AboutShiniGami Expertise I can answer any question about Action Figure and Toy Design, Prototyping, Manufacturing and Production Management. Over 20 years in the Toy business with clients including Bandai US/Japan/Europe, Hasbro, Kenner, Mattel, McFarlane Toys, Playmates, etc., and also specialty companies including Toy Tokyo, The Showroom NYC, Kid Robot, Wheaty Wheat and many others.
NOTE: I travel A LOT, so during overseas travel (Japan, Hong Kong, China), I do not check for questions. Thanks.
Experience
Past/Present Clients: Designers including : Gary Baseman, Ron English, Frank Kozik, Pete Fowler, Futura, Stash, David Horvath. Companies including : Bandai Japan, Bandai US, Dark Horse, Hasbro, Kenner, Lucas Films, Maharishi, Marvel, Mattel, McFarlane Toys, MTV, NIKE, Playmates, Reebok, Sony, etc.
Expert: ShiniGami Date: 10/27/2007 Subject: Steps by steps for a Newbie?
Question Ever since I was a kid I've wanted to make action figures. In highschool I did a lot of different artwork ranging from paintings to sculptures. And now I've come up with some ideas and sketches for some cool figures. The problem is how to make them. I have the art and designs down, now I need to know where to go from there. I only want to make 3 or 4 at the moment and they'd only be for my personal use/display. I also wish to create them totally by myself from the sculpting to the painting. So my question is do you know of any really good how to create an action figure websites for newbies/novices like me? Preferably with step by step information, pictures and covering everything from materials, accessories, articulation, techniques, etc.
PS. I checked out the Kidrobot forum but a lot of that stuff was over my head since I have no clue what to do yet. Thanks for your time.
Answer There really is no site I know of. This would basically be what's called a custom, and you build it from scratch, or modify an existing figure. Everything I do is entirely from scratch, and evolves everything from building wire armatures, to making pieces out of sheet plastic and stock, to modeling in 3D and have 3D output. Good 3D output can run $4,000 or so per figure. I'm doing the Fox Sports/NFL robot, that was done with 3D output, and I think the master cost around $6,000.
Most of the processes I use aren't anything to start out at home doing. Check maybe some of the 12 inch GI Joe and other sites for "customs". Things can be made from Super Sculpey to ? Masters are then copied with RTV, made into molds, you pull a vacuum on the RTV, then make the mold, mix the PolyUrethane and pressure cast it, etc.
They're all pretty time consuming with alot of learning time, but it can be fun. I started out with Pressure casters, Spin Casters, Vacuum chambers, etc many years ago (Don't use them any more, sold them.), but again, that pro gear isn't cheap.
Maybe do a search for "Custom Action Figures" or Customizing, and you'll find something. Alot of people do these for conventions, etc.
