How To Make Paper Figures - Revision history

GORT: Protected "How To Make Paper Figures": Excessive vandalism ([edit=autoconfirmed] (indefinite) [move=autoconfirmed] (indefinite))

2012-11-28T23:26:41Z

Protected "How To Make Paper Figures": Excessive vandalism ([edit=autoconfirmed] (indefinite) [move=autoconfirmed] (indefinite))

← Older revision	Revision as of 23:26, 28 November 2012
(No difference)

GORT: Reverted edits by 78.46.202.171 (talk) to last revision by GORT

2012-11-28T23:26:04Z

Reverted edits by 78.46.202.171 (talk) to last revision by GORT

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:26, 28 November 2012
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	~~Finding~~ this post ~~has answered my prayres~~		[[Category:Resources]]
			[[Category:Props]]

			[[Image:SGA logo.gif\|right\|Seattle Gamers Assemble!]]

			''[[Seattle Gamers Assemble!]] (SGA) is a loose community of role-players centered around Seattle, Washington. After several years of operations, we thought it might be nice to share a few tricks.''


			=Zo Zayings=
			[[Image:cardboardmini.jpg\|thumb\|Example of Johnzo's paper figures in action]]
			;[[User:Johnzo\|Johnzo]] says:

			You can also get premade paper figures from [http://www.rpgnow.com/ RPGNow] and other places. Some premade figures are rendered by computer with a lot of dark detail; these don't work so well for me. ([http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=7774& Here is an example of this.])

			If you don't want to spend on predrawn figures, or RPGNow doesn't have
			what you need, it's pretty simple to make your own. All you need is a color printer, cardstock, glue, stick-tack, and spare change.

			* Oh, and also, some figure images. Since I can't draw worth a damn, I get mine online. Most of my figures come from [http://www.gwindel.eu/index.html Patrick Cruciau]. Patrick offers nifty figure images for free. He is one of the righteous people. If Patrick doesn't have what I need, I go to [http://www.clipart.com/en/ clipart.com]. [http://images.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi Google images] can also be useful here, but clipart is a better bet. Cartoony line-drawn images are the best kind of image for this, as intricate detail tends to vanish on a 1" (25 mm) figure.

			* If the illos are side-views ([http://www.clipart.com/en/close-up?o=3968952 example]) then you're all set. If they're front-views ([http://www.clipart.com/en/close-up?o=3973443 example]) and figure facing matters to you, you'll need to create a back view of each image. I do this in a paint program by just flood-filling the entire image in black to make a silhouette of it and then flipping the image vertically. This is what the Disposable Heroes line does, and it works well.

			* Use a word processor to create a two-row table with borders on. Scale your images to the right size (Savage is 1" = 6', or about 25mm = 2m, so I usually make figures under an inch in height.) Put your images in the top table row. Underneath each image, put the corresponding back view of the image. For a side-view figure, this will just be a vertical flip of the image. For a front-view, it'll be the back view of the image that you made in the previous step.

			* Print this page on cardstock. Fold along the line between the two rows and glue, then cut the figures apart.

			* Trim the figures and get rid of big splatches of unprinted cardstock. This is not necessary, of course, but I think it really improves the look of them.

			* (Optionally) laminate the figures. You can self-serve laminate for free at Kinkos. My laminated cardboard figs are far more durable than the plastic Mage Knight / D&D figs I use.

			* Use pennies and stick-tack for basing. Or you could buy dedicated basing material, but I've never seen the need for that.

			=Kedamono's Korner=
			; [[User:Kedamono\|Kedamono]] also suggests:
			* One method is to use fonts: [http://greywolf.critter.net/fonts.htm Greywolf's character fonts] and [http://www222.pair.com/sjohn/sparks.htm Sparks Fonts]. The best font size is 42 points for these fonts, that creates a character that is about the right height. Use Notepad or TextEdit to create the characters, as you'll get a better meeting of the font glyph tops and bottoms.
			;

			* There are other online sources for free paper minis: [http://www.aginsinn.com/PaperMinis.html HeroQuest paper minis], [http://www.fecundity.com/pmagnus/vector/heroes.html Vector Heros], [http://www.imagineimage.org/papergeneral.htm The Paper General] (needs signup to see final sheets), and [http://www.blackwyrm.com/extras.htm Blackwyrm's Cutout Heroes].

