last page is page number 13.....!!!

Saul · Post by **Saul** » 29 Nov 2009, 13:41

'coco says “I do believe,
this night it must be Christmas Eve;
a night when children go to bed
and wait for santa and his sled.'

Deeply disturbing!

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 29 Nov 2009, 16:12

splinters wrote:the last book for me to convert to the site

I panicked until I realized there will be new books.

Depending on what the animals are doing the part about children could make sense. If the animals are or have observed human stuff, maybe looked in the window to see the Christmas tree, fireplace, and presents scene, then they might say that.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 29 Nov 2009, 16:33

Saul wrote:'coco says “I do believe,
this night it must be Christmas Eve;
a night when children go to bed
and wait for santa and his sled.'

Deeply disturbing!

Dear oh dear....is nowhere safe from your banal comments. Thought I had left you on the Caligari site.
Sorry guys, my time round here will be limited if Saul is going to continue his barrage of crap posts in my threads...

Ah, add as foe...removes comments from thread....sorted then! Shame though, some people eh?

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 29 Nov 2009, 16:38

What's happening?

Anyway... those images are really cool, some of the best you ever did, most because the subject... I just have some questions: You used alpha maps for the fire and snow?

Cya

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 29 Nov 2009, 16:54

No secret Leon...Saul is the worst kind of coward; produces no work of note yet insults other peoples efforts, the type of guy who sends insults from the safety of his computer screen yet is likely to sit quietly in the corner of a room to avoid any kind of confrontation. Worse of all, he just posts pointless, banal and unsubstantiated comments. Perhaps he has some problems; Bi-polar springs to mind but I would still rather he kept his opinions to himself.
And if you are wondering why I am so vexed over just one comment, trust me; there were many more on the Beta and public forums.
Yup, alpha maps for the fire. Snow is transparent layers in Photoshop.

Sorry for the rant, like finding out the guy who got you fired just moved in next door!! I was quite enjoying the new forum....

Prodigy · Post by **Prodigy** » 29 Nov 2009, 17:08

Great artwork Paul as usual.. Keep the good work!

** Guys! let's try to be gentle and respect others.. **

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 29 Nov 2009, 17:10

I saw his other posts at Cali Forums... what poor guy...
I don't know if it's right to block his I.P. then he would not bother us again. But seems to be something personal with you, strange

BTW those silly (not in the idiot way, but the simple one) rhymes are quite cool for children, they like it...

Prodigy · Post by **Prodigy** » 29 Nov 2009, 17:21

No one will be banned, but we need to be friendly with others..

This is a community, no a battle field..

Is difficult to make artwork these days due the lack of motivation.. so push forward others there's no other choice..

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 29 Nov 2009, 17:31

No Problems... was suggestion, if he continues to do it I don't see ant choice...
But now is better move on

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 29 Nov 2009, 17:52

He (Saul) is a WUFNIK now that is disturbing.

Did I mention I like the lighting in your last renderings Paul?

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 29 Nov 2009, 18:07

Nope you didn't Steinie but I'm glad you like them. Hoping that the last image will be something special but, so far, I am a bit stuck.

Leave it with me...

Cheers guys, I don't want hostility either...but then I never post deliberately negative comments on other peoples threads. Nothing more I can do.

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 29 Nov 2009, 21:46

We can do what others do.... focus on the positive and ignore the negative.... no future response, whatsoever, to the negative will establish the boundaries of the community.

Silence is golden, duct tape is silver.

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 29 Nov 2009, 22:17

I understand what you feel. Some years ago I had the same problem with Aniboom: some vile comments, but they still were posted by people who have nothing to show. This is often the common point of these people. They avenge themselves for unknow reasons (?). It is best to ignore them because they love seeing the reaction of their "victims". I always thought that a forum does not win to become too large. Caligari and this forum are places away from all these problems. I hope this will not happen here.
What I prefer in your work, it's really personal and the texture work is pleasant. There is no complex technical, just enough to express an idea. I call this "experience". don't worry, keep the good way.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 29 Nov 2009, 22:32

Here is what I have so far...thought it might be better doing something more 'subtle' rather than a big Santa in the picture.

