How-to DVD

[Mike Hill]

Hey all,
I had my first meeting with my DP regarding an instructional DVD. I will be sculpting a likness.Is there anything you would like to see explained(armatures etc).

MH

[HelloKinky]

This sounds great. I think all the basics would already be covered, I'd just really like to see how to bring something to life like that and what tools you use for certain details, while not having to spend much cash out there like with other art activities. But I can't wait!

[Vader]

I think you did a great job explaining your techniques in some of the articles in amazingfigure modeler. It would be great to see it in video form.

[Andy Bergholtz]

I'll be first in line to pick this up when it's available!

Personally, I'd love to request some detailed info on molding and casting in wax (and/or silicone). I honestly think it would be easier to find out who killed JFK than to find a good tutorial on these techniques, I don't understand the mystery. :)

If you were to include a good demo on molding and casting a 1:1 head in wax or silicone (including painting and hair-punching), it would definitely make your video stand out from similar available DVD's. Not that your talent and sensibilities won't already do that.... But the inclusion of the above info would make it invaluable!

Keep us updated mate!

[Mike Hill]

Andy,my good fellow,

Its funny you should say that ;)

[Andy Bergholtz]

Andy,my good fellow,

Its funny you should say that ;)

My cash is ready. :D

[cblakey1]

Maybe going over the basic sculpting tools, armature creation including the best type/gauge wire to use, and going over a few types of sculpting medium (apoxie sculpt, sculpey, wax)..

Definitely laying musculature and a close-up step by step on faces.

That's my wishlist!

[EvilNinjaChris]

oh man I have been praying for this. I'm with Andy too I'd love to see all of that. in addition, I would really like to see more than just a "how to sculpt something" style tutorial. I think it should include every step you take to achieve a proper likeness and really focus on capturing every little nook cranny and curve of a likeness. Whatever it is you start off with and the steps you follow every time. what to look for in reference photos, what kind of reference photos. what measurments you take before and during (if any) I wouldn't spend too much time on materials and stuff like that unless you're planning on doing a series of dvd's. there is a plethora of information on that readily available at any book store or sculpting website. maybe a finished armature and a brief explanation on how it was built but I wouldn't build the thing from the ground up on camera. maybe a section on common mistakes you see people make. sorry for such a long post but I've been waiting a long time for this ; )

even if the thing doesn't have audio and its just a video of you sculpting a likeness, you already have my money. :buttrock:

[Mike Hill]

Maybe going over the basic sculpting tools, armature creation including the best type/gauge wire to use, and going over a few types of sculpting medium (apoxie sculpt, sculpey, wax)..

Definitely laying musculature and a close-up step by step on faces.

That's my wishlist!

Duly noted.Thanks

[Mike Hill]

oh man I have been praying for this. I'm with Andy too I'd love to see all of that. in addition, I would really like to see more than just a "how to sculpt something" style tutorial. I think it should include every step you take to achieve a proper likeness and really focus on capturing every little nook cranny and curve of a likeness. Whatever it is you start off with and the steps you follow every time. what to look for in reference photos, what kind of reference photos. what measurments you take before and during (if any) I wouldn't spend too much time on materials and stuff like that unless you're planning on doing a series of dvd's. there is a plethora of information on that readily available at any book store or sculpting website. maybe a finished armature and a brief explanation on how it was built but I wouldn't build the thing from the ground up on camera. maybe a section on common mistakes you see people make. sorry for such a long post but I've been waiting a long time for this ; )

even if the thing doesn't have audio and its just a video of you sculpting a likeness, you already have my money. :buttrock:

Duly noted also.Thanks.

[JadeGiant]

can't wait for this video

[Vader]

Sculpting material - what is good and for what purpose. Why some material works better than others.

[Mike Hill]

Ok yesterday was the first day of shooting. I covered the tools I use and a basic armature for a human head.

Today I start adding clay...and Im still not sure who to do!

I think maybe Oliver Reed fron Curse of the werewolf,one of my all time favourites.

