Printing a TWD Alternate Translite

[JWG9999]

Much as I love my TWD Pro I've never been impressed by the translite. It's flat, dull. It doesn't glow. So I thought “Why not draw your own?” Not that I'm actually a proper artist but who cares?

And I got carried anyway. TBH I'm unsure about it now – zombies with big boobs? Once ago it would've been fine but times have changed. I have a lovely but very feminist niece who I know will not like this.

Fortunately my wife thinks it's OK. Well, she said she wasn't very surprised by it.

Either way it's my translite and I want to see it in my pin, even if only for a while.

But how do I get it printed? According to an article from Pavlov Pinball simply printing an image onto mylar is a waste of time – for back lit images you need a special technique. Otherwise it's just flat, washed out, and dull. Exactly what I'm trying to get away from.

Here are two versions of it, I'm still twiddling around with it. It loses much texture in scaling down so I've posted cut outs from the full sized image. These give a better idea of what it should look like when printed.

Can anyone recommend a printer who can do this please?

 

[Paul]

Maybe something @PeteB may be able to assist with?

 

[PeteB]

zombies with big boobs?

Hell yes!

Once ago it would've been fine but times have changed.

Nahhhh, it's still fine.

I have a lovely but very feminist niece who I know will not like this.

Who cares.

Fortunately my wife thinks it's OK.

You win. She's a keeper.

Either way it's my translite and I want to see it in my pin

Exactly. You be happy!

But how do I get it printed?

* raises hand *

Can anyone recommend a printer who can do this please?

* raises hand again *

Yes I can arrange this for you. Our tranlites are printed with a heavier ink techique than other repro's and it's a multilayer process with a glossy finish, so you end up with something thick and very similar looking to the early 90's Bally / Williams translites.

Drop me a message or email if you'd like to discuss.

 

[JWG9999]

Thank you. PM sent.

 

[Sgt GrizZ]

Oooh. I was thinking similar recently. I want a better translite for Mick On A Stick :-D

 

[stoptap]

Oooh. I was thinking similar recently. I want a better translite for Mick On A Stick :-D

 

[PeteB]

That could make for an awesome translite.

 

[Mozcom]

@stoptap you have the artistic flair. Any ideas for an AP 13 alternative gratefully received?

 

[stoptap]

@stoptap you have the artistic flair. Any ideas for an AP 13 alternative gratefully received?

It's not my work mate. I lifted it off the internet. It is cool though isn't it ?

I used to paint watercolours although I doubt they would make a good backglass.

 

[Mozcom]

No worries mate.

 

[Marvello]

Are you open to suggestions? The "How long can you survive" font doesn't look right IMHO. Needs something more rough/3d looking, similar to the "Walking Dead" font you have used, or remove altogether.

 

[RobZombie]

My eyes

 

[RobZombie]

If you're going to go to the expense of getting this done then why not commission a proper artist to do the artwork? I can put you in touch with the perfect artist for this, he specialises in horror and does album covers and tour posters for the likes of Napalm Death etc. Not sure how much he charges but I don't think he's expensive. Run off a batch, make some cash out of it even...

 

[stoptap]

I always liked the look of this one.

 

[JWG9999]

If you're going to go to the expense of getting this done then why not commission a proper artist to do the artwork?

Sorry if it hurt your eyes! I drew it for fun. Yep I'm not a proper artist, can't handle a paint brush, tried art classes and couldn't hack it. But l still love mucking about with Photoshop etc.

And I like it! It's going in my machine.

 

[JWG9999]

Are you open to suggestions? The "How long can you survive" font doesn't look right IMHO. Needs something more rough/3d looking, similar to the "Walking Dead" font you have used, or remove altogether.

Thanks for the suggestion - any help welcome. I need it. I agree it doesn't fit well. I think I'll take it out.

 

[Sgt GrizZ]

PM sent @PeteB

 

[Wiredworm]

Yes I can arrange this for you. Our tranlites are printed with a heavier ink techique than other repro's and it's a multilayer process with a glossy finish, so you end up with something thick and very similar looking to the early 90's Bally / Williams translites.

Now if only they could print using metalic reflective paints; you could make an absolute killing if you could reproduce the R&B backglass as a translite; because all of them are absolutely mullered with the same scratch on Bullwinkles nose.

 

[JWG9999]

So as mentioned in the Thank You thread, @PeteB printed this for me and did a terrific job.

The art work I posted didn't exactly attract any likes here - quite the opposite - but Pete asked me to post a photo of the finished translite in the machine and (with tin hat firmly fixed on) here it is.

I have to say I could not get a photo to do it justice. The camera couldn't handle the contrast, I have flash burn and etc.

The actual print is vibrant and textured and fits in with the existing art perfectly. And it glows! Exactly what I wanted:

 

[Deleted member 2463]

i bet your wife and her sister are none too chuffed though LOL

 

[Deleted member 2463]

is that a from the comics btw?

 

[JWG9999]

No, not taken from anything. I made it using modelling software, ray-tracing and Photoshop.

 

[RobZombie]

You modelled and textured these characters?

 

[JWG9999]

Yes, but starting with stock human models, manipulating them, and then applying a mix of mostly commercial textures and some of my own. In fact, so far as I can remember, all figures in the picture are from the same basic female model.

 

[RobZombie]

Ok fair do's You should have a look at Make Human or Autodesk Character Generator.

 

[JWG9999]

Ok fair do's You should have a look at Make Human or Autodesk Character Generator.

Will do.