Printable View
Hi all,
My ST-1 kit should arrive any day now. My son has an idea to do an anime theme design similar to the attached image.
Can anyone offer advice as to how to do the graphics? We are not terribly good at air brushing and so that is out of the question. Perhaps something like inkjet/laser printing on water transfer?
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...9-DSCF6500.JPG
Sweet. Neon genesis evangelion!
A water transfer that big would be a nightmare. I would say a vinyl wrap would be the best way to achieve this sort of look without painting it. Mind you, it could be expensive and it definitely not easy to apply. Maybe Andyport would be the man to talk to about that. An idea I have been playing around with recently that might work as an alternative is decoupage (how 'better homes and gardens' of me). I have been thinking about using my old comics to get this kind of result
http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/w...s/DSC03472.jpg
Hi Tommy,
Great idea for a finish - looks awesome. To achieve this level of finish you could get a vinyl wrap made with your design printed on it. Andyport could do this for you. Others may have better solutions for you. Hope you get this idea up! Fantastic.
cheers,
Gav.
If you could brush paint it, then use a coat of sealer and then a layer of gesso and sand it thin. Then paint on that. Works like a charm. In terms of vinyl, sorry, never done that. Brush painting or airbrushing adds character in my opinion.
How about doing the graphics in layers using Photoshop, print it out on water transfer sheet as parts, ie. eye, hair, etc. and then reassemble it on a pre-painted background?Quote:
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from pablopepper on June 23, 2014, 06:10
A water transfer that big would be a nightmare.
Personally, I think water transfers are a massive pain in the ass. I use them for headstock decals because you can keep them small and manageable, but I still go through two or three each time. Have you thought about using stencils?
However you decide to work through this, I am very excited to watch the process.
As for suggestions, mine would definitely be vinyl over water-slide for sure. As for where to source it from, I am currently ordering some custom decals through Andy, as suggested by other forum members and he is a great guy who will look after you and help you through the process.
Keen to see updates! :)
Maybe contact a tattooist in your area who does similar work. It might be a bit pricey but you'll get a one of hand painted axe.
Cool! Thanks for the great ideas guys.
BTW, just got a notification from aussie post they are delivering the kit today! Yay!
Tommy
good luck with the kit and the anime theme. Start a build diary. I'd say a vinyl logo is probably the best option
Tommy check this guy out on youtube!
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaMlMZtDTCc[/embed]
He uses Posca paint markers to colour the design in. Really cool!
This would be very basic airbrush work due to it being solid colours and no shadowing or airbrush tricks. I would pencil your design on and mask it in parts and spray.Vinyl wrap is not what a guitar deserves imo. Good luck with the build and do keep a diary up to date as this one will be interesting to watch develop.
I can tell you right now, to achieve the same look on a water decal as in the aforementioned picture the image will need to be printed with white ink as the base otherwise it simply won't show up when applied.Quote:
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from tommycng on June 23, 2014, 07:36
How about doing the graphics in layers using Photoshop, print it out on water transfer sheet as parts, ie. eye, hair, etc. and then reassemble it on a pre-painted background?Quote:
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from pablopepper on June 23, 2014, 06:10
A water transfer that big would be a nightmare.
Because standard inkjet printers don't print in white you'll have to outsource and when you start talking A4 size sheets printed in whites you're talking massive bikkies not to mention (as already stated)a decal of that size would be nightmarish to handle,
Cheers.
Anime drawings are simple geometrics and flat colour. You will be fine if you hand paint this or used another medium.
Don't be afraid to have a crack man.
Sounds like an exciting project, all the best and have fun
What a great idea, I am really keen to watch this project.
It's been awhile between projects - got side tracked building a 5E3 amp! Finally got to work on the ST1.
I decided to go with water transfer printed using inkjet printer on special decal paper. The inkjet printer left streaks across the image probably. We will need to go over some bits using Posca pens.
We didn't have a lot of problem with removing air bubbles. Looking all good so far!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...wo-photo-4.JPG
Dude that looks rad!
Awesome. Looking great. So did you print that off in one bit or just print out the shapes then assemble them ?
I sprayed the blue background and also the flesh colour. Afterwards, I applied the decal in sections. The eye and below is one giant piece. Even though it was big, it wasn't difficult to slide it in place as well as getting rid of the bubbles.Quote:
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from barrylicious on August 17, 2014, 09:57
Awesome. Looking great. So did you print that off in one bit or just print out the shapes then assemble them ?
The one thing that was disappointing was there were visible print head strips across the image. I think the transfer paper has a different absorbency depending on the movement of the print head. I do not see these print head marks when printing on normal paper or photo stock. That is why it is necessary to go over the image with Posca pens and even that is difficult because it is hard to find colours that match precisely!
Afraid I don't like anime at all (maybe I'm getting old)
However, it's hard not to admire your work here.
Really well executed art and clean lines look stunning on your Strat dude.
Just some information for people who may want to attempt using water transfer decal. You need to be aware of two problems. Firstly, despite spraying the decal with a clear gloss after printing prior to application, the ink can rub off easily especially if you leave it in the water bath for too long. Painting over the transfer later on with paint is not an option as it can quickly make a mess of things trying to match colors etc. secondly, the film could react with certain types of gloss spray. In my case, the film starts curling up at the edges to a point some pieces were coming apart! In the end, we peeled off all the decals and just painted the design directly on wood. I think it lends a certain organic feel to the artwork. What do you think?
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...9qsk-image.jpg
Great job Tommy. Spot on colours. Looks phenomenal.
great paintwork mate, very nice
Looks amazing Tommy!! What did you use to paint the design on? Would be great to get some details of what you used. Love good artwork on a guitar, and yours is fantastic.
cheers,
Gav.
Thanks Gavin. With all the problems with the water decal we were so sick of the edges fraying, we ended up ripping them up and painting it free hand. Originally the design was done in Photoshop in vectors and splines. We use 2.5mm Posca paint markers and vaguely followed the original. In the end we felt originality is important too and so let ourselves loose. In the end my son and I had a great time trying out ideas and learnt what works and what doesn't.Quote:
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from gavinturner on August 25, 2014, 20:24
Looks amazing Tommy!! What did you use to paint the design on? Would be great to get some details of what you used. Love good artwork on a guitar, and yours is fantastic.
cheers,
Gav.
Tommy