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Angel Giraldez Talks Reprints For His Masterclass Book!
February 9, 2015 by brennon
We talked about it on The Weekender and now we've got word from the man himself. Angel Giraldez of Studio Giraldez has talked about the upcoming reprint of his art book and discusses some of the talk that surrounded the release of Masterclass Volume I...
A Book For Painters
First, I’d like to make it clear that while Corvus Belli and Vallejo are supporting this project, I have made all the decisions related to it. Please don’t direct your anger or frustration at them.
This book was my dream, but now it is my nightmare. Discussions, then criticisms, then insults…
When I started this project in 2013, I believed it would be a success, but no one else did. “A painting book, Angel? You’re crazy! You’re stupid! Hahaha!”. But I wanted to write it for my fans. I did market research, I studied my Facebook and blog statistics, I talked to stores, painters, companies, etc. I learned that selling more than 4,000 books would be very difficult. Nobody believed in this project. But I did.
I presented my project to Corvus Belli and Vallejo because I needed some help to sell the book, and they had the means to help me. They said “Yes!”, they trusted me and my idea. So I decided to make 5,500 books – I didn't think I would sell more than that.
I was afraid that if too many books didn’t sell, that Corvus Belli and Vallejo would be upset with me. So, during 2014, I advertised my project all over Facebook and my blog. Imagine my surprise when I began 2014 with 3,000 followers and I now have 8,700.
My mistake was underestimating my fans and followers. I didn’t expect this demand, and neither did Corvus Belli or Vallejo. As a result, many of my followers were not able to get a copy of my book, and that frustrates and saddens me.
This is a difficult decision because I decided on a “limited edition” of 5,500 copies because that’s what I could afford and, more importantly, what I thought would sell.
I’m stressed about this, I’m not happy. I re-watched my presentation video and I read the phrase “a book that helps painters”. That’s the spirit of my book. How could a book help painters if they can’t get a copy of it?
This has not been an easy decision, but I have decided to reprint this book. For those of you who have already ordered a copy, I hope you understand why I am making it available to more people. For those of you who have not yet ordered a copy, please be patient as I sort out the details.
I will post more information here as the second printing progresses.
I want to thank you all for your support. I hope this book truly helps all of you.
Angel Giraldez - Studio Giraldez
So there you have it, from the man himself. The book will be getting a second print run and you will be able to get your hands on the art book if you missed out the first time. It's pretty understandable that a personal project like this was something he didn't expect would sell this well but it's a pleasant surprise! I know for certain at my local gaming store the ten copies reserved for it sold out in around ten to fifteen minutes!
Are you going to try and get your hands on the second print run or did you manage to grab it the first time around from various retailers? Let us know in the comments below.
Have your say!
long nose to anyone trying to sell the book on ebay for 90 euros
I grabbed it first time around. I’m very glad it’s going to a second printing. Angel deserves his success.
Sensible move. I don´t know yet whether I managed to get it in the first round but I was mainly in for the model anyways. 😉 I am happy for those that really want the book.
As I said in the forums…
I for one couldn’t believe it was meant to be a limited run, at first, and for the longest time… My mind just blanked that information. I mean… A rare first edition with extra miniature is one thing, but a limited edition book ? A book that would ONLY be printed a certain number of copies, never again ? Especially a book about TEACHING something ?!
This simply does not compute… I do not grok… I’m all for getting paid for what you do, but I cannot fathom anyone wanting to teach AND limit the number of people who would have access to such knowledge.
I am very glad he listened to the many voices of his fans (and mine) and decided for a reprint, and I don’t care if it puts me out of a job !
I hope Angel Giraldez gets to do a DVD/Bluray/video as well, at some point.
I also hope his next project will be a video, that would be great!
Me too Roman, me too. I dont enjoy Angel feeling bad but from the start I thought a limited run was a bad idea. No I didnt get a copy and yes, at least now, I will. Happy day for me.
I hope that Angels book gets reprinted so much that its found in the public library, where young children from the digital future can find it. Thats what being a master Artist is all about, your name living on.
I believe his biggest concern was being able to balance the needs of Vallejo, Corvus Belli, and the fans. It was clear to me a long time ago when Angel was talking about writing and printing this book that he had no idea of how large his fan base really is. I am sure that the 5500 prints was discussed in house for a long time, and has clearly exceeded everyone’s expectations. I only wish him the very best, and look forward to reading and putting into practice my reserved copy. By the way, your painting looks to be improving even with your latest video. Keep them coming buddy!
