President of the Assembly, Planet of the Apes

[jessica]

I await the coming of the astronaut figure from Critter2. Today I purchased some fake leather for his outfit. It's quite an ambitious project, but I am crazy enough to try to tackle it.

[vulcan2074]

From what I've seen, I know Your going to do an Amazing Job. I Can't wait :beaming1:
Sammy

[Hotfoot]

Another masterpiece in the making.

[toys2cool]

can't wait to see it :grin:

[jessica]

I have been mulling this outfit forever, it seems, and I think this is the way to go. Here are some practice swatches.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/DrGalen175.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/DrGalen176.jpg

[vulcan2074]

I Love your Practice Swatches. They Look Very Nice :beaming1:
Sammy

[toys2cool]

looks good to me :grin:

[jessica]

The astronaut has landed. He is patiently waiting for his transformation from a lower order of primate:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Prez002.jpg

[jessica]

I am in the middle of upgrading a Mego to El Presidente!

This is my half-hearted attempt, trying to make some magic happen:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/elpresidente001.jpg

Still waiting for SOMETHING better to come out of the sculpt:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/elpresidente002.jpg

I don't know how the heck I did the nose. It was damned hard:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/elpresidente007.jpg

Thank goodness he is on his way to being El Presidente:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/elpresidente008.jpg

Back to work. I need to pump out some outfits I have promised.

[vulcan2074]

I'm Digging the way he's coming out. Looking Good :beaming1:
Sammy

[jessica]

He is curing right now, but I worked on his lower muzzle and his hair:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_4997.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/apes_behind2-1.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_4996.jpg http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_4993.jpg

[jessica]

Next victim!!!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_4991.jpg

[vulcan2074]

I'm Loving the Pictures. He's looking Really Good :beaming1:
Sammy

[jessica]

I might dremel him a little bit. It's hard to work with Aves Apoxie. I know I can only get better with more practice.

[jessica]

Here is my 1/6 scale version of El Presidente:

Before: http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5091.jpg

And after:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5134.jpg

[jessica]

How can I remove El Presidente's head from his body without chopping/ruining the neck?

And does anybody know what type of figure this is?
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Zira008.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Zira007.jpg

[Edgaar]

Great Googa Mooga!! Fantastic!

[YANOULI]

How can I remove El Presidente's head from his body without chopping/ruining the neck?

And does anybody know what type of figure this is?
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Zira008.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Zira007.jpg


A very thin flat bladed screwdriver between the bottom of the neck and ball joint should do the trick.

They look like Sideshow or Dragon bodies.

[mikeoz]

You do an amazing job with Miliput. Looks awesome!

[jessica]

Thanks, guys! That means a lot to me.

Here's what I found out: The bearded fellow is a 21st Century Toys Ultimate Soldier

The Prez is currently on an In The Past Toys figure

Ian, I was able to pop off the head nicely (and cleanly) on the bearded guy but I pulled it off the neck with the entire ball joint, and I didn't know how to put it back on...so I went at it with a screw driver. Maybe I will try a little heat. I just want to make sure that I am able to put the head back on...I have some ape buddies that would like a copy and I thought I would try my hand at molding/casting.

I'm no longer happy with El Presidente Mego scale. I think I'm going to re-do, which will give me more practice.

[PNGwynne]

These are great! The POTA orangutans were always my favorites.

[LadyZod]

I just love watching your work Jessica. It's fantastic.

[vulcan2074]

I Really Enjoy watching Your Projects. More Pictures Please :beaming1:
Sammy

[jessica]

OK...if you guys don't mind me posting! This is 1/6 scale (because I recently bought a box of 10 naked figures that I wanted to convert to apes)...