			* And a great page that describes how to create your own paper miniatures: [http://home.earthlink.net/~wagc/design.htm Paper Miniature and Figure Designing]

			=Seaman's Suggestions=
			;Charles Seaman adds:

			* To make quick images, I've used [http://www.heromachine.com/ HeroMachine] (version 1.1 is free) with good results
			* I typically print the stand-ups on glossy photo paper.
			* On the backside, rather than just black-fill, I have experimented with charcoal rub effects and found the result to be more pleasing. This is simply a preference of course.
			* When I print nameless combat thugs, I have done different things:
			** Sometimes I print the picture on front and a number on the back (1,2,3, etc to identify each NPC)
			** I've also just put the number on both sides. This is less dramatic, as there isn't a picture, but it is easier for players to verbally and visually identify the NPCs
			** I've also put the image at 50% transparency, with the number over it. On the back I make the shadow 50% transparent, with a number also.
			* I have various lengths of 1" diameter clear plastic tubing. By standing the tubing on its end under the stand-ups, I can put things literally in the air.

			=Anemone's Advice=
			; [[User:Mechante Anemone\|Mechante Anemone]] says:

			* [http://www.arion-games.com/bb/viewforum.php?f=1 Arion Games] makes paper miniatures that are sold on RPG Now, Your Games Now, e23, and Fantasy Downloads.
			* A useful way to move formatted documents to a different printer (e.g., to go print at a copy center) without headaches is to save it as a PDF file. You can find several freeware or shareware utilities that act as PDF printer drivers; I have had good success with [http://www.pdf995.com/ PDF995].
			* Freeware and shareware for picture editing:
			**[http://gimp.org/ GIMP, the GNU Image Manipulation Program] — Open source, free, available for Mac, PC, Linux, etc. Allows quite a bit of editing and drawing; '''highly recommended'''.
			**[http://perso.wanadoo.fr/pierre.g/index.html XnView] — Excellent for image viewing and editing, and format conversion.
			**[http://www.fookes.com/ezthumbs/?Easy%20Thumbnails=2800 EasyThumbnails] from Fookes Shareware (just like it says, great to create thumbnails in batches.)
			**[http://www.photofiltre.com/ PhotoFiltre] — Mostly useful for photos, allows retouching and post-production filters.
			* Not freeware or shareware, but darn affordable:
			** [http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Product_C1&cid=1155872554948&lc=en&pagename=CorelCom%2FLayout PaintShop Pro] from JASC Software/Corel (watch for the periodic [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/104-1695822-4038330?url=search-alias%3Dsoftware&field-keywords=paintshop+pro&Go.x=13&Go.y=11&Go=Go Amazon.com mail-in rebates])



			----

			Return to [[Seattle Gamers Assemble!]]

78.46.202.171: PgaedkyzRDAKIuAWWX

2012-11-28T10:37:18Z

PgaedkyzRDAKIuAWWX

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:37, 28 November 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~[[Category:Resources]]~~		Finding this post has answered my prayres
	~~[[Category:Props]]~~

	~~[[Image:SGA logo.gif\|right\|Seattle Gamers Assemble!]]~~

	~~''[[Seattle Gamers Assemble!]] (SGA) is a loose community of role-players centered around Seattle, Washington. After several years of operations, we thought it might be nice to share a few tricks.''~~


	~~=Zo Zayings=~~
	~~[[Image:cardboardmini.jpg\|thumb\|Example of Johnzo's paper figures in action]]~~
	~~;[[User:Johnzo\|Johnzo]] says:~~

	You can also get premade paper figures from [http://www.rpgnow.com/ RPGNow] and other places. Some premade figures are rendered by computer with a lot of dark detail; these don't work so well for me. ([http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=7774& Here is an example of this~~.])~~