I do try… It would be a shame if I of all people could not improve ! 🙂
Although you hardly see my best display work. I mean, even with full tutorials, time and camera constraints are a pain sometimes… But it’s best for showing you how it’s done !
Its good the content will be available to everyone, though I regret the practice (involuntary of course). I would think twice to consider any advertisement for pre-order and ‘limited editions’ of any kind in the future. I can understand fans buying collectibles being rather annoyed with this. This could have been foreseen and handled better: do a limited run then have a normal edition.
(and yes I get it is Angel personal project but with the help and experience of corvus belli I do think it could have been done; though IMHO there has been enough promo done and the quality of the book suggest it is not just a one man project.)
Well, I for one (as most people, it seems) were just meaning to get teh book, and didn’t care about this “limited edition” nonsense. It was the price it was, and there was a miniature with it, which was sweet, but most people would have bought that without anything else attached.
It will not put you out of a job. You offer a multitude of important information to us all. We appreciate all your work mate.
Right thing to do
Still waiting as to whether I will receive a copy.
Angel deserves his success
I was one of the lucky ones to get a copy of the first run also, and I think it’s great he’s doing another edition so other’s can get a chance. In my opinion the speed in which it sold out just highlights his talents and here’s to the second edition selling out for him also.
i didn’t get one on the first run because i decided not to try it after I heard its limited to 5500 copies, in my situation i was sure I will miss it so why try!? My knowledge regarding ‘the book industry’ is limited but as far as I understood it there is a new book you bring x amount of copies if its a success you print a 2nd edition with x amount of copies and so on.
I was surprised to see the reaction’s that the whole thing created and I was surprised to see that there was no other edition planed. Why? What about Ebook’s shouldn’t be to expensive to release something digitally? Well like I said my knowledge is limited and I don’t know how someone would publish a book in the first place.
long story short I’m glad there will be another edition and I hope I can get one if not I stick to my old plan and wait until I find a dusty copy on a shelf.
This is very good news indeed, I may yet get my hands on this after all then.
Incredible how well it sold and I hope the next run will sell just as well… and that I’ll actually get a copy myself as well.
I’m delighted at this news. In order to make the first 5,500 “special” perhaps the second run would not include the model?
Anyway, pleased that this book will be available at some time in the near future and look forward to the details.
Sounds like the poor guy’s been through the wringer on this one. I’m glad he has decided to reprint and genuinely hope he has a massively successful book on his hands!
I ordered one through Wayland as soon as I noticed @redben posted that it was available. Still not counting my chickens though!
I hate this limited/exclusive nonsense in general, it just promotes elitism within the gaming communities.
Look at FFG’s X-Wing, nothing is limited or exclusive there and it still sells like mad and everyone is happy.
You understand that it wasn’t limited edition? It was a single print-run that Angel thought would be comfortably enough to meet demand. When it wasn’t, he decided to re-print it.
Well, not exactly… Apparently he struggled to reprint. He simply did not think it’d sell, and refused to have more printed, but he COULD have.
Which is entirely understandable when he’s gambling with his own money. The only thing I think has been done incorrectly thus far is the statement that it would be a single print run of 5,500 copies which created the impression that it was a limited edition item. His decision to order a single print run of a fixed number of copies was entirely correct as is his decision to produce a further print run to cover the (surprise) additional demand, presumably at least partially covered by the profits from the initial print run.
It was supposed to be the ONLY print run, “limited edition”, as Angel himself stated. Understandable financially ? Yes. Understandable from a teacher’s standpoint ? I don’t think so.
It’s better for everyone that they print more, otherwise the second hand market of illegal pdf. files and e-bay resale and other such nonsense would have exploded with these collector’s items… And none of it would have gone in Angel’s pocket.
And we can all agree he deserves the money !
only it was, advertised as limited edition online and by Angel on his facebook site:
“My paint book will be in print the next wednesday, excited!!!!!!!
5500 copies, limited edition!!!!”
I will just repeat myself from the forums. It is a good move to allow people to get the book.
Can’t wait to get my hands on this. I missed the first round.
I hope to get a copy of the new run
I got a copy on the first print and am really glad he will do a second print of the book, i´m sure that many people bought it just to re sell them and hated that so many fans couldn´t get a copy, re printing is the best Angel can do.