Here is Dr. Maximus before makeup:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5130.jpg

And in progress. I re-did his muzzle so he looks a little better now and he's got bangs. If I can find my camera I will post photos of him tonight.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5132.jpg

[vulcan2074]

Awww Yeahh. He's Looking Good :beaming1:
Sammy

[jessica]

I also started work on this many months ago. Hopefully by the time I really get back to it, my Lawgiver is going to rock.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Lawgiver012.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG_002a.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG002.jpg

[vulcan2074]

Thats so Good. I Love the Detail that You put into all your Work :beaming1:
Sammy

[jessica]

The head wouldn't budge so I decided to slit it open with a very sharp knife before proceeding too far with the sculpt:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Zira011-1.jpg

His new muzzle looks much better:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Zira009.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Zira010.jpg

I put dreadlocks on him, too: But decided it looked weird so I combed it out:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Zira012-2.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Zira013-2.jpg

[jessica]

This is a custom Dr. Zaius shirt that I made last night. It's the first time I ever sewed a Mandarin collar on an outfit, and I'm so happy with how it looks! The customer needed his shirt extended to make it more movie accurate. I just put together the hat for the quick photo session. I hate my camera.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Zaius004.jpg

[vulcan2074]

Now thats Clever. I Love the Pic and the Shirt is just Fantastic :beaming1:
Sammy

[HardyGirl]

This is a custom Dr. Zaius shirt that I made last night. It's the first time I ever sewed a Mandarin collar on an outfit, and I'm so happy with how it looks! The customer needed his shirt extended to make it more movie accurate. I just put together the hat for the quick photo session. I hate my camera.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Zaius004.jpg

:rotfl: That's just too funny! Anyone else see Bing Crosby? "Ba-ba-boo-boo".
:ape:

[jessica]

Dr. Maximus with more hair. I have to put the Apoxie on in layers and let it dry as I build up the hair and must be patient. That way, when I add the final layer of hair, there is no chance of putting a dent in the overall shape.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Maximus001.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Maximus002.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Maximus003.jpg

Not sure if I should bang out all the orangutans first and then move onto the gorillas. I should be finished with Dr. Maximus by tomorrow if I chug along at this rate. There is only Virgil and Honorious left for the orangutans. I definitely want to make Ursus and Julius...and just a plain gorilla soldier. Also Lucius, Dr. Milo, Lisa, Galen. I was feeling kind of sad looking at the pitiful list of apes left to make and then I remembered the TV series....YEAH!! This will keep me nice and busy, and give me lots of practice...

[jessica]

Some Dr. Zaius photos:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Maximus006.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Z003.jpg

[jessica]

This is Dr. Maximus before and after.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5130.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008024.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008023.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008025.jpg

And a photo of Dr. Zaius and Zira:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008029.jpg

[jessica]

Currently working on Dr. Honorious...

This is his mug shot before:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Honorious002.jpg

[vulcan2074]

Jessica
Dr. Maximus Looks so Awesome. I Really Love the way that your setting up your Pictures. Dr. Zaius and Zira Look so Good :beaming1:
Sammy

[jessica]

Dr. Honorious in progress.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008038.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008039.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008.jpg

Because the Apoxie is not drying fast enough, concurrently working on Virgil. The dark areas of his face are from a blunt pencil. Of course, I never know where my tools are so I just grab whatever is nearest at hand.
This is his mug shot: http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Virgil001.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008040.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008041.jpg

[yokaijohn]

All the likenesses are INCREDIBLE!

[jessica]

It was my intent to try to resculpt over Megos to get all the main players of the Planet of the Apes, but 1/6 scale is easier for a more accurate looking sculpt. I'm going to have to look into shrinking the heads...so I can eventually build up my Mego-scale Ape City.

[jessica]

Darn it. I'm still in the mood to sculpt and I have to wait for Honorious and Virgil to dry before I can layer on more hair....So, I was going to sculpt Julius but couldn't find any screenshots of him. I only have screenshots of Ursus, so I guess Ursus it will be:

This is his mugshot before. I was going to use this guy for MacDonald from Conquest, but I found a better one...so he will just have to make do as Ursus.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008043-1.jpg

[vulcan2074]

Your On Fire with your Scuplting. I'm amazed at how you do Them. I Love It :beaming1:
Sammy

[jessica]

Of course, I want to make sure that Angel's wonderful helmet fits this guy...AND IT DOES!! So...if I add any hair, I want to make sure it fits underneath the helmet!!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008044.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008045.jpg

[censy]

You're on such a roll. Looking forward to seeing how they all turn out.

Chris

[jessica]

General Ursus in progress. He looks better when the focus is not so close up...
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008048.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008049.jpg

[jessica]

More Virgil shots. I'm done for the night. I just didn't want to waste the Apoxie...
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008053-1.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008052-1.jpg

[jessica]

Here are the three apes I am working on...
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008055.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008056.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008057.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008059.jpg

[wyldpny]

Wow! I am in total awe at your work and your attention to detail.
Please keep the pics coming :)

[Blackkryptonite]

wow Jessica, that's some great work you are doing there. I'm looking forward to seeing the final product.

