Ripley - original vs custom comparisons

For those of you who were unfamiliar with what the Ripley figure looked like before I worked on it I've quickly done these two comparison pics, to show the differences between mine and the original. (one to show the complete figure appearance and one to show the face sculpt/paint)

(as always, click for bigger)

Ripley 12" custom figure

(as always click the images for larger versions)


This will be getting sent out to its new owner soon, so I snapped a few pics before it gets packed away.

It's obviously the Hot Toys Ripley figure (with additional leather jacket). I've paint-weathered the jacket, and the guns/scanners etc. Extended the legs by about a centimetre (she was too short), and replaced with original head with my resculpted version. Painted by me, of course.

Hopefully this will go down well.... I think it looks great!

Just another one of many.. (Arnie head)

Nothing you haven't seen before from me, this is just another one of several Terminator heads I've finished up lately. This one is going on one of the last few Terminator figures I'll be putting together for people. I still like painting this head.

Happy New Year!

Can you all believe it 2010 already? I mean... that's the future. Isn't it?

Anyway, we're here... and as always I'm carrying on painting and sculpting like the busy bee that I am. Here's one of the latest things to be sent out. A repaint of the Sideshow ANH Han Solo 12" figure. I'd never painted one of these before, but it's a really good sculpt so it was good to do.

The customer already has the ANH Luke figure painted by me to go with it, so they should look great together now!

oh well, back to my desk...... !

Merry Christmas everybody!!!!

Well, Christmas morning is very nearly upon us (and it's actually been snowing here too... we don't normally get that until March or something!)

I just want to wish all my friends, family, customers and blog visitors a very Merry Christmas holiday and an even better New Year. Lets hope we get all the presents we want, and that the next 12 months are filled with happiness and joy. (and if you have any plans or dreams... go for them! Let's try to make this next year the best ever!!!)

I'm taking the next 3 days off (I was forced too by Mrs C!!), but then I'll be right back at my desk finishing off several more pieces that are almost done and getting on with the rest.

There should be some exciting announcements too during these next few months. I've been working on a new project in my spare hours (if you can call them spare!!) that I think you'll all love!

Happy Christmas to everybody!!!

Darren x

Darren gets a helper!

Hello there folks! How are we all doing?

As always I've been busy painting and sculpting away, and sending commissions out to happy customers! (and getting the most incredible and generous feedback!). The good news is that once we're through the Christmas holiday period... I won't be working alone anymore. I've managed to get myself an assistant!

Having somebody to help me with all the really basic stuff, will help speed me through my waiting list, and could potentially double the rate at which I get through my work! That is great news for everybody (including me!)

Anyway I just wanted to let you all know... so that anybody who is waiting for some painted/sculpted pieces (chances are I may have already started them... there's a lot on my desk!) ... they shouldn't take too long now.

Speak to you all soon... and take care!!

Thanks for the well wishes...

Over the weekend I received lots of messages from customers and online friends wishing me a speedy recovery. Thanks to all of you, it was really nice just hearing the words "take it easy!" from people who are waiting for commissions. It helped me not feel so bad about taking the few days off.

I was reliably informed that I had actual flu, as opposed to the lesser (but still severe, obviously!) 'man-flu'.

Anyway... I'm (mostly) better now. No more sniffles, no more runny eyes, no more headaches... everything just takes a lot of effort now. (as if I'm carrying a 2 ton car on my back) But I can think straight... so I'm at my desk again sculpting & painting. I'm doing a percentage of my emails each day from now on too... so it may take me a little while but I'll get through them, so be patient if you can. I'm not ignoring you!

Speak to you soon guys, thanks for the uplifting messages! Back to work now....

Darren

the dreaded man-flu......

I just want to let people know that this week I've been slowed down somewhat (to a complete stop) by the horrible and uncureable disease known as man-flu. This has plagued the males of the human race since time began (if only the women knew how bad we felt). Yesterday I was ordered by my wife to sit on the couch and do nothing. Literally nothing (she was making my drinks and food, and giving me "there there...." comfort words).

The day before I couldn't do anything as my eyes were streaming (try crying for 12 hours straight), and my nose was about the same.... plus the sneezing fits. Oh you've got to love it when you sneeze in a "ahhhh... choo.... CHOO... CHOO! CHOO! CHOO!!!!" manner. urgh.

Yesterday my eyes/nose were much better... except I felt like punchbag. literally. Somebody had hung me up somewhere, and spent a day beating every ounce of energy out of me. Hence the couch-rest orders from the wife. It helped.

