Elbow Room Innovations - custom light boxes and other cool stuff!

[DP Louie]

Hey Guys (and gals),

I started in the arcade hobby several years ago with a MAME cab, right here on BYOAC.  I slowly drifted towards dedicated cabs and found myself over on KLOV more than here.  In the last few years I've built and sold several custom marquee light boxes, and this year I decided to get a bit more serious about them.  I opened and Etsy shop and threw together a simple website to showcase my wares.  I was just at CAX a few weeks back and sold several light boxes as well as pins/buttons and bead badges, so if you were there you may have seen me. 

I'm still working on the website and hopefully will have an order page up soon, but for now Etsy will have to do.  Basically I have my marquee boxes for sale, complete with vintage marquees for $199 plus shipping for most marquees (rare ones will be a bit more).  I'm in the process of working out a deal to have new marquees reverse printed on plexi, so if you're looking for something 100% new I'll have that option.  If you already have a marquee and you're just looking for a way to display it, I can build a custom light box just for you, sans marquee.  Currently I'm using 18" florescent lights but I'm testing LEDs.  I'm more than happy to do custom orders, just let me know what you're looking for.

In addition to the light boxes I also offer pixel bead badges - pearler bead creations of classic arcade characters with a badge clip and lanyard, and 1" pins/buttons/magnets.   Thanks for looking - I welcome any comments, good/bad or otherwise!     

Here's some links:

Website - http://www.elbowroominnovations.com/
Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElbowRoomInnovations?ref=hdr_shop_menu
Ebay - http://www.ebay.com/usr/elbowroominn

Here's a few pics -

[vwalbridge]

Those marquee boxes are pretty cool!

How much would you charge for a just one reverse printed on plexi? Without the box?

How are they done now? Just printed artwork laid behind the plexi?

[Ginsu Victim]

Those marquees are cool (really, awesome work), but $199 plus s/h?
I'll just admire the pics.

[yotsuya]

Those marquees are cool (really, awesome work), but $199 plus s/h?
I'll just admire the pics.

[vwalbridge]

but $199 plus s/h?

yea, I have to agree. $200 plus shipping is a lot for something that is decorative. But I certainly don't want to take away from the hard work that goes into making something like that. I know how expensive and labor intensive it can be to make that but I feel like a good price point would be $75 to $100.

( Except for that Pac-Mania one...that one has some detail! )

[DP Louie]

Those marquee boxes are pretty cool!

How much would you charge for a just one reverse printed on plexi? Without the box?

How are they done now? Just printed artwork laid behind the plexi?

Thanks for the compliments! 

I don't actually print the marquees - the one's I currently offer are all original, not reproductions.  I'm thinking of having some new marquees reverse printed on plexi (there's a few people who offer this, for instance Rich at This Old Game), but I'm still checking into the costs.  Speaking of costs, yes my price point is not for the faint of heart  .  I wish I could offer these at $75 - $100, but it costs me at least that much in materials to build one.  The marquees I use generally cost me around $50 (sometimes more) since I seek out pristine examples.  Sure, you can find marquees on ebay for $20, but if you actually try to use them you'll discover that most of those are far too scratched to look decent lit up.  I'm working on reducing my costs, but there's no way I'll ever be able to produce these for a retail price of $100.  I know there are others listed on ebay that sell for that price, but they are nowhere near the quality of mine, and I have not seen any others with sideart and t-molding.  That being said, I'm just posting here to get some overall exposure - I know my pins/buttons and pixel badges are more in line with most peoples budget.  The light boxes are aimed more at non-collectors, people who may have a "man cave" (damn, did I just use that phrase?) that want something to hang on the wall, or don't have the room or desire for a full size cabinet.

Thanks again, I do appreciate the compliments and the feedback!

[yotsuya]

I've built my own. Yes, you're right, for a quality build they aren't $100 cheap.

[pbj]

These are pretty neat.

[DP Louie]

Okay, you guys talked me into it - I lowered the prices a bit...  (actually, I've gotten a bunch of feedback from other places as well, and I took a hard look at my costs).  Still not cheap by any means, but a bit better.  I enjoy building these (for now, lol) so I decided my labor costs could suffer a little.  When they become a PIA to make then I'll have to raise my prices!

[pbj]

Personally, I think you're dealing with a very limited market and if your customers have $180 to spend on these things, then they have $200, too.

