**DESIGN PERIOD COMPLETE - 2007 BYOAC Token BACK SIDE Design Thread**

[Santoro]

This thread is for the design discussions and proposals regarding the back(reverse) side of the 2007 BYOAC token.

We are designing  .984" (25mm) tokens.  Submissions should be in black and white only.  White should indicate the lowest point of the token, black the highest.  If you want to show half-height details use gray. Different levels of gray are OK.  Of interest as you design,  the 'lowest' or 'deepest' point on the token will usually be shiny because it doesn't require machining.

So that those of us who are not Photoshop Gurus are given a fair shot , no 'blinged' renderings should be posted. (Bling refers to color, photorealistic renderings.)


Guidelines/Rules
-No R-Rated material
-No trademarked or copyrighted images. (Pacman, etc...) MAME IS OK though, we have approval to use the logo if we like as long as we respect the spirit of MAME - i.e. no references to playing thousands of games, etc.
-No Bling - refer to the 2004 thread below to see how blinged line art turns out. Pixelhugger will bling all final entries for us.  Thanks!
-Should display "Build Your Own Arcade Controls" (or at least "BYOAC") and the www.arcadecontrols.com URL on the front because BYOAC is the whole point of the tokens.
-If at all possible you should have your art in vector format. (AI for example.)  Next best is very high-res raster (Hi-res meaning greater than or equal to 300DPI,) but I discourage it because we have always used vector with superb results.  Low-res artwork won't work, you will need to have someone fix it up for you.  Vector fonts need to be converted to curves.

Of interest as you design,  the 'lowest' or 'deepest' point on the token will usually be shiny because it doesn't require machining.

If you are submitting what you consider your final proposal, please say so in your post. Otherwise we will assume you are submitting it for group discussion and tweaking.

This is a sample from 2004:


Here are previous years' threads for reference.
2006 Front
2006 Back
2005 Front
2005 Back
2004 combined thread

Go for it!

[RandyT]

How about a post with artwork for all of the past years designs, and maybe even the finished token photos next to them, for those who may not have been following along.

It might help to get the process going to see, in one place, the current designs and how they finally translated to the real deal.

RandyT

[nostrebor]

How about a post with artwork for all of the past years designs, and maybe even the finished token photos next to them, for those who may not have been following along.

It might help to get the process going to see, in one place, the current designs and how they finally translated to the real deal.

RandyT

Also, Randy would like a pony.

Thanks!

 

[RandyT]

Ok, how about just the artwork proofs sent to the mint for manufacturing?  I'm assuming someone has these and can throw a few pictures up in a post, no?  Got to be easier than everyone going through old threads trying to figure out which designs finally made it.


BTW, I already have a "pony" and it has 1100cc's 

RandyT

[Pixelhugger]

Also, Randy would like a pony.

Thanks!

 Grin

Me too. Because hey. Free pony.

[Pixelhugger]

how about just the artwork proofs

I think I have them. I'll put together a token walk down memory lane for posting. Probably a good idea so the newbies can see what the submissions should look like. Last year people still submitted stuff that wasn't line art.

[Zakk]

how about just the artwork proofs

I think I have them. I'll put together a token walk down memory lane for posting. Probably a good idea so the newbies can see what the submissions should look like. Last year people still submitted stuff that wasn't line art.

This should be completed....sometime around 2017. 

[sirwoogie]

This should be completed....sometime around 2017. 

OK. I gotta admit that is a pretty gnarly burn.

[Joystick Jerk]

Could we reverse that decision about no blinged entries? Not to be too harsh, but if you honestly have no idea how to "bling" an image of a coin, you're probably not up to the task of designing a usable image in the first place.

Edit: Messing around in photoshop, ideas are sparse this late. Comedy entry for laughs:


*** Image link removed by moderator.

 Edit2:

[mwatson]

Wow been awhile since I've seen that image anywhere, bets on how long it'll be before its editted?

[JoyMonkey]

Last year there were a lot of designs that would have suited the front or the back either way; would it make more sense to just have one thread and then vote on the two best designs out of them all?