Or so I thought. Today I came up and turned on my computer to try to answer a few emails... and to be fair I did get a few done. But after half an hour in my comfy leather office chair... my back felt like it had been beaten with a baseball bat. Then when I went downstairs to get a coffee I felt like I'd had to run a 26 mile marathon to get to the kitchen and back.

...maybe I won't be able to get any painting done today after all. (at least not up to the standard that I require from myself)

In my last blog post I listed some things that I was working on. I've managed to get I'd say three quarters of those finished and sent out to the happy owners. The rest I'll be working on tomorrow (saturday) maybe assuming I'm a little bit better again, and I'm able to sit in this chair without feeling like I've been made to hold my body in a 'stress position' for 12 hours! Failing that, Monday morning I should be completely (well, mostly) back to health... so I can see no reason why I'd still be off then. But hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to get some painting & sculpting done. Even if just a little to make myself feel better for having time off.

In the meantime here's a couple of things that I've sent out recently. a 6" custom MacGyver figure made from a Stargate figure (same actor), a 12" Anakin Skywalker upgrade (with before and after pics) and an Empire Strikes Back Luke head that I repainted.

Right... I'm off to drink some orange juice and get better! Thanks.















and eventually.........





BEFORE:


AFTER:

Workdesk update...

I'm very close to finishing a whole bunch of head paints and sculpts now (Padme bust resculpt, MacGyver figure, baltar, ESB Luke, ANH Solo, Anakins, Arnies, Hicks, Torres... and more). I've also been making good progress on a new sculpt I've been doing for some time now.

Unfortunately It's a secret for now so I can't tell you anything about it... other than hopefully you'll LOVE it. It's part of a series of characters and... no, I've said enough for now (I know, I'm such a tease)

I've been doing this for a while now, and I just want you all to know that it's not been taking any time out of my other commissions. They've all been scheduled in together. Hopefully you'll get your first look at this new reveal in a few weeks.

ok, back to my workdesk for me :)

Postal delay?

I didn't know anything about this, but apparantly there's been postal strikes in various parts of the UK. I don't know all the details... but I just thought I'd mention it in case you're waiting for something that I've told you I've sent out. This could be why you don't have it yet.

As for those who weren't affected and who have their custom pieces... um, ignore this blog post! ;)

Just back from Scotland (wife's Birthday surprise)

Hey all :)

I took Jane my wife up to Scotland for her Birthday (one of her fave places on the planet) to see the wild dolphins that you can see from the beach up there, and to drive around the stunning landscapes. Thankfully she had a wonderful time, was completely surprised by the outing (I managed to keep a secret... yay!) andwas smiling the whole time. And that was the whole reason for going.

Thankfully going up there has had a knock on effect on me, in that I'm more motivated than ever to work hard for you guys. (it's amazing how regenerating time up in the Scottish Highlands can be!)

We didn't get back until 10pm last night, so this morning I'm working through any outstanding emails and messages... and then its on with painting and sculpting full steam ahead. No distractions will be tolerated! I'm so full of enthusiasm and energy for my work right now... and I plan on making full use of it!

Speak to you soon guys

Darren

Latest 1/6 repaints ready to go....

Here's a few pics of some latest things from my desk. A repaint of the Sideshow Luke Skywalker (ANH) sculpted by the amazing Trevor Grove. Two Terminator heads that were sent to me, an Obi-Wan and another Terminator.

I enjoyed doing all of them (as always) but that Luke sculpt just shines when it's got a good paint job. Amazing sculpt.

Wow... I forgot what this place looked like

Hi guys. Remember me? lol

I've just got back from a Birthday camping trip that Jane insisted I went on. In her words "You're glued to that desk, you're getting grumpier by the day... you need a break!"

oh well, can't argue with the wife

The problem with going away for a week or so, is that when you come back you have *counts them* .... 10 private messages and 54 emails to go through lol. I'd say at least half of those are new people asking for repaints or something, so those will be politely turned away and referred to a custom forum that I go to. (ever since I stopped taking new orders, anyone I turn away i mention this forum and custom section, and tell them they might find someone here who could help them. If I'm not able to do it, no reason why I shouldn't give the work to somebody else)

The rest will be people showing me production samples, asking for updates, thanking me for work I've sent out etc.... so I'll get on with answering those over the next 24 hours

Once those are done the first things I'll be working on over the next few days will be an ESB Luke, Legolas, Gaius Baltar, Hicks, ANH Han, and an Ani & Obi pair. (also a small MaGyver figure and a custom sculpt). There's more on my desk (obviously...) but those are the ones I want to finish now. First.