Doubtless everyone will be copying your design around here shortly, though.

[Ginsu Victim]

I mean, hey, if you've sold any at $199, keep it at $199. I just said it wasn't for me at that price (this IS a site about building your own stuff). Plenty of stuff gets posted here that we find cool, but isn't aimed at us.

I just appreciate you showing us your awesome work. I hope you sell out of them.

[JDFan]

Thanks for the compliments! 

I don't actually print the marquees - the one's I currently offer are all original, not reproductions.  I'm thinking of having some new marquees reverse printed on plexi (there's a few people who offer this, for instance Rich at This Old Game), but I'm still checking into the costs.  Speaking of costs, yes my price point is not for the faint of heart  .  I wish I could offer these at $75 - $100, but it costs me at least that much in materials to build one.  The marquees I use generally cost me around $50 (sometimes more) since I seek out pristine examples.  Sure, you can find marquees on ebay for $20, but if you actually try to use them you'll discover that most of those are far too scratched to look decent lit up.  I'm working on reducing my costs, but there's no way I'll ever be able to produce these for a retail price of $100.  I know there are others listed on ebay that sell for that price, but they are nowhere near the quality of mine, and I have not seen any others with sideart and t-molding.  That being said, I'm just posting here to get some overall exposure - I know my pins/buttons and pixel badges are more in line with most peoples budget.  The light boxes are aimed more at non-collectors, people who may have a "man cave" (damn, did I just use that phrase?) that want something to hang on the wall, or don't have the room or desire for a full size cabinet.

Thanks again, I do appreciate the compliments and the feedback!

IF you want to get the cost down a bit you might look into having Stpcore print them for you on the translite material he currently sells marquees printed on a translite material that is designed for backlighting for $15 which would be a better price point for you than the Ebay marquees you are currently buying and might allow a slightly better price point - Here's a link to his sales thread ( http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,143964.0.html ) 

[vwalbridge]

Thanks for the compliments! 

I don't actually print the marquees - the one's I currently offer are all original, not reproductions.  I'm thinking of having some new marquees reverse printed on plexi (there's a few people who offer this, for instance Rich at This Old Game), but I'm still checking into the costs.  Speaking of costs, yes my price point is not for the faint of heart  .  I wish I could offer these at $75 - $100, but it costs me at least that much in materials to build one.  The marquees I use generally cost me around $50 (sometimes more) since I seek out pristine examples.  Sure, you can find marquees on ebay for $20, but if you actually try to use them you'll discover that most of those are far too scratched to look decent lit up.  I'm working on reducing my costs, but there's no way I'll ever be able to produce these for a retail price of $100.  I know there are others listed on ebay that sell for that price, but they are nowhere near the quality of mine, and I have not seen any others with sideart and t-molding.  That being said, I'm just posting here to get some overall exposure - I know my pins/buttons and pixel badges are more in line with most peoples budget.  The light boxes are aimed more at non-collectors, people who may have a "man cave" (damn, did I just use that phrase?) that want something to hang on the wall, or don't have the room or desire for a full size cabinet.

Thanks again, I do appreciate the compliments and the feedback!

IF you want to get the cost down a bit you might look into having Stpcore print them for you on the translite material he currently sells marquees printed on a translite material that is designed for backlighting for $15 which would be a better price point for you than the Ebay marquees you are currently buying and might allow a slightly better price point - Here's a link to his sales thread ( http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,143964.0.html ) 

Now that is a hell of a good idea. In fact, I smell a business partnership. 

Another thought came to mind that might save you some time and labor. It might even keep the cost down. You could sell these as kits. Just sell all the wood painted, then give the buyer all the parts and instructions to put it together themselves. You could even "flat-pack" it and save a bit on shipping. Just a thought.

I'm also the type of guy that likes to put things together so I have more of an attachment to it. Kinda like Legos. It wouldn't be any fun if the Lego kit was already assembled when you bought it. 

[yotsuya]

I'm also the type of guy that likes to put things together so I have more of an attachment to it. Kinda like Legos. It wouldn't be any fun if the Lego kit was already assembled when you bought it. 

I dunno, I think the OP's selling point is his craftsmanship as opposed to wanting to provide kits. Least that's the impression I get.

[pbj]

I give it 5 minutes before Haruman is selling knock offs.

[yotsuya]

I give it 5 minutes before Haruman is selling knock offs.

