"Sculpting Cost Question" Topic

I apologize for the dumb question but I was curious how much it would cost to have someone sculpt the necessary figures (25/28mm) that would make up a pack of infantry such as 1870 Bavarians or something similar. Assuming the infantry would be in an advancing pose and their might be one or two variants of that pose and there would also be a sculpt for an officer, a drummer, and a standard bearer. How much would that cost on average to have those figures sculpted?

And once you had the masters how much would it cost to have molds made?

I have never looked into this so please forgive the naivete of my question/inquiry.

A lot. Low price on sculpts are 150 to 200 USD per figure. So 5 could cost you a grand or more.

The molds and casting masters and production molds could be another 500 to 1000. And
then production figures anywhere from .80 cents to a 1.25 to cast.

Good luck. It cost me just under 6k USD to create a line of 37 figures with inventory of 50 figures each.This does not include website, marketing, shipping.

Best wishes and good luck!

I had a large range of 10mm sci-fi infantry made 16, and a range of pre-Columbia a Native Americans. In 15mm. It has been several years.
The sculpting was a set amount per millimeter of the casting desired. So let's as $20 USD per so a 10mm would be $200 USD and a 15mm $300. USD Now the cost may be up to $30 USD per.

Making the mounds is a different issue. You have to find a company to make the mounds AND cast a certain amount of castings per figure. Getting just mounds made may cost you more to make.
Being in the USA, I had an American company do mine.

@Rudy Nelson- Are your 15mm native Americans available for purchase? If so how do I find photos and buy some?

Olaf 33, a few sculptors hang around here – planetfigure.com

It may pay you to ask there. You are likely to find a range of options and a range of prices. Don't be afraid to ask.

There is Facebook page called "Steve Barber Models – I would like to Commission a Miniature Club" where Steve will sculpt your figure once there is commitment to cover the costs.

Then it's molded, cast and available for purchased at the site. Often several members will share the costs. It is a great way to get that odd figure no one makes at a reasonable price.

He is working on Ming Chinese for several of us. Steve Barber does Excellent work.

I gave the production mounds to Kai at Falcon/ Quartermaster.

Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions. Very helpful.

Last time I attended ReaperCon, they mentioned that they do casting for others. Casting their own figures is their main business, though.

Grelber

Wow, those rates seem very high, but I guess it depends upon the size of the sculpt, quality of the sculpting, and sculptors' fees.

Having produced a range of minis, I know that the master molds, and production mold costs can be pretty steep.

Sorry should have mentioned mine are 28mm.