New at this game, a few questions.....

[Jp1]

Ok, firstly Hi all.

I've been looking around on this forum for some time, very impressive to say the least. I've had a bash at sculptin in the past and now feel inspired to have another go.

I've attatched an image of a lizard come robot head I did a while ago, its made with faber clay, usually used in the automotive industry. I made it with a very basic toolset and added most of the detail using a mechanical pencil.

I'd like to know what you guys would suggest I need to get started, tools, materials etc. I'm especially interested in the grey clay I've seen used, gives a nice finish unpainted. Also, what scale do you tend to work at?

Regards

John.

[Ghost]

Welcome to the forum John. Awesome piece you have there. I'm nowhere near as experienced as the great sculptors here, but you've definitely come to the right place. You'll get all the info and help you'll ever need. I'd give you some tips if I could, but I'll leave that to the pros!

[Bullseye]

Welcome John. Great style of sculpting you got there. I like it alot. Be sure and post more pics.

[Kdawg59]

Awesome John... welcome aboard... I love the texture and the scales...Glad you are here and post away

although I am not a pro... The caly you are referring to is from midwest Clay... great consisitency and it is pre-mixed... firmer than over the counter sculpey... Popeye is the all-father and has introduced many of us to this... great stuff.

Scale is all over the map but many people like 1/8 or 1/6

there are a few genius' out there like Gabe Perna who do some glorious busts in 1/4... Sideshow has a 1/4 line too...

let's see there is castilene wax which is also popular here which is subtractive as opposed to sculpey which is more additive...

tools... many use dental tools or wire loops and what I'm sure you already use your fingers..

any of that help?

[Arahom Radjah]

Hi John,

Welcome, and make yourself at home here ... These guys are really nice people and they know how to make you fell real good being here ....

In my humble opinion, you should start with Super Sculpey clay and mix it with a little bit of the colored sculpey ( that colored square clay that you find easily in every art supply store !! )
I also recommend you get yourself some dentist tools, that you can find easily on eBay auctions ( look for sculpting tools !! ) I also have a DREMEL that is one of the best accessories to your sculpt abilities !!! With a DREMEL you gonna be able to sand off any "mistake" that you might have ...

Try to use the " sculpey clay softener " to smooth your sculpture instead only water ... It have been working pretty good for me !!! Use welding wire to make the armature or copper wire that works good too. try to find some good tutorials sites to get more tips !!!

Good luck and keep practicing

best,

[Dead_Poole]

Ohhh....not sure what it is...but it sure looks cool lol. Heres a link to that clay Kdawg mentioned.
http://www.midwestclay.com/index.asp...TS&Category=18
Pretty much use it exclusively now, great stuff indeed. Looks like you already have some incredible talent there. Gonna be looking forward to seeing more of your stuff.