Building The Death Star - PRODUCTION
- Thread starter PHArchivist
- Start date
PHArchivist
Master Member
Nice comp, Brad...
Here's another fun look:
Here's another fun look:
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vaderdarth
Master Member
That is just nailed man. I love it. I cannot wait until this thing is lighted. 
PHArchivist
Master Member
That is just nailed man. I love it. I cannot wait until this thing is lighted.
Check with me in May 2011...
By the way, the sheen you all see in the upper row - interesting... I had wet-sanded that area with 1000 grit, so what you are seeing is the shine of the base coat, emanating through the speckle.
Its an important lesson to me, as I've found that the speckling does not hide imperfections (such as blending between patch coats of base color) as well as I'd thought.
vaderdarth
Master Member
Rob it's nothing a dull coat won't fix.
PHArchivist
Master Member
Rob it's nothing a dull coat won't fix.
Totally! In fact, Brad and I were discussing the various elements of screen-used props that add that highly unique character to a genuine prop.
A major element to the characteristic look of true screen used props is the absolutely dead flat finish. As we all know, even an off-the-shelf clear coat (even a flat coat), can create a bit of sheen under the intense studio lighting. Hence the dead, dead flat you get with movie props.
The original Death Star is no exception. When viewing the model in person, you pick up on this. Its finish is pretty much dead flat.
I'm looking forward to applying my flat coat. In fact I have to do it a little bit as a time, as I've come to realize that even the Delicate Surface 3M Painters Tape lifts 1% - 5% of the speckles I've applied (if not sealed with clear flat).
Davy Jones
Sr Member
Looking great!
I like the final speckling work.
Now I am excited to see the little lights. I know there is a long way to go still until then but something about seeing the Death Star this far along makes me want to see it lit up soo badly.
Keep it up!
I like the final speckling work.
Now I am excited to see the little lights. I know there is a long way to go still until then but something about seeing the Death Star this far along makes me want to see it lit up soo badly.
Keep it up!
PHArchivist
Master Member
Good god tell me about it!
On the lights, I'm "neither here nor there" - I'm not dreading the process since I know it will be self-motivating, but I'm not looking forward to it especially either. Sort of neutral on it.
But I tell you what - I AM really looking forward to busting out the mechanical pencil and the Rapidograph pens. I can't wait to add those lines, which I know will really make this thing pop!
I will likely finish out the last 25% or so of this upper right quadrant by the end of the week, and maybe start the lower dome this weekend.
An old illustration prof told me this is your reward for a great job almost done... and he's right to this day. I still think of final detailing as the project reward at the end. You get to really enjoy it because you know you've got the rest just right.
And indeed you do! :thumbsup
PHArchivist
Master Member
That is it exactly! And why I am disciplining myself not to get into the lines prematurely.
The ratio of Effort >>> Reward will be high. The lines will be pretty easy and quick to do with the marking tool I have, and the reference. And these lines will bring the model to life, and completely enhance the scale effect.
Just wanted to say that working on this was and IS an honor. I don't know many prop makers that would let someone they only know from a internet board come over to their house, be handed a spray can or toothbrush full of paint and be told "have at it".
I am extremely proud of the paint, pattern placement of the "tiles" and the discovery you and I have discussed at lengths.
Also, that I don't know of anyone else that I would rather have own this beautiful piece of art. Not to mention you're only 60 miles from me so I can come and visit it!
Brad
I am extremely proud of the paint, pattern placement of the "tiles" and the discovery you and I have discussed at lengths.
Also, that I don't know of anyone else that I would rather have own this beautiful piece of art. Not to mention you're only 60 miles from me so I can come and visit it!
Brad
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PHArchivist
Master Member
Three words - repeat after me: LIGHT DRILLING PARTY!
Great to have a hand - and good company - to work on this; like I said, two brains are better than one!
LOL!!!!:lol
PHArchivist
Master Member
I was going to say - one & a half brains, considering my own limited mental capacities!
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