Maquette Sculptingby

Visiting Artist Sonny Sy

Animation ArtLASALLE College of the Arts

What is a Maquette?

Uses for a Maquette : Visualisation

• Visualizing complex shapes

Uses for a Maquette : Lighting

• Explore lighting

Different types of Maquette

Before You Start..!!

Think about the following:

– Design / Pose / Anatomy : (sketches)

– Size / Scale : (time, cost and baki ng)

– Material and Finish : (purpose)

The Pose Shoul d Reflect Character

Do this…

…not this!

The Pose Shoul d Reflect Character

Consider location, time and adding props to help the readabi lity of your characters.

Sculpting Material

Epoxy : Self harden in short time. Good for repairs, details and carving.

Polymer Clay : Requires baking to harden. Easy to work with – very pliable.

Caution : These Materials are toxic. Always wash your hands after use.

Sculpting Materials : Epoxy vs Polymer Clay

Epoxy Putty – Bondite, Miliput, Magic Sculpt, Duro

– Air drying/hardening– Limited working time – from 45 minutes to 1 hour– Self Adhesive– Strong/Hard, Sandable, Drillable– Heavier

Polymer Clay – Sculpey, Fimo, Premo

– Must be baked in oven or w ith a heat gun to harden– Almost unlimited working time– Not very good adhesion– Sandable, Drillable, not as strong as epox y putty– Lighter

Sculpting Tools

Basic Steps Overview

Basic Steps Overview

Basics Step 1: The Armature

• It is the skeleton of the maquette

• Needs to be strong and durable, especi ally at the joints.

• But have some flexibility for you to adjust the pose

• If using sculpey, it needs to be able to withstand the heat of baking

Basics Step 1 : Materials

Armature

Basics Step 1 : Construction the Armature

Armature

Basic Steps 2 : Massing Volume

Basic Steps 2 : Massing

Must define the overall proportion of the Maquette

– Clearly show the shapes – peaks and depressions

– This will make or break the outcome of the sculpt

– This should capture the viewers attention

Basic Steps 3 : Adding Detail

Refining Shapes

Basic Steps 3 : Adding Detail

Basic Steps 3Refine Shapes and Adding Detail

– Refine the shapes – add folds and creases– Define specific features – eyes, ears, hair,

fingers– Smooth joints– Hold the viewer’s interest– Don’t forget to keep refi ning and improving

your design

Basic Steps 4 : Finishing and Texture

Basic Steps 4 : Finishing and Texture

Finishing

Basic Steps 4 : Finishing and Texture

Finishing

Basic Steps 4 : Finishing and Texture

Finishing

Basic Steps 4 : Finishing and Texture

Basic Steps 4 : Finishing and Texture

– Add surface texture or smooth the surface

– Homogenize the look to let light clearly define the shapes

– Paint in the appropriate col ors to enhance the design

Forming Basic Shapes

A. Ball, Egg, Oval (head, eyes, bumps, boi ls)

B. Disc ( buttons, medal s)

C. Cylinder / Beams (l imbs, rope, noodle, barrel, thick hair, piping, horns)

D. Sheet / Slab (cape, cloth, planks, straps, bel t, teeth)

Form Complex Shapes from Basic Shapes

Blending

– Used to merge basi c shapes into complex shapes

– Small shapes – use toothpicks

– Medium size shapes – paintbrush handles or sculpting tools

– Larger shapes - fingers

Making Marks

Making Marks

– Curvy organic marks are made w hile the material is soft

– Sharp lines and edges are best made when the material has hardened

– Use sewing needles or pins, toothpicks to make lines

– Consider using various materials to add texture such as cloth, sandpaper, rocks, etc.

Carving

– This as an alternative to sculpting or can be used in conjuncti on with sculpting

– You can make more precise shapes

Multimedia : Mixed Media

Multimedia : Mixed Media

Multimedia : Mixed Media (Alternative options)

– Long poles – use metal rods

– Thin wiring and hose – use metal wires

– Chains available from bead jewelry stores

– Cloth – use tissue, tin foil, cloth

– Also source parts and props from dollhouse a ccessories, action figures, Barbie to save time

Kit Bashing : Using Existing Junk Materials

The End – have fun!