Mike

[High Lord Apocalypse]

mike, is the dvd gonna be a smaller scale like 1:7 or 1:8th? everything out there is life size. i wanna some stuff that teaches in DETAIL how to do a smaller scale, the tools needed and EVERY STEP (not the random fast forward and half the stuff is already done and i'm wondering what the hell happenned)

[High Lord Apocalypse]

i cant sculpt the damn eyes, frontal bone and eye lids. i've tried many times it does look right. hope your dvd will address that.

[Bengalslair]

OH MAN I CAN''T WAIT!!!!

Reed is cool...or perhaps a trib to Alex Ross?!?

You have got to do a babe too!!!!

[Mike Hill]

mike, is the dvd gonna be a smaller scale like 1:7 or 1:8th? everything out there is life size. i wanna some stuff that teaches in DETAIL how to do a smaller scale, the tools needed and EVERY STEP (not the random fast forward and half the stuff is already done and i'm wondering what the hell happenned)

Unfortuantly its likeness's that people ask for. So this one is 1/1. But if this does OK,Im planning on doing smaller scale.

[Mike Hill]

OH MAN I CAN''T WAIT!!!!

Reed is cool...or perhaps a trib to Alex Ross?!?

You have got to do a babe too!!!!

Reed it is.

Trouble with alex Ross is his stuff isnt likeness's, not exactly. Also His characters are copyright.

[gk asylum]

I really can't wait to see this!!!
Keep me posted on your progress Mike.
This could turn into my all time favorite piece.
Larry

[Mike Hill]

Larry,

You have mail.

Mike

[VinReaper]

Sculpting material - what is good and for what purpose. Why some material works better than others.

You beat me to it!!!

But Exactly!! The differences, pros/cons and how to use different sculpting materials!!


VR

[Bengalslair]

Reed it is.

:thumbs2: Awesome! Whatever you do is going to be amazing to watch. I have been salivating about a DVD from you ever since I saw mention in AFM...And, I am just so excited that you have found the time...

Any idea when we can expect this little nugget?!?

Also, are you going to try to cram everything into one DVD?

Perhaps you could divide them up...Male...You have got to do a female too...and Monsters...ETC.

[Mike Hill]

:thumbs2: Awesome! Whatever you do is going to be amazing to watch. I have been salivating about a DVD from you ever since I saw mention in AFM...And, I am just so excited that you have found the time...

Any idea when we can expect this little nugget?!?

Also, are you going to try to cram everything into one DVD?

Perhaps you could divide them up...Male...You have got to do a female too...and Monsters...ETC.

I cant cram everything in.So far Ollie Reed is halfway.We did a rough edit and it came in at 3 hrs! Thats without finishing,titles etc. So Its REALLY hard to cram 30 to 40 hours into a 2 hour disc.

[Vader]

I've read your articles before. You usually hit the highlights (issues of importance) to provide a foundation for independent learning (if necessary). And you're here to field any specific questions anyway. It's like online customer service. You should be charging for your posts!

[High Lord Apocalypse]

thanks for the reply mike.

[Mike Hill]

thanks for the reply mike.

You are very welcome.

[Mike Hill]

I've read your articles before. You usually hit the highlights (issues of importance) to provide a foundation for independent learning (if necessary). And you're here to field any specific questions anyway. It's like online customer service. You should be charging for your posts!


That will be $7.50 please.

Oh and $2.50 for this reply:)

[brandonshiflett]

Me and Jarrod will also be picking one of these up. Your work is freaking sweet.

Cheers.
Brandon
www.shiflettbrothers.com

[TOM S.]

mike- thank god you are still planning on producing the dvd. i' ve been waiting anxiously for it since i first saw it advertised in afm (holding my breath in anticipation actually-trust me, blue is not my colour!). really looking forward to it! keep up the great work!

[Mike Hill]

Me and Jarrod will also be picking one of these up. Your work is freaking sweet.