Seems like the only requirements are that "2007", "ArcadeControls.com" and the chosen annual slogan (All Your Slogan Are Belong to Us) be featured on the token; these could be edited into most token designs pretty easily once the two designs have been chosen. Designers could just keep in mind that there should be two spaces on each side reserved for this text.

[Joystick Jerk]

Last year there were a lot of designs that would have suited the front or the back either way; would it make more sense to just have one thread and then vote on the two best designs out of them all?

I asked this back in 2005, and the answer was basically no dice. Makes sense and cuts down on the thread hopping back and forth... go figure.

[Pixelhugger]

Not to be too harsh, but if you honestly have no idea how to "bling" an image of a coin, you're probably not up to the task of designing a usable image in the first place.

Well, the idea was to keep the entries on equal ground. Otherwise it becomes a contest for who can create the coolest looking gradients and embossing. It really distracts attention from the designs themselves.

I do think the entries should be "blinged" before voting. But they should all be done identically.

[Pixelhugger]

This should be completed....sometime around 2017.

Heh. Or later.. since I've switched computers several times since 2004 I can't seem to find them. 

[Santoro]

I'll do it, I just need a few days.. lots of family stuff happening right now, and work is busy on top of that.

But no Ponies.  If my daughter can't have one, no one can. 

[Joystick Jerk]

I was thinking maybe make the coin sort of exotic looking, like it was an arcade token from south america or something. Sort of has an incan/aztec feeling to it, with the BYOAC logo carved in stone atop an incan pyramid. This is of course a rough mockup, final quality will be much higher. Just looking to get opinions on the concept and layout right now.

[NIVO]

even more stickiness for your pleasure, ewwwwwwwwwww.

Anyhoo, these token threads will be stickied until the designs are finalized. Then will be unstickied and fade into BYOAC realm. 

[Pixelhugger]

If Santoro is interested, I'm willing to bling final entries as long as they can be provided properly. IMO it's important that all the final entries be given identical treatment. If someone else has a better way to bling and is willing to do them, I happily defer. 

For me to do the blinging I'd need the file of the final design setup in black, white and grey as Santoro outlined above. No gradients. No embossing. Just line art and solid greyscale shapes.

The best format for the process is Illustrator. If that's not available, a layered Photoshop file at 2000x2000 pixels will work. If that's not possible a JPEG of the same size (2000 x 2000) can be used but the results may not look very good.

Cross posted in "FRONT SIDE" thread.

[Pixelhugger]

Here's my backside. Errr. Entry.





And here's the blinging I'm talking about. I decided to post this (even tho it makes me a hippocrite) because it seems like enthusiasm for the design process doesn't really pick up until the bling stage. So again, if anyone has final entries they'd like blinged send them my way. Final entries only. It definitley makes a big difference seeing how the designs will look in relief. Santoro.... let me know if you're OK with this. If not I'll pull it.

Now lets see more designs!!

[Kaytrim]

Here's my backside. Errr. Entry.

I like this one best of any so far. Nice job Pixel

Kaytrim

[Santoro]

If Santoro is interested, I'm willing to bling final entries as long as they can be provided properly. IMO it's important that all the final entries be given identical treatment. If someone else has a better way to bling and is willing to do them, I happily defer. 

This would be very cool. I have nothing against Bling, I just want it to be fair for all entries!

Thanks Pixel.

[JustMichael]

Pixelhugger, for some reason that cabinet makes me think of an Elvis (as in the king) impersonator.

[Pixelhugger]

 


 

It's the sequined jumpsuit it has on.

[steveh]

how does this process work?  once decided do we get them made up?  how much do they cost?

[Pixelhugger]

We vote between the submissions. Then final designs get made into standard .984" tokens. You can see where prices have been at Santoros website arcadetokens.com. I don't think those prices are necessarily accurate for new designs, since the mint is always raising prices.

[steveh]

thansk for the speedy reply.  this is the year i finally get my arcade machine.  i will be ordering these. its the minor touches like this that make all the difference.

[Santoro]

OK, let's put an end date on this.   Please submit your final entries by end of day, Sunday July 8.

[dstone]

Here are two finals for the back. As I stated in the Front thread, I don't have Illustrator but did the vector work in AutoCAD (minus the text). I can provide the DWG file if requested, which I've heard will directly import into Illustrator.

