FAQ*

What is a pen plotter?

A machine that holds a pen and draws on paper by moving it along programmed coordinates. Unlike a printer, it draws each line physically. The result is an ink drawing, not a reproduction.

How are the drawings made?

Each mobile suit is rebuilt as vector line work and compiled to a stroke program. An AxiDraw plotter executes the program with a real pen, one stroke at a time.

Are these prints?

No. Every sheet is drawn individually by machine, in ink, on Bristol paper. Because ink flow varies with conditions, no two sheets are identical.

What paper and ink are used?

Strathmore 300 Series Bristol, smooth, 11×14″, with Staedtler Triplus 0.3 mm fineliners. The ink is pigment-based, acid-free, and lightfast.

How long does a plot take?

It depends on the drawing. A typical 11×14″ sheet takes twenty to thirty minutes of continuous drawing and lays down ten to thirty metres of ink. Each edition's plot time is computed from its stroke program and shown on the Live Plot.

What sizes are available?

Studies are drawn on 11×14″ (279 × 356 mm) Bristol. Other sizes are possible through Commissions.

Are the studies for sale?

No. The Universal-Century sheets are drawing studies of designs that belong to their rights-holders; they are displayed here and are not sold or reproduced. Work that is sold, through commissions, is original design.

Do you take commissions?

Yes, a limited number, and commissions are the only work sold. Every piece is an original design; copyrighted characters are not accepted. See Commissions.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. Commissioned pieces ship worldwide with tracked carriers. See Shipping for destinations, rates, and timing.

Can I return a piece?

Commissioned pieces are one-of-one originals, so returns for change of mind are not accepted. Pieces damaged in transit are replaced. See Returns.