Whadya think?

Saul · Post by **Saul** » 29 Nov 2009, 22:36

'Whadya think?'

Here comes daddy!

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 29 Nov 2009, 23:37

All done here (I see Saul posted but he is on my ignore list...best thing really!)

Here are a few pages from the site, thanks for all your help guys; perhaps I will revisit it next year but for now, I am happy with it all.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 29 Nov 2009, 23:39

Just one or two more...

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 30 Nov 2009, 00:02

You have finished it? OW, that was fast, I'm impressed with your timing skills, congrats! Do you are teacher and do it as secondary job?

Cheers

PS: First time I see that foe option is useful.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 30 Nov 2009, 00:11

Cheers Leon. The book was already written and illustrated but it was years ago and looked very dated. Took about two weeks to re-render it all and tweak the text slightly....I just don't sleep much.

Yup, I do this in my spare time. Main job is teaching and I manage a Creative Arts faculty (and the staff within) so a busy job. Also do the odd contract illustration/design job and I used to be a working musician but....there are only so many hours in the day...

You might notice my productivity goes up durgin school holidays/vacations....

As it is the festive season , if you would like a free pass to the site, drop me a PM with your email and I will sort one out.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 30 Nov 2009, 00:19

I forgot to mention that this is quite a milestone for me. After ten years working on the range and after setting up the site, every book I have written and illustrated is now updated and on the site....so I am having a celebratory Vodka and Coke.

I think that is 26 books now!

Now I can tweak the site interface, concentrate on selling more subscriptions, develop the learning content and, best of all, start writing some new stuff!!

Cheers guys....hic!

LeonRegis · Post by **LeonRegis** » 30 Nov 2009, 00:27

Whoa! You are quite active

Interesting how can you do 3D besides all those things, have time to be an professional musician! Do you create musics? or just reproduce them?
I've been busy, but not as you. Now I'm totally free, since I'm on school vacation.

Cya

Edit: Ow 26 books? That's simply amazing. Hehe, enjoy your results!

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 30 Nov 2009, 00:55

Congratulations Splinters! I look forward to new books!

Prodigy · Post by **Prodigy** » 30 Nov 2009, 13:08

I'm still waiting for the banner for the front page Paul

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 30 Nov 2009, 13:17

Whoops...sorry about that. Still, I was waiting for the details before I forgot...

What size and format do you want?

Prodigy · Post by **Prodigy** » 30 Nov 2009, 14:16

468px × 60px is oK.

can be gif or jpg.

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » 30 Nov 2009, 15:10

Excellent job!

I feel that the text with the rhymes are very easy to read. They seem to flow out of my mouth like a river. You also have not overdone the pictures through making them too real. I think you have used the CG in a very good way. I like the way you have made the santa as a shadow on the roof. It makes him mysterius as he is in the real world.

It's sad that my children are nearly passed the teenage age otherwise I would like to try the stories on them. I think I have to wait for my grandchildren.

I also wonder about how you can make all your great things at spare time. It's seems impossible for me. One reason is that I enjoy this community and always go in and look when coming home from job and write replys on interesting forums. That's take time but are fun and I'm learning a lot.

About critisism:
It's important to exchange wiews on things and a discussion about making things better and improve the members knowledge about TS. I put images I made into the community in hope that you members will give me positive feedback how to improve my work and it's up to me to decide if I would listen to it or not. Up to now all reply I have got have been very useful.

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 30 Nov 2009, 16:47

Cheers guys for all your help.

Oh, and Tommy, I couldn't agree more; discussion is great. It's pointless ramblings and insults that don't help...

Can get down off my soapbox now...

splinters · Post by **splinters** » 01 Dec 2009, 00:19

Prodigy wrote:468px × 60px is oK.

can be gif or jpg.

Anything in particular you want in there Prodigy?

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