Edit: It helps when I actually read the instructions for image dimensions...

[jfunk]

Well, I still like mine from last year, so I'll add it back to this thread including the blinged out version that Pixel did (so he doesn't have to do it again    )

Thanx!

[fatfingers]

Go jfunk!

[dcsipe]

I thought we were wrapping things up on Sunday? When's this thing going to finally be done??

[jfunk]

I thought we were wrapping things up on Sunday? When's this thing going to finally be done??

I'd like to see a few more entries to vote on before we close shop on this thing..  Want to make sure we get great tokens again!  Not that there aren't great entries already, but it's always nice to have choices 

[dcsipe]

Seriously though?  The thread has been open for nearly 2 months.  We keep waiting around for more entries and it'll be time to start working on the 2008 tokens!  I can't imagine that there are people who have been working on tokens designs for the past 2 months and just need those few more days to get em in.

[jfunk]

Heh..  Were you around for last year's threads? 

This is the way it goes.. 

I agree, there probably aren't those who've been toiling away for months..  but there are those procrastinators who have an idea and are only now realizing they'd better get them in or it'll be too late 

And, if this goes like last year, we will now have to vote on tokens.. 
We _THEN_ have to vote on slogans..  And THEN we do pre-orders..  And THEN we wait for the tokens to be minted..  So, I hope nobody's urgently needing tokens 

This is nobody's fault.  It's just the way it seems to go...

[dstone]

Huh, wish I would have known that. Would have saved me from the mad scramble of trying to get this stuff together at the last minute.

[Pixelhugger]

In past years there seems to have been much more interest. More entries. More posts. More discussion. I'm hoping that there is actually enough demand to do the run, especially given the higher prices.

[fatfingers]

In past years there seems to have been much more interest. More entries. More posts. More discussion. I'm hoping that there is actually enough demand to do the run, especially given the higher prices.

Yes, I have noticed and been wondering the same.

[dstone]

Just out of curiosity, is there anyone out there still working on a design?

[mr.Curmudgeon]

I was thinking of creating a design...but I've been hella busy these past few weeks. I just checked today and noticed the Santoro suggested a July 8th deadline.

So as far as I know, I missed out. If there's still time, I can try to finish it up over the next few days.

[JustMichael]

I don't know if there is still time or not but I know the tokens haven't been minted yet...
I think everyone would like to see your design.

[Santoro]

Just because I've been too busy to post polls let's extend it to Sunday - Jul 22. I know a few stragglers had ideas.

[dstone]

Just wanted to give this a bump in case there were any ideas that missed the second deadline. 

[Santoro]

Hey MrC - weren't you going to submit something?

[missioncontrol]

he's been out of town most this week, you may have to PM him a reminder...

[mr.Curmudgeon]

Santoro, check your PM's.

[Santoro]

OK... I've been holding the door open for mr.Curmudgeon to get his submission in.  If anyone else wants to submit please do so ASAP.  The double-final super drop-dead closing date is midnight friday (eastern time.)  I promise no more extensions\delays.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

Doh! I've had it done since just after the *last* deadline. Looks like we've both been too busy for our own good. I designed a front and a back that are designed to go together as a theme. I'm just going to post them both here for now, I can split the image up to seperate threads if that's more appropriate.

Anyhow, I'm a big fan of Steam Punk stuff, so my token design is part of that genre. The central theme is based on the challenge stated on the coin, "How Retro Can You Go?", which is an homage to one of the core aspects of this hobby..our love of the past, and our desire to recreate it.

The idea behind some of the details is that the coin was hand-crafted years ago, using a watchmakers time-honored attention to detail and a showman's penchant for flair. Imagine, if you will, that it were two thin coins, (like magicians trick coins), intricately machined together, so that one (toothed) outer edge could be turned with the fingers, causing the tiny gears to spin, in turn, rotating the stars on the back, which would then (using pins that go through the coin) rotate all the "stars" on the front face of the coin. (ie: so all the stars on the coin are rotating). Trust me, I'm mental. I planned this whole thing out as if it could actually work.

There are ten stars on the coin, each with ten facets, which represent the 10 years that BYOAC has been helping all of us relive our past, and challenging us with the question, "How Retro Can You Go?"