Actually, HaRuMaN made one for me last year for a Pac-Man marquee. He just hasn't offered it as a kit, but I'm sure he still has the plans. Get with the program, Jerky!

[HaRuMaN]

I give it 5 minutes before Haruman is selling knock offs.

Actually, HaRuMaN made one for me last year for a Pac-Man marquee. He just hasn't offered it as a kit, but I'm sure he still has the plans. Get with the program, Jerky!

Rofl

[yotsuya]

I give it 5 minutes before Haruman is selling knock offs.

Actually, HaRuMaN made one for me last year for a Pac-Man marquee. He just hasn't offered it as a kit, but I'm sure he still has the plans. Get with the program, Jerky!

Rofl

Here's a photo of it lit up on my wall, probably sideways (damn you, Tapatalk! )

[HaRuMaN]

Rotated it for you

[yotsuya]

Rotated it for you

 

[DP Louie]

Thanks for the compliments! 

I don't actually print the marquees - the one's I currently offer are all original, not reproductions.  I'm thinking of having some new marquees reverse printed on plexi (there's a few people who offer this, for instance Rich at This Old Game), but I'm still checking into the costs.  Speaking of costs, yes my price point is not for the faint of heart  .  I wish I could offer these at $75 - $100, but it costs me at least that much in materials to build one.  The marquees I use generally cost me around $50 (sometimes more) since I seek out pristine examples.  Sure, you can find marquees on ebay for $20, but if you actually try to use them you'll discover that most of those are far too scratched to look decent lit up.  I'm working on reducing my costs, but there's no way I'll ever be able to produce these for a retail price of $100.  I know there are others listed on ebay that sell for that price, but they are nowhere near the quality of mine, and I have not seen any others with sideart and t-molding.  That being said, I'm just posting here to get some overall exposure - I know my pins/buttons and pixel badges are more in line with most peoples budget.  The light boxes are aimed more at non-collectors, people who may have a "man cave" (damn, did I just use that phrase?) that want something to hang on the wall, or don't have the room or desire for a full size cabinet.

Thanks again, I do appreciate the compliments and the feedback!

IF you want to get the cost down a bit you might look into having Stpcore print them for you on the translite material he currently sells marquees printed on a translite material that is designed for backlighting for $15 which would be a better price point for you than the Ebay marquees you are currently buying and might allow a slightly better price point - Here's a link to his sales thread ( http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,143964.0.html ) 

I'm one step ahead of you...  I've already been in contact with Stpcore and I'm waiting on a sample to arrive.  I'm considering using him for the side art printing, as well as printing on another item I'm thinking of producing.  He offered to do the marquees, but since I'm trying to stick with originals that wasn't really an option... but now that I've been pondering it for several days, I might change my opinion.

Yotsuya is correct, I don't think I'd offer DIY kits because well, I take pride in my craftsmanship of these and also because if you're skilled enough to assemble one of these, you're more than capable of building the whole thing  .  I HAVE thought of offering "a la cart" ordering - basic frame only with no side art & no lighting, frame w/side art & no lighting, etc.  I'll have to work out a pricing structure this weekend.

[pbj]

I have no money and am not your customer but I think the value of these things is going to be dramatically reduced if you use a reproduction marquee.

 

[vwalbridge]

In my humble opinion:

Original marquees belong in original arcades. These are really awesome pieces of work but they don't need original marquees in them. And you can shave some serious cost by using equally high quality translite.

[Rick]

I like the marquee light boxes. A lot. They look classy, and are a great way to show your love for retro gaming. The only drawback to these - as with ANY illuminated art that is mounted on a wall - is the hanging cord, but we've had these issues since the days of neon bar signs. (i.e. the issue is nothing new.)

[JDFan]

I like the marquee light boxes. A lot. They look classy, and are a great way to show your love for retro gaming. The only drawback to these - as with ANY illuminated art that is mounted on a wall - is the hanging cord, but we've had these issues since the days of neon bar signs. (i.e. the issue is nothing new.)

That's what the recessed electric boxes are made for - just run wiring behind where the light box is going to be mounted and won't have to see the plug. (that or convert it to use a Lithium Ion rechargeable battery pack - figure if using low wattage led bulbs a battery pack should run it for a long time between recharges )

[Rick]

That's what the recessed electric boxes are made for - just run wiring behind where the light box is going to be mounted and won't have to see the plug.

