What designs would you like?

[macskinz]

Hey folks,
I have a simple question regarding my product line. What designs would you like to see printed on MacSkinz? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Doug
Macskinz

[Fredi]

well customizable ones would be amazin, but apart from that i dunno really, anyone?!

[JBF]

I would like to see some designs that arn't so repetative.

Perhaps one with a jolly rogers on the back of the ipod plate and perhaps one on the front.

What about a Transformers logo? (Autobot and Decepticon)

You know, from the Transformers cartoon from the 80s.

Better looking camoflauge?

Flames (good looking flames)

Tribal Patterns?

That's all I can think of for now.

I would highly recommend that you don't use so many incredibly repetative designs such as the skull, etc. Many of them just seem somewhat juvenile or cheesy looking.

[macskinz]

We should be able to custom print PodSkinz without any problems. Copyright restrictions would still exist and also the limitations of the CMYK color space. I will have to figure out the logistics of it along with pricing. As for repetitious designs, our first batch of designs was to test the waters and see how tightly we could register the image to the form and trim. We've nailed it down to about 1/8" of play. I am currently working on a new batch of designs and will "retire" some of our current designs.

Thanks for the feedback,
Doug

[afalconsvick]

I think a black and red one.

[slammin_soso]

I think you should do the ipodskinz saying "Got Milk" or "Got Ca$h"...lol
Silly stuff that wil make people laugh
Also they can be sets with the laptop covers.

I want a podskin but 35 a set is kinda pricey
:( :rolleyes:

[albitalia04]

hmm *pOnders*--> MUSICIANS ON THE SKINS!!! DOY DOY DOY DOY DOY DOY jk :-P

mayb a plaid pattern

[MuzakMan]

I think you should make one that says, "albitalia04 is annoying." :D

And 35 is pretty expensive for one. I have often considered buying one.

[allisonv7]

I think a light paisley print would be pretty cool.


allison.

[jwc110869]

What about custom text like the engraving on the back of the iPod or could you copy graphics sent in by your customers, let say like signatures and stuff.

[MuzakMan]

I think Houndstooth would look cool.

[xenepho]

I'd suggest that you copy the iPod Mini colors. They seem pretty popular. Some vertical stripes in various color combos, maybe? And definitely Houndstooth, like MuzakMan said.

[macskinz]

Hey all,
Houndstooth is a classic and a no brainer and I'll run some samples. Paisley may be a little dated. Custom PodSkinz would entail the customer sending us a digital file. The image could be pretty much anything as long as the customer creates it or has rights to use.

Doug

[tempiPod]

Maybe you should have one that looks like its wrapped in police line tape that says: 'POLICE ACTIVITY DO NOT CROSS'. That'd be pretty cool

[the_iDiot]

Please, PLEASE make a Canadian one. Or even better, a Canadian Hockey one. I beg of you!

[NyMike]

I don't know anything about the copyright laws and whatnot....but I think some proffessional sports team themed ones could be very nice.

I know I'd buy a Yankees one.

[Joshdude]

Ew screw the Yankees. Go Dodgers!!
How about a mirror image of the fromt of the iPod? Like those tiger masks? Ha only kidding, although that would be cool still.
Yeah customizable sounds awesome. Like you could put the Apple logo in orange or something. Or photos if possible.

[NyMike]

Originally posted by Joshdude
Ew screw the Yankees. Go Dodgers!!

Well, I'd bet that a Yankees one would sell more than a Dodgers one would...:p

[Madkins007]

Sports teams- even though there are zillions of them!

Colleges/school colors- same concern

Music groups- same concern

Famous people? (Elvis, Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, etc.?)

Car stylings- logos, colors, hints of styling lines, etc. (I originally meant for makes/models (VW bug, Honda Element, etc. to coordinate the iPod with your wheels), but NASCAR suddenly came to mind as well.

Historic/International flags seems like a natural.

Organizations/occupations- Scouts, Masons, medical,




I'd like to see more textures- marble, onyx, ivory, woods, etc., although I think tribal patterns (Maori face tattoos, etc.) would be awesome!


Of your current 4G patterns...

