Helmet Prices

And as for it's price....Well, licensing costs money dude, need I say more?? :)

That just drives my painting price point even more!! Thats all the more reason that justifies the prices of the fan bucket prices and painting cost because they are cheaper, in most cases, to get a fan bucket with pro paint job, and even cheaper if you do it yourself, verses a high collectable DLX Fett from DP or Rubies that is inferior.


Lynn
 
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Oh my god! It's been a long time since I posted here but DAMN, I just couldn't let this one go by!

Darthbish, what you have said here (over and over again) is without doubt the biggest insult toward prop artists I've ever encountered since I joined the scene. I think your worst attacks are directed toward Lynn which by the way is a well respected prop builder/painter both here and over at the RPF.

You clearly have no idea how much time, money and efforts that goes into the making and painting of an accurate ESB Boba helmet! Just like Lynn I have offered my building and painting services over the years, so far without any complaints. I ALWAYS go to extreme Lents to make sure my customers gets the most accurate and well made products available. That takes time! Just stop for a second and think what actually goes into making an ESB Boba!

First you're sent a raw fiberglass helmet. This sucker needs to be cleaned, cut, filled and sanded. This is not something done in a flash! During this proses you're also working with materials that are VERY bad for your health.

Then you need to research, collect images and carfully study them, make up plans how to tackle the project and so on. Do you think this is done over a night?

Then comes masking, painting and weathering. Ask anyone who's made a screen accurate ESB helmet and they'll tell you what a cute little project that is!:rolleyes

When I charge people for my service it's always based on how long time I think the project will take to finish. My last Boba helmet which I made for a friend as a trade for he's services took me more then a month to complete. Sure, I only worked on the evenings since I too have a daytime job. That was a month were I spent almost ALL my free time to make this bucket as good as I possible could. In fact it took so much work that I will never accept another ESB helmet. If I by any means should change my mind I would easily charge $400 for the job. Why such a ridiculous high price? Course that's how much a month worth of my evenings costs! You actually think I (and other painters) are gonna give that to you for free just because you like Star Wars too!?

Also, your whining about people not sharing their secrets are also complete BULL! "How to's" are all over the web but you actually have to make the effort to search for them, not everything gets served on a plate. I've put up "how to guides" for almost all my projects. I also spend countless of hours in front of my computer answering e-mails from people who ask for tips and help. I do that because I think it's fun to be able to help others who share my hobby.

Here's the last Boba helmet I made:
ESB-boba-fett-MINE2.jpg

If you like it my tutorial it can be found here:
http://www.starwarshelmets.com/

If you don't think you're up to it send me a MSH helmet plus 400 bucks and I'll CONSIDER making it for you.:rolleyes

Steve.
 
You said it Steve.

Do us all a favor, try doing a helmet yourself, and then come over here and bitch about people's prices.
 

Geo wrote:

Back to point/ original question asked...

How much for a mystery helmet painted?...

How much for unpainted?...

Ballpark for the guys/gals, no rants. :)

Last I knew an unpainted one goes between $200-$250.
I paid $200 for the I had 2 years ago.

Lynn
 
Very good Steve!
You hit the nail right on the head....

Time is money, my time away from the family and shorter sleeping nights to get stuff done just dosn't happen for cheap, it ain't worth it.

I miss doing the work for others because I love to hear how they love it when they get it and I enjoy helping people out, but I barley have time to do my own stuff anymore much less tackle on others work.

Lynn
 
I think the bottom line should be that you can't put a price on someone ELSE'S time.

None of those mentioned do these offers as a full-time job. While the prices may seem unreasonable to some, I'm sure the wives and significant others of those doing the painting (and other services) would put an even higher price on time spent away from family and other events.

If the price is too high, shop around. You may find a cheaper price, you may even find a better paintjob. That simply means that THAT particular artist does not put as high a price on his/her evenings and weekends. It's not a fault, or a flaw in their thinking, per se, but a choice. It is THEIR choice as to the pricing, just as it is YOUR choice to agree to let them do the work.

I would imagine that the busier an artist is, the higher the price of their free time. And there is no way in heck that the artist is going to lower that price simply by having others grumble about it. The artist would simply not offer their services to those doing the grumbling. I would think that the only reason for an artist to lower their price is if they receive enough negative feedback on the quality or time involved. (There it goes again: speed, quality, budget).

I've enjoyed reading this thread, as it has given some insight to both sides of the arguments. My opinions are my own, of course.
 
I just hope ALL of us keep up the real artistry, work and helpfullness and not let bitterness sway us from our dreams and helping each other out. :)

Keep up the great work guys, what I have seen albeit affordable and unaffordable is inspiring!
 
I think it's a little funny how some people are sharing their feelings and thoughts but Bish has not come back in a while. I think we are all in agreement for the most part. That's pretty cool. I was waiting for this to get a little ugly and it really didn't. This may not mean much but I wanted to say thank you to all who posted and kept it civil and grown up. I work with a bunch of irresponsible, childish people. Coming here is a great change. So again, thank you.
 