	~~If you don't want to spend on predrawn figures, or RPGNow doesn't have~~
	~~what you need, it's pretty simple to make your own. All you need is a color printer, cardstock, glue, stick-tack, and spare change.~~

	* Oh, and also, some figure images. Since I can't draw worth a damn, I get mine online. Most of my figures come from [http://www.gwindel.eu/index.html Patrick Cruciau]. Patrick offers nifty figure images for free. He is one of the righteous people. If Patrick doesn't have what I need, I go to [http://www.clipart.com/en/ clipart.com]. [http://images.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi Google images] can also be useful here, but clipart is a better bet. Cartoony line-drawn images are the best kind of image for this, as intricate detail tends to vanish on a 1" (25 mm) figure.

	* If the illos are side-views ([http://www.clipart.com/en/close-up?o=3968952 example]) then you're all set. If they're front-views ([http://www.clipart.com/en/close-up?o=3973443 example]) and figure facing matters to you, you'll need to create a back view of each image. I do this in a paint program by just flood-filling the entire image in black to make a silhouette of it and then flipping the image vertically. This is what the Disposable Heroes line does, and it works well.

	* Use a word processor to create a two-row table with borders on. Scale your images to the right size (Savage is 1" = 6', or about 25mm = 2m, so I usually make figures under an inch in height.) Put your images in the top table row. Underneath each image, put the corresponding back view of the image. For a side-view figure, this will just be a vertical flip of the image. For a front-view, it'll be the back view of the image that you made in the previous step.

	* Print this page on cardstock. Fold along the line between the two rows and glue, then cut the figures apart.

	* Trim the figures and get rid of big splatches of unprinted cardstock. This is not necessary, of course, but I think it really improves the look of them.

	* (Optionally) laminate the figures. You can self-serve laminate for free at Kinkos. My laminated cardboard figs are far more durable than the plastic Mage Knight / D&D figs I use.

	* Use pennies and stick-tack for basing. Or you could buy dedicated basing material, but I've never seen the need for that.

	~~=Kedamono's Korner=~~
	~~; [[User:Kedamono\|Kedamono]] also suggests:~~
	* One method is to use fonts: [http://greywolf.critter.net/fonts.htm Greywolf's character fonts] and [http://www222.pair.com/sjohn/sparks.htm Sparks Fonts]. The best font size is 42 points for these fonts, that creates a character that is about the right height. Use Notepad or TextEdit to create the characters, as you'll get a better meeting of the font glyph tops and bottoms.
	;

	* There are other online sources for free paper minis: [http://www.aginsinn.com/PaperMinis.html HeroQuest paper minis], [http://www.fecundity.com/pmagnus/vector/heroes.html Vector Heros], [http://www.imagineimage.org/papergeneral.htm The Paper General] (needs signup to see final sheets), and [http://www.blackwyrm.com/extras.htm Blackwyrm's Cutout Heroes].

	* And a great page that describes how to create your own paper miniatures: [http://home.earthlink.net/~wagc/design.htm Paper Miniature and Figure Designing]

	~~=Seaman's Suggestions=~~
	~~;Charles Seaman adds:~~

	* To make quick images, I've used [http://www.heromachine.com/ HeroMachine] (version 1.1 is free) with good results
	* I typically print the stand-ups on glossy photo paper.
	* On the backside, rather than just black-fill, I have experimented with charcoal rub effects and found the result to be more pleasing. This is simply a preference of course.
	* When I print nameless combat thugs, I have done different things:
	** Sometimes I print the picture on front and a number on the back (1,2,3, etc to identify each NPC)
	** I've also just put the number on both sides. This is less dramatic, as there isn't a picture, but it is easier for players to verbally and visually identify the NPCs
	** I've also put the image at 50% transparency, with the number over it. On the back I make the shadow 50% transparent, with a number also.
	* I have various lengths of 1" diameter clear plastic tubing. By standing the tubing on its end under the stand-ups, I can put things literally in the air.

