Sculpting Question

[Xeromatter]

Lurked in this forum for a while before registering an account. Everyone here is so helpful and supportive of each other, I really enjoy it!

Since browsing this forum , I have decided I really want to start making custom costumes and masks. I was curious if anyone out there has any advice for a beginner? Namely, where to find a quality bust to sculp clay over for latex mask fabrication, what clay to use when doing so, etc...

I know it's a rather broad request, but any help would be appreciated! Maybe links to sites to make initial purchases, or other threads within this community.

Thanks again!

 

[weaponx82]

Welcome aboard Xeromatter! Your question is a tough one to answer quickly because there are so many ways to skin a cat. But it sounds you're generally looking to go the route of sculpting what you want in clay, making molds then choosing your material of preference to cast copies. Am I correct?

I'm no professional but this is how I tackle a lot of my projects and I always use chavant brand clay for sculpting. They have quite a wide variety of clays to fit various needs.

If you're looking to do masks, I know monstermakers.com has a mask building kit that comes with a head armature. That could be an easy way to get started but personally, I prefer the route of starting from scratch and creating my own armature.

Hopefully this little bit helps. I'm sure the more experienced pros on the board here can give you some great advice.

I'll try posting more of my 'valuable' 2 cents later when I have more time.

Good luck!

 

[Xeromatter]

Thanks! Sculpting armature? Is that what I should be searching for on google? I tried mannequin bust and a whole litany of other terms but could not really find what I was looking for.

I have many project ideas on the table, but sculpting out of clay and then casting is definitely in the top teir.

I want to make the most epic Spider Man 2099 costume ever, and I have seen some really awesome printed Spider Man movie replicas so far!

 

[weaponx82]

I'm not sure what you'll turn up google-ing 'sculpture armature'. An armature can be pretty much anything you use as a foundation to start sculpting on. If you're sculpting on a life cast, that would be an armature. Many artists that sculpt figures will bend wire into a basic stick figure and sculpt on that. The wire stick figure would be considered an armature.

 

[SUPERprops]

Chavant med. clay is the best(I think). For a sculpting armature search Ben-mannequins on ebay, always make him an offer when buying, I've gotten half off before. hope that helps!
Superprops

 

[rollerboi]

Some people build up their sculpts from styrofoam wig heads obtained at cosmetic supply shops. Others take a life mold, using alginate and plaster.

 

[weaponx82]

What did you have in mind for your first project? A face mask, prosthetic, full head mask, full on costume?