Modeller T
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44)
Wed 2007/05/30 01:06
I recently became acquainted with Modeller T - the guy who modelled Rudy. Modeller T invited me around to his studio last Sunday where we spent the day with other figure modelers (including Kouichi Yamazaki who modelled Yamaneko) to mingle and network.
A figure photographer was there too to share some of the tricks of the trade of figure photography.
A figure photographer was there too to share some of the tricks of the trade of figure photography.
This is the original cast of Rudy. The actual one that we get from the shelf ends up being 5% smaller after all the molding etc.
Usually, the resin is poured into a mould block but Modeller T has his own way of making models. He just happens to have a centrifugal type machine lying around which does wonders for model making.
The two pieces that you see in this pic fit together and resin is poured in. The centrifugal machine then does its spinning work and the result is what you saw in the previous pic.
The two pieces that you see in this pic fit together and resin is poured in. The centrifugal machine then does its spinning work and the result is what you saw in the previous pic.
The tools used to sculpt rudy - and will be used on the next figure he is making which looks AMAZING - I want it now! But I cant talk or show you anything about it ^^;
Modeller T had no experience of modeling - nor did he attend any art school. He just discovered that he could model 3 years ago! Have a look again at Rudy again - the model on display was the one that he put together. The PVC version is just finishing up now in the factories.
I'm sure we all have some hidden talents and perhaps we should pick up some clay one day and see what happens ^^;
Modeller T had no experience of modeling - nor did he attend any art school. He just discovered that he could model 3 years ago! Have a look again at Rudy again - the model on display was the one that he put together. The PVC version is just finishing up now in the factories.
I'm sure we all have some hidden talents and perhaps we should pick up some clay one day and see what happens ^^;
A figure photographer was there too giving us tips on how to take indoor photos.
The large light is 60 watts. the smaller one is 40 watts. The difference helps bring out the curves and textures in the photos.
He uses polystyrene cards which he places around the figure to adjust lighting.
The camera is attached by USB to the computer where he can instantly see the shot that he just took on a large screen.
He takes a few shots in JPG and once he is happy with the lighting etc, he then takes the shots in RAW.
He has a stock of colored card - some of the card was shiny which turned out looking better than I thought.
I will try this set up soon (especially hooking up the SLR to the computer) and perhaps I will be nearly as good as Super Rats.
The large light is 60 watts. the smaller one is 40 watts. The difference helps bring out the curves and textures in the photos.
He uses polystyrene cards which he places around the figure to adjust lighting.
The camera is attached by USB to the computer where he can instantly see the shot that he just took on a large screen.
He takes a few shots in JPG and once he is happy with the lighting etc, he then takes the shots in RAW.
He has a stock of colored card - some of the card was shiny which turned out looking better than I thought.
I will try this set up soon (especially hooking up the SLR to the computer) and perhaps I will be nearly as good as Super Rats.
Modeller T's previous work - Reset-chan.
Only spent a few mins using the set the photographer set up - spent most of my time in Modeller T's office talking business and spotted another one of his previous models called Cream Corune on the desk. The Illustration for Corune can be found here.
In case you are wondering - the custard can cast off ^^;
I want this as a PVC now!
Modeller Araken was also there and showed us his Haruhi bust (I want!). Have a look at his HP to see some of his other work.
Araken and Modeller T are part of a group of modellers knows as Arakoma. You can find their booth at each Wonfes.
icie in Sydney
Great post! I always had an inkling of the production processes behind figures, so it's good to see more details and photos of the process. Very compact photography setup too. What did they use at the front as a reflector? Was it a mirror?
(ID #48716) Posted on 2007/05/30 01:26
T_T Why won't figure modelers hang out with me!?!
(ID #48718) Posted on 2007/05/30 01:40
Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
Nice post! Really like the production processes! I wonder if we can be like Modeller T, discovering that we could model in an instant! Got to try Araken's phototaking methods as well
(ID #48719) Posted on 2007/05/30 01:44
Graphic Designer
i have always wondered how the process of making figure goes, now i knw. the photography setup looks interesting, will have to try that out. @icie~i think that's a polystrene board
(ID #48720) Posted on 2007/05/30 02:20
Email & Network Support/Administration
Networking? Hmm, Could a Mirai figure be in the works?
