talkmagic.co.uk

As the title says. I've come up with a design for a wallet but have no idea how to go about getting it made.

There are no original ideas, but I've found a way of packing lots of current gimmicks into one design. Which might be an original idea. There are similar but they just miss out or compromise a bit. My idea is packages it all up in a far neater way. In my opinion anyway.

I did make a half hearted attempt last year and showed the designs to someone who really liked it. I think he subsequently got a bit of flack over permissions for a gimmick he had incorporated into one of his designs, so appears to have dropped out of the new wallet ideas market. And broke off all contact.

Do I have to try and get a prototype made and punt that around? If anyone can point me in the right direction it would much appreciated. I'm not that involved in the magic world so don't have any contacts or a way in.

I was just looking at my drawings and thought I'd give one more go before dropping it.

Thanks for any help advice.

If you're looking to offer this to a dealer then you'll certainly need a working sample or two. After that they might be able to arrange production but, of course, that means you'd get a smaller fee. There are several excellent dealers advertising on these pages, you could do worse than contact them and ask if they're interested in seeing a sample.

Thanks. That's my first problem. Getting it made.

Jerry O'Connell, springs to mind. Does one just approach him and see what he thinks?

No harm in asking although it might be expensive. Google might throw up some UK alternatives, suggest you try Leatherworkers rather than wallet makers to widen the scope.

Thanks again. I have tried in the past to find someone but they all seem to be at the exclusive end of the market, and don't have the time or inclination it seems.

Also asked Cordwainers college if a student might like to have a go as a project, but no joy there either. I'm quite happy to hand the idea over just to see it made if anyone thinks it's worthy. I don't see it as a business.

I'll try Jerry.

walletsandgromit wrote:As the title says. I've come up with a design for a wallet but have no idea how to go about getting it made.

There are no original ideas, but I've found a way of packing lots of current gimmicks into one design. Which might be an original idea. There are similar but they just miss out or compromise a bit. My idea is packages it all up in a far neater way. In my opinion anyway.

I did make a half hearted attempt last year and showed the designs to someone who really liked it. I think he subsequently got a bit of flack over permissions for a gimmick he had incorporated into one of his designs, so appears to have dropped out of the new wallet ideas market. And broke off all contact.

Do I have to try and get a prototype made and punt that around? If anyone can point me in the right direction it would much appreciated. I'm not that involved in the magic world so don't have any contacts or a way in.

I was just looking at my drawings and thought I'd give one more go before dropping it.

Thanks for any help advice.

Hi.. If you was to get a prototype made, I don't mind having a look at your finishing product. Maybe you could send me over a photo of the product? Not promising anything, buy it is a start. Regards garry from we R magic..

Have you got an old fashioned cobbler near you that you could ask? I used to live near an old cobbler who would make just about anything for you that you wanted and at very good prices too.

Good point! The guy who worked at our local Timpsons used to do all sorts of leather repairs 'on the side'.

Thanks for the replies. I work in the furniture restoration business and have asked my upholsterer if he would have a go. He thinks he could knock one up in some sort of soft cover, but I'd like to see it in as near finished condition as possible if I'm going to spend more time and money on the project.

I also had a Saturday job years ago working for a cobbler. Though similar, there is a world of difference between the two disciplines when it comes to fine work. I'd really like to get to someone who can run up a complicated design and knows the principles of wallet design and manufacture.

@ Mandrake & Garry. If I host my drawings would you two mind casting an expert eye over them if I PM you the link? I might be flogging a dead horse and you would probably be a better judge than me of any merit in the design.

Hi Gromit.

An idea for you to bear in mind. I make wallets out of duct tape (because I was once unemployed and had WAY too much spare time on my hands!) and have made a few gimmicked ones for magicians.
If you're interested I could sort you out a working prototype (albeit in duct tape) this weekend

Cheers

Just a thought with the cobbler, I know the two aren't always the same but some (mine certainly was) are also very good leather workers so just thought it'd be worth an ask.

^ Thanks both. I could make a fairly good example myself as I work with my hands. I might give it a go.

Even if I get it made I'd still have to get permissions to use the incorporated gimmicks. I'd rather show the idea to someone who can take it on and deal with that side of things, if they think it's a runner. I'd be happy to hand it and walk away. Perhaps have one thrown my way if it's any good.

@ Lady of Mystery. Can I pm you the links to my drawings for your input?

Ta.

Course you can, I'm more than happy to take a look for you

Sent.

The drawings should show a lot of gimmicks packed into one wallet.

Happy to take a peep although I'm away for the weekend after Friday afternoon so it would probably be Monday at the earliest when I can get back to you.