Getting Figures Cast

[Armchair Trapper]

Hi folks.
A quick question- does anyone know how you progress a sketch of a figure to a final casting? I'm not looking at starting a business just trying to get a couple of ideas cast up for a few friends. I don't know where to start. Does anyone know? Based in the west of England, if that helps in terms of contact.

Cheers.

[The Dozing Dragon]

There are a lot of sculptors about who would gladly quote you on turning your idea into a model. After that talk to Pete at The Mouldmaker for advice and costings. Costs vary but the fewer pieces you have then the more expensive they are to mould up per unit pricing etc. Best to get a few going from a costing perspective.

[Atheling]

If you're happy just making do with the masters mold then it would cost you a lot less. Note though, that these are no good for production of many mini's- you'd need to have a production mod made up for that which would obviously cost more.

Or, you could drop cast the mini's? There are plenty of tutorials online- just hammer in Drop Casting to Google.

Darrell.

[nic-e]

So the rough progress is more or less..

Concept>sketch>refinement>final concept art>Rough sculpting>finished sculpt>breakdown for casting>mould making>cast master>make moulds from master.

What stage are you at?

[shandy]

Well, when I had some figures made I went about it a bit easier: I knew how they should look based on my research, I contacted a sculptor and sent him a detailed description (no sketches, as I can't sketch, but some images from books) and he made very nice greens, of which he sent me photos. I then contacted a mouldmaker and caster, had the greens sent over and the figures were cast. The sculptor and the mouldmaker/caster both did great jobs and were very reliable.
It wasn't cheap, though.

[Malamute]

A 28mm master figure will probably cost you upwards of £80 per sculpt depending upon the complexity of the figure and the ability of the sculptor.
A master mould with perhaps 12 28mm figures will cost circa £50 to have made. You will then pay per spin of the mould and for the cost of the metal.
If you only want several figures done a mould maker may combine them with other figures to help you with keeping the costs down.
There are plenty of sculptors out there, post a request for some to contact you to discuss prices etc.
I would recommend Griffin Moulds based in Birmingham.

[Armchair Trapper]

Thank you all.
These are all really helpful responses. A day ago, I had but a smidge of an idea of the process; now I have the whole process. A great help, people. I better get sketching.

Cheers. 

[6milPhil]

...talk to Pete at The Mouldmaker for advice and costings.

I'd second that.

Worth bearing in mind that sculptors are busy so best track one down and book your work in, you could face a lengthy delay if you wait until you have all your sketches.

[Atheling]

I'd second that.

Worth bearing in mind that sculptors are busy so best track one down and book your work in, you could face a lengthy delay if you wait until you have all your sketches.

Yeah, this is correct. Make sure you have time booked for the sculpts that you want when you have completed the sketches is essential.

Darrell.

PS. If it's just a few mini's you're after you could always give drop casting a go! 

Darrell

[PhilB]

These days, there is another solution: 3D printing.

If what you want is fantasy figures with specific poses or accessories, you might find what you want here. A bit pricey, but nothing compared to commissioning sculpts.

https://www.heroforge.com/
https://www.heroforge.com/

Actually, I just revisited the site, and there is far more than just fantasy available.