What do modellers want to see

[amcairns]

Hello,
I am about to release a 1/12 bust of a Confederate Standard Bearer.
Question,Do modellers or potentail buyers of a kit want to see either a painted boxart version of the bust ,or a primed only figure to foster the modellers imagination as to how they envision their painted effort?.
I have tried both methods mentioned above,but am interested on feedback .
Andy
Acmodels

 

[Andrew Craft]

Hi Andy,
For me it depends on the figure, for figures in uniform I prefer box art so I can check the colours I'm painting are correct (I hate researching uniforms) but for pieces where colours don't need to be accurate like fantasy busts I prefer just a primed version on the box I think it allows more freedom IMO.

Andrew

 

[redhorse]

I agree with Andrew.

 

[kaz6120]

I prefer both painted and primed only. In any kind of theme. Great boxart painting is always good to show the potential of the figure, but at the same time it sets goal or standard and limits the imagination sometimes. That's why I need both.

 

[kiwi45]

Andy, present the new item in primed form then later add images of box art when complete, best of both worlds. Les

 

[Tecumsea]

Hi Andy,

In my opinion a well painted figure helps to sell the kit, while a poorly painted piece of box art can have the opposite effect

 

[Tommi]

Interesting question! I have been put off in the past from purchasing many figure kits because of the poor box art but when I have eventually got to see the kit for real in its raw format I have been of a different opinion once I have seen the standard of detail and casting and fitting of parts.



On the other hand I have also purchased figures based on the outstanding box art usually done by a well-known artist but been disappointed with the kit when it arrives, not in all cases though.


I do remember that Poste Militaire always sold lots of figures with no box art at all, most of the figures were assembled and primed or sprayed white, and this was used for the box art, they used to look real nice and still do.

We are lucky here on Planet Figure that we get to see inside the box of a large percentage of new releases from various manufactures with thanks to Guy and Nap for giving us these in depth reviews. I for one have made purchases based on the review information. It`s nice to see close up what you get in the box before you part with your hard earned cash.


Cheers
Tommi

 

[Nap]

Andy ,
A very interesting question you pose ....my thoughts :

Box Art can make or break a figure and can also act as a reference but can IMO be a little off putting if the lesser mortals (like me) try to get the model like the box art when it is done really well .

That said poor box art does not help sales or the image , and a primed figure can be just as effective.

Reckon the thoughts are going to be 50/50

I am sure that box art also adds to the overall cost as well


Hope to see a painted version of the Standard Bearer however !!!!

Nap

 

[Martin Antonenko]

Hi Andy!

I think, with the question "Boxart or not?" it depends on the respective figure.

With "mainstream figures" (Romans, knights, ACW, 2WK, etc.) it needs, actually, no boxart, because the details are mostly famously and about other sources very well documented or are to be recherched.

With rare or exotic models like your Kuban-Cossack a box kind is very helpful, because it helps the painter to show the details properly.

With an ACW figure, particularly with a Southerner which offers many different painting options it is sufficient in my opinion if, for example, an "exotic" flag is documented as a detail colourfully.

Particularly as a boxart is also always a cost question and has therefore influence on the price of the figure.

Therefore, one can renounce always it seems possible.


Just my two cents.

Cheers

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

I suppose box art can be a bit of a double edged sword, superb art work can really enhance sales , but it can also frighten some modelers off thinking I can never achieve this quality, I must admit I have looked at some and thought " how am I going to compete with that" but on the other hand it gives you something to aim at. Primed stuff works well too , I bought a couple of Carl Reid busts at EM this year solely on the primed versions albeit they were nicely set up! at Stu Hales stall with an interesting little additional shading but no colour.

Ron

 

[stu]

Hi Andy,

You pose an interesting question.

From experience having done both, boxart works best, but it has to be painted well. Not necessarily just by the best.

Your boxart whether painted or not has got to attract potential customers from a vast array of manufacturers. Poste militaire had a superb reputation they didnt need it to be painted they only needed an image. Bit like a rolls royce, you know what your getting you just need to choose the colour.

I use a painted boxart in the main I think it looks better, but it doesnt stop you releasing the kit with only a grey master. If somebody wants one they will buy it. If it is painted well on the box you may interest somebody into buying your product that normally wouldnt because its not there thing. You inspire their imagination by letting them see the full artistry of the product.

At the end of the day its up to you

Stuart

 

[megroot]

I'll go for the boxart.
At the moment I'm painting Maurice Corry free gift of the 4th Light Dragoons at the Crimea War. All that i found is a very dark (looks black) blue. I've seen one painted version here on the planet and that seems more a lighter blue then on the painting i found.
So, researching the uniform colors is holding my painting. Therefore I'll go for a boxart.
You can do also a primed version on the box and put a colorguide into the box.
But I needed some colorinformation.

marc

 

[DEL]

I have to say it's a bit horses for courses, I think it's important that manufacturers stand behind the inherent quality of their product and don't use box art as a means of disguising flaws in design or production . I'm pretty much with Tommi in all he says on the subject although credit where credit is due his name should be added to those providing us with such detailed reviews. pF is second to none in providing such a service.
Cheers
Derek

 

[Figurenfreund66]

Hi Andy

difficult to answer. Basically, I speak rather of the painted version and it falls on the sale table also more likely than the unpainted.
However, if painted, then please correct, I find nothing worse than figures at shows, which were painted by a false Boxart after.
What I find very important is the issue, the subject is modeled in the flag or not.
I know that it deters many, if they are to paint a heraldry, flag or without a template. I feel so I must admit.
I've not bought many beautiful knights and other figures, because there was not modeled.


Cheers

Hendryk

 

[combatartist]

Hi Andy,

In my opinion a well painted figure helps to sell the kit, while a poorly painted piece of box art can have the opposite effect

I agree! Could either make or break the purchase decision, especially an impulse buy! my 2¢ would be to have the best paint job possible on the box, with an emphasis on textures or patterns not done before.

 

[Don]

Hi Andy
I believe that you should use all the media allows to promote your figures, which are superb by the way. I enjoy watching your sculpting of the figure/bust and look forward to your finished sculpt.
Now I believe this is where the media comes in and allows you to show your figure at its best by using a primed figure followed shortly bya well painted version. I feel poor painting at this stage can cause the downfall of some figures but a well rendered figure can be a sure seller.
I agree with Les, use them both and get the best of both worlds.

Don