Sculpting vs Computers

marineboy

New member
Sorry, the painting/photography analogy doesn\'t work for me. Painting is a one-off deal -- once the first painting is finished, the next one is just as energy-intensive as the first. Sculpting minis through traditional means or through CAD/CAM produce the same results: a master from which any number of copies can be cast.

Artist? Computer jockey or putty pusher, both are working towards the same end.

BTW, Ming Hua, that Bathsheba is great stuff there, you ARE the linkmaster!

:D
 

minimaker

New member
Originally posted by marineboyMing Hua, that Bathsheba is great stuff there, you ARE the linkmaster!
I was reminded of her a little while ago when I saw one of her sculpts on a Dutch lifestyle magazine\'s cover. Last place I expected somebody to turn up who I knew from miniatures of combat robots. :)
 

StarFyre

Active member
well....

with regards to 3D graphics programs (maya, softimage, 3ds max, lightwave) and a digital CNC milling machine...

the proof is there.

look at scibor\'s space marines and compare to GWs....

Yes, Scibor uses GW marine bodies as a base, but he could easily use or sculpt anything for the base for his detailed armour pads, and cloaks..

His results show the future.

We all wish GW space marines looked as good as his...

Sanjay
 

RedSevenBlue

New member
yes we do, When I first found out all GW things were sculpted then made into their current state, my jaw sorta hung down. when I saw Scibors work, my jaw dropped into a puddle of drool caused by the model. But, its just like all good models, after a while it becomes the new standard in models, as in its no longer jaw dropping
 

freakinacage

Well-known member
i have to say that the potential for space marines looks promising. gw had better pick up their standards and drop their prices!
 

Modderrhu

New member
Yep. And that\'s the cause for all the fuss about his conversions. And the reason why he posts a little tirade/rant at the bottom of most of his pics.
 

quadrille

New member
I think he has a regular job as well... the man must be wealthy.. He used to have five accounts all full of auctions, with an average of maybe $100 a mini (probably more actually, people are insane) that makes for some $50,000..
 

StarFyre

Active member
well

I thought microart studio was him and his friends\' full time job...

His stuff sells for a range that I have seen of $65 to $350.

If he sells 20 figures/month for an average of 200..that\'s 4000/month, or 48k USD/year - any fees. Not too bad for having a fun job. However, then he has expenses such as paying off the CNC machine. THe price range is $4000 to $20000. Not sure which model he has but it must be good and if he bought 3dS max, that\'s still several 100 to low 1000s.

Sanjay
 

minimaker

New member
Originally posted by StarFyrehe has expenses such as paying off the CNC machine.
Actually, if I remember right he doesn own a CNC machine but uses a CNC cutting service. You don\'t buy machinery like this for hobby, not even with what he charges. Too expensive to buy, too expensive in upkeep and too much trouble to learn. It\'s much better and cheaper to do the design and leave the cutting to the specialists.
Also, for the moulds he uses (which are flat patterns) you don\'t need 3D max. If he is using that it\'s because he already has it for his daytime work (architect I believe?) and is used to it. Flat pattern is a basic CAD function and even freeware CAD can do that.
His main cost will be what he\'s charged by the company that makes the moulds for him so financially it\'s very doable.

What is difficult is the creation of interesting patterns that work in a design. And he\'s good at that.

By the way, the sculpts in the gallery are hand-sculpts and have nothing to do with CNC. As to the arguments on his figures, that\'s because he sometimes uses GS copies of parts from original figures in the ones he sells which is a copyright breach. He has been warned that GW can be pretty bad if they find that out but somehow doesn\'t seem to take it serious. I\'m very happy to see more original sculpts of him though as he can sculpt well.
 

RunnyBunny

Total jerk from NewJersey
I liked his stuff (scribor) when i first saw it but it didnt take long at all for me to get sick of it. His sculpting abilities are god like. But the armour he makes with CNC looks like dinner plates and serving trays attached to terminator armour. Thats just ugly. Please understand thats my opinion and im not trying to step on toes.

As far as the question on Computer vs. sculpter.

I think that computers will just enhance the market. Cause ,yes, you still need the human with the skills to create the 3d version. I cant\'t see the future, but I think hand sculpts will always be in favor.
Its original art and its been around for centuries. ( sculpting not table top gaming )
 

Wardenhammer

New member
I have long been perusing this site, but I think this is my first posting.

I am currently studying graphic design, plus I have been painting for some 20 odd years..

I think both have their roles, computer vs human.

I can see the computer churning out mini after mini.. say for vast armies..

But, when it comes to inspiration and design, only a human can do that.

It has long been said by my instructors, that yes, computers are the new tool, but just that, a tool. And soon the market will flooded with people who can afford and are clever enough to make visual \"art\" with the machine.. but that will also raise a need for more \"traditional\" artists, people who can actually sculpt, paint, design, what have you, by hand.

In either case, you cannot exclude the human element. Computers are incapable of having a \"muse\"

Just my 2¢
 

EArkham

Necromancer
If a miniature looks great and appeals to your tastes, then who cares how it was sculpted? Likewise, if it\'s a crap figure, it\'s really irrelevant if it was sculpted by hand or machine.

Zen of miniatures: The tools used are for the benefit of the craftsman, not the benefit of the miniature.

Oooom.

Kep
 

freakinacage

Well-known member
Originally posted by EArkham
If a miniature looks great and appeals to your tastes, then who cares how it was sculpted? Likewise, if it\'s a crap figure, it\'s really irrelevant if it was sculpted by hand or machine.

Zen of miniatures: The tools used are for the benefit of the craftsman, not the benefit of the miniature.

Oooom.

Kep

exactly. i agree totally. except for the Oooom bit. i do not agree with that. at all. not one bit
 

dauber22

New member
Originally posted by freakinacage
... except for the Oooom bit. i do not agree with that. at all. not one bit

Not agree with the \"Oooom bit\" :eek: How can you say that!! Cheeky Euro git! So full of yourself, aren\'t you:rolleyes:


;):innocent:;)
 
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