Really Need Some Form Of Income

[🪦 monteburns ●]

This well thought out post sums it up to a tee.You basically get what you pay for.<!--quoteo(post=311274:date=Apr 28 2009, 08:07 AM:name=EverythingJason)<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE (EverythingJason @ Apr 28 2009, 08:07 AM) <a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=311274\"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class=\'quotemain\'><!--quotecThe thing with Hockey masks, hell, any kind of prop or mask or costume piece is that is has to be high quality or it simply will not sell. Sure there are at least 20 or more people out there pumping out Hockey mask after Hockey mask but out of those there are only three people that I would personally buy a mask from. No hard feelings but a lot of guys consider themselves a professional artist after rattling a can of spraypaint. Since I started collecting movie props and masks I have seen at least 50 or more "artists" come and go and they all followed the same scheme ->Make sure everybody on the board knows what a great artist you are. Post as many pictures of cheap product as possible. Gather a ton of young inexperienced collectors pimping your product to be the best thing under the sun. Make a bad Freeweb website to go along with the equally bad product you are selling. Eventually disappear due to mainly unhappy customers or because people speak the truth about your masks.Don't be one of these guys!There is a reason why the top Hockey mask makers can charge up to 300 dollars for a Hockey mask because when you get to hold the product in your hand and put it next to your movie screen you know why. For example right now I own three Part 8 masks, three of which I consider to be the best available. The first one cost me 100 dollars, the second one cost me 140 dollars and the third one cost me 285 dollars. While the first two have outstanding paintjobs and brilliant finishes they are also just a tad bit off - color and detail wise - when compared to movie stills. Now the third one and ultimately the most expensive Hockey mask in my collection is literally spot on. You can turn the mask in every which direction and I can tell you it will match up with what you see on screen. Even the thickness of the straps and the material used to make them is accurate. THAT is why you pay that much because the artist involved didn't shy away from putting his heart into the product and spending as much resources as possible to acquire the very best products to create your mask. I would rather own one high quality piece that I had to save up for than 25 half a$$ed pieces that were pumped out within a two day period. There is no shame as a collector to admit that you can't afford a certain prop but those that are looking for the very best their hard earned money can buy will save up and pass up on a dozen masks before buying that one piece they just can't let get away, you know what I mean?Just don't pressure yourself and take time to perfect your craft first. Not only will that save you money in the long run but it will also help you sell your product in the future!<!--QuoteEnd</div><!--QuoteEEnd

[🪦 WarLocK ●]

<!--quoteo(post=311283:date=Apr 28 2009, 11:52 AM:name=monteburns)<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE (monteburns @ Apr 28 2009, 11:52 AM) <a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=311283\"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class=\'quotemain\'><!--quotecThis well thought out post sums it up to a tee.You basically get what you pay for.<!--QuoteEnd</div><!--QuoteEEndAin't that the truth. I've done $100 hockey masks and I've done $300 hockey masks. The cheap ones will have 2 hour paintjobs, while the good ones will have 8-12 hour paintjobs. It all depends on what the buyer is willing to pay. Hell for a grand I'd study every crackle, dent, chip, and measurement possible! For the most part though I just try to keep consistent with hockey masks from around $150-$200. Considering that I spend 10 hours on average... $15 - $20 /hour for working on them really isn't that bad of a deal. Factor in shipping, materials, and blanks and well I'm only making about $12/hour for each Hockey Mask I paint up. Less than 1/2 of what I get paid for my fulltime job. That's why I keep my orders to a minimum and honor a 2 week turnaround time. The most important aspect of the Hockey Mask game is not to get behind while taking too many orders. It will put you in a bad spot and it's tough to get out. Some guys out there can manage it if this is their fulltime job. But most of us do it as a side job and it's not feasible to take 5-10 orders a week. Also, to generally say that no Hockey Mask is worth $200+ isn't true. That's like saying no artwork is worth $300. Some people pay thousands for simple looking paintings. It's not about the canvas their on... it's the mind, heart, and dedication put into the work by the artist that gives it true value. Everyone has different taste and different opinions on what a particular piece is worth.

[🪦 scabboy ●]

Too many makers, too many blanks being sold on sites where people can make their own. Supply & demand is a sonabich.I also agree that some masks ARE worth 200+, look at a mask that some people do and the detail and art on it. Compare THAT mask to one you will get for 65 bucks and you will quickly see a huge difference. It all comes down to the art on the mask and if the collector wants a true screen accurate mask. You can blow 55 on a FS mask because it has that COA, but if it's not painted well try and sell it for 55 and I highly doubt you can. Get a cheap, semi-accurate blank and put a great paint-job on it and I bet it will fetch $100+.