I LIKE the animal prints, Mondarian, and the daisy and Fit to Be Tied.

I DISLIKE the flag (static and mediocre), music, Smilies, skulls, and aliens. The last 4 seem like pretty stereotypical representations- no gusto or origniality- especially at the price.

Suggestions for those designs I dislike:
Flag- close-up photo of cotton flag draping, showing texture, weight, movement.

Alien- tone on tone black background with dark gray repeating shapes and a central alien face barely visible looming in the darkness.

Smilies- I think I'd rather see a cheerful color background (bright sky blue?) with a single large Smiley in the lower left corner.

Music- I'd go with a sepia-tone sheet of classic music, stained, aged, hand notated.

[coopertx]

If the price could go down a bit, a 3-pack of bright solid colors would be fantastic. Also, a solid color that fades to white - starts solid at the top or bottom and then fades out - would be cool.

[macskinz]

Madkins007,
Almost all of your suggestions would infringe on copyrights in some sort or another. As for our current designs, this is our first round and a test to see what direction people go for. There is also not much surface area on the faceplate, but now that we creates backs, new doors have been opened. I'll take your suggestions into consideration when I create the next round. Many of our current designs will be phased out.

Thanks,
Doug

[Madkins007]

Originally posted by macskinz
Madkins007,
Almost all of your suggestions would infringe on copyrights in some sort or another. As for our current designs, this is our first round and a test to see what direction people go for. There is also not much surface area on the faceplate, but now that we creates backs, new doors have been opened. I'll take your suggestions into consideration when I create the next round. Many of our current designs will be phased out.

Thanks,
Doug

I'm sorry- I did not make myself clear in my suggestions. I would NOT use any copyrighted elements on the designs, but try to match color and style.

For example, our own Nebraska Cornhuskers have a copyrighted logo and mascot. I'd use the team colors of red and white (possibly in a racing stripe design), with probably something like Bank Gothic type across the top saying 'Nebraska Cornhuskers'. A VW Beetle-flavor case might just read 'Volkswagen' in a font that felt like VW's- possibly something from the Cooper font group.

I also figured that it would be logistically easier for you to offer a variety of cases in common color schemes that could appeal to different people for different reasons. A black case with a big yellow/gold triangular section could appeal to a variety of teams, bands, and even car enthusiasts. British racing green looks a lot like the helmet color of several teams, etc.

I guess in the back of my mind, I was thinking something along the lines of making a chart of popular teams, bands, schools, etc. and plotting their colors and looking for design elements in common (like racing stripes, swoops, blends, etc.) and trying to find the combinations that fit the widest possible range of interests.

Then, customizing them (depending on how easy this is for you) with generic icons, compatible fonts, etc.

That was the idea, anyway! Would help to shoot you some examples via e-mail?


Hey- on a different note, would it be possible, practical or even worthwhile to make a cradle-able version of the skinz? My first thought was to make a 3 part Skins- front, back, and bottom 'cap', but that may not be workable.

[Katana]

@macskinz - what program do you use to transfer the graphics from computer to 'skinz making doofery'. :D

Because if we could use customisable skinz, what would be useful would be some sort of 'Photoshop Template'. That way we could see how much of the graphic would be viewable, from the front and give the right dimensions also. A sort of try before you buy almost.

As for ideas - tribal would be cool, geometric patterns, and some more textured skinz too. Granite, marble (bricks??? :D)

[macskinz]

I understand "widest possible range of interests" and am working on the issue. That is why I am on this message board. To get feedback.

The 3-part Skin is an intersting idea and could probably be done. Within a week I will be making available a lasercut stand along the lines of our ModPod that is adjustable in both width and depth. It allows everything from a Mini to a full sized iPod in a case (1" max. depth) to be held with the dock connector attached. This should solve problems for those with or without PodSkinz. Since these stands are laser-cut from Lucite in small quantities and not mass produced overseas, the price will be $30.

[coopertx]

just a note regarding copyright - universities copyright the names of their teams. so macskinz would most likely need to work out a deal with the individual schools to even put the names of the teams on the case. i do think that doing popular team color combos would be good... green/yellow, maroon/white, orange/white, etc.

i ordered my podskinz set last weekend and it should be here tomorrow... can't wait to rock that pop art case!