	~~=Anemone's Advice=~~
	~~; [[User:Mechante Anemone\|Mechante Anemone]] says:~~

	* [http://www.arion-games.com/bb/viewforum.php?f=1 Arion Games] makes paper miniatures that are sold on RPG Now, Your Games Now, e23, and Fantasy Downloads.
	* A useful way to move formatted documents to a different printer (e.g., to go print at a copy center) without headaches is to save it as a PDF file. You can find several freeware or shareware utilities that act as PDF printer drivers; I have had good success with [http://www.pdf995.com/ PDF995].
	* Freeware and shareware for picture editing:
	**[http://gimp.org/ GIMP, the GNU Image Manipulation Program] — Open source, free, available for Mac, PC, Linux, etc. Allows quite a bit of editing and drawing; '''highly recommended'''.
	**[http://perso.wanadoo.fr/pierre.g/index.html XnView] — Excellent for image viewing and editing, and format conversion.
	**[http://www.fookes.com/ezthumbs/?Easy%20Thumbnails=2800 EasyThumbnails] from Fookes Shareware (just like it says, great to create thumbnails in batches.)
	**[http://www.photofiltre.com/ PhotoFiltre] — Mostly useful for photos, allows retouching and post-production filters.
	* Not freeware or shareware, but darn affordable:
	** [http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Product_C1&cid=1155872554948&lc=en&pagename=CorelCom%2FLayout PaintShop Pro] from JASC Software/Corel (watch for the periodic [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/104-1695822-4038330?url=search-alias%3Dsoftware&field-keywords=paintshop+pro&Go.x=13&Go.y=11&Go=Go Amazon.com mail-in rebates])



	~~----~~

	~~Return to [[Seattle Gamers Assemble!]]~~

GORT: Reverted edits by 200.226.134.53 (Talk); changed back to last version by Mechante Anemone

2007-11-20T14:47:13Z

Reverted edits by 200.226.134.53 (Talk); changed back to last version by Mechante Anemone

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:47, 20 November 2007
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~eltzellet~~
	[[Category:Resources]]		[[Category:Resources]]
	[[Category:Props]]		[[Category:Props]]

200.226.134.53 at 08:26, 20 November 2007

2007-11-20T08:26:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:26, 20 November 2007
Line 1:		Line 1:
			eltzellet
	[[Category:Resources]]		[[Category:Resources]]
	[[Category:Props]]		[[Category:Props]]

Mechante Anemone: /* Anemone's Advice */

2007-08-22T19:03:59Z

Anemone's Advice

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:03, 22 August 2007
Line 54:		Line 54:
	; [[User:Mechante Anemone\|Mechante Anemone]] says:		; [[User:Mechante Anemone\|Mechante Anemone]] says:

			* [http://www.arion-games.com/bb/viewforum.php?f=1 Arion Games] makes paper miniatures that are sold on RPG Now, Your Games Now, e23, and Fantasy Downloads.
	* A useful way to move formatted documents to a different printer (e.g., to go print at a copy center) without headaches is to save it as a PDF file. You can find several freeware or shareware utilities that act as PDF printer drivers; I have had good success with [http://www.pdf995.com/ PDF995].		* A useful way to move formatted documents to a different printer (e.g., to go print at a copy center) without headaches is to save it as a PDF file. You can find several freeware or shareware utilities that act as PDF printer drivers; I have had good success with [http://www.pdf995.com/ PDF995].
	* Freeware and shareware for picture editing:		* Freeware and shareware for picture editing:

Mechante Anemone: /* Zo Zayings */

2007-07-04T16:16:44Z

Zo Zayings

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:16, 4 July 2007
Line 23:		Line 23:

	* Print this page on cardstock. Fold along the line between the two rows and glue, then cut the figures apart.		* Print this page on cardstock. Fold along the line between the two rows and glue, then cut the figures apart.

			* Trim the figures and get rid of big splatches of unprinted cardstock. This is not necessary, of course, but I think it really improves the look of them.

	* (Optionally) laminate the figures. You can self-serve laminate for free at Kinkos. My laminated cardboard figs are far more durable than the plastic Mage Knight / D&D figs I use.		* (Optionally) laminate the figures. You can self-serve laminate for free at Kinkos. My laminated cardboard figs are far more durable than the plastic Mage Knight / D&D figs I use.

