Studying modelmaking for the past couple of years, I have gained an understanding into some of the various processes that are involved in the practise of making. Approaching a new project, I think it would be helpful to use this existing knowledge alongside my continual research, to have an objective look at the work ahead and predict some of the issues I will encounter. Let’s find some solutions to these so that I feel more prepared!
Sculpting
| Problem | Solution |
| The armature might be too big/too small which will affect the stability of the sculpt and affect the surface sculpt. | I will note down measurements of my sculpt and then work backwards to ensure the armature is the right size. |
| The eyes might be put in the wrong depth. | Make sure the replacement eyes I am using for the sculpt are 12mm (1/2 of average eye size) so that they fit into the head. Also make sure the armature underneath is small enough so that I can dig the eyes deep enough. |
| The facial features and anatomy might look disconnected from each other. | Work in stages following the instructions of Edouard Lanteri to achieve correct anatomy. Keep taking measurements throughout. Work on facial features all together in stages, don’t finish one before the others. |
| Anatomically incorrect primary shapes that make the secondary and tertiary details look wrong. | Follow the instructions of Edouard Lanteri. Use a mirror and take photographs throughout to change perspective. Measurements! |
Moulding
| Problem | Solution |
| I might take too long on sculpting. | Make a time plan for the entire project and stick to it! Encourage yourself to keep moving throughout the sculpt to discourage perfectionist tendencies. |
| When I put the first layer of silicon on I might smudge the details. | Pour the silicon on rather than brush it on for the first thin layer. Have a bowl underneath to catch the silicon and reuse. |
| The silicon does not cure. | Use a newer batch that you know has cured successfully in a previous test. |
| Air bubbles form in the silicon. | Use a vac former to reduce bubbles and pour from a distance to let gravity pop any remaining bubbles. |
| I forget to put the Vaseline on surfaces during the plaster stage. | Write up a plan for the moulding stage to take with you into the workshop and use as a reminder to do some important tasks. |
Casting
| Problem | Solution |
| I might make the wax the wrong tint. | Get in touch with industry professionals to enquire whether they would advise me on some colour combinations they use. Do test pieces first. |
| The oil paint tint might not mix properly with the wax and drop to the bottom. | Make sure to heat the oil paint with a little bit of wax first up to a high temperature. Mix in with the rest of the wax well. Do test pieces first. |
| Wax might not be stored correctly which can affect quality of wax. | Store in a cool, dry place away from dust. |
| Parts of the cast might break off when taken out of the mould. | Ensure the silicon layer is no thicker than 5/7mm max. |
| Health and Safety – Hot wax!! | Complete a health and safety assessment before casting. Ensure area is prepared before use and that others know to be careful around it. Plan beforehand. Ensure appliances are turned off afterwards. |
Painting
| Problem | Solution |
| I make the layers of paint on the surface too thick. | Practise painting on the test casts before the final one. Use a dry brush and wipe off excess paint before applying. Take your time and do not rush. Look in mirror and take pictures to keep changing perspectives and |
| I will use the wrong tones and colours. | Ask industry professional for their advice before painting. Practise by oil painting portraits on flat surface first. |
| My painting might not look realistic as it might not follow anatomy. | Research anatomy and how light interacts with it. Research the blood vessels etc underneath the skin to understand how they will impact the surface colour. |
Dressing
| Problem | Solution |
| The hair strands I will use might be too thin and fragile, or too thick and synthetic. | Test out a selection of materials before hair punching final. If too thin – try hair spraying and then styling. If too synthetic – try various methods of softening them. Ask MakeUp SFX students to advise on hair choices. Confirm choices with advice from industry professionals. |
| Hair punch holes might look too big and obvious, particularly around the hairline and facial hair. | Outsource, make and test out different needle sizes before final hair punching. Understand how deep they need to go in to be stable. Experiment whether you can melt the wax after hair punching to increase quality. |
| Outsourced eyes might not look realistic enough/too doll-like | Have a list of producers you can contact for replacement eyes just in case. |
| The clothes I will make might not look realistic as the scale of the thread might be out of place. | Research how to recreate clothes at smaller scale. Look at stop-motion animation dressing techniques. Choose a clothing piece from an existing photo – keep choice simple. |
Of course, there are many problems and issues that I will encounter during this project – far too many that I could write! So to manage the sheer variety of problems and to decrease the damage they may have on my time management of the project, I will construct a thorough time plan for the duration of the project. This will ensure that I know exactly how much time I can spend on each mistake and issue, and hopefully keep me on track.
Fingers crossed!
Alicja Makes 