page two of two
Samples of Finished Prints
---------------
C E R T I F I C A T E S O F A U T H E N T I C I T Y
A R T P R I N T S
Displayed below are some generic examples of what completed prints, ready to ship, might look like. As shown, every image contains a small imprint of the official DRAGONOPOLIS Mall & Emporium logo. In addition are reference letters and numbers, the last three digits of which indicate the quantity of prints sold of any particular selection. This number will range from -000 to -100. In no case will more than one-hundred prints be produced from an individual image, thus a selection with the number -100 would represent the final image printed of a subsequently closed edition. The letters and numbers that precede the listed quantity represent the specific identification for a specific print. Customers simply refer to this set of letters and numbers when ordering a particular image. The number of prints (quantity) previously sold for any given image is very accurate, but does not include a small number of test prints (three to five approx.) which were either destroyed or kept for archival purposes.
Also included with all prints is my hand-written signature (possibly the least important added feature). A third and last element is the inclusion of a small badge or emblem, sometimes referred to as a device or illumination, which further identifies and personalizes your print. Once imprinted accordingly, your print may be the only one of its kind ever produced. Or among the very few. Because all images are individually printed one at a time, each is either downloaded to a "thumb" drive prior to printing at a local company, or uploaded into a printer directly from my computer. Regardless of the method used, such a process allows me to customize every print according to my personal taste, the customer's expressed wishes, or both. To my knowledge, this procedure for selling "first generation" art prints is entirely unique within the art-print industry. Which is either important or superfluous depending on how much you like me or my work. I'd prefer you like the work if it's a matter of choice.
Once completely assembled, including insertion of a website logo and accompanying badge, plus reference identification and artist's signature, a finished print is comparable to what are typically referred to as "multiple originals". Though not exactly the same and definitely nowhere near as expensive, the fact that no "original" painting or drawing exists from which reproductions were derived, lends a certain level of credibility to such a claim. When a customer orders one of my specialty prints, no one in the world possesses or owns an original, one-of-a-kind painting or drawing of that same image. Neither does anyone own a version that is particularly superior or inferior to another of the same printed image. Even as the artist, I do not now own, nor will I ever produce a version of any print (sold as a series) that is superior in quality or value to any other which is part of that same series. The only exception to this are the so-called artist's "proofs" mentioned earlier which are few in number, reserved for cataloging purposes, and are not for sale.
Also included with all prints is my hand-written signature (possibly the least important added feature). A third and last element is the inclusion of a small badge or emblem, sometimes referred to as a device or illumination, which further identifies and personalizes your print. Once imprinted accordingly, your print may be the only one of its kind ever produced. Or among the very few. Because all images are individually printed one at a time, each is either downloaded to a "thumb" drive prior to printing at a local company, or uploaded into a printer directly from my computer. Regardless of the method used, such a process allows me to customize every print according to my personal taste, the customer's expressed wishes, or both. To my knowledge, this procedure for selling "first generation" art prints is entirely unique within the art-print industry. Which is either important or superfluous depending on how much you like me or my work. I'd prefer you like the work if it's a matter of choice.
Once completely assembled, including insertion of a website logo and accompanying badge, plus reference identification and artist's signature, a finished print is comparable to what are typically referred to as "multiple originals". Though not exactly the same and definitely nowhere near as expensive, the fact that no "original" painting or drawing exists from which reproductions were derived, lends a certain level of credibility to such a claim. When a customer orders one of my specialty prints, no one in the world possesses or owns an original, one-of-a-kind painting or drawing of that same image. Neither does anyone own a version that is particularly superior or inferior to another of the same printed image. Even as the artist, I do not now own, nor will I ever produce a version of any print (sold as a series) that is superior in quality or value to any other which is part of that same series. The only exception to this are the so-called artist's "proofs" mentioned earlier which are few in number, reserved for cataloging purposes, and are not for sale.