[🪦 strayl1ght ●]

To the open poster... I don't think people are going to be lining up to buy your masks because you "really need some form of income".

[🪦 caidenzakk ●]

Great thread, I agree with all of the guys. there is just WAY too many hockey mask makers out there and not enough quality. I have been painting hockey masks for almost 2 years and still have a long way to go. I didnt really care about "screen accuracy" when I first started but quickly realized that if you are not putting 100% effort into getting a mask as accurate as humanly possible, then dont even bother because it wont sell, period. but it is possible to get a good name for yourself if you do it right. I dont consider my Hockey masks "the best" in any way, shape, or form. BUT..........after a couple years of doing them I have developed a good following and am satisfied that the masks I am selling are quality. 100% positive feedback doesn't lie and neither does every person who has purchased my hockey masks. I say good luck to you and if you ever need advice on any aspect of hockey mask making I would be willing to help you the best I can, take care. Jamie

[🪦 dxfan ●]

<!--quoteo(post=311287:date=Apr 28 2009, 06:44 PM:name=strayl1ght)<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE (strayl1ght @ Apr 28 2009, 06:44 PM) <a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=311287\"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class=\'quotemain\'><!--quotecTo the open poster... I don't think people are going to be lining up to buy your masks because you "really need some form of income".<!--QuoteEnd</div><!--QuoteEEndThe title was only get people into the thread to read it, I do not plan on starting some type of order taking company, i will strictly make the masks and then put them on ebay, so they buyers wouldn't necessarily know the story. but thank you for all the value you added in this thread with your witty and on the button remark!

[🪦 puckface ●]

be prepared to have a lot of bs coming your way as a "Hockey Mask mask maker".....

[🪦 dxfan ●]

<!--quoteo(post=311288:date=Apr 28 2009, 06:50 PM:name=creeping death productions)<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE (creeping death productions @ Apr 28 2009, 06:50 PM) <a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=311288\"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class=\'quotemain\'><!--quotecGreat thread, I agree with all of the guys. there is just WAY too many hockey mask makers out there and not enough quality. I have been painting hockey masks for almost 2 years and still have a long way to go. I didnt really care about "screen accuracy" when I first started but quickly realized that if you are not putting 100% effort into getting a mask as accurate as humanly possible, then dont even bother because it wont sell, period. but it is possible to get a good name for yourself if you do it right. I dont consider my Hockey masks "the best" in any way, shape, or form. BUT..........after a couple years of doing them I have developed a good following and am satisfied that the masks I am selling are quality. 100% positive feedback doesn't lie and neither does every person who has purchased my hockey masks. I say good luck to you and if you ever need advice on any aspect of hockey mask making I would be willing to help you the best I can, take care. Jamie<!--QuoteEnd</div><!--QuoteEEndAs the time gets closer to me making my initial investment in blanks and paint and what not, I WILL private message you and take you up onthis offer. Not only do was to create the best masks I can because i know they will sell best, but Id rather not put a (My mommy is going to wash my mouth out with soap!)ty product out into the market, watering down other mask makers sales.

[🪦 dxfan ●]

<!--quoteo(post=311343:date=Apr 28 2009, 11:08 PM:name=puckface)<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE (puckface @ Apr 28 2009, 11:08 PM) <a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=311343\"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class=\'quotemain\'><!--quotecbe prepared to have a lot of bs coming your way as a "Hockey Mask mask maker".....<!--QuoteEnd</div><!--QuoteEEndwhy do you say this?

[🪦 richardmalone ●]

<!--quoteo(post=311343:date=Apr 28 2009, 05:08 PM:name=puckface)<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE (puckface @ Apr 28 2009, 05:08 PM) <a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=311343\"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class=\'quotemain\'><!--quotecbe prepared to have a lot of bs coming your way as a "Hockey Mask mask maker".....<!--QuoteEnd</div><!--QuoteEEnd<!--quoteo(post=311345:date=Apr 28 2009, 05:10 PM:name=dxfan)<div class=\'quotetop\'>QUOTE (dxfan @ Apr 28 2009, 05:10 PM) <a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=311345\"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class=\'quotemain\'><!--quotecwhy do you say this?<!--QuoteEnd</div><!--QuoteEEndWhen you start selling them on ebay, you will find out REAL quick... <img src=\"style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif\" style=\"vertical-align:middle\" emoid=\"\" border=\"0\" alt=\"rolleyes.gif\" />