Angel is a real classy guy. Glad to see that more people will be able to learn painting from his book.
Angel, you are a truly decent guy. I am so sorry that you, Vallejo and Corvus had to endure some of the worst that the internet can offer.
You are unfortunately a victim of your own success and popularity, no excuse for some of the vitriol directed at you and your supporters but we humans can be an awful species at times.
I totally agree, Angel put everything into this and it was hard reading to find out that his passion had become his nightmare. He’s doing the best he can and deserves the support of the community not some of the cr*p I’ve read of late. I doff my cap to you Angel, you have a natural talent and you deserve every success. Now let’s hope all the complainers put their hands in their pockets and sell out the next print as well!!!
Excellent news! I was one of the frustrated people that couldn’t get a copy. While I understood the reasons “why” this happened, it was still frustrating. I’m not sure why anyone would be upset with a second printing … if you bought it for exclusiveness, then you weren’t the target audience to begin with. The book is for guys that paint and enjoy learning from the master. I am happy that I can get that opportunity now that there’s a second run.
Question – How does Angel plan to estimate the size of this run? If he sold out 5500 copies in a matter of minutes, it seems like there’s a large demand. How does he avoid repeating disappointing?
Love the statement!
Regardless of who you are, it is impossible to avoid disappointing the internet.
As I said in Saturdays weekender:
“John you might be lucky with the book. Looks like there might be more copies available and I think that due to the huge success it might get a reprint as Angel had limited funds and is gauging the popularity of the book. It probably knocked him for 6 when he realised how popular he is. Good luck Angel may it continue to be a success.”
For some reason I feel quite strongly about this. Angel puts HIS OWN MONEY, not yours or mine or some big corporations but his own savings into a project. He takes the time and effort to create a book, that most didn’t think would even sell 5000 copies! As he states at the time he had less than 3000 followers on Facebook. All I can say is how would all of done things differently???
He didn’t have to reveal his painting technique’s etc but he wanted to but he didn’t realise how popular he would be. As I said also his own savings probably didn’t stretch far enough to allow 10000 copies, would you be willing to gamble that sort of money?
I’m sure that he will continue to print as demand dictates and long may he do so
hope I can get it in the second run
I definitely don’t believe he deserved the insults he received, although I could understand frustration at not being able to get a copy. I think he’s made the right move by deciding to reprint it. I may grab a copy next time myself. Also, I think Romain should do a painting tips book too! 😀
I’m flattered… but I’ll stick to videos ! 🙂
Yeah that’s true, I’d miss your accent when reading the book, and it just wouldn’t be the same!
I don’t think it’d translate well enough on Audiobook… 😉
I’m flattered you like the way I speak, considering my accent has been bastardized by seeing too much of my Irish friends ! I used to talk the Queen’s English…
Well, maybe it’s for the best, all things considered.
I managed to get a book in first offering. I am just getting into infinity and still a novice when it comes to painting. The tips i have found on this site and what i hope to get from the book give me something to aim for. The statement of the book being a one off run confused me a little. I could understand if it was initial release of 5500 books to fund further print.
But as what i gathered from earlier statements leading up to the release and after as he was funding it himself that was all his budget allowed. Corvis backed him in offering the limited release figure as both promotion for their product and also for their painter bringing light of his talent and skill to teach others.
Not seen anything on if the limited edition figure will be sold with second release but to me it was a bonus. I don’t play Pan O but i will use it to test out a few techniques o find in the book.
Provided it actually gets shipped, I was lucky enough to grab one from Wayland.
I always thought it was a bit daft doing a limited run, though I can understand his reasons for it. I’m so happy that it’s going into a second print run.
A second print run means more money for Angel and more happy customers able to take advantage of it. It’s a win win for everyone.
Great news, hopefully I can get one this time around as I missed out on the first printing.
I have watched this thing unfurl. I think it’s an absolute disgrace that this guy has been subject to so much vitriolic back lash. He is a miniature painter not a publisher, he was putting his own time and money into a personal project. He should be applauded for his achievements not caster gated for making a mistake. I think it was the public who saw limited run and assumed limited in the sense of the collectors edition type thing, when clearly it was limited in the resource that he had the confidence in producing.
Good luck to Angel, it’s not as if 5500 is hardly that ‘limited’ in terms of books. A relative edits books with runs of less than 200 and the prices reflect that (£hundreds). It’s not like he’s a massive publisher who overprints in hope and aiming to hit per copy cost reductions quantity thresholds knowing that they can always offload onto budget outlets.