Yeah, I've seen these. They're definitely smart, but more often than not, I've seen homeowners just letting the wires hang.

[yotsuya]

That's what the recessed electric boxes are made for - just run wiring behind where the light box is going to be mounted and won't have to see the plug.

Yeah, I've seen these. They're definitely smart, but more often than not, I've seen homeowners just letting the wires hang.

I just use raceway. One nice plastic strip you can paint to match the wall is 100x better than a ton of hanging wires.

[ninja2bceen]

Do I see seat covers too? How much do those run and where can I get some good chairs


Tapatalk signature

[Ginsu Victim]

Do I see seat covers too? How much do those run and where can I get some good chairs


Tapatalk signature

Are you talking about those buttons?

[big10p]

The light boxes look excellent. I love the Pac-Mania embossed marquee. I think the price is about right, especially as I paid £150 for my custom made Pac-Man light box. :/

[DP Louie]

Do I see seat covers too? How much do those run and where can I get some good chairs


Tapatalk signature

Are you talking about those buttons?

??  Yeah, those are 1" buttons - but it would be cool to make some arcade related bar stool covers...

[jmike]

Nice work. Any chance you can make key chains with specific art?
There was a member here making them but I believe he's not doing them anymore.

Good luck with your sales 

[JDFan]

Nice work. Any chance you can make key chains with specific art?
There was a member here making them but I believe he's not doing them anymore.

Good luck with your sales 

Are you in a hurry to get them ?? - If not you can order the keychains blank from China for 5 for $1.40 ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/141687418309?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT ) and then just print your pic on a laser or inkjet and cut to size and insert. I've got 10 on order that should be coming in a couple weeks if you want to see how they come out. (was going to order a couple and saw he was taking a break so looked on Ebay and found those so figured I'd order a couple sets of 5 - worse case I waste the $3 best case I get 10 custom keychains made !



Had one that I got free from a local radio station that I took apart and tested with Missile command and Donkey Kong flyer art and it came out pretty good (attached a pic of it - not sure if it is the same size as the ones I ordered but should be close):

[yotsuya]

Nice work. Any chance you can make key chains with specific art?
There was a member here making them but I believe he's not doing them anymore.

Good luck with your sales 

Are you in a hurry to get them ?? - If not you can order the keychains blank from China for 5 for $1.40 ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/141687418309?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT ) and then just print your pic on a laser or inkjet and cut to size and insert. I've got 10 on order that should be coming in a couple weeks if you want to see how they come out. (was going to order a couple and saw he was taking a break so looked on Ebay and found those so figured I'd order a couple sets of 5 - worse case I waste the $3 best case I get 10 custom keychains made !

I've bought those before... they're smaller than the ones OldTymeToys uses.

[JDFan]

I've bought those before... they're smaller than the ones OldTymeToys uses.

Do you know what size the ones he had were - There were other larger ones on Ebay for a bit more so could probably find the same size.

[yotsuya]

I dunno.  I have a bunch of his key chains, so I'd love to find the right size.

[PL1]

Made one several years ago for a friend's Karate Champ using this one from Amazon.

The artwork is about 1.4" x 2".


Scott

[JDFan]

I dunno.  I have a bunch of his key chains, so I'd love to find the right size.

They pop apart easily and can be put back together and the pic is just a paper insert - so should be fairly easy to get a measurement (or even just get the outer dimensions and can search for that dimension as most have similar border sizes)

Here's some 2x3" insert size that are a bit larger for $21 for a 25 pack ( http://www.amazon.com/Acrylic-Photo-Snap-Key-Chain/dp/B00B8VFWZ8/ref=pd_sim_21_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0JB8PGWNKZ66M47HQ4SN )

[yotsuya]

I dunno.  I have a bunch of his key chains, so I'd love to find the right size.

They pop apart easily and can be put back together and the pic is just a paper insert - so should be fairly easy to get a measurement (or even just get the outer dimensions and can search for that dimension as most have similar border sizes)

Here's some 2x3" insert size that are a bit larger for $21 for a 25 pack ( http://www.amazon.com/Acrylic-Photo-Snap-Key-Chain/dp/B00B8VFWZ8/ref=pd_sim_21_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0JB8PGWNKZ66M47HQ4SN )

If it helps, the size of the inserts I design for my keys are 1.377" by 2".

[JDFan]

If it helps, the size of the inserts I design for my keys are 1.377" by 2".