(ID #48721) Posted on 2007/05/30 02:36
Director/代表取締役
Leo, Cant talk about it right now ^^;
(ID #48722) Posted on 2007/05/30 02:46
Geek Liaison
The centrifugal casting is a neat idea. I can see where it would help with the air bubble problems that can accrue with pour molding. Would add it own challenges when it comes to mold making though.
(ID #48723) Posted on 2007/05/30 02:57
Self-employed
I'm learnding! I can't believe you got into the seedy underbelly of figure making and lived to tell about it. :P
(ID #48724) Posted on 2007/05/30 03:48
hmm.. i've heard of this type of casting.. it acheves a holow resin structure.. less resin. less weight..less cost...and gets all the nooks and crevices nicly.. Hell 5 years ago i was in the military working on jet engines.. now i'm nearing the end of school for computer animation... goes to show ya that you can never tell what the future holds or what you'll be ding in it.. :D
(ID #48725) Posted on 2007/05/30 03:48
anime/cosplay events organizer
(Danny + Modeller T) * business talk = Mirai figure perhaps? ^^ wow! so that's how some indie figure sculptures make their pvc figures. i wonder how they make their mold blocks ^^ wow! i wanted to learn more tips and tricks in shooting PVC figure photos ^^
(ID #48726) Posted on 2007/05/30 03:49
Hobby Store clerk guy thing...
Wah~ Awesome trip XD Tips on figure shooting would of been great, wish I could of seen teh studio in person~
(ID #48727) Posted on 2007/05/30 04:12
"Smelly" Recruit
the haruhi figurine is damn realistic!! and let's hope one day we just find a unknown ability and earn tons of cash with that.
(ID #48728) Posted on 2007/05/30 04:26
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24 23:42)
I never thought about connecting the camera to a computer while taking shots. ^^ I'd have to give that a try as well. ^^ btw those noodles behind the Haruhi bust looks mighty appetizing. ^^
(ID #48729) Posted on 2007/05/30 04:38
Brain Outsourcer
Nice ! It's always good to see what's behind the scenes. One thing you might know is about PVC vs resin kit. I am more into kits, and I never know which is produced first. And if there is a PVC will there always be a Garage Kit ? And also, the photo tips are great, I am going to try that.
(ID #48730) Posted on 2007/05/30 04:58
That's pretty cool that he uses a centrifuge machine to make his models. I bet not many people do that for figures. I like the tools, they remind of dental tools that I used to work with.
(ID #48732) Posted on 2007/05/30 05:12
Wow, those models are really good! And the fact that he had no previous training, thats just amazing. THe way he casts reminds me of the sand casting we do at school with metal...only its not as good, and i couldnt make a really nice metal model the way they do it at school T_T I can't wait to hear about his new secret creation ^_^
(ID #48733) Posted on 2007/05/30 05:14
Student
Great Post. It's nice to see how the models we all love are made. It does look like hard work but of course, it pays off. To think, he has no training prior to modelling figures. AMAZE! The Haruhi Bust is just amazing. I wonder if we will be available to buy anytime soon?
(ID #48734) Posted on 2007/05/30 05:17
ColdFusion Developer
Rather interesting to see how resin figures are made. Also that's awesome how you got a figure photographer to teach you some tricks. I myself do remote shooting with my camera hooked up to my camera. It does make things easier.
(ID #48735) Posted on 2007/05/30 05:33
Student
Hey Danny why don't ask him if he can make you a figure of Mirai? Then mass produce it so that we people of your blog can get her ^^
(ID #48736) Posted on 2007/05/30 05:51
FIGURE OF MIRAI FTW!!!
(ID #48737) Posted on 2007/05/30 06:52
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
So nice to go behind the scenes o_o thanks for sharing with us Danny! :)
(ID #48738) Posted on 2007/05/30 06:56
.NET/Web Developer
Wow...it's good to know what goes on when making figures. Only wish there were more details about it. :D I would definitely agree with the rest about that Mirai figure. XD That's a sure buy if she ever made it into the figure scene. ^^
(ID #48739) Posted on 2007/05/30 07:19
That Haruhi is cute. And I would not mind having that Corune too ;-)
(ID #48743) Posted on 2007/05/30 08:25
The photo with the red background is terrible ^^
(ID #48744) Posted on 2007/05/30 09:13
student
the lamps i use for photography are nowhere as powerful- maybe that's the reason why it's real tricky to get a decent shot.
