50–65cm Dolls Drazen: New 60cm doll head

Few weeks ago I started working on my 4th doll head. The first try was way too big for the body I created him for (it was in China at the time and I couldn't check), so I started over.

This is where Drazen is now. The clay I'm using is LaDoll clay and as you can see, I have a tendency to draw on my heads to remind me where I need to add/subtract more clay. ^^;; Doesn't look very pretty, but it works.










And a shot of an 'ear-in-progress':

 

@bird of hermes: It's good to hear I'm not the only one. I always feel so silly when I post pictures of a scribbled on sculpture ^^.

@penguu: Thanks! Yeah, the ears are a bit on the small side, but this is a personal preference. I think I got the infection when I saw the tiny ears on my CP. They looked so cute!

@Hyula: Wow, thank you! I love marble sculptures; they look so life-like. I only hope that Drazen will look the same when he's finished.

@ghostdollie: Thanks!

@Myrretah: Yeah, I wasn't happy with his mouth at first, so I cut it out and started over with the result you see in the pictures. I was so scary to do (and Drazen looked like a zombie after I was done with him), but I'm glad I took up the courage, 'cause he looks so much better now.

@Aminoff: Yes, thanks for your comment on DA, it's appreciated. I can't wait to see him finished either, but it'll have to wait. The body's prototype is still in China. I can't finish his neck hole, until I have it back home.

 

Thank you! I've come to realize that I like this style. I like dolls that are less 'pretty-boy' and more character. Since the body is still in China, I can't finish him for now, so instead, I'll make another head and hopefully it'll turn out just as... manly.

 

New update on Drazen:



I'm working on opening his eyes right now and then it's up to me to do lots and LOTS of sanding. A week ago I had contact with Dollshe and they're willing to cast this head for me. So, if all goes well, I'm going to send it to them by the end of February!

In between my work on Drazen, I've also started with another head. Meet Sasha:



This is just a first sketch of him, but it gives me an idea of where I want to go. Sasha is going to have two versions. The Sleepyhead version you see above and an open eyed version. I wanted to practice sculpting eyes more, so now I've got a reason to!

 

Thanks, guys !

I've opened the eyes and given him a first few coats of primer. This time, I've decided to make a test cast and finish polishing him in resin. The clay is too soft and I can never get him as smooth as I want him to be by just priming him. So, this week I'm going to order some Mold Max and Smooth Cast and see if I can get a decent cast of him!

 

Thanks! It's always a kind of scary to prime him, because his features do change. That's why I usually make the features of the clay sculpt a little stronger. I know they will soften once I start spraying Tamiya.

I've ordered some Mold Max and Smooth Cast, so next week I'm going to do a test cast. Hopefully I can get it right and I can sand the cast, 'cause then he's ready to be shipped off to Dollshe!

 

Sorry for not responding sooner, I kind of got out of touch with this website for a while.

@Allison Mecleary: Don't be hesitant. The good thing about a primer is that it's sandable. If you see an error in your sculpt, you can still sand the primer off and change it. The only thing you'll have to keep in mind is that the features of your sculpt will soften a bit when you're coating it, but it is possible to retrieve some of this sharpness by casting your sculpt in resin and sanding this prototype.

@HystericalParoxysm: Actually, his planes are just as 'sharp' as ever, this is just a very low contrast picture. The only features that are softened a bit are his lips, but I think this is preferable if you want a face-up to have a say in what mood the head is going to have.

I buy my silicones and resins from formx.nl. They are the official dealer of Smooth-On products, but do carry other products as well.

@BBG: Just a little while. I'm finishing his headcap (hope to get his test cast this weekend) and then he's off to Dollshe.

@Eldurwen: Thanks, I'm glad you like Sasha. Should post a new picture of him soon, 'cause I've changed his mouth to match his eyes better.

EDIT

Drazen:


SleepyHead Sasha:

 

@Switchum: Thanks! I'm using my older doll body for them. This one:



@Glyndon: Yeah, I can see what you mean. I hope he's a joy to paint, 'cause that's one of my goals for my dollheads .

 

Drazen came back and he's finally ready to be sold. Dollshe did a fantastic job on them. The only thing I'm a little 'meh' about is that they had to sand the seams (causing a slight color difference). It's something they do with all dolls coming from out of Korea. Luckily, it's right on top of the head, so you won't notice anything with a wig on.

 

leopardessmoon: Thank you!

Yukamina: Of course you can! I'm using both Mr Surfacer 1000 (gray) and Tamiya. It kind of depends on the weather conditions which I'm using.

 

He's shipped off to a face-up artist right now. I'm really not good at painting myself (nor do I like to do it), so it always takes some time before I can see a doll of mine done up.