If there’s a sensible publisher out there they should snap him up, get Vol 1 out there and give him a big advance on Volumes 2 & 3.
Great news. I am so pleased the book is going for reprint.
It’s so unfair that the crap surrounding this hides the success of a very genuine, humble man who has a real gift and wanted to help others.
Well done Angel!
First I have to listen to people whinging at the weekend on Kickstarter after Monolith games announced the P&P charges for delivering Conan, and witnessed first hand several adult sized infants spitting out the dummy, stamping their wee feet and acting like an extra few extra dollars spent is the end of the world, despite all the cool extra stuff Monolith were throwing in.
Now this – a bunch of adult sized infants spitting out the dummy, stamping their wee feet and acting like not getting a copy of Angel’s book is the end of the world and he’s on a par with Hitler cos hes done such a terrible thing by not publishing enough so they don’t have a copy.
Grow up FFS. Some of you would still be whinging if he signed it, got on a plane, flew over, hired a car, drove to your house, knocked on the door and handed it to you in person.
The games industry is slowly but surely maturing – unfortunately the same can’t be said for many of its followers.
Absolutely sickening that a man of this calibre who has done so much for the hobby is being treated this way. Wouldn’t blame him if Volume 2 never comes out – why bother if this is all he can expect the next time.
I’ve typed and deleted several comments concerning the frankly embarrassing way that elements of the ‘community’ have handled themselves over this because I just came accros angry and petty. You have said it better than I could so I just liked yours instead!
Hear hear. There’s no shame in expressing disappointment online, but one has to remain civil, in order to nurture dialog and understanding. It’s called gentlemanly conduct, having enough heart to inquire before shouting, and to respect the emotions of who you’re talking to. Or more commonly, it’s called “being civilised”, and some people should look that one up.
oooh this is like second xmas – and also kinda explains why ppl reacted that way, all excited just to see it dissapear again. Kinda when GW did the 3rd edition of spacehulk
Happy to see 2 xmas + a big finger to those that horded a book to make $ on ebay 😛
Best of Luck to Angel, such a humble statement as well. Well deserving of all the success he can get.
I think after a few reprints this should definately be distributed as an e-book. It could still go for 25-30 € and would provide a steady revenue.
So glad to hear that there is a second print coming.
I hope that distribution is a little more thought out this time.
I’ll hold my breath and hope to get copy………if I can just figure out which line to stand in this time to be sure to get my order in!
(It would be soooo depressing to miss it a second time around.)
I do get it has been presented as a personal project but the whole think could have been handled better. Angel has a massive fanbase and it was pretty sure everyone missing out would have been really vocal about it. Advertising it as limited was a bad move in the 1st place as was the preorder debacle. For sure this will be a learning experience for Angel and Corvus Belli.
The fan-base is difficult to assess with precision… No that many facebook fans, and there’s no telling how many would buy the book before you actually put it on sale. Still, the whole thing was indeed poorly organized.
What a great decession from a really great artist. Star on your way Mr. Giraldez!
I feel for all the collectors that got it for the limited edition tag 😀
The cynical in me can’t help to wonder if the book would have sold so fast without the limited edition tag. What is to say it is actually any good as learning material (^_-)
Managed to just barely get my name in for one, took some footwork. I wanted it for the practical usage, don’t care about the faux glory of owning a first edition.
It’d be a nice gesture if the first ed. buyers got some sort of tangible benefit (say, the reprint is priced slightly higher, or it’s a cheaper paperback run, or simply no mini), but I will not be butthurt in the least if the 2nd run buyers get the exact same product as me. Certainly not after I nearly missed out myself.
The best part of this, for all of us regardless of which print run we buy, is that it proves his books will sell. You did notice the hopeful subtitle of “Volume I” on the cover, didn’t you? Prompting a second print-run a week after pre-orders start makes a pretty strong case for backing “Volume II”.
I’ve got mine ordered from the first print run. I have no problem with them printing and selling more. They do need to stop calling it a “limited” edition though.
http://infinitythegame.com/store/articulo.php?f=1&o=3&id=2378
Nice, stress-free purchase.
Ebay scalpers/elitist collector types – deal with it
Roger that
I missed out on the 1st run, so very happy to see the mini is also included in the 2nd, atleast according to wayland 🙂
It definitely does come with the mini.