Certificates Of Dragonesty
In keeping with my love of playing with words, each specialty print sold either as part of the DRAGONIA: Tales Of The Golden Talon trilogy or the DRAGONS AMONG US series, is accompanied by a Certificate Of Dragonesty. All such certificates are, in actuality, little more than promissory notes that declare either the artist, the printing company, or both -- as decent, honest people who would never think of cheating the public or falsely representing their work in any way. The downside to this concerns buying from a relatively unknown seller, dealer, gallery or artist; it's a little like buying a used car from a used car salesman. Or saleswoman. Are the women just as bad (or worse?) Or as good? Some car people are extremely reputable. Maybe I should have used lawyers (or politicians) for my example. In any event, the art-buying consumer must, in most cases, take it on trust and faith that their purchase is exactly as described. Gee, that's not asking too much by today's standards, right? Fortunately not all people are as cynical as I, which leaves me a couple, maybe three kindly folks who might be willing to take the ultimate gamble and cough up the exorbitant fees I charge for my stuff. And actually believe what I say about it.
In all seriousness, this certification stuff can be very cool if it's not taken too seriously. Generally speaking, such certificates are easily copied, counterfeited, mutilated, misplaced and outright lost. Since they are rarely signed by the artist him or herself, and aren't really worth the paper they're printed on, so to speak, COAs have gotten a bad rap over the years. They're nice to have, many people still respect them, and they can add some real value to a given piece. Certification documents are rarely displayed and usually kept in an envelope taped to the back of a framed, limited edition print. However, when it came to producing a certificate for the prints I wanted to peddle, and since I was overseeing the operation from beginning to end, I felt the hand-signed certificate itself should be an interesting piece that was worthy of being framed and hung alongside the print for which it was issued. This isn't appealing to everyone, but for those who are as weird (eccentric) as I, the option should be available and even encouraged.
The 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" certificate will fit inside a standard, unmatted 6"x9" frame. Real fan-atics will mat the certificate the same as they do the print. Now there's someone after my own heart. Send me a picture. Not of you, silly, but the print and cert hanging side by side. Of course, if you want to send me a picture of yourself, that's fine too; I'll be sure to add it to my other keepsakes. By the way, not only is the cert signed by me, but (as you can see) the reference letters and numbers of the image are printed on the document also. This is not only a good way to keep track of all the different images, but makes the artwork and the cert a matched set. Which is why, even if you don't display it, you'll want to keep the cert in a safe place. Probably in an envelope taped to the back of the print. When I say, "taped to the back of the print", you know not to actually tape anything directly to the print itself, right? I knew you did. I was just checking to see if you were paying attention. Finally at the bottom is where I sign and date each cert, certifying that your print is the real deal, the genuine article, a priceless objet d'art. Okay, so priceless may be a bit overstated, but my prices are less. Does that count?
In all seriousness, this certification stuff can be very cool if it's not taken too seriously. Generally speaking, such certificates are easily copied, counterfeited, mutilated, misplaced and outright lost. Since they are rarely signed by the artist him or herself, and aren't really worth the paper they're printed on, so to speak, COAs have gotten a bad rap over the years. They're nice to have, many people still respect them, and they can add some real value to a given piece. Certification documents are rarely displayed and usually kept in an envelope taped to the back of a framed, limited edition print. However, when it came to producing a certificate for the prints I wanted to peddle, and since I was overseeing the operation from beginning to end, I felt the hand-signed certificate itself should be an interesting piece that was worthy of being framed and hung alongside the print for which it was issued. This isn't appealing to everyone, but for those who are as weird (eccentric) as I, the option should be available and even encouraged.
The 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" certificate will fit inside a standard, unmatted 6"x9" frame. Real fan-atics will mat the certificate the same as they do the print. Now there's someone after my own heart. Send me a picture. Not of you, silly, but the print and cert hanging side by side. Of course, if you want to send me a picture of yourself, that's fine too; I'll be sure to add it to my other keepsakes. By the way, not only is the cert signed by me, but (as you can see) the reference letters and numbers of the image are printed on the document also. This is not only a good way to keep track of all the different images, but makes the artwork and the cert a matched set. Which is why, even if you don't display it, you'll want to keep the cert in a safe place. Probably in an envelope taped to the back of the print. When I say, "taped to the back of the print", you know not to actually tape anything directly to the print itself, right? I knew you did. I was just checking to see if you were paying attention. Finally at the bottom is where I sign and date each cert, certifying that your print is the real deal, the genuine article, a priceless objet d'art. Okay, so priceless may be a bit overstated, but my prices are less. Does that count?
