Need some input from the wood carvers...

[Just Carving]

I've been mulling an idea around in my head and I'm thinking about going forward with self-publishing specialized pattern books. I want to fill in a niche that hasn't been addressed by the books that are on the market now. Since there are a lot of books out there already, it's hard to figure out just what hasn't been done. So here's your chance to get the pattern book you've been looking for.

I'm keeping the book strictly as a pattern book with minimal suggestions on how I would do a carving. I don't want to get into the how-to-carve area too much.

So what I'd like is a wish list--what you, the readers, would like to see in a pattern book--styles of carving, patterns--tell me the ones that are hard to find, tell me your favorite format--views--front, top, side, back, 3D, drawings or photos, and also, what you like and don't like about the books you have used or, maybe have seen but didn't buy. If so, tell me why you didn't buy it.

I can't guarantee I'll meet everybody's needs, but I think I'll be more successful in producing a book that will be more useful with your help.

Thanks,
Bob L

[TreeWizard]

More in the round Dragons, Wizards, and creatures of mythology.

[Iowa Carver]

I like the side and front view style of patterns that Mike Shipley uses in his books. I like both figure caricatures and animal caricatures ... and realistic ones as well. What I don't like for animals if they the pattern needs enlarged, I have seen patterns that have the top and side views both different sized and need to be enlarged differently. I like them the same size so they can be enlarged and reduced .

Corey

[Dan S]

I have had problems with carving patterns not being particularly well drawn. Each of the views is a different size and they are often off when I attemptd to line up features on the block. I would also like better photos of more detailed areas of a carving. i.e. better head and hand photos on caricatures. As far as topics, I would think that almost any popular subject, if done well, would sell. I wonder what a carving book would look like if done in 3-D complete with the funky glasses.

Dan

[Kenny_S]

Niffty Idea Bob. I can't help much as I either use roughouts or my own designs. Yes people, Kenny_S does carve his own also.
However, I do agree that side,back, top of the patterens need to be same size. Maybe a picture of what it looks like after it is carved for references.
I like the Idea Bob. Jolly good show mate.

[Just Carving]

Okay guys--this is great keep the suggestions coming!

The idea of dragons and mythological creatures is good--I just gotta hire a 5 year old to teach me all about dragons now! OOPS--job filled! My grandnephew can do that!!LOL Seriously, I have seen a book or 2 but not much. I remember when I was in grade school, I had to do a report on Pegasus--the flying horse. That was my first exposure to mythology. So, Treewizard, you may have awakened a sleeping giant in me--I just may take you up on your suggestion.

And I agree about pattern views not being drawn in scale with each other. That is something that I will definitiely keep in mind along with reference photos.

This is exactly the kind of info. I'm looking for. Like I said the more you guys help me, hopefully, the better the pattern books will be.

Bob L

[Just Carving]

Here's another thought:

Beside a pattern book, is there something else along the lines of using my drafting/drawing skills that would be of interest to carvers?

Thanks
Bob L

[Kenny_S]

Drafting/drawing= patterens, eh? Go for it Bob!

[Just Carving]

Tree wizard,

You probably know about these but I'd figure I mention them.

Carving Fantasy & Legend Figures in Wood: <span class="subtitle">Patterns & Instructions for Dragons, Wizards & Other Creatures of Myth </span>


Big Book of Dragons Monsters & Other Mythical Creatures

Bob L

[Robert Cahill]

Jack Price has a cd out with a finished painted picture of the front, side and back view and a pattern front and side view on one page. A book like this of a variety of patterns would be nice. One suggestion is to try and keep the patterns away from the inside bind of the book so copying is easier or go for a spiral binding