My First Card Alter
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Posted on Oct. 23, 2016, 8:13 p.m. by nobody1234567890
So I got into the art of card alteration a few weeks ago and practiced with paints and paint brushes until I felt a bit more comfortable with it. I am fairly proud of it. Its my first piece and I decided to use my one of my commander's for the piece.
Opinions and constructive criticism are more then welcome.
nobody1234567890 says... #3
Depending on what you want for the alter. I feel 80 is a bit much for any alter that isn't so good it looks like the original art. I find making pop out art a lot easier so this was a stretch to practice with. I was glad to get the paint thin enough the card is not noticeably different in a sleeve, weighs about as much as a foil and nothing is raised up. I want to get better, but I wouldn't charge anyone more then $10-$15 for an alteration that didn't involve changing the original art entirely. I'm a pencil artist by trade so I'm still working on the brush strokes.
October 23, 2016 8:31 p.m.
I'm fairly new to altering myself. We've got a few people on the site that are pretty great. 40 to 80 is perfectly reasonable for an alter. The thing to remember is that great alters take hours to make and you've got to cover for supplies and shipping. You might end up working minimum wage or lower on some orders if you don't charge enough. Given how much dedication and time goes into altering something, it's only fair. Look around for prices. Try giving us better pictures in the future.
October 23, 2016 9:11 p.m.
nobody1234567890 says... #5
Better as in photo quality or art quality? I have a full time job so its not about the money.
October 23, 2016 9:14 p.m.
Better photographs. Take these, for example. They're taken with my phone camera in poor lighting, but they're still ok pics because you can clearly see the cards and strokes.
My 4th and 5th Alters Show
October 23, 2016 9:48 p.m.
nobody1234567890 says... #7
Nice ones. I was actually going to do a Darksteel Ingot myself in similar style to practice filling out the borders.
October 23, 2016 10:08 p.m.
I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars. It looks really good but not perfect. You can clearly tell your work from the original and your signature is too big on the card. Still solid work that if I was looking for I'd gladly spend my money on
October 23, 2016 10:30 p.m.
Sim_Will_CMcantfindmehopefully says... #9
I prefer an altar to look different, if not a completely unique and redone peice than adding a certain art style or recolour or brushstroke over it.
$80 is just quite a bit, I'll certainly pay that though once I finish my favorite few decklists.
October 23, 2016 11:13 p.m.
nobody1234567890 says... #10
@shadow63: Thanks! I appreciate the honesty. I think some of it has to do with the paint I'm using. Its quality paint but not the kind designated for miniatures or magic cards that they actually make but rather store bought from an arts and craft store. I feel I will get better with practice, and this was one made for personal use. I don't even like my own signature on it so I may just use a toothpick and remove it.
October 23, 2016 11:55 p.m.
Golden fluid acrylics are the best. I dropped $100 on paint when I got started and I've still got loads.
October 24, 2016 9:04 a.m.
Yeah, and get some varnish. I use W&N General Purpose Matt Varnish and have generally heard only great things about it. One quick coat before you start and one to seal the card helps your first coat stick better (fewer base coats=thinner alter) and makes the card and paint blend together better as well as preserve the paint.
October 24, 2016 6:34 p.m.
nobody1234567890 says... #14
I used varnish on this piece, before and after.
October 24, 2016 8:06 p.m.
Can i get some feedback on the wing on the left side of the card. The rest is obv a work in progress.
Sim_Will_CMcantfindmehopefully says... #2
I like it. Although I can clearly tell where it's altered I like the brush strokes. You could try covering the whole piece so it it's all painted.
Would anyone know the rate for a fill altar? Some guy is charging me $40 to $80 and I'm not sure how much that is.
October 23, 2016 8:21 p.m.