[jessica]

I have to resculpt the General Ursus helmet.

The helmet I have now was made for a different sculpt, so after I add hair to my General Ursus, the helmet will look small and awkward.

Edited to say...A Hasbro helmet is enroute. I was going to sculpt a new helmet, but if this one will work, it will save me time.

[jessica]

This guy is ALMOST done...just need more hair to the right side of his face, but I have to wait for the Apoxie to dry, and then I need to add some more facial hair...maybe close up that gap on the back of his hair...Need to root through my box of humans to see who else I could convert...

I am also going to sand down Virgil's eyebrows so they don't jut out so much and re-do them a little bit before I add the last of his facial hair. The head sculpt is propped onto the round file I used to rasp down Virgil's eyebrows.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008063.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008062.jpg

[jessica]

Virgil,

before sanding his brow ridges:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008059.jpg This is Virgil before makeup: http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Virgil001.jpg
after sanding down his brow ridges.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008065.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008064.jpg

after resculpting his brow ridges and eyebrows, with final touches to his hair, and voila! He is done but I just need to give him a good paint job.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008073.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008071.jpg

[jessica]

This is the new victim...his head refused to budge off the body, so I went at it with some gardening shears. It's also quite small compared to the other heads I have sculpted and looks pretty goofy on the body I removed him from. I decided that I would sculpt over whatever human I pulled out of the box, and it happened to be him.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008068.jpg

He is now on his way to being Lucius just because the head is so tiny. I may re-do his nose. I just didn't have great photo references to work off of. I'm not too sure how I am going to do the back of his hair, how to portray his curls...I will cross that bridge when I get there.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008069.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008070.jpg

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

Lovely work Jessica...and they all look sooo much better as apes.

[saildog]

Fantastic stuff, Jessica!

[jessica]

Presenting...Dr. Honorious!! :heart::ape::heart:

As he was before he evolved into a higher species: And now....
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Honorious002.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008077.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008075.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008076.jpg

[jessica]

My husband asked when I was going to quit doing "this ape stuff"

Maniacal laughter spewed from within.

[vulcan2074]

Please Don't Ever Stop. There Amazing. Apes Rule :beaming1:
Sammy

[jessica]

The only thing that will keep me from making apes is when I have each and every ape sculpted, from the movies and the TV series.
That's a whole assembly, more than enough to fill the arena at Ape City. After the sculpts, then I have to paint them, and then I have to clothe them...

This is Lucius after I removed his nose. Doesn't he look so worried?
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008078.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008079.jpg

Here he is after a fresh nose job. After the Apoxie has dried, I will go back in and smooth out the rough area around his new nose and the left side of his muzzle.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008082.jpg

The back of his head has a rough shape of the hair I will eventually sculpt on top. I'm not sure if I'm doing this right, but I am going to start building up his hair from the bottom and working my way up to the top...in layers. Never sculpted curly hair before...but there's always a first time. (Actually, this is kind of the first time I am trying my hand at this sculpting...I am trying to remember my first sculpt, and that is the Lawgiver which I started way back in summer.) I have been busy with costumes since then...but this sculpting thing has taken a life of its own.
]http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008083.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008084.jpg

[jessica]

This is the next human I am going to sculpt on top of. Don't know which character yet. Perhaps Julius? Julius was short in stature, and this head is pretty tiny, too.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008080.jpg

This is the beginnings of his nose:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008086.jpg

And after some massaging:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008088.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008089.jpg

[Captain_Mego]

Absolutly outstanding work. I think you have nailed the ape figures. I love the realisum. Keep up the good work look forward to seeing more .

[mikeoz]

I'm in awe over your sculpting technique. I really enjoy seeing all the changes you make.

[jessica]

I only have four more heads left to sculpt in my human pile, and one of them I am not touching because he's too handsome. I just remembered that I bought some figures from ActionMartin sometime this summer that I was going to give as presents for my boys this Christmas, but it looks like they are going to be churned into apes.

