franz bolo
Sr Member
Well, it just goes to show you that you never really know somebody until either a) you move in with them, or b) you get into a business arrangement with them. Now, I've never lived with this guy, but I did have an arrangement with him that he was unable to live up to. The following is a friendly adviso not to get involved with Machina Artium (Clay).
As most of you know, to get to a finished project it takes many clever minds from this forum working together. Specifically, for the Constantine Brass Knuckles project, it took Nexus6, D48thRonin, TimDrakeRobin among others, doing many hours of research before I could compile all the info into a finished illustration. Machina Artium, who had never before dabbled in the realm of prop reproduction voiced and interest in getting involved in the final aspect of the project: actually making the thing. Machina Artium and I went into an arrangement where I would provide a Hi-Res file of the artwork and he would provide me with 3 sets of knuckles (1 titanium, 1 ballistic aluminum, 1 brass) and he would take all of the monetary profits. Even though he readily agreed to these terms, it turns out that he bit off more than he can chew.
He never could hold up his end of the bargain and altered our agreement many times. (Our 3rd agreement was for 1 stainless and 3 Brass/Bronze sets).
He did manage to send one set that was in OK shape but refuses to send me the last pair he owes me. (He now says he owns my design but he is clearly using it without my permission). The stainless version was OK but 2 of the crosses weren't done right and I got an aluminum one which I didn't ask for. The following is a photo of the brass one he did send me. I had to send it back and I received the next version with the misaligned text (see second photo).
After more than a year of dickering with Machina Artium, I've decided to just cut my losses. He's sold more than 30 finished items on eBay and the RPF for an average price of $175 and $200 per piece, and what I got was a year long laundry list of excuses (including but not limited to the Virginia Tech Massacre, which is an unprecedented low in my opinion) why it's just too darn difficult for him to live up to the points of the bargain that he originally agreed to. I strongly advise that nobody get in bed with this guy unless you like gambling with a stacked deck NOT in your favor.
I also apologize in advance for whatever poorly worded flame response this letter is guaranteed to generate from him. You can expect to read all manner of un-professional "nuh-uh's" and "I know you are but what am I" from Machina Artium. Please disregard them, and let's all continue doing what we do best: makin' props!
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Now the good news!
I've found a much more reputable prop production guy (who's actually done this kind of thing before) by the name of Jmtwo. Many of you have worked with him or at least seen the fruits of his labors (triangle of light etc.). Not only was he able to perfectly reproduce the knuckles in his first attempt, but he personally created the most attractive display base possible. Also, the product is resin, not metal, so it's less expensive, and we won't have any problems shipping it anywhere. Take a look at the image below, and please, give kudos where they're due, to Jmtwo for producing such a wonderful end product. He truly is a professional, a man of his word.
FB
As most of you know, to get to a finished project it takes many clever minds from this forum working together. Specifically, for the Constantine Brass Knuckles project, it took Nexus6, D48thRonin, TimDrakeRobin among others, doing many hours of research before I could compile all the info into a finished illustration. Machina Artium, who had never before dabbled in the realm of prop reproduction voiced and interest in getting involved in the final aspect of the project: actually making the thing. Machina Artium and I went into an arrangement where I would provide a Hi-Res file of the artwork and he would provide me with 3 sets of knuckles (1 titanium, 1 ballistic aluminum, 1 brass) and he would take all of the monetary profits. Even though he readily agreed to these terms, it turns out that he bit off more than he can chew.
He never could hold up his end of the bargain and altered our agreement many times. (Our 3rd agreement was for 1 stainless and 3 Brass/Bronze sets).
He did manage to send one set that was in OK shape but refuses to send me the last pair he owes me. (He now says he owns my design but he is clearly using it without my permission). The stainless version was OK but 2 of the crosses weren't done right and I got an aluminum one which I didn't ask for. The following is a photo of the brass one he did send me. I had to send it back and I received the next version with the misaligned text (see second photo).
After more than a year of dickering with Machina Artium, I've decided to just cut my losses. He's sold more than 30 finished items on eBay and the RPF for an average price of $175 and $200 per piece, and what I got was a year long laundry list of excuses (including but not limited to the Virginia Tech Massacre, which is an unprecedented low in my opinion) why it's just too darn difficult for him to live up to the points of the bargain that he originally agreed to. I strongly advise that nobody get in bed with this guy unless you like gambling with a stacked deck NOT in your favor.
I also apologize in advance for whatever poorly worded flame response this letter is guaranteed to generate from him. You can expect to read all manner of un-professional "nuh-uh's" and "I know you are but what am I" from Machina Artium. Please disregard them, and let's all continue doing what we do best: makin' props!
-----------------------------------------------------
Now the good news!
I've found a much more reputable prop production guy (who's actually done this kind of thing before) by the name of Jmtwo. Many of you have worked with him or at least seen the fruits of his labors (triangle of light etc.). Not only was he able to perfectly reproduce the knuckles in his first attempt, but he personally created the most attractive display base possible. Also, the product is resin, not metal, so it's less expensive, and we won't have any problems shipping it anywhere. Take a look at the image below, and please, give kudos where they're due, to Jmtwo for producing such a wonderful end product. He truly is a professional, a man of his word.
FB
thumbsdown ) by not putting any more work his way.
