Infinity9999x said:
David quesiton, do you use any special technique to attain the level of accuracy you achive? Like I kno I use a grid technique to get accurate pictures of the things I'm drawing, but I was wondering what you used for clay, if you do use a technique.
Good Question.
There are many ways to ensure accuracy when sculpting liknesses.
First of all...and most important you need to train your eye's to actually see what you're seeing. Not easy...if you draw you know what I mean. Some people look at the 89 Keaton suit and say 'wow...that's a cool FULL BODY muscle suit'...when the truth is it was several pieces of foam latex glued down to a wetsuit meant to simulate a one piece suit. Not a full body suit...complete with areas that the wetsuit was clearly visible....understanding what you're seeing is first and foremost and that's exactly why the Begins cowl is taking longer than the rest of the suit components to sculpt.
Some see elements on the cowl that I honestly dont...and I'm sure some people look at my cowl scupt and say "HUH...WTF is that?" Tricky to really see and make out the details as they truly are. Seeing what truly is there is not easy....interpreting what we see is equally difficult also.
The Begins cowl plays on lighting and shadows...the shadows enhance the depth and details while the lighting washes out the details. Pain in the arse to say the least when trying to understand it's overall shape, the details and the fine lines.
As far as acual tools go, I use measuring tapes regularly. That assists me when trying to line up the left side to the right side. Constantly measuring each and every detail. This I learned while working in the clothing industry...It's a silly but neat trick at the same time. Calipers also help in this same way.
The bottom line is when you step back and look at your sculpt....you need to see, feel and taste that you've captured your likness. Stolen it's energy if you will. I'm by no means perfect at this and I struggled with most of the Begins suit but in the end I'm pretty happy with how it's all turning out. Practice makes perfect in everything we do.
If you draw well then my guess is you didnt just wake up one day and become a pro. You probably worked at it...and developed your own techniques to do it right.
Same with sculpting. A 3D form has advantages and disadvantages compared to drawing. Both equally challenging to get right. I'm not great at drawing but am working at getting better at sculpting with each project I agree to take on.
This for example was a little easier to do....
Easier because I didnt have to duplicate an existing 3D form as the other movie suits. The DKR is a comic drawing...bringing that to a 3D form makes it easier in the sense that I can take creative liberties in making it look like I think it should. The challenge is still capturing the essense of the DKR as Miller created him and that's always the hard part. If I make the horns too big or small....as long as they fit with the look of the comic book then they'll be fine. On the other hand if I make the horns on the Begins cowl too long or short then EVERYONE will notice that and consider it a mistake.
Interpretation is the most fun in the line of work I do. Copying something is challenging and very gratifying when done right but nothing can substitue the feeling of a job well done when you make your own creation come to life.
Sorry if I rambled a little there...I hope this helps somewhat.
DAvid