Edited to say: Scott, I just peeked in that box of figures I bought from you. (Never opened them before)...such wonderful human fodder for my ape creations!! The military clothing and accessories are great as well...I'll let my three boys pick one each from the pile and keep the rest for myself. What a good mommy I am.

[jessica]

Julius progress shots.
Attaching his lower muzzle...Perfect for holding a cigar:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008092.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008093.jpg

In my haste to add hair (before Apoxie dried), I accidentally closed his lower jaw and "mushed it" grrrr....I tore it off and proceeded with the top of his hair
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008099.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008100.jpg

[jessica]

Also tried but failed to add curls to Lucius. I did some minor study on how to add curly hair to a sculpt (I so love the internet--you can learn lots of things!!), and it's too difficult with Apoxie. I am going to try the technique I "learned" tomorrow using sculpey.

Didn't want to waste the Apoxie, and proceeded with Dr. Milo. Before makeup and progress shots:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008095.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008096.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008097.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008098.jpg
His current state, after lots of massaging:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008102.jpg

[apes3978]

You don't need to make yourself a Lucius if you're just making these 1/6 heads to shrink... Ian (Yanouli) sells a MEGO scale head of Lucius and Dr. Milo too...

[jessica]

I am waiting for Ian to send me Lucius Mego scale. I have not seen a closeup of Dr. Milo, but I do know he exists. From what I remember, I didn't think Medicom captured Dr. Milo.

Edited to say...Does anybody have a closeup of the Medicom Dr. Milo?

[apes3978]

I am waiting for Ian to send me Lucius Mego scale. I have not seen a closeup of Dr. Milo, but I do know he exists. From what I remember, I didn't think Medicom captured Dr. Milo.

Edited to say...Does anybody have a closeup of the Medicom Dr. Milo?

True, their Milo doesn't quite capture his likeness, but it's certainly better than their Zira... While I like their Zira for a character ape (a generic ape made into a character), for a specific ape such as Zira, it is lacking... Truthfully she looks more like Carsia...

But, back to Milo, I would think a lot of the likeness would have to do with the paint job you'd give him... It's surprising what paint can do, and you could always do a little bit of your modification(s) like you did for the Medicom ESCAPE Cornelius... (Their "regular" Cornelius is a lot better, he looks more like he did in PLANET.)

[jessica]

True, their Milo doesn't quite capture his likeness, but it's certainly better than their Zira... While I like their Zira for a character ape (a generic ape made into a character), for a specific ape such as Zira, it is lacking... Truthfully she looks more like Carsia...

But, back to Milo, I would think a lot of the likeness would have to do with the paint job you'd give him... It's surprising what paint can do, and you could always do a little bit of your modification(s) like you did for the Medicom ESCAPE Cornelius... (Their "regular" Cornelius is a lot better, he looks more like he did in PLANET.)

Ditto that regarding the Medicom Zira, Escape or Planet Zira...woof woof.

I didn't know that was "Escape" Cornelius...I thought that was the regular Cornelius!! Does anybody have a closeup of the Medicom Cornelius?

[jessica]

I cut clay into strips and layered it onto his head, trying to make it look like "waves". I didn't really like the way it looked, so I dented "curls" in with my fingertips. This is also a newfound sculpting medium for me...air dry sculpey. It feels great to sculpt with, but it dries out too fast and I am not used to it. http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008104.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008105.jpg

So....I went back to good old Apoxie. I figured that it wasn't working last night because the Apoxie had not cured to the right consistency yet and was making one big mess. As crazy as this sounds, I will probably sand this all down again and start all over because to me the hair is too big. I was just raring to go and try out the technique I read about. And...the back of his head looks like I was trying too hard. :smiley1:

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008107.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008110.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008112.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008113.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008114.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008108.jpg

[jessica]

Here is how Dr. Milo's chin started out...I tried to cheat and make the teeth at the same time. You can't really see it now that it's all shaped up...I should have made the teeth look bigger. Oh well...
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008115.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008116.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008117.jpg

[jessica]

I was wondering why I wasn't really happy with Julius...I figured it was his muzzle. It was too wide for the eyes, so I went at it with a file to slim it down. Before and after. I will go back and smooth out the areas of the muzzle tomorrow, after I whip up some more Apoxie. I also accidentally sanded a part of his left brow, but his appearance looks better overall to me.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008093.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008118.jpg

Now that I added more hair around his new muzzle, he is looking more like Julius (I hope!!)
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008120.jpg

[yokaijohn]

I see Julius Now!He's looking Great!