Originally, versions one and two were even more detailed, but then I realized I was working on a token that was going to be 25mm in diameter. Duh.


Version 3 - Click to Zoom



Version 4 - Click to Zoom
(a little less detail on the text)


Love 'em or hate 'em, there they are.
mrC

[KDOG]

I like it

[siropa]

I like them mr.Curmudgeon. They really remind me of old tokens from arcades.

[Pixelhugger]

I love them. And I hate them. I hate them for being so much more amazing than anything I could do. I hate them for being so f%$%*ING cool I'm gonna hafta fork over more much needed cabinet money just to hold these intricate little beauties in my hand!

Having gone the rounds with the mint several times now, IMO nothing so far would hold a candle to the feel of these actually minted with all that insane detail. I like steampunk stuff too, but aside from that these are so unusual and would look so incredible in metal I feel like I've gotta have them. I'm sure some people will beg to differ since they are decidedly more "retro" than the hobby in general, but I think that makes them that much cooler. These have to be the most "token" like of anything we've done so far.

Wow!

[Pixelhugger]

I like version 3 for the final. While the white lettering in version 4 looks a bit better in "print"... the actual metal stamping will make MUCH more of the outlines and relief in version 3.

Awesome. I'm finally excited about the possibilities again!!

[mr.Curmudgeon]

I like version 3 for the final. While the white lettering in version 4 looks a bit better in "print"... the actual metal stamping will make MUCH more of the outlines and relief in version 3.

I know nothing about how the stamping works, so I'm all ears on that part...and I have no problem tweaking the design, and considering other suggestions, based on your experienced. I thought ver. 3 would be too detailed. But that's cool if it's not. I like that one better anyhow.

I'm stoked that you love them.    ....and hate them! 
 

[bfauska]

Bling 'em, bling 'em.  I like a few of them so far but I think maybe curmudgeon's are my favorite so far.  I think jfunk and pixel might be of a more appropriate era, but since I am at least as into mechanical things as I am arcades I really like Curmudgeon's.

Mostly, I think we've finally arrived at a place where we should see everything blinged up for comparison.

[Kaytrim]

Version 3 - Click to Zoom



Version 4 - Click to Zoom

It is hard to tell which of these two versions is my favorite.  I like the look of version 3 but the complexity may be a bit too much for minting.  We will have to let Santaro let us know on that front.  Personally I like the invader style coins but these are just too pretty not to be considered.

Excellent Job Mr C.

EDIT**  A few suggestions.  You have the coins designed for visual excellence as they sit now.  However the coloring is not proper for minting.  The lighter the shade the more to the front the object will be.  An example of where you have a mistake in this are the banners on the front face.  Another example are the stars.  I understand the faceting you envision for them but as they sit now they will not show up that way when minted.  I don't know how you would set this up for minting but maybe when they are 'blinged' it will translate better.

EDIT 2 **  I would take out the screws from the stars on the back and then do a reverse faceting on the star in the '1'  Also loose the shadowing for the main lettering on both sides (v4) as well as around the edge of the coin.  These look nice in this form but will be there anyway when minted.  I would also shade the number '1' slightly so when minted it will be lower than the word 'TOKEN'  Once version 4 is tweaked for minting it should be the best design of any I have seen and one to be coveted in anyone's collection.

[jfunk]

Darn you, Mr. C!

Excellent entries...

[mr.Curmudgeon]

EDIT** However the coloring is not proper for minting. 

Yeah, I'm at a loss for the minting process, so I tried to cut my losses and tried to design for a little of both arenas (gray levels for minting, visual queues for viewing). I think Pixel is going to help make sure that issue is addressed with this design.

EDIT 2 **  I would take out the screws from the stars on the back and then do a reverse faceting on the star in the '1'  Also loose the shadowing for the main lettering on both sides (v4) as well as around the edge of the coin.  These look nice in this form but will be there anyway when minted.  I would also shade the number '1' slightly so when minted it will be lower than the word 'TOKEN'  Once version 4 is tweaked for minting it should be the best design of any I have seen and one to be coveted in anyone's collection.

I will definitely look into this. I went into this figuring there'd be some adjustments along the line. Great suggestions.
...and thanks for the compliments, as well. 