Certificates Of Authenticity
These secondary certificates are issued for any print that is a reproduction of an original work either owned by a private party, or whose whereabouts and status is unknown to me. I wanted separate certificates to differentiate between the two kinds of prints or other artworks that are sold out of this website. The primary type of print is virtually a one-of-a-kind affair for which no original art exists outside of a computer hard drive or optical disc. It is for those pieces that the above Certificate of Dragonesty is intended. By contrast, when I produce a print for sale that is essentially a standard reproduction of an original work owned by me or another person, the certificate displayed below represents the matching document that accompanies all such prints.
Worthy of mention, however, is the fact that similar to the Certificate of Dragonesty, the more basic certificate issued for standard prints still carries a dated, hand-signed signature of the artist (that be me) along with the reference letters and numbers assigned to that individual image. The last three digits again designate the current number of prints sold, ranging from -000 to -100. Once more, at no time will the total quantity of prints exceed one-hundred in number. When sold, the one-hundredth image (-100) effectively closes the edition forever. Also as before, all certificates including Certificates of Dragonesty, are imprinted with the DRAGONOPOLIS Mall & Emporium logo and identify each as an exclusive product of the DRAGONOPOLIS website.
All certs issued for all artworks are important documents and should be safeguarded the same as the print itself. Please note that in the event your certificate is damaged or lost, I will issue a replacement certificate for a small fee to cover my time and shipping. Should the occasion arise that your actual print becomes damaged or lost, the French have a saying: "C'est la vie!" In English, this means you'll have to order another print at full price. Hey, at least you get another certificate for free. Well, almost. Okay, I will make one exception because I'm feeling particularly magnanimous as I write this. If you return a damaged print to me, unless the dog ate it, I will issue you another and only charge for shipping. I know, my generosity is overwhelming. Just call this place, "Crazy Bobby's Wacky Emporium -- everything's gotta go, no offer too low!"
Worthy of mention, however, is the fact that similar to the Certificate of Dragonesty, the more basic certificate issued for standard prints still carries a dated, hand-signed signature of the artist (that be me) along with the reference letters and numbers assigned to that individual image. The last three digits again designate the current number of prints sold, ranging from -000 to -100. Once more, at no time will the total quantity of prints exceed one-hundred in number. When sold, the one-hundredth image (-100) effectively closes the edition forever. Also as before, all certificates including Certificates of Dragonesty, are imprinted with the DRAGONOPOLIS Mall & Emporium logo and identify each as an exclusive product of the DRAGONOPOLIS website.
All certs issued for all artworks are important documents and should be safeguarded the same as the print itself. Please note that in the event your certificate is damaged or lost, I will issue a replacement certificate for a small fee to cover my time and shipping. Should the occasion arise that your actual print becomes damaged or lost, the French have a saying: "C'est la vie!" In English, this means you'll have to order another print at full price. Hey, at least you get another certificate for free. Well, almost. Okay, I will make one exception because I'm feeling particularly magnanimous as I write this. If you return a damaged print to me, unless the dog ate it, I will issue you another and only charge for shipping. I know, my generosity is overwhelming. Just call this place, "Crazy Bobby's Wacky Emporium -- everything's gotta go, no offer too low!"
B A D G E S
-----------------------------------
DO YOU REALLY NEED ALL THESE STINKIN' BADGES?