Personally, just taking the temperature of some forums about this book, I see it going to 4th or 5th edition. So, I was expecting this news so I can, actually, get the book (zero chance of getting it now, but in a few months? Absolutely).
Got the book in the first run and so glad I did. As for the second print announcement, way to go. No problem at all with that and I hope Angel makes a $hitload of money off it. Any way you can make a list of all the jackholes that brought him down through their infantile posts and ban them from the second run? Sure Angel is not that petty, but I can be and would surely help organize that effort. Lastly, I wonder how many of those complaining were looking to get multiples so they could sell them on the secondary market?!
I think what most people have forgotten or didn’t understand, was that the whole endevour was financed by Angel himself. CB and AV sponsored the project. So him producing 5500 copies was understandable. I really can’t fault the man for not really knowing how large his fan base was. As he was metering the requirement from his blog and facebook followers. I’ll be honest and say that I’ve only visited his blog a few times and the same with his FB page. I do believe a few others here and out on the interwebs have visited his sites but have not subscribed or “liked”, yet visit them repeatedly.
Myself here in the States (Minnesota) missed out on the first go through. I was elated to hear about a reprint. I’ve already pre-ordered mine through Warstore.com. Which I believe Angel mentioned that it should shipped out by mid March.
I believe that if you sell something AS something, it must be that thing. So a limited edition of 5500 must remain so. Want to get the material out there? You need a different edition which can be something as simple as a different cover “unlimited edition.”
As much as I’m happy to give the finger to the scalpers, I’m happier that people can benefit from a book.
I’m not very good at painting. I don’t even really like it. I like it less because I’m not very good at it. But I know some people who could use, would use, and would benefit from stuff like this and they weren’t chomping at the bit to buy a book they hadn’t heard of. Being able to come across it on, you know, an actual store shelf some random day is the only way they would. So let’s get it out there, let’s help this guy be successful and maybe put out more books, let’s help everyone interested in the hobby improve and have more fun… and who cares if some jackhole can’t sell their copy on the secondary market for a hefty profit. Our hobby isn’t about helping the secondary market, right?
I will be picking one up for sure
I went to “Warstore.com” there’s nothing there. Possibly a typo?
Sorry about that, I have it saved in my bookmarks as Warstore.com. You are correct in it being TheWarstore.com.
So I solved the website issue. Its “thewarstore.com” they have a note that preorders must be in by this Thursday.
I’m happy for Angel and his success. Annoyed that I couldn’t get a copy on the first run. Glad that he decided to do another print run. Disappointed that so many people are feeling butthurt by the decision.
It’s easy enough to make changes so that the Ltd. Edition retains a sense of limited feeling, yet still get the book content out there. Excluding the miniature is a start. Making new cover art that says it is a second or later print run with different colour cover could be another, etc.
The fact is, this was no small endeavour by Angel, and based on the price points, overhead, production costs, partnership costs, and margins, it is safe to say he sunk in tens of thousands of dollars in money and time…. So when he originally said he would make it ltd and has done all the investment himself, I could understand why he declared it limited, especially if he used up all those funds. I challenge anybody who poo poos on this decision to raise what probably amounts to a full year or more salary and sink it into a dream project like this without any idea if there will be a return on even the original investment of time and labour and obvious love to go do the same and it to be as wildly successful. How many self published authors are out there sitting on cartons of their own books which failed to sell?
So, congrats to Angel. Thanks for deciding to do a reprint! And good luck!
I couldn’t give a monkey’s trumpet about the limited edition feeling or the exclusivity of this book. They could make it part of the national curriculum and force the parents of all school age children to buy it, or sell it from vending machines by the 1000 on railway platforms for all I care (as long as the author gets his cut of course ;)). I bought my copy to try to become a better painter, no other reason. I want to learn from the knowlege of the man who wrote the book. That’s it.
Just pre-ordered a copy from Wayland Games, the pre-order closes tomorrow so you’ll need to be quick.
http://www.waylandgames.co.uk/prod_32033.html
If you order direct its €18 delivery.
Pre-order Now! (Expected to ship on 30-APR-15)
Something that brings enjoyment to people like this book deserves to have as many print runs as is necessary. Looking forward to receiving my copy and putting it to good use with the many Infinity miniatures I have to paint.
Very pleased about this! Good call Angel!