Pixel is thinking that the detail in ver 3. might be doable (which surprises me), minus any other design adjustments for depth effects, etc.

[Pixelhugger]

The outer rule around BYOAC in version 3 is over .003" which means it should be mintable without any problems. Some of the serifs in the smaller type will likely be a bit lost I'm guessing, but I doubt that'll affect the overall look much.

[missioncontrol]

very nice Mr C. and worth the extra wait to you to finalize them..... guess my design doesn't have a chance now.....

They have my vote.... can't wait to see them blinged

[Pixelhugger]

FWIW .002" is the absolute minimum line width.

[jfunk]

Might I suggest removing the 2007 from one of the sides?  (Front would be my choice)

Don't know that it needs to be on both and would allow some more of the detail on the front to be seen...

[Pixelhugger]

Man that design is just beggin for some old latin motto.

Ludus numquam finitus est!

[missioncontrol]

Might I suggest removing the 2007 from one of the sides?  (Front would be my choice)

Don't know that it needs to be on both and would allow some more of the detail on the front to be seen...

agreed lose the year on the front

[Pixelhugger]

Bling. Apologies to any who've already sent files for bling. I'll get those posted too as soon as my head stops hurting from this one.

Please keep in mind this is not a 3D rendering and is only an approximation of how things will look stamped in metal. Consequently some/all of these layers probably look much chunkier and overly embossed than they would in a final coin.



And if there's not enough to order nickel, heres the brass.

[jfunk]

wow.

[Kaytrim]

Now that I have seen the bling, thanks PH.  I would lose the shadow on the BYOAC Mr. C. 

Pixel here is a good example of what the stars should look like, Mr. C tell me if I am wrong.


TTFN

[Pixelhugger]

Unfortunately we are not able to actually create 3D extrusions on the coin. We can only use multiple flat layers, so the kind of detail intended with those stars has to be approximated. It should come off looking pretty close to that I think, considering they'd be a small fraction of an inch in size. 

[dstone]

  Wow. I didn't care much for the design seeing the drawings, but seeing the blinged out version really makes me appreciate the intricacy of the design. Splendid work! 

[Kaytrim]

Unfortunately we are not able to actually create 3D extrusions on the coin. We can only use multiple flat layers, so the kind of detail intended with those stars has to be approximated. It should come off looking pretty close to that I think, considering they'd be a small fraction of an inch in size. 

Bummer, they would look really sweet like that and they would be too plain without the facets.    Oh well beggars can't be choosers.

TTFN

[Pixelhugger]

seeing the blinged out version really makes me appreciate the intricacy of the design.

And this is just a cheap 2d cheat. The actual metal would likely be far more intricate and amazing.

[ChadTower]

Wow.  I'll have to finally pony up the dough for BYOAC tokens.  Nice job.

[Kaytrim]

After zooming in by 400% the detail of the coin really comes out in the blinged version.  Super job PH.  Also looking closer like this showed to me that the shadow of the "BOYAC" is on the banner behind and below but not above the banner.  IMHO it looks out of place in this version.

TTFN

  Just do the brass that looks even better than the nickel plated one. 

[mr.Curmudgeon]

Pixel here is a good example of what the stars should look like, Mr. C tell me if I am wrong.

You are definitely correct. That's what I had in mind, it looks like I need to correct the Illustrator file.
Some edits are in order. We'll see how it goes.


mrC

[pointdablame]

wow, that is an awesome design Mr. C.    Great work, I love 'em

[Pixelhugger]

This is the only other file I've received to bling. Anyone else ready?

[saint]

Man that design is just beggin for some old latin motto.

Ludus numquam finitus est!

"Game at no time neighboring is?"

In sanctus nos fides

[markrvp]

"Yo tengo un pene muy grande"

[bfauska]

So the way you posted it PH, it sounds like the consensus in the past has been toward the nickel instead of brass, is that correct?  Personally if I am going to have custom tokens I think that they would look cooler/more retro/more like tokens if they were brass.  Am I way off base here.  If I wanted silver color I'd use quarters.  I also like the idea of brass probably being cheaper since my to cabs have quarter mechs right now and in addition to the tokens I'd have to buy 3 token mechs if I want these darn things, and I probably will since there are at least 3 designs I'd be willing to use.