I'll show some 'in progress' pics of those when I get a few spare minutes... after my emails/pms are done and once I've had a day painting maybe... I need to get the feel of my brushes again. Sounds weird... but after more than 7 days not painting... I need to do something to get myself back into the painting mood. Those heads above will be perfect for that.

Right... off to my emails I go then onto my pms. I'll probably post some pics/videos from my camping trip at some point... I'll do that next weekend maybe when I'm allowed to put my brushes down

Just letting you all know I'm still here, and why I'd been quiet the last week or so. (I meant to say in advance I was going, but.... well.... I forgot)

Hope you don't all hate me.

Darren

Hot Toys 1/6 Godfather figure arrived.. and wow!

I got this earlier this morning. Opening the packaging was almost like opening an Apple product. Beautifully presented. I kept going "oohhhhh...." my wife was laughing at me 'cause she could hear me from the other room.

I don't need to add anything else than what's already been said on many websites and forums already. Make no mistake, this figure is a piece of art. Hot Toys and Enterbay are spoiling us at the moment. Each version has something that's better than the other... but you know what? ..if you get either of these then you're in for a treat.

This hobby certainly has come a long way (and gotten more expensive!!)

I love the face on this, I love the paint, I love the clothing (although the tux Jacket does look a little like an overcoat sometimes... have to see if I can fix that), love the chair... damn, that chair. I thought it was a molded seat.. but no, padded!!!! and the back.. and the armrests!!! ....padded armrests??? unbelievable!

The carpet base with brass name plaque and rear walls just complete the "oooh...." factor, and take this to being something more than just a well made figure. This does exactly what I always try to do with my customs, which is to get the actor in 12" form... and make a bit of a musem display.

But Hot Toys took that, and ran with it.

Incredible figure. Absolutely incredible. And for my first purchase since..... wow, since probably my wedding last year (!). .... this was a good one to come back to!

(as usual click on the image to see a larger version)

A very special commission....

A while ago I was contacted by a friend in America who had a commission she wanted me to do for her. This would turn out to be something I would spend many enjoyable hours working on.

She had an old black and white photograph of her Grandparents (mothers side) in the 1940s, and she wanted two custom figures making of them... so she could give them as a gift to her Mother. (such a lovely idea)

We discussed it back and forth, and ended up on the idea of having the figures sitting on a park bench. This would make a nice display, and something a little nicer than just having the figures standing upright next to each other.

I set about making the head sculpts, and started buying in the pieces that I would need to put the figures together. (bodies, clothes, wood for the bench etc). Also I had to figure out how to make a park bench that could be taken apart and sent 'flat pack', but easily assembled out of only 3 or 4 pieces. (much harder than I thought it would be! If only I was a carpenter)

Anyway... eventually over time I got the head sculpts made, made resin casts of them, painted them up, put the bodies together, did some sewing work on the clothing (well... got my wife to do it!).. and built the bench.

They looked fantastic all set up (I was really happy how they turned out, I always worry about things like that... and whether or not the customer will like it) - thankfully she did. And so did her Mum (she saw the photos right after I'd finished them).

She cried. In a good way.

So now the figures are on their way over the Ocean to their new home. It's always hard sending something off when you've been working on it for many months. It somehow becomes part of your studio. You get used to it. Also you have the additional worry of "will they like it?" ....thankfully the answer to that has so far always been 'yes'.

I can't wait for the figures to arrive in their new home, and to hear about the reactions... it's such a lovely idea for a gift. Something relaly personal, even emotional.

And I'm happy, and honoured to have been asked to be a part of it.

Here's some photos :)

Darren











This is the original photo I was sent


(the clothes hadn't been re-stitched yet in these early test pics)

Things on my desk.....

Here's a list of most of the items that are on my desk being worked on at the moment. I hope I've remembered everything. I've probably spoken to most of you recently, so if you recognise your piece in this list... then it's being worked on!

Some pieces will be being worked on before others, and once again I've probably told you by email who's pieces I'm working on first.

I'm slowly getting better at squeezing more painting & sculpting into the time I spend at my desk, and thankfully my finished pieces are looking better and better the more I do.

Anyway, for now (as I have sculpting and painting to be getting on with today!) here's the list... (not in order, just off the top of my head)

• 8 Anakin Skywalker heads (4 sith, 4 regular)
• 9 Terminator heads (several for full figures)
  
• MacGyver 7" figure custom
• Padme bust resculpt
• park bench for 2 custom figures (plus headsculpts)
• Obi-Wan head
• 2 Aragorn repaints
• ESB Luke repaint
• ANH Han & Luke repaints
• Hicks repaint
• Old Snake repaint
• Legolas custom
• 4 LOTR figures
• 1/6 Torres from Padme figure
• John Lennon sculpt (soon I hope!)
• Padme hairsculpt onto bald head
• Hudson resculpt
• Anakin hair resculpt into Episode II version

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go.........

