"Hiow Does One Start a Line of Figures?" Topic

Disclaimer…I can't sculpt, I have no artistic talent, hence the reason for this post. (obviously I can't type either).

I was thinking about having a line of figures made in 15mm (probably larger ones, like Blue Moon), that I want to know about how I have commissioned. From time to time I see where figures and ranges are started because a gamer or two wanted specific figures made, and I am curious as to how that works.

Yes, I realize that Eureka has a 300 Club, but that takes too long and the period I want figures for is fairly obscure, meaning I doubt if I could get ten people to join in.

So, what is the cost to have figures sculpted, created, commissioned? I am thinking something like this:

Line infantry marching
Line infantry skirmishing
Light infantry
Rifles
Artillery crews
Guns (two types)
Cavalry (dragoons)
Mounted Command
Perhaps supply wagons as well

Would like to see at least two poses for each type, and command consisting of an officer, standard bearer, and drummer, and perhaps an NCO.

Any ideas/thoughts on how I might go about this?

Concept first, if you can't draw or sculpt them yourself.

Then you need to save up enough money to hire a sculptor.

Finding a good one may be a challenge, but you can start here, perhaps, by posting a want ad.

Rumor has it the going rate is about $10 USD per mm, for a single human pose. Mods of that pose may run a little less.

No doubt, others will chime in with more advice.

Good luck on your project!

the period I want figures for is fairly obscure

What period are you actually looking for? It sounds like something horse-and-muskety from your list of figure types. In 15mm it is likely that there are some "close enough" figures already available.

I can give you a sculptor's view point on such a project.

You'll probably need to get a sculptor and a caster, though some may be able to fill both roles. Very likely you'll need another sculptor to do the straight line stuff (the guns and wagons) as its a different skill from sculpting figures, though again some may be able to do both. If you intend to market the line you'll need your own guns and wagons, but if its just a personal project, it might be cheaper to just buy them from other lines.

For the figures you'll need to provide decent pictures, either sketches or pics from books. Be prepared to answer what the reverse of the pics would look like as the backs have to be sculpted too! The sculptor might know the era well already, but if not assume that you'll have to explain everything. Any ambiguity is not likely to be sculpted in the way you want. Be available to answer questions. I for one would not progress until a question was answered, as its better for both parties that all are.

Consider whether it is worth getting dollies made to save time and cost e.g. if you were doing naps could fusiliers, grenadiers, chasseurs all be done with a similar base dolly?
Personally I think hats and other items that should be identical should be dollied, especially muskets. They can be done from scratch on each figure, but that is time consuming and makes consistency difficult to achieve. Its worth planning carefully, getting one dolly mold done and going to the greens from there.

If you have an ideal to follow, like Blue Moon, actually provide some figures for the sculptor to follow in terms of proportion and height, nothing beats holding them in the hand for this.

Probably, its best to do one figure as a sample and get any issues ironed out, rather than find out about a problem once the range is done. Prices, speed and quality will vary from sculptor to sculptor.

Hmmm, sounds like the process is rather expensive. I have plenty of source materials, and samples of the same period in other scales (even though the one main range in 28mm has some incorrect uniforms). So no issues there.

Having about a dozen (actually more) figures sculpted, based on $10.00 USD per millimetre, would not be cheap.

I am looking at a horse and musket period, but the headgear, and in some cases the weaponry, just isn't represented by other existing figures (example, rifle troops carrying tomahawks as a side arm sans bayonet).

I have a couple of folks who have PMd me on this topic, so I have some follow up to do. I would have no issues selling these to anyone interested, and I already have flags for the period created to sell along with the figures if it comes to that (in jpg form, I haven't tried printing them out yet, but I think they will work well).

There's always learning digital sculpting programs yourself… there's some good free ones out there these days.

While the $10/millimeter is a standard, you can find guys out there who will do it for less. You really have to search and leave posts on a TON of message boards and forums. Frother's could be a good place to look as long as you have a thick skin.

I know someone who might do it for a little less than the standard rate. PM if you can't find anyone else.

Instead of hiring a sculptor, would it be possible to have the molds made from a 3D print?

@Oxford: I'm pursuing that right now. It seems to be a matter of balancing the right technology with a comfortable price. Now, 15mm 3D prints might be pushing the limits of any technology. I am looking more at 30mm in this case.

I still believe in the skills of a talented sculptor. It's hard to find the right one but very rewarding when you do.

Actually with the current technology you can make pretty decent prints… Shapeways for example is pretty cheep (relatively) and can get a decent level of detail…

link

Shapeways is certainly a way to go but this technology is such that the better the quality, the higher the price. I guess if you just want decent figures, then that's the route to take.

I think it's at least worth a try. Get a single print out, take a look at it, and see if it meets your standards. If it is, go for it. If not, find a more expensive service.

That said, six months ago I'd have said to avoid shapeways as before their best material was their "Strong, White, and Flexable" which had a .2 mil min detail size and a .7 wall thickness, which wile acceptable for larger items like vehicles doesn't work as well for smaller stuff like actual minis. Their "Ultra Detail" on the other hand does .1mm detail thickness and .3mm wall thickness which is pretty detailed and I can't think of many figures that need much more beyond that.

I'd personally try getting some prints in that detail level and then judge for yourself.