[Pixelhugger]

I'm not sure what the preference has been. But both have been an option. It's just that nickel requires something like a 10,000 coin minimum to mint, and then costs more on top of that so it's not likely unless there's a lot of demand. I love them both, but if I had to choose, brass is much more nostalgic for me.

Mark - That's more than I needed to know. But for the record (and what I am sure is a large number of hot latinas reading) - yo también. 
Saint - Almost. It's actually "All your Ludus are belong to us." 

[bfauska]

hey Pixel,

Ummmmmmmmm,  I do really like the idea of these and enjoy seeing them blinged, but...  IS YOUR CABINET DONE YET?  I would feel horrible if that poor cabinet was getting no attention while you spent so much time working on these tokens.

[Pixelhugger]

Heh.

Well, let me revise the latin to: "my project numquam finitus est"

But to answer your question, any of these art related projects I generally do during uh... whats the word.... downtime... at work.

[rockin_rick]

I'd also vote for brass.  Perhaps a vote could be taken for brass vs nickel and then the winner is minted at potentially a bit of a savings (due to economies of scale)?

BTW - Is the nickel version nickel plated brass?  And, more importantly, will the nickel perform IDENTICALLY as brass in a mech?  I'm guessing that the 'magnet deceleration' feature of the mech would be the part that may cause the issue (if there is one).  (or do I not fully understand the operation of a mech...)

Rick

[missioncontrol]

So the way you posted it PH, it sounds like the consensus in the past has been toward the nickel instead of brass, is that correct?  Personally if I am going to have custom tokens I think that they would look cooler/more retro/more like tokens if they were brass.  Am I way off base here.  If I wanted silver color I'd use quarters.  I also like the idea of brass probably being cheaper since my to cabs have quarter mechs right now and in addition to the tokens I'd have to buy 3 token mechs if I want these darn things, and I probably will since there are at least 3 designs I'd be willing to use.

bfauska

you may be able to hack your coin mechs to accept tokens and quarters. I hacked my mechs and they seem to work well.... except for the fact that my cabinet isn't finished, but dry run test of the mechs proved that once hacked they were able to accept both. There is a tutorial thread somewhere on this site and I believe Santoro has links to other token hack tutorials....


ahhh here's the page that might help.....

http://www.arcadereplay.com/content/

So unless your coindoor is the special type that need to have the hole the quarter goes in dremmeled out a bit, the hack should be fairly easy. I still need to drimmel out the quarter slots on my pin though.....

[fatfingers]

[My fake Latin attempt]

In Arcadus We Trustis

[siropa]

now that i've seen mrC design with bling... MUST. HAVE. NOW!!!

btw, brass all the way for me. old style token like that has to be in brass, even better once its tarnished up a bit.

[Zero_Hour]

now that i've seen mrC design with bling... MUST. HAVE. NOW!!!

Indeed.
I've always said I want to get some BYOAC tokens, and then never pull the trigger...
Mr. C's in Brass would be the end of that trend for sure. Beautiful. 

[patrickl]

Wow I missed this thread for a while. Mr C, that's a seriously cool design.

[MameMaster!]

WOW.....really nice job Mr. C......that's cool.

....now I have to buy more frickern' tokens!! 

[Pixelhugger]

Man, I am SO excited to see the interest picking up. I was getting nervous this run wouldn't be doable.

[bfauska]

Do we have a rough idea of cost?  I know somebody mentioned that it would likely be more than previous years, could we get an estimate based on the previous years quantities and the current price of production, or does it depend on the art?

Even a general figure...
100 for $10.00 or 100 for $100.00?

[Kaytrim]

Do we have a rough idea of cost?  I know somebody mentioned that it would likely be more than previous years, could we get an estimate based on the previous years quantities and the current price of production, or does it depend on the art?

Even a general figure...
100 for $10.00 or 100 for $100.00?

The current price for the previous tokes is $26.99 for 100.  You can look here.

TTFN

edit** I'd like to see a re-order of the 2006 tokens and then offer a mixed bag of like 50 tokens from each year.

[Pixelhugger]

I'm pretty sure the mint has raised prices from last year so I'd expect a bump up from the 26.99.