Family Guy - The Bird is the Word

I know this has nothing to do with sculpting, painting or collectibles but I had to post this.

We watched this episode of Family Guy last night, and I can't get this damn song out of my head. So if I'm going to be stuck with this? Then so are you!

(the episode basically revolves around an old 50's record that Peter decides is his favourite thing ever. It's repetative, annoying, catchy and hysterically funny all at once)

You *have* to see this episode

1/6 Hot Toys Ripley head resculpted and finally painted!

I've been working on this for what seems forever. A short while back I showed a resculpted Ripley head that I'd been working on. Well it's finally all painted up! (this particular one is for a lucky customer. I'll have to wait to do one for myself! Bah.)

Here's a few quick snaps I just took. Ignore the lighting and stuff, they're just to show what it looks like painted. Sometimes it's hard to look at an unpainted sculpt and picture it painted up.

If anyone's interested in picking one of these up from me (unpainted) then shoot me an email and I'll add your name to the Ripley list.

Ignore the clothes, body etc. I haven't done any of that yet. (will be extending the legs to make her taller, weathering her clothes etc)

Ok, here's the pics... (as usual click for larger...)











and here's one to show what the original head looked like.

Raiders Idol Environment from Sideshow turns up....

This came today with the Belloq figure (which I'm not that impressed with... might resculpt it at some point), but this environment thingy is great!! I took a few quick photos with my customised Indy figure. Oooohhh this looks SO good!!

Makes me want to get that back wall finished even quicker now!! How amazing will it all look when this has the whole back wall behind it?

(as usual click for larger pics)

Raiders idol chamber project....

I posted this photo recently as a tease to what I might be doing next....



A few people guessed it straight away, I'm working on the back wall to the chamber. More specifically the three panels you see at the centre there. The middle one made of stone faces, the two columns on either side, then the two panels made out of boulders, and then the final two columns. This is to go with the Indiana Jones figure I've already shown you, and the golden idol & plinth from Sideshow (with Bellow figure) that should be on its way soon.

I've been doing this in my own time, snatching minutes here and there whenever I can (in the evenings, weekends etc), so as not to slow myself down any further from the things I'm working on for people already. (I'm nice like that)

I've been working on this slowly for weeks now.

First let me say.. when I worked out how tall this would be, and printed out a photo to give me something to work off I realised... this thing is BIG!!!



I wanted to start with the columns, and knew I could make just one... then make resin copies for the others saving me sculpting time. Using some Sculpey clay (but not baking it so I could re-use it saving money) I sculpted the first column. I will be using this as something to work off when I'm doing the rest of the pieces. (unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of the clay sculpted column... duh!)

Then I made a clay and polystyrene box around it and covered it with silicone to make the mold. (again, forgetting to take a photo... double duh!!)

As this thing is so HUGE, I had to figure out a way to save resin or it would cost me a fortune just to do these parts. I'm still figuring this out, but it worked for the first one if I make a certain amount of resin, and let it cast on one of the sides. When this is set I can make a little more, and turn the mold on its side and cast another side. and so on. I'm figuring out the best amounts of resin to use to make the pieces strong enough but not wasteful with the resin insides. Here's the silicone mold with the first piece done this way. (you can see the resin inside)



taking it out.....



ta daaaaa!



The insides are messy as I'm still getting used to rolling around the resin like this, but in principle... it works! (plus you never see the back anyway)

The front looks rather good though, I'm very happy with this even if I do say so myself





And here we are with the column against that to-scale print out that I'm using as help, alongside other screencaps from the DVD.



This thing is going to look so cool when it's painted up as rock. (this piece has now been sprayed with grey primer.. just waiting for it to dry)

Next up is casting another one of these colums, (hopefully using less resin) and then starting on with the central panel of faces. Can't wait!

Darren

p.s. I know I'm going to get asked if I'll be able to make these for people, and the honest answer at the moment is I don't have a clue. At the moment this seems like it will use a serious amount of resin, and will be very heavy. (which for me I love, as it makes it feel more like rock) however I don't know if I'd be able to do it cheap enough so people would still be willing to pay for it.

I'll look into it though, maybe the more I do the better I'll get with the casting and be able to use much less resin. I'll keep you informed anyway.