[CaMaRo62]

i would buty one (even tho their $35) if it had a black background and a chevy bow-tie on it!!

[cedricpatrick]

I think a product line with vertical racing stripes (just a single plain line) in different colors would do well, even better if they were customizable, black and red for vampires, pink and purple for the ladies, Id go with blue and green. A selection of 10(?) colors would give people enough range for choosing colors to suit them

[DrummerGuy452]

I want one with a drumset on it. :D

[macskinz]

Stripes are easy. Can't do the bow-tie for copyright reasons. The thing about doing a drumset would be that it would never be the correct make, model, color, etc... I would need to come up with a generic image of some sort.

Thanks for the input and keep it coming,
Doug

[jstylex0r]

i dont mean to hate but these skins makes ur ipod uglier plus it wasnt macskinz but i had the same kind of the thing, when i went to the applestore to ask them somthin they said these kind of sticker things are bad for ur ipod, something about heat or w/e

[chou]

I'd buy a Decepticon one =) Has to be one old school logo from the 80's though

[Madkins007]

The heat during charging concern is usually valid. Since you have to take the Skinz off to charge, however, it is probably not a big issue here... except

1. The 4G docks coming out now include 2 top plates, 1 for the 20G and one for the 40. I wonder if you could keep the Skinz on if you used the 40 with your 20? If you could, THEN I would wonder if it traps enough heat to be an issue.

2. If you COULD make a 'chargeable' Skinz (3 piece, flapped, whatever), I would assume that you could design it so it was either high enough cut or otherwise designed to allow heat to vent.

3. Regardless, I'd think that a few small, tastefully done holes drilled in the back Skinz would release any heat adequately. Part of that would depend on whether the Skinz acts as a heat sink, pulling heat out and radiating it, or as an insulator, trapping heat against the battery.

[supercarrot900]

This may sound tacky, no pun intended, but a faux Duct tape one would be interesting. I saw a duct tape wallet at a hardware store yesterday for 30 bucks. There must be a duct tape fad, so why not capitilize off of it. Ah... The American Way.

later,
TC

[macskinz]

I'm always amazed about the heat concern. I use iPods all day long, connected and not, without any significant heat gain. You can fry an egg on the bottomside of my PowerBook and it still works fine. Also, Apple themselves, sells aftermarket cases. The leather and silicone of these would retain more heat than our plastic shells. I don't think any amount of holes would make a difference unless there is adequate airflow circlulating around the iPod. Then, the temperature variation would probably be the difference between living in Arizona or California. I have the proper equipment to test this and have a question. What do I need to do with an iPod to generate the most heat? I'll let everyone know my results.

Placing an iPod, while still in any case, into a dock is a problem for everyone. This is why I created a new adjustable stand. It should be available by this coming Monday.

Thanks,
Doug

[Madkins007]

Originally posted by macskinz
I'm always amazed about the heat concern. I use iPods all day long, connected and not, without any significant heat gain. (snip)Thanks,
Doug

Thanks for that! I keep reading that if a Lithium ion battery is hot something is wrong, then you turn around and read warnings to keep the battery area of the iPod open for air circulation.

That sure seems odd to me, but I figured that maybe something different was going on here- maybe the added heat of the hard drive or something.

If it is a non-issue, that is wonderful news!

I also appreciate hearing about the cradle-able skin!

[racharoni]

I think a solid black would be good on the market.

As for designs... retro 80's. Like an image of a cassette tape, or a cassette player.

A setup made to resemble an old tv set. People love that "old school" stuff.

8-track, boombox, vinyl-- tribute to the ancestors.

Faux ancient book cover. Denim, suede.

A peace sign mock-up, or support-the-troops yellow thingy. Statue of Liberty, I [heart] NY. Americans love their patriotism, nowadays, and people always love New York.

Surfer, punk, emo, and goth appeals. Plus something bling.

The designs should take advantage of the fact that it covers corners, unlike those other ipod wraps and skins. Corners could really boost the looks of the designs I mentioned.