Cheers.
Brandon
www.shiflettbrothers.com

Brandon....wow...thank you so much. I LOVE your stuff!

[Vader]

There is so much "greatness" on this forum!! "The gods walk amongst us".

[Mike Hill]

mike- thank god you are still planning on producing the dvd. i' ve been waiting anxiously for it since i first saw it advertised in afm (holding my breath in anticipation actually-trust me, blue is not my colour!). really looking forward to it! keep up the great work!

Tom, Thanks for waiting. My problem as always been that its extremly hard to cut it down to even 3 hours but this time its happening..and I think its coming on great!

Thanks again

Mike

[TOM S.]

Tom, Thanks for waiting. My problem as always been that its extremly hard to cut it down to even 3 hours but this time its happening..and I think its coming on great!

Thanks again

Mike

IT'LL BE WORTH THE WAIT- I'VE NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT! THERE'S CERTAINLY NO SHORTAGE OF INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS/DVDS ON THE SCULPTURAL (AND MOLDING) PROCESS AVAILABLE (SOME ARE QUITE GOOD, IN FACT), BUT I'VE HAVEN'T FOUND ONE THAT DEALS SPECIFICALLY WITH OBTAINING A LIKENESS- THIS IS GREAT! THANKS FOR DOING IT AND THANKS FOR THE INSPIRATION! - TOM

[TOM S.]

JUST WANTED TO ADD THAT I AGREE WITH ANDY BERGHOLTZ'S SUGGESTION (WAY BACK IN THIS THREAD) REGARDING POSSIBLE FUTURE DVD SUBJECTS- TOTALLY! I WOULD PERSONALLY LOVE TO SEE YOU TACKLE SILICONE FINISHING, SETTING ACRYLIC EYES,PUNCHING IN HAIR ETC. REALLY LIKED YOUR HEATH LEDGER JOKER TRIBUTE BY THE WAY- THANKS FOR LISTENING

[Mike Hill]

JUST WANTED TO ADD THAT I AGREE WITH ANDY BERGHOLTZ'S SUGGESTION (WAY BACK IN THIS THREAD) REGARDING POSSIBLE FUTURE DVD SUBJECTS- TOTALLY! I WOULD PERSONALLY LOVE TO SEE YOU TACKLE SILICONE FINISHING, SETTING ACRYLIC EYES,PUNCHING IN HAIR ETC. REALLY LIKED YOUR HEATH LEDGER JOKER TRIBUTE BY THE WAY- THANKS FOR LISTENING

Im listening Tom...and thinking...

[TOM S.]

IF YOU DECIDE TO DO A SERIES OF INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS, ANOTHER POSSIBLE TOPIC COULD BE CAPTURING A FEMALE LIKENESS. THERE ARE EXTRA CONSIDERATIONS WHEN REPRESENTING A FEMALE LIKENESS IN PORTRAITURE (SENSUALITY, PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS,ETC.) THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO NECESSARILY DEAL WITH IN THE MALE LIKENESS (NOT THAT OLIVER REED WAS UNATTRACTIVE BUT YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!). PLUS, I DON'T THINK I'VE EVER SEEN THAT SUBJECT ADDRESSED BEFORE. THANKS

[TOM S.]

AS YOU CAN PROBABLY TELL, I'M PRETTY ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT YOU MAKING A SERIES OF INSTRUCTIONAL DVDS. THE MORE I THINK ABOUT IT, THE MORE IDEAS FOR POSSIBLE SUBJECTS COME TO MIND. I'D LOVE TO SEE YOU ADDRESS THE PROCESS YOU GO THROUGH TO CORRECT A SCULPTURE THAT ISN'T QUITE WORKING - KIND OF A CHECKLIST OF THINGS THAT YOU LOOK AT (WITH THE MIRROR, OF COURSE!). COMMON ERRORS ETC. YOU SEE IN OTHER SCULPTORS WORK OR ENCOUNTER IN YOUR OWN WORK FROM TIME TO TIME. JUST A THOUGHT. THANKS