[jessica]

Julius is almost done...just minor changes like cleaning up his eyebrows and muzzle area where I sanded, and closing up the gaps between his face and hairline...

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008127.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008128.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008134.jpg

[jessica]

Galen from the TV series. In case anybody's wondering why I'm doing the apes I am doing in this order, which really is no particular order, it's because I am working from whatever photo references I have already.

Who is this human and why is he so damned ugly?
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008121.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008122.jpg

The glop for his muzzle was actually too big and I had to remove a little of it.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008123.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008124.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008125.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008126.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008129.jpg

[jessica]

Dr. Milo:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008130.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008131.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008133.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008132.jpg

[YANOULI]

they're all looking great.

[jessica]

Here is my old General Ursus, and looking at it I figured I could do better. So...I filed away some of his face and resculpted. To me he looks better now. I really should not be futzing with General Ursus because I am waiting for a Hasbro helmet to come in the mail, but I can't help it. I'm also going to re-do the muzzle of Dr. Maximus.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008049.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008136.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008138.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008140.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008142.jpg

[jessica]

Here is the original Dr. Maximus I did. I was at first excited about the way he turned out, but now not so very impressed. I spent some time shaving off or whacking off the Apoxie from his face and around his head. His hair was too tall and I knew I made his muzzle too big. I knew I could do better, so I went at him.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008023.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008143.jpg

Here is a resculpt of his top muzzle and nose. Kind of hard to imagine how he will look, but I am hoping better than this!!
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008146.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008147.jpg

[jessica]

Some Galen (TV series) progress shots...
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008148.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008149.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008150.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008151.jpg

[Hector]

Wow, Jessica, I'm blown away!


P.S. I have not forgotten about burning you some songs...I'll get going after the holidays...it's kinda hectic right now in my household, lol.

Don't worry, I'll hook you up soon enough.

:wink_y:

[jessica]

Should have taken progress photos, as it is quite fun to see something develop, but I was too lazy to grab the camera. Here is Burke before a re-do:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/MyCustom-POTATV05.jpg

And here he is now, curing and ready for a nice paintjob. It's the first time I tried sculpting "Ada" hair...I also retouched his face with a little bit of Apoxie to bring out as much James Naughton as I possibly could out of the head:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5311.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5312.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5313.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5314.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5315.jpg

[jessica]

I'm going to take a hammer to Burke's hair tonight if I can't smooth it out with more Apoxie. I think the hair needs some more tweaking. It looks too rough.

Oh...and the General Ursus Hasbro helmet came, but it's too small so I will have to resculpt it. No biggie. More practice for me.

[jessica]

Tadah!! I wacked at him with a small hammer. His head bounced around the plastic bag a lot. Apoxie is pretty hard stuff. Glad the right side of his face stayed on, as that was the better side. I guess luck is on my side...

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5316.jpg

[jessica]

This is a re-do of Burke's hair, which was done in Super Sculpey. The nice thing about it is not having to feel pressured to complete the sculpt before it cures (like Apoxie). His face will need to be sanded smooth, too. I added a little to the sculpt to bring out as much Burke as I possibly could out of the head.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5318.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/tg27.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5319.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5320.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5321.jpg

I just remembered that I have another head on my desk at work that I need to bring home so I could try making a Virdon out of it...

[spiderrogue]

cool!!

[jessica]

I hope he looks like Burke. Last night he was looking a lot like Bill Bixby. Actually, I tried sculpting the hair last night for an hour or two and took that hair down today because it didn't look that great, and I didn't feel like I was able to recapture Burke's image. I used Ada's Burke sculpt as a reference for his hair and sculpted the hair while I waited for the boys to finish their piano lessons...so it took about an hour and a half to do the hair up this way (not counting the two hours I spent on it last night).

[censy]

I can't believe how great these sculpts are Jessica. I know who they are before I even read the accompanying text.

The Burke figure is built on an actual Burke? I don't recognize that figure…where is he from, who made him?