(ID #48745) Posted on 2007/05/30 09:43
nice pictures indeed, gotta love the red color.
(ID #48746) Posted on 2007/05/30 10:00
Pharmacist, Accountant to be!
Wow, this is simply amazing. How did you end up being up to meet these people. You're turning into quite a celebrity. How did you manage to meet all these people from just working at amazon and microsoft. I mean they are big companies, but how did you get to network with these types of people in anime and figures industry?
(ID #48747) Posted on 2007/05/30 11:22
That Corune fig is so much better than the original illustration. Cast off FTW!
(ID #48748) Posted on 2007/05/30 12:53
How can I get hold of the Haruhi bust?!
(ID #48750) Posted on 2007/05/30 14:05
Bleem! (Registered on 2007/02/10 10:32)
Did I see a Haruhi bust? Makes me wonder exactly just how big her bust is.
(ID #48751) Posted on 2007/05/30 14:15
lol @ bleem....hero.
(ID #48752) Posted on 2007/05/30 14:50
Everything
Thanks for the look behind the scenes on how figures are made. Shooting figures with artificial lights is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. I think after three or four shoots, most people can get good results with very modest equipment.
(ID #48754) Posted on 2007/05/30 16:12
Director/代表取締役
Bleem, Good question! mambo, Araken tells me that she will be available at the next Wonfes. Ricky, Reaching out to people is important. You reach out and people reach back to create good health connections ^^ KCA, lol! CrazyAnimeTuga, More info soon ^^ _Jay, In many cases the kit comes first.
(ID #48768) Posted on 2007/05/30 23:48
AV Movie Critic :p
Harui is truly very cute
(ID #48773) Posted on 2007/05/31 00:05
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Wow, that is a nice Haruhi bust. I'm sure I seen it in someone's pictures from WF earlier this year. I was just playing with Canon's computer control software last week. I can see how it would cut down on steps in workflow. I had a few problems. Mostly I think it was because I used an extension USB cable. I guess you could get fancy and buy Canon's wireless transmitter. When you get ready to try this Danny, go to Canon's website and download the newer software. Chances are you have EOS Capture and EOS Viewer Utility on your CD. I want to try those older programs as well, but I used the new software this time around -EOS Utility and ImageBrowser- and found them to be good. I want to experiment more since I would rather capture and then use Lightroom for review. Interested to see what kind of experiences you have with computer control. Really great post Danny! Looking forward to what comes from your meeting. Darn, i can't wait to get to Japan and do the same!
(ID #48775) Posted on 2007/05/31 00:16
Parttime modellor
Thank you, Danny, visiting my work shop, and a nice post. Makig a Mirai figure model.....hmmm interesting.
(ID #48792) Posted on 2007/05/31 07:52
Pharmacist, Accountant to be!
Danny, I will try to do so myself too. I suppose alot of the times talents always go unnoticed. The loudest voice is always people connections. I suppose I just have to have good relations with everyone to get along? Cheers for the advice.
(ID #48801) Posted on 2007/05/31 10:29
All I can say is wow! Being able to meet the modelers who transform our beloved 2D characters into 3D reality! I would love to meet figure modelers like these. Ummm...they don't do requests by chance do they? (joking) ^^;
(ID #48811) Posted on 2007/05/31 14:27
This Haruhi bust is magnificent. I hope for a Mirai figure too, as all the ingredients are reunited now (and he seems very talented!)
(ID #48817) Posted on 2007/05/31 16:08
cheers danny really interesting read! great to see / read about so much background info! I soooo want Cream Corune in a PVC!!
(ID #48824) Posted on 2007/05/31 18:30
Structural Engineer
i want the haruhi bust figure
(ID #49917) Posted on 2007/06/18 11:07
Part human, part student, 100% loser
Cream Corune
(ID #69496) Posted on 2008/01/13 03:41
Part human, part student, 100% loser
My post got cut halfway... Anyway, Cream Corune should be turned into a figure!
(ID #69497) Posted on 2008/01/13 03:45
Student
whoaa cool danny ^^
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