Some of the existing designs, like that rose pattern or the "Auroradelic" thingy, look too much like amateur photoshop stuff. Bad patterns made from photo repetition should be avoided. In fact, most of the photo-based ones aren't so great.

Clean-cut designs, like "Aloha", "Lots of Happy", and "Cosmic Cosmo" make more sense.

Since the biggest appeal of PodSkinz is that it provides the best aesthetic coverage, good designs are what would put them on the edge.

That Limited Artist Series is great, though they're a bit much male-oriented. Women do make up over half of the population. Girls love their fashion, whereas men might focus more on utilitarian aspects (like protection). Not to generalize, but it's something to keep in mind.

[sdp]

If you made 1 with minimum slant lines and a solid color under it I'd definitely get it. Something like the vaja "i-volution rasta" cases. The stripes look awesome.

Link: http://www1.vajacases.com/home_en.html (go to the apple section > 4G 20g)

The black bg with 3 dif color stripes on bottom going to the back is awesome. Simple and sleak.

Lemme know what you think :)

[kevmakara]

I'd love it if you'd make more Grateful Dead designs! I ordered the Skull & Roses one yestaerday, and it should be here in about a month. How did you get around the copyright problems with the Dead, Star Wars and Less Than Jake? If you made a Steal Your Face (Grateful Dead) skniz I'm sure it would do well. I'd die though if you made a Space Your Face, or better yet a Terripin!

Sorry, too exctied about my new skniz comiong soon.

Thanks by the way for such a great product!

[macskinz]

Originally posted by kevmakara
I'd love it if you'd make more Grateful Dead designs! I ordered the Skull & Roses one yestaerday, and it should be here in about a month. How did you get around the copyright problems with the Dead, Star Wars and Less Than Jake? If you made a Steal Your Face (Grateful Dead) skniz I'm sure it would do well. I'd die though if you made a Space Your Face, or better yet a Terripin!

Sorry, too exctied about my new skniz comiong soon.

Thanks by the way for such a great product!

Howdy!

Thanks for the kudos. Much appreciated.

I'm currently focusing on getting the 2 new iPods online plus the iPod Mini. It should be right before Christmas. Bad timing but life keeps poking us in the eye.

All of our designs are produced with permission of the copyright holders. The Dead, Star Wars, Less than Jake and Metallica all came to us. Others that I'm excited about are in the works but I can't mention them yet.

As for the Grateful Dead, I've talked with them about the Steal Your Face design and they may happen in the future.

Cheers,
Doug
MacSkinz

[macskinz]

Originally posted by racharoni
I think a solid black would be good on the market.

As for designs... retro 80's. Like an image of a cassette tape, or a cassette player.

A setup made to resemble an old tv set. People love that "old school" stuff.

8-track, boombox, vinyl-- tribute to the ancestors.

Faux ancient book cover. Denim, suede.

A peace sign mock-up, or support-the-troops yellow thingy. Statue of Liberty, I [heart] NY. Americans love their patriotism, nowadays, and people always love New York.

Surfer, punk, emo, and goth appeals. Plus something bling.

The designs should take advantage of the fact that it covers corners, unlike those other ipod wraps and skins. Corners could really boost the looks of the designs I mentioned.

Some of the existing designs, like that rose pattern or the "Auroradelic" thingy, look too much like amateur photoshop stuff. Bad patterns made from photo repetition should be avoided. In fact, most of the photo-based ones aren't so great.

Clean-cut designs, like "Aloha", "Lots of Happy", and "Cosmic Cosmo" make more sense.

Since the biggest appeal of PodSkinz is that it provides the best aesthetic coverage, good designs are what would put them on the edge.

That Limited Artist Series is great, though they're a bit much male-oriented. Women do make up over half of the population. Girls love their fashion, whereas men might focus more on utilitarian aspects (like protection). Not to generalize, but it's something to keep in mind.

Thanks for all the great feedback! I agree with most everything you mention. One thing I've learned though is that the designs are subjective. While you or I may not like them, somebody does. Auroradelic is one of our top sellers.

As soon as I release the 2 new iPods, I will be revamping our stock designs and dropping the 3rd gen model shortly thereafter.

Cheers,
Doug
MacSkinz