[bfauska]

An assortment option would be great, I can't imagine I will need more than 100 tokens though, so maybe 25 each of 2004, 2005, 2006, & 2007.  I suppose if that option doesn't come up I may be able to find 3 other people interested in that and then we'd just split them amongst ourselves.

[Santoro]

BTW - Is the nickel version nickel plated brass?  And, more importantly, will the nickel perform IDENTICALLY as brass in a mech? 

Yes, and yes.  At least in my experience ofer 4 years. ...

I'm guessing that the 'magnet deceleration' feature of the mech would be the part that may cause the issue (if there is one).  (or do I not fully understand the operation of a mech...)

I haven't heard of my tokens having any magnetic issues to date. There's a pretty good chance that's a non-issue.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

I've got a quick question about the final tokens. On Santoro's site they look like they have an actual patina to them? (ie: there's a dark/antique-like appearance on the recessed part of the token) Is this how the final tokens look, or is this an effect for viewing details on the web?

If they do come out with a patina, that'd be AWESOME...on any token design!

See attached example.

[Pixelhugger]

Mine have definitely aged. They do seem to darken (oxidize?) over time.

[Santoro]

I've got a quick question about the final tokens. On Santoro's site they look like they have an actual patina to them? (ie: there's a dark/antique-like appearance on the recessed part of the token) Is this how the final tokens look, or is this an effect for viewing details on the web?

If they do come out with a patina, that'd be AWESOME...on any token design!

See attached example.

They do age nicely, IMHO, especially with frequent use.

As far as the photos go, I did polish the tokens with Brasso prior to sending them to Markrvp for phographing, but the intent was for them to look 'shiny new.'  I think that the 'patina' is a result of two things -  the polishing, and the lighting that Mark used. 

[Pixelhugger]

That makes sense. I was gonna say mine have darkened pretty evenly overall unlike the photos which are mostly dark around the details. So I'm guessing a bit of brass polish enhances the aged look by lightening the raised/detailed areas and leaving the lowered areas oxidized. That look would be awesome on Mr. C's intricate design!

[JustMichael]

Here is a picture of a token I took quite a while back (warning NOT NOT NOT dialup friendly...did I mention NOT?):



The darkening at the top is a trick of the light and all of the token is nice and shiny.

For a direct link to the full size picture: http://folks.harbornet.com/exclavieor/BYOAC%20Token.jpg

[Santoro]

Just to confirm - the design sumission period is formally closed as of last Friday.  I will try to post polls with what I have tonight or tomorrow.  If you haven't sent your design to Pixelhugger for blinging, I will use what you posted as the picture of your design.  (you should send it to him for blinging!)

[Pixelhugger]

Please wait until tomorrow, I've still got to get the submissions provided to me blinged.  If you have a sumission you haven't emailed me or PM'd me get in in TODAY. 

[Santoro]

Here is an unpolished token that has been on my keyring for three years. 

[Santoro]

Please wait until tomorrow, I've still got to get the submissions provided to me blinged.  If you have a sumission you haven't emailed me or PM'd me get in in TODAY. 

Oh, I didn't know that.  How much time do you need?  We can wait.. you are volunteering for this!

[Pixelhugger]

Well, I'll try to get them done tonight/tomorrow during work.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

Man, I so want your job.   

Here is an unpolished token that has been on my keyring for three years. 

OMG! That's awesome looking. I'm totally putting any tokens I buy on keyrings for three years!   

[Pixelhugger]

I should probably post these in their respective threads for front and back, but to keep things simple I'm just gonna put all blinged entries here. Is that OK santoro?

[Pixelhugger]

Am I missing anyone? There are definitely posts that nobody has sent files for. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

[Pixelhugger]

 Took the liberty to stipple behind the invader. Lemme know if I shouldn't Kevin.

[Pixelhugger]

That's all I've got. I'm withdrawing mine.

[Pixelhugger]

Still have a couple more to come. This is the final Mr. C. front. Back to follow.

[JoyMonkey]

Here is an unpolished token that has been on my keyring for three years. 

OMG! That's awesome looking. I'm totally putting any tokens I buy on keyrings for three years!   

No ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---. I'm going to take a few tokens to work and drill holes in them tomorrow. 
I can see the headline now; "Immigrant looses eye in horrific arcade token drill press accident"

[langdoguk]

An assortment option would be great, I can't imagine I will need more than 100 tokens though, so maybe 25 each of 2004, 2005, 2006, & 2007.  I suppose if that option doesn't come up I may be able to find 3 other people interested in that and then we'd just split them amongst ourselves.

   I agree , that would be ideal for myself too .

[missioncontrol]

I wonder how good Mr. C's design would look without the stipple

[mr.Curmudgeon]

I think on that latest rendering, the stipple looks more pronounced than it would be normally, since the lighting is a bit different (brighter) than the last image.
Look at the first 'blinged' image, and you'll see the difference.

The stipple, I think, would make the details stand out more on an actual token. Without it, the various design elements would probably blend together.

I've got a 'Retroblast' token, with stippling on it, an it looks *really* nice. It's very subtle.

EDIT: Here's an image comparing the two. The stipple on an actual coin, looks more like the rendering on the left.

[Santoro]

An assortment option would be great, I can't imagine I will need more than 100 tokens though, so maybe 25 each of 2004, 2005, 2006, & 2007.  I suppose if that option doesn't come up I may be able to find 3 other people interested in that and then we'd just split them amongst ourselves.

I need to structure the sales in a way that we get enough orders to justify making the tokens at all.. this due to factory minimums.  I also need to be sure I don't get stuck with too many unsold tokens.

Because of this, I do the same thing every year.. We have minimum orders of 200 of each metal for the first round, then a a few months after the tokens are avaiiable I make 100-lots available.   If I had 100 or 50-lots available up front, most people would go for those to save money. This is not a very big market, and it's likely we would either not have enough tokens to order at all, or I might not make any profit at all due to unsold ones.

This way everyone wins.. If you want a smaller lot, you will be able to get one, you just need a little patience. 

[Pixelhugger]

Not stippling is a huge mistake. Not only does it emphasize details, but the lowest areas of the coin if left unstippled tend to look tin like and flat. I realize the "blinging" has its drawbacks. The actual feel of the stipple is pretty hard to accurately convey.

[missioncontrol]

most my older tokens doesn't have the stippling and they look good. I'm in for a set either way though so you don't have to sell it to me.

[bfauska]

An assortment option would be great, I can't imagine I will need more than 100 tokens though, so maybe 25 each of 2004, 2005, 2006, & 2007.  I suppose if that option doesn't come up I may be able to find 3 other people interested in that and then we'd just split them amongst ourselves.

I need to structure the sales in a way that we get enough orders to justify making the tokens at all.. this due to factory minimums.  I also need to be sure I don't get stuck with too many unsold tokens.

Because of this, I do the same thing every year.. We have minimum orders of 200 of each metal for the first round, then a a few months after the tokens are avaiiable I make 100-lots available.   If I had 100 or 50-lots available up front, most people would go for those to save money. This is not a very big market, and it's likely we would either not have enough tokens to order at all, or I might not make any profit at all due to unsold ones.

This way everyone wins.. If you want a smaller lot, you will be able to get one, you just need a little patience. 

That makes sense.  I suppose that if I find 8 people willing to do this that we could work out the split amongst ourselves and then still contribute to the initial set of 200 or more token orders.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

Am I going to have to change the date on the token to 2008?   

[missioncontrol]

Where's the polls at?

[Pixelhugger]

I'm still blinging a couple.

[mr.Curmudgeon]

You could teach me your secret blinging process, and I'd be more than happy to help you out.   

[fatfingers]

I think that blinging process is kind of like the 11 herbs and spices the Colonel always used to brag about!!!   

[Santoro]

I've been on vacation for 9 days anyway.

How goes it Mitch?

[Pixelhugger]

 

[dstone]

Was this the last one or are there a few more to go?

[Santoro]

I think there's one more.

[Pixelhugger]

This is the last of what I was given. I know there were more entries, but I haven't received files to bling. Please email me immediately if you have a final serious submission that I didn't get. My email has been filtering some stuff out unexpectedly so give me a heads up via PM as well.

 

[Pixelhugger]

Added missing bolt on star. Image updated.