Chris

[jessica]

Chris, I will ask my friend if he knows who made that headsculpt and where it came from. It's not really a Burke sculpt...just a stand-in. I don't know my figures at all, who makes them, etc. We were all gunning for Ada Chan to knock a Burke sculpt out of the park, but her sculpt was really really off...quite disappointing, really. Too big for a Mego and too small for 1/6 scale. I told my friend I could try to sculpt Ada style hair on his Burke stand-in, so he sent it to me to see what I could come up with.

I am so tempted to give Burke a slight nose job, but I'm too scared to do anything that drastic. The nosejob would require me to dremel the sides of the front part of his nose and a very steady hand. Very very tempting. I think I will try the nose job on cast and not mess up the original.

[yokaijohn]

Good-Luck!

[jessica]

Chris, I am still waiting for my friend to get back to me, but another toy collector had mentioned that the Burke stand-in could be a possible Dragon DML Headsculpt, from the German WWII MG34 two pack.

Edited to say, it is confirmed, and it is Erich from the German WWII MG34 two pack.

The head is for sale on Ebay right now. Seller is located in Hong Kong.

[jessica]

It will take me years to learn how to sculpt this way, but where there is a will, there is a way!! Heck, now that there is a great photo reference, I'm going to try it out tonight with Super Sculpey. THe lighting of this shot helps to give further detail that screenshots are not able to capture. I am SOOOOOO excited!! My General Ursus sucks. I'm going to see if a hammer treatment and a re-do of his browridges will give me the angry eyes I am looking for. If not, I am going to try to find a more "angry" face, and then resculpt a new General Ursus over that.


http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/11POTA_GeneralUrsus.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008142.jpg

[batgirl]

Jessica you are unbelievable! I cant get over how fast you do your thing!!! Your work is incredible.
I love the way that you do the noses :yes:

[jessica]

It's been many days since I tried sculpting (guests came for the holidays, so no crafting allowed). Was afraid to see if the magic was still there or not. Took awhile to kick in, and didn't really have too much time to mess with a big lump of Apoxie, so I started small and added more hair to Galen. Thinking about prying off Ursus's eyebrows with pliers instead of going at his head with a hammer....

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG011.jpg

[HardyGirl]

Girl, I don't know why you think your work sucks! You're so good at this sculpting thing that I hate you!:wink_y:

[jessica]

I could not find a pair of pliers so I went at his eyebrows with my favorite pair of pruning shears.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG017.jpg

I decided to whack some of his hair as well with my handy dandy pruning shears. They sliced through the plastic like butter. Oh, the indignity of it all!!
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG025.jpg

A quick resculpt of angry eyebrows confirmed my fears...that his muzzle and nose would have to go, too:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG026.jpg

I was a little aggressive with the pruning shears and accidentally cut his face:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG027.jpg


What have I done? What have I done?????
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG018.jpg

Is there hope for this sculpt????
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG019.jpg

Perhaps, after lots of massaging. I may re-do the nose. Depends on how I feel when I see it again tonight. I liked the other one before.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG020.jpg

[censy]

wow! when are you gonna start painting all these awesome sculpts?

[jessica]

Someday, Chris. I still have some more ape sculpts locked up in my head I would like to release. And I want to get better with my sculpting and practice makes better. Also, I want to make sure I have a whole heap of them so I can start shrinking them all at the same time. I only count nine so far, and only three of them I am satisfied with (Dr. Honorious, President of the Academy, Virgil).

Looked through my pile of humans last night to see if I could find a very angry face. Check out the scowl on this mug! His vein must have popped out when I was forcibly removing his head from his body. The flecks of white on his face are just bits of Apoxie that came off of my fingers as I twisted away at his head. What is strange is that when I added a brow ridge to the face, the anger of the eyes disappeared. This is just one of the background gorillas, perhaps a Captain. I still need to add a bit more to his lower muzzle to bring it out more.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG016.jpg http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG032.jpg

[jessica]

I thought the third time was the charm, but the nose is not really the way I like it yet. Did I tell you that my metal file is my new best friend?

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG029.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG031.jpg

[apes3978]

Why don't you just turn the one you're having "trouble" with into an alternate gorilla, like a soldier, and start all over with your Ursus?

[jessica]

Mike, I'm hard-headed and I want to make it work.