In a word, no. But do they add a bit of extra charm, some additional collectibility, and increase the potential value of your print? Probably. I think they're just kinda cool no matter what. But that's me. You'll note that all of these, what I call badges, carry their own I.D. letters and numbers. This allows a buyer to request that a specific badge be used with their print. The last three digits again indicate how many times that particular badge has been ordered by other people. Customizing your print with any of the images below enhances the one-of-a-kind nature of the artwork in question, making it even more rare than might otherwise be the case. Since these prints are intended both as quality artworks and conversation pieces, the badges and other stuff provide all the more to talk about. Leastwise they do for me. I hope you agree. At the time of purchase, you will be able to specify which of these badges and embellishments -- or both -- you wish to have included with your print. Thanks. All images (badges) are shown significantly larger than actual size.
For those who might be interested, please keep in mind that all the miscellaneous images pictured below are available as their own certificated prints, in either of the two sizes available for any other image. They can be individually enlarged or combined as groups of three or more on one sheet. While such prints would make attractive pieces all on their own, you have to give me credit for figuring out how to squeeze every last nickle and dime out these things. By the way, click here to see some additional versions of these particular images, any of which are also available in the form of small badges. See Dragroup Thirteen.
Trivia note: Most fans of the original Star Trek TV show are now aware that Captain Kirk never said, "Beam me up, Scotty." Perhaps less well known is a clarification of the oft misquoted line from the 1948 classic film, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. In the movie, Humphrey Bogart and his friends are surrounded by a group of Mexican bandits, the leader of which tries to convince Bogart's character that he and his cohorts are actually Federales. Fred C. Dobbs (Bogart) then asks, "If you're the police, where are your badges?" Most people believe the bandit leader replies, "Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!" And most folks are wrong. Here's the actual response to Dobb's question: "Badges? We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges! I don't have to show you any stinkin' badges!"
For those who might be interested, please keep in mind that all the miscellaneous images pictured below are available as their own certificated prints, in either of the two sizes available for any other image. They can be individually enlarged or combined as groups of three or more on one sheet. While such prints would make attractive pieces all on their own, you have to give me credit for figuring out how to squeeze every last nickle and dime out these things. By the way, click here to see some additional versions of these particular images, any of which are also available in the form of small badges. See Dragroup Thirteen.
Trivia note: Most fans of the original Star Trek TV show are now aware that Captain Kirk never said, "Beam me up, Scotty." Perhaps less well known is a clarification of the oft misquoted line from the 1948 classic film, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. In the movie, Humphrey Bogart and his friends are surrounded by a group of Mexican bandits, the leader of which tries to convince Bogart's character that he and his cohorts are actually Federales. Fred C. Dobbs (Bogart) then asks, "If you're the police, where are your badges?" Most people believe the bandit leader replies, "Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!" And most folks are wrong. Here's the actual response to Dobb's question: "Badges? We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges! I don't have to show you any stinkin' badges!"
MISCELLANEOUS ADORNMENTS, DEVICES and ILLUMINATIONS
In the event that none of the badges above appeal to you (heaven forbid) or you wish to add even extra spice and zeal to your print, buyers can specify that I substitute one of the images below in lieu of (or in addition to) one of the displayed badges. Placement and arrangement will vary depending on my own sense of proper balance and what I think looks sweet and copasetic. Simply use the appropriate reference identification at check-out. Please note that there is a limit of one badge and one extra device or illumination per print.
Unless made into a full size print, small or large, all images are shown larger than actual size which varies between approximately 1/2" and 1" maximum. Small art prints fit on an 8 1/2"x11" sheet while large are printed on 11"x17" photo-quality paper. In the event a customer chooses to have any one of these displayed images made into a formal art print, small or large, the print itself would then carry the same badges and other identifiers as any other art print. Lots of combinations are possible -- and affordable. Fully customized artworks assembled by the artist him or herself, produce a near one-of-a-kind product -- and in my case -- at a price comparable to unsigned, mass-marketed prints. So mix and match your little (or big) hearts out; I'm listening.
Unless made into a full size print, small or large, all images are shown larger than actual size which varies between approximately 1/2" and 1" maximum. Small art prints fit on an 8 1/2"x11" sheet while large are printed on 11"x17" photo-quality paper. In the event a customer chooses to have any one of these displayed images made into a formal art print, small or large, the print itself would then carry the same badges and other identifiers as any other art print. Lots of combinations are possible -- and affordable. Fully customized artworks assembled by the artist him or herself, produce a near one-of-a-kind product -- and in my case -- at a price comparable to unsigned, mass-marketed prints. So mix and match your little (or big) hearts out; I'm listening.
D R A G O N S A M O N G U S
Most of the small dragon hybrids (including some of the full-size dragons) who play various roles in the DRAGONIA Trilogy, are also characters in the DRAGONS AMONG US Series. Because not everyone will necessarily be a fan of both the trilogy and the three books of the Young Adult series, badges and other identifiers are available that distinguish between the two different sets of novels. For those who read (and hopefully enjoyed) the DRAGONS AMONG US books -- but not necessarily the DRAGONIA Trilogy -- prints of their favorite character(s) or images might contain one or two of these specially displayed badges and adornments. Their choice. Most of the pictured items, like the ones for DRAGONIA, are also available as full-size, certificated prints. Otherwise the small imprints shown range between 1/2" and 1" in overall size, depending on the print to which they're added. All DRAGONS AMONG US reference tags use the designation of "DAU" (without the quotes) in their serial letters and numbers.
Once printed and certificated accordingly, the dragon, dragon hybrid, or other related print in question will only be associated with the DRAGONS AMONG US Series. Obviously fans of both sets of novels will have to buy two prints of everything -- just kidding! Seriously, thanks for familiarizing yourself with the various options offered in connection with all the books. For those of you who opt for one (or more) purchases, I hope you'll have fun choosing your favorite badges and other add-ons from the selections available.
By the way, if you wish to leave the whole thing to me, I'll custom design your print entirely on my own. Just so you know. Be sure to specify, however, whether your print is to be identified with the DRAGONIA Trilogy or the DRAGONS AMONG US Series -- or both. Or neither.
Once printed and certificated accordingly, the dragon, dragon hybrid, or other related print in question will only be associated with the DRAGONS AMONG US Series. Obviously fans of both sets of novels will have to buy two prints of everything -- just kidding! Seriously, thanks for familiarizing yourself with the various options offered in connection with all the books. For those of you who opt for one (or more) purchases, I hope you'll have fun choosing your favorite badges and other add-ons from the selections available.
By the way, if you wish to leave the whole thing to me, I'll custom design your print entirely on my own. Just so you know. Be sure to specify, however, whether your print is to be identified with the DRAGONIA Trilogy or the DRAGONS AMONG US Series -- or both. Or neither.
even more badges
DRAGONS AMONG US:
T h e P r e l i m i n a r y O u t l i n e s
Parts 3 & 4 | Last in the series
The grouping below is exclusive to the last book(s) in the DRAGONS AMONG US series, the cover of which is shown above. Except for #'s DAUC2-000 and DAUD2-000, all of the Chinese language characters refer to a common cricket -- a most uncommon character who plays a pivotal role in the concluding chapters of the DAU story. The idea of a cricket playing a big part in any saga filled with giant dragons seemed a nice contrast, as well as serving a practical purpose that works well in the story. Is it me, or do crickets just look Asian no matter what? The one in this case is also a macaw parrot, but that's a whole other tale reserved exclusively for those daring enough (and wealthy enough) to explore the storyline in its entirety. So what are the two typographical characters not related to crickets? Why, dragons, of course. Please note also that similar to all other serialized images, none are currently sold in any form or format.
The tremendously famous Favicon & Favipro Collection
Post Script: Since the decision was recently made not to include a shopping cart at this time, all sales and marketing information is for future use only. No prints or other merchandise are currently available except by special arrangement with the artist (me). Please drop moi a quick note, any note, for additional details. Thanks mucho.
* * * *
You're currently on the Samples of Finished Prints page
listed with A Guide to Buying the Art of DRAGONOMICON:
Click below to return to the first page of
A Guide to Buying the Art of DRAGONOMICON.
Click below to jump to the Full Size Samples page
listed under DRAGONOMICON.
Click below to visit Madeline's Muffin Shoppe.
(I figured you might be hungry after working
through all these previous pages)