Run Down of How an Action Figure is Created

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Run Down of How an Action Figure is Created

Posted in Custom Workstation

Hello!

I'm not ENTIRELY sure if this is the correct place to be asking about this, but it's something I needed to know. For a fun little summertime project, I wanted to create action figures based upon my high school's marching band in the style of Kenner Star Wars figure (i.e. simple in design, 5 points of articulation, etc.) The only issue is that, after searching around various websites (including this one(, I just can't seem to find ANYTHING that would help me in my cause. Not a single website has given a basic tutorial of how one could essentially create action figures. I haven't even been able to find any tutorials on how to create customs using pre-existing figures as bases. I've read a few things about creating figure parts with 3D printing, but I have no access to one. Essentially, I'd want to be able to understand the following methods:

1. Sculpting the basic figure (Would one use a wire skeleton and sculpt over it or use clay and only clay? How would sculpting over another action figure work)
2. Altering the figure to allow for the basic 5-point articulation as stated above (Would one make a mold of the prototype sculpted above and cut the pieces accordingly? Or would you create the chest piece of the figure, then follow it up with each leg and arm to fit into it properly.)
3. Attaching all of the pieces together into order to allow for a finished product that can be articulated.

I know that this is a bit of a long post, but I would really appreciate it you guys could help with my little predicament.

Thanks!

Posted by FlansyDaniel

on Wednesday, May 25, 2016

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Henchmen4Hire -

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

If you're going to be sculpting the figure from scratch, don't bother looking specifically for action figure tutorials, look for normal sculpting tutorials. Those will usually explain how to make a suitable armature. Study human anatomy so you get proportions right. Most people simply modify pre-existing figures. Try Apoxie Sculpt like mentioned if you don't want to bake anything.

Most people don't fabricate their own joints, it's a hassle, and unnecessary since you can harvest joints from other figures, or buy pre-made joints (like Revoltech joints).

Since it's a basic 5-point figure you want to make, I would go with LEGO parts to articulate it. Look for turntables, clips, pins, technic bricks with holes, etc., and embed them into the figure's parts. If you don't want to buy LEGOs (they're overpriced), you can try screws, nuts, magnets, etc., and embed those, swivels are simple to make.

Dynamite Customs -

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Don't even worry about casting. With aves it's a 2 part, self hardening apoxy (no oven required!) that hardens like plastic so it's durable and sand able. Disassembly of a figure is helpful. Like I said before, you can sand down the unwanted details of the base figure and sculpt directly on to the figure. Let it cure over night and paint it up. There are plenty of articles in the how to section about prepping a figure, and various other techniques. Try reviewing those articles and see what you can learn.

FlansyDaniel -

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Thanks for the info! I'll be sure to give that a try. My only question is how exactly I would go about sculpting over and re-casting. I mean, should I take the figure apart, apply the clay directly, bake the clay while still on the original figure, and then mold and cast the new piece, whatever it may be, or should I instead make a cast of the original piece, add clay onto that, and then re-cast with a new mold of both pieces. I'm just afraid that baking the clay over the original piece without molding and casting first would cause the original figure's piece to melt.

Dynamite Customs -

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

My recommendation would be for you to find some funko reaction figures (they are designed in the style you're shooting for), dremmel (sand) down the details you do not want, and use either aves apoxy sculpt or aves fixit sculpt (by avesstudio.com) to sculpt the figure how you want it. It will be much easier for you than trying to fashion your own joints and such. Hope that helps. Good luck!

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