I think that the Ursus I am having difficulty with is one of those cheapie heads that aren't really 1/6 scale. The eyes are really large compared to my other figures. Once I am done with the sculpt, I think I would need to shrink it a little bit.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG034.jpg

[jessica]

Here is one of my ongoing projects...Dr. Maximus. I added more hair around his chin thereby creating a smaller looking muzzle. I will probably add another thin layer and make it smaller still. The only thing left then would be to finish the back side of his head with hair.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/LG035.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5461.jpg

If you remember, this is how he was:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008023.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008147.jpg

[jessica]

Ursus with a new nose job (his fourth)!
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5463.jpg

Added more hair to Dr. Milo and it looks like I will have to file down the left side of his head because the hair on that side got too thick especially towards the bottom...and I still have to fluff up the right side of his hair just a little bit.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5465.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5464.jpg

This is going to be a Prefect...can't recall his name.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5460.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5468.jpg

Background gorilla:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5467.jpg

The five sculpts I worked on tonight: (an orangutan, two gorillas and two chimps)
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5469.jpg

[censy]

I’ll have a large mug of apes please!

Chris

[vulcan2074]

Your a one Person Ape Factory. Super Awesome! :beaming1:
Sammy

[jessica]

When I started customizing about a year ago, I never dreamed it possible to populate Ape City beyond what Mego produced. Now, the possibilities are endless for me. I didn't realize that scultping could be so fun and so satisfying. It's something I look forward to after slogging at the saltmines.

[jessica]

So last night I watched three very early Star Trek episodes while I sculpted. It was sooo fun....sculpting and watching Star Trek. Here's what I accomplished...the background gorilla (still needs more hair) and Prefect Barlow. I went to bed at 1AM. Wish I could remember what the heck I did with my camera's battery...everything is so hazy when you go to bed so late (had to borrow my dad's camera so I could upload)...

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008172-2.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008174.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008176.jpg

[critter2]

I am so jealous of your talent! I can't wait to see all of these done.

[jessica]

I took a hammer to my General Ursus, to re-do his hair. Luck again was on my side. I was able to whack off only that part of his head that I needed to re-do. I was going to sand it down with my metal file but it was taking too long. But even if I messed up his face, I would have happily re-done it. I have to remember when I build up his hair not to pile too much hair on it because of his helmet..and yet he needs to look ok without a helmet. Have to find the happy medium somewhere.

I also noticed one weird thing...I am right-handed so the left side of the sculpt always looks better than the right side, and I usually start on the left side of the head and work my way around. By the time I get to the right side of the sculpt, I am holding the head upside down. Do any sculptors out there do the same weird thing, I wonder? Kind of like a caterpillar nibbling on one end of the leaf and working on the edge to the other side.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008177.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008178.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008187.jpg

Here is Barlow. I think once I fluff up his hair some more, he will look like what he is supposed to, most especially after he is painted.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008179.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008180.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008184.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008185.jpg

[jessica]

Here is the re-haired General Ursus with the Hasbro helmet. I think the helmet is just a tad too short, and not really sure if the havelock would look ok once it's on a figure...

I was just thinking...perhaps I should just leave my Ursus unhelmeted for now and just build up his hair. I can always sculpt a helmet down the road.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008191.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008190.jpg

And just for fun, here are 10 of my 11 sculpts. Some are done, some are still being tweaked. Starting from the left they are General Ursus, background gorilla, Julius (with a rolled up tissue for a temporary cigar), Dr. Maximus, Dr. Honorious, Virgil, Galen, Lucius, Milo and then Prefect Barlow.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008188.jpg

I ordered two 1/6 scale Anakin dolls, which were delivered today. I will be sculpting the boy gorilla who yells, "Look! It's a man!" from the 1968 movie, and a young Cornelius on the other. I will also shrink those sculpts to Mego scale too.

[PNGwynne]

What a great collection of sculpts, Jessica. Glad to hear you'll be making them available in a smaller size.

Are most of your customs 12"?

[jessica]

I live in both worlds. My heart is with any ape. I prefer sculpting in 1/6 scale, as I am able to incorporate more details.

[jessica]

Here is the finished sculpt of Dr. Milo!! Tadah!!!

Dr. Milo:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape026.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape027.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape025.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/amtF10Ctmp.jpg

[jessica]

Prefect Barlow. