Well thought I would document my process for my next doll here. I am Silverbeam, owner and artist of silverbeam dolls. I create my dolls via 3d printing, a very fun and geeky method of manufacture. so this project was one I had in mind but a client came along and commissioned a bjd tiny mermaid, we combined the two projects and work has begun! concepts: View attachment 357 Here is the final concept art, we are going with a coral theme to add some detail and character. The first thing I am doing is building a simplified version of the tail, basically without the details so I can test it out and get it 3D printed to see if it works. It took all day to figure out the best way to model it. I could have easily modeled each segment but I wanted it more precise with conformity throughout the pieces so figuring out which tools and which method was a bit of a task. I have just the basic shape done, so nothing really to show yet. I will when I get that part done. FAQ: (will update as more specific questions are asked) 3D program? Lightwave 3D printer? I don't have one, I use a company called shapeways currently Print material? Nylon plastic Deviantart: http://www.silverbeam.deviantart.com
Well gotta see if it works before I am willing to try resin. I have been looking at different casting companies and trying to raise funds to cast my tinies. It would be fun to get my dolls cast into resin. Here is the plain tail I managed to get done today, may do some more tweaks, but there will be much more detail to the tail, this is a base to create variations for fun and of course to test and see how well it works. http://silverbeam.deviantart.com/art/Mermaid-Tail-Wip-Test-420476386?ga_submit_new=10%3A1387330828 there is my Da link to the WIP of the tail image. Forum being sily not letting me upload images... http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/351/4/5/mermaid_tail_wip_test_by_silverbeam-d6yc9nm.jpg
Looks good. Going to be watching to see how this turns out ... gathering all the ideas I can for lizard people tails. )
I got the tail test printed and assembled! Works really well so far. A few edits will need to be made however. I am trying to decide If I should try one that is not perfectly circular but more flat or oval shape like a fish, it will decrease range of movement but fish should really only do font back and a little to the side at the tip not so much up top so will see. here's a video! [video=youtube_share;7LfPUSOWgko]http://youtu.be/7LfPUSOWgko[/video]
I love it! 3D modeling is so above me... I am in awe of anyone who can do it so well. I love the coral theme you have planned, too.
Wow! The range of motion there is looking great! It would be awesome to do a Medusa snake-head that way ) Can't wait to see you go through the whole process with her
more wip! I flattened the tail a bit or made it more oval and elongated it, I think it's looking much nicer. worked on the torso and arms too, Details will be added last like scales and the coral parts.
Coming along beautifully, Silverbeam! I love the shape of the end of the tail - looks really exotic somehow. Also, the shape of her belly is gorgeous! The only thing that looks a little off to me is the breasts, which seem to start a little bit too high up on the chest. Makes them look a bit artificial. Smoothing the top of the breast so that it looks a little more like... um, a ski slope to the nipple from the side would make 'em look a little more natural. I love how unique and interesting your dolls are - can't wait to see more!
That is a very unique tail, but I agree with HystericalParoxysm that the breasts could use a little refining.
Hi there, your design looks so cool. I love how 3d can become a way of an alternative to manual sculpting. However i wonder if you need to prime a sculpt out of 3d print? Or can it goes straight to casting resin?
yeah, keep tweaking the boobs... I don't want to add more geometry so hard to get the exact shape I want. (I may do it eventually though, geometry just being stupid even when I added some so gotta figure that out.) I want something in between a natural shape with a bit closer to the shape they would look in a nice supportive lift bra so when the doll wears clothes or say a shell bra or something she won't look bra-less or saggy. As for casting, If I print in the finer detail (and unfortunately much more expensive) material then all I need to do is some sanding and the doll is ready to go for resin casting. Or should be... still a newb when it comes to learning about how to cast.
I am really bad at remembering this forum.... sorry.... They did get finished and put up on my shop. Couple of different heads and of course the male or female version available. Couldn\t get it to allow me to upload a pic so pic links below, or send me a message for more info etc. https://img0.etsystatic.com/027/0/5805685/il_fullxfull.600366884_qu5g.jpg https://img1.etsystatic.com/025/0/5805685/il_fullxfull.600469401_qeu3.jpg