	* Trim the figures and get rid of big splatches of unprinted cardstock. This is not necessary, of course, but I think it really improves the look of them.

	* Use pennies and stick-tack for basing. Or you could buy dedicated basing material, but I've never seen the need for that.		* Use pennies and stick-tack for basing. Or you could buy dedicated basing material, but I've never seen the need for that.

Mechante Anemone at 05:22, 19 January 2007

2007-01-19T05:22:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:22, 19 January 2007
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Resources]]		[[Category:Resources]]
	[[Category:Props]]		[[Category:Props]]

			[[Image:SGA logo.gif\|right\|Seattle Gamers Assemble!]]

			''[[Seattle Gamers Assemble!]] (SGA) is a loose community of role-players centered around Seattle, Washington. After several years of operations, we thought it might be nice to share a few tricks.''


	=Zo Zayings=		=Zo Zayings=

Mechante Anemone at 05:21, 19 January 2007

2007-01-19T05:21:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:21, 19 January 2007
Line 3:		Line 3:

	=Zo Zayings=		=Zo Zayings=
			[[Image:cardboardmini.jpg\|thumb\|Example of Johnzo's paper figures in action]]
	;[[User:Johnzo\|Johnzo]] says:		;[[User:Johnzo\|Johnzo]] says:

Mechante Anemone: /* Anemone's Advice */

2007-01-12T02:01:15Z

Anemone's Advice

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:01, 12 January 2007
Line 50:		Line 50:
	* A useful way to move formatted documents to a different printer (e.g., to go print at a copy center) without headaches is to save it as a PDF file. You can find several freeware or shareware utilities that act as PDF printer drivers; I have had good success with [http://www.pdf995.com/ PDF995].		* A useful way to move formatted documents to a different printer (e.g., to go print at a copy center) without headaches is to save it as a PDF file. You can find several freeware or shareware utilities that act as PDF printer drivers; I have had good success with [http://www.pdf995.com/ PDF995].
	* Freeware and shareware for picture editing:		* Freeware and shareware for picture editing:
	**[http://perso.wanadoo.fr/pierre.g/index.html XnView] ~~(excellent~~ for image viewing and editing, and format conversion		**[http://gimp.org/ GIMP, the GNU Image Manipulation Program] — Open source, free, available for Mac, PC, Linux, etc. Allows quite a bit of editing and drawing; '''highly recommended'''.
	**[http://gimp.~~org/ GIMP, the GNU Image Manipulation Program] (open source; allows quite a bit of editing)~~		**[http://perso.wanadoo.fr/pierre.g/index.html XnView] — Excellent for image viewing and editing, and format conversion.
	**[http://www.fookes.com/ezthumbs/?Easy%20Thumbnails=2800 EasyThumbnails] from Fookes Shareware (just like it says, great to create thumbnails in batches)		**[http://www.fookes.com/ezthumbs/?Easy%20Thumbnails=2800 EasyThumbnails] from Fookes Shareware (just like it says, great to create thumbnails in batches.)
	**[http://www.photofiltre.com/ PhotoFiltre] ~~(mostly~~ useful for photos, allows retouching and post-production filters)		**[http://www.photofiltre.com/ PhotoFiltre] — Mostly useful for photos, allows retouching and post-production filters.
	* Not freeware or shareware, but darn affordable:		* Not freeware or shareware, but darn affordable:
	** [http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Product_C1&cid=1155872554948&lc=en&pagename=CorelCom%2FLayout PaintShop Pro] from JASC Software/Corel (watch for the periodic [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/104-1695822-4038330?url=search-alias%3Dsoftware&field-keywords=paintshop+pro&Go.x=13&Go.y=11&Go=Go Amazon.com mail-in rebates])		** [http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Product_C1&cid=1155872554948&lc=en&pagename=CorelCom%2FLayout PaintShop Pro] from JASC Software/Corel (watch for the periodic [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/104-1695822-4038330?url=search-alias%3Dsoftware&field-keywords=paintshop+pro&Go.x=13&Go.y=11&Go=Go Amazon.com mail-in rebates])