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Start from scratch or buying in parts?
12 years ago
General
So I'm getting back into proper monster building, or I'm trying to. And I've noticed some makers who are doing gorgeous, gorgeous silicone and resin casting of paws/pads/noses/jawsets/everything that I'd need to make a monster piece-meal by just assembling some custom ordered parts and adding the fur.
The option to build that way is tempting, because I adore the sculpts I've seen (especially skeletal ones), BUT to me it feels like I shouldn't use those parts until I know how they were made, and until I've had a go making things myself and making sure that I know how each material behaves. Aside from that, I actively compete in costume/cosplay contests and I want to generate a portfolio of work and skills, and I think using a pre-made set of pads or a jawset would disqualify me from most Cosplay orientated competitions that I can think of.
My current main project is no secret: I'm building Scyther from the Pokemon series. Since he has such a unique face shape anyway I will have to make my own headbase for him, and his body is more of a puppet than a suit owing to the MASSIVE scythe arms and his retrograde knees. Equally, it's tempting to get him some pre-made realistic eyes, or a cast silicone tongue to save me doing those parts, but if I want him to be a show-off piece for myself I'd still feel untruthful to include those parts.
My secondary project is a 'sona suit of some kind that will not be competing because it's an original character, and for him I can buy in parts if I want to, but again, the hand-brake-stop of 'You should make it yourself!' screeches past my brain.
Ultimately my workspace is small and can only do a couple of techniques at a time, so if I choose to use resin/silicone casting I will have to NOT make any leatherwork at all, since I will not have the room! My leatherwork is currently my only source of income and I can't guarantee any sales/return from the casting techniques, especially if I screw up.
Ramble. Ramble ramble.
The option to build that way is tempting, because I adore the sculpts I've seen (especially skeletal ones), BUT to me it feels like I shouldn't use those parts until I know how they were made, and until I've had a go making things myself and making sure that I know how each material behaves. Aside from that, I actively compete in costume/cosplay contests and I want to generate a portfolio of work and skills, and I think using a pre-made set of pads or a jawset would disqualify me from most Cosplay orientated competitions that I can think of.
My current main project is no secret: I'm building Scyther from the Pokemon series. Since he has such a unique face shape anyway I will have to make my own headbase for him, and his body is more of a puppet than a suit owing to the MASSIVE scythe arms and his retrograde knees. Equally, it's tempting to get him some pre-made realistic eyes, or a cast silicone tongue to save me doing those parts, but if I want him to be a show-off piece for myself I'd still feel untruthful to include those parts.
My secondary project is a 'sona suit of some kind that will not be competing because it's an original character, and for him I can buy in parts if I want to, but again, the hand-brake-stop of 'You should make it yourself!' screeches past my brain.
Ultimately my workspace is small and can only do a couple of techniques at a time, so if I choose to use resin/silicone casting I will have to NOT make any leatherwork at all, since I will not have the room! My leatherwork is currently my only source of income and I can't guarantee any sales/return from the casting techniques, especially if I screw up.
Ramble. Ramble ramble.