Should be similar to these then - ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-Clear-acrylic-keychain-2-x-1-3-8-photo-insert-for-luggage-ID-keyring-51x35mm-/360843329190?hash=item5403f03ea6 )

Figure they say the insert is 1 3/8" ( 1.375" ) x 2" -- not too bad for $0.70 a piece shipped from PA ( and they'll combine shipping if you order several sets.

OR these for $1.89 for 5 from china ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/5PCS-Transparent-Blank-Photo-Picture-Frame-Clear-Keychain-Key-Ring-Fob-5-1X3-2cm/310836080641?_trksid=p2045573.c100034.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D32831%26meid%3Dd99d32eafe6f4e80a2d79a513f67e3d5%26pid%3D100034%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D8%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D360843329190 )

[yotsuya]

If it helps, the size of the inserts I design for my keys are 1.377" by 2".

Should be similar to these then - ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-Clear-acrylic-keychain-2-x-1-3-8-photo-insert-for-luggage-ID-keyring-51x35mm-/360843329190?hash=item5403f03ea6 )

Figure they say the insert is 1 3/8" ( 1.375" ) x 2" -- not too bad for $0.70 a piece shipped from PA ( and they'll combine shipping if you order several sets.

OR these for $1.89 for 5 from china ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/5PCS-Transparent-Blank-Photo-Picture-Frame-Clear-Keychain-Key-Ring-Fob-5-1X3-2cm/310836080641?_trksid=p2045573.c100034.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D32831%26meid%3Dd99d32eafe6f4e80a2d79a513f67e3d5%26pid%3D100034%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D8%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D360843329190 )

The PA ones say this on the insert: Photo insert dimension 1-1/8 x 1-3/4" (44x28mm)

That's still too small.

[JDFan]

The PA ones say this on the insert: Photo insert dimension 1-1/8 x 1-3/4" (44x28mm)
That's still too small.

You're right  -- Only ones closer I find are these 35x50mm from Canada $47.45 for 50 units ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/50-Blank-Clear-Acrylic-Keyring-35x50mm-Insert-DIY-Craft-Wholesale-Keychain-92033-/231652109468?hash=item35ef8aac9c )

Same ones on Amazon for $41 ( http://www.amazon.com/Acrylic-Keyring-35x50mm-Insert-Keychain/dp/B00BCLJY8A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440562636&sr=8-1&keywords=Blank+Clear+Acrylic+Keyring+35x50mm+Insert )

[yotsuya]

I wonder if the 1.75 x 2.35 ones would be better?

[PL1]

If it helps, the size of the inserts I design for my keys are 1.377" by 2".

The one I posted above uses that size insert.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ESGODA

It would be nice to find a bulk rate on them, though.   


Scott

[JDFan]

Found some 12 packs for $7.50 on aliexpress ( http://www.aliexpress.com/item/12pcs-Bigger-Blank-Acrylic-Rectangle-Photo-Keychains-Insert-Picture-Logo-Keyrings-Key-tag-2-25-x/1911180131.html ) that look to be the right size !

Size : 57MM*42MM/2.25''*1.65''
Insert size : 49MM*34MM/2''*1.2''

[yotsuya]

Great news, I took a flier on these, and they ARE the same size as OldTymeToys if you want to roll your own keychains to match the ones you might already have:

TWO Photo Frame Key Chains 1.75" x 2.25" - Keep a Picture of Loved One w/ Keys

The same seller also sells them in lots of 12.... not a bad deal if you need a lot.

[JDFan]

Great news, I took a flier on these, and they ARE the same size as OldTymeToys if you want to roll your own keychains to match the ones you might already have:

TWO Photo Frame Key Chains 1.75" x 2.25" - Keep a Picture of Loved One w/ Keys

The same seller also sells them in lots of 12.... not a bad deal if you need a lot.

a bit expensive with the shipping for a single but not bad for the 12 pack @ $7 shipped -- Got the smaller ones in the other day and they came out decent but as mentioned are smaller - the second set is a bit better at 1"x 1.75" inserts (smaller set is 1" x 1.5") -- Here's a pic of a few I made up using them : (Excuse the poor quality pic as my camera is pretty bad !)

 

[yotsuya]

You get TWO in the first link, not a single. But yeah,  the dozen is a great deal.

[Mr. Peabody]

I think these look better than a square old box. They make me think arcade cabinet rather than just game.