Render the whole thing pointless - A Wizard!

[Pablo Spandangle]

Tre mentioned he thought the elf looked like a pissed off old guy. Nah, this is a pissed off old guy!





And here he is with the rest of the gang so far:



I had a lot of fun working on this figure, which I hope shows through in the final piece. There's a bit more blurb on the Blog as usual.

Next up, BARBARIAN!

[The Masked Frother]

They certainly have snozzes!

[Gi6ers]

Needs some more potions, scrolls etc

[Gomez]

These seem a lot softer compared to your usual stuff. They do look like they'd be a blast to paint

[Pablo Spandangle]

These seem a lot softer compared to your usual stuff. They do look like they'd be a blast to paint

That's cos that ain't metal yet- sadly renders have a softening effect and I not clued up about the different render settings to fiddle about with it. Also, can't go too sharp on things like the cloak edges or they'll be razor sharp. But things like the fabric fold and the like will be as defined as any other figure I've produced.

[Badger Loving Fluffster]

These seem a lot softer compared to your usual stuff. They do look like they'd be a blast to paint

That's cos that ain't metal yet- sadly renders have a softening effect and I not clued up about the different render settings to fiddle about with it. Also, can't go too sharp on things like the cloak edges or they'll be razor sharp. But things like the fabric fold and the like will be as defined as any other figure I've produced.

Andrew, do you print directly from the render? Or does the render give you a model that you then rework/refine for your master cast?

[Pablo Spandangle]

Andrew, do you print directly from the render? Or does the render give you a model that you then rework/refine for your master cast?

A render is effectively just a 2D drawing of the 3D information that is the digital figure. It's the equivalent of a photograph of a traditional figure.

For printing, the 3D file is converted into a format that slices the figure into thin layers - 3D printers print in layers. Once I have the print I clean up wee things like support material, maybe fill some undercuts, and then it's mastered like any other figure.

The render is as true to the 3D figure as a photograph is to a traditional figure. In both cases lighting, material and perspective can affect how the figure appears. I prefer to show finished, metal figures as I sculpt to create miniatures not for renders. However, I also like showing off what I've just finished.

It's never true to say a render is the equivalent of concept art as some people claim - the 2D render cannot be created without the 3D coordinates of the digital figure!

[Badger Loving Fluffster]

Thanks. I understand the process, I just thought that your finished figs looked more finished than the renders I have seen. Either way, all good stuff

[Pablo Spandangle]

Thanks. I understand the process, I just thought that your finished figs looked more finished than the renders I have seen. Either way, all good stuff

Ta. They will look more finished when they're metal because that's when they're finished! Well, really they're finished when the customer paints them, but you know what I mean. That's why I say about sculpting for miniatures not for renders - certain aspects are as they are because I know they have to be printed, moulded twice and painted and also that they'll be teeny tiny. I also know how they'll appear in metal because I've viewed the figure from every angle conceivable, in many different materials and I've got experience in comparing what's on screen with what comes out of the printer.

In the past I've shown renders cell shaded or just edge highlighted as I dislike the 'softening' effect of other materials but for these I needed to show more information as they're such a change of style from my other figures.

Material makes all the difference. Even back when I sculpted traditionally I was always pleasantly surprised when I received the resin masters back and they looked that much sharper than the clay originals!

[The Dozing Dragon]

Looking good. Love the Wizard.