Gee, TERRIBLY sorry Laan........It's a little thing called the international time line, and another little thing called sleeping.
 
The fundamental point that I'm trying to make is that for any newbies out there, don't let some people here make you think that the only way you'll have a good suit is by forking out big bucks to "X" for "Y".
Have a look at this http://tdh.prop-planet.com/viewtopic.php?topic=10218&forum=2 I am completely STUNNED that the painter of this helmet would be embarrassed. It's beautiful, and yet he apologies for it's shortcomings.
This is the mindset that worries me. "That something is not good enough because it hasn't been painted by a "professional"

It seems to be quite difficult for some of you out there to accept that a person can have this opinion and HEAVEN help him/her if they express it.

Laan, your last comment was obviously tainted with a certain "He must've gone into hiding" edge, and to be referred to as "insulting" by others, when I'm merely expressing an opinion is equally as rude.
For a bunch of people, the majority of who seem to live in a land that supposedly upholds the value of "freedom of speech", you've certainly discouraged me from ever wanting to post again.
 
The Almighty says, "Quit stalling and answer the frickin' question!" :lol:

Seriously Bish, how much would you charge for an accurate ESB paintjob on my MLC-1?

If you're thinking <$100 then you'll be a busy man from now on. If your only talking about $25 or $50,then I don't understand the indignation.
 

DarthBish wrote:

I am completely STUNNED that the painter of this helmet would be embarrassed. It's beautiful, and yet he apologies for it's shortcomings.
This is the mindset that worries me. "That something is not good enough because it hasn't been painted by a "professional"

Actually I find the humility refreshing.

I am by no means a professional but I think people appreciate mine and other peoples work none the less. The people on this board go above and beyond whats necessary to make Noobs (myself included)feel welcome and appreciated. I think Bish may have us confused with another forum.

Thats just my 2 cents.
 
Bish, I was in no way trying to slam you. I was merely saying we are asking you questions and have had no response from you. I am, as well as others, are very curious to your opinion in this. Jodo_Kast asked you again what others have asked you. how much would you charge for an accurate ESB paint job on my MLC-1? I don't know if you just don't see the questions, are thinking about them, or don't want to answer. But to be quite honest, it's the way that you come across. It feels very harsh to me. If I'm taking it wrong, my apologies. Again my opinion, people are being rubbed the wrong way by how you come across. Instead of being so sarcastic, try a different approach. But, third time is the charm, my opinion.
I have already said my peace and will refrain from saying anything more. But I do however look forward to your answers.
 
I haven't thought about what I'd charge because I wouldn't put myself in a situation where'd I'd paint someone elses gear, and I can't imagine ever being in the situation where I'd pay someone to do it either. I'd much rather to it myself.

I'm honestly not trying to be a smarta** here, but when someone compliments my suit the feeling of accomplishment that I get when I can say "I did it myself" has gotta be more fullfilling than saying "thanks....I paid a dozen or so other guys to put it together for me".

When I paint/make something, it's a labour of love....I've never thought about what I'd charge "myself", but to me 250 seems too much...........
 
Bish, it's totally cool that you take pride in "doing it yourself". I'm the exact same way.

But realize that when you can do it yourself for free, ant dollar amount seems like a lot.

As for the "must be perfect to be accepted", I've felt that maybe once in the last year I've been here. My armor is sintra and my ESB flamethrower was dowel with hardware glued to it but mostly everyone has been extremely kind.

As a fellow Do-It-Yourselfer I understand where you're coming from. Just don;t be so quick to judge motives based on prices. I wouldn't give up time with my girls for less than $20 / hour. Even at that, I hate to do it. (unless I'm troopin' that is ;))
 
I haven't said anything on this thread cause I have had too much fun reading it. I must say that considering the amount of time and energy that people like Lee and Lynn put into their helmets and other peoples helmets, I think 250 is a fair price for it. I have painted several helmets for a friend of mine and charged him a little more than the price of paint just so I could have a helmet to practice on. I have painted 2 of his helmets in this fasion, they both came out OK I was not totally pleased with them, but he sure was. When it was time for me to decide weither or not to paint my helmet, I decided that I would gladly pay Lee what ever price he asked to do it because I knew it would be perfect. With mine I always see something I want to change, but when it is given to the pro I can't see anything I would change. I figured I spent 250 on a MSH2 helmet I wasn't going to waste my time giving it a so-so paint job. I got the best helmet, I want the best paintjob and will pay for the talent it takes to make it that way.
 
Oh, and can anyone else see the irony in the fact that I'm hounded to give an estimate on what I'd charge to paint something, and why.

And yet when someone else is asked a similar question and gives "this" answer.

I don't do a break down of the fees for services rendard, 40+ jobs done I never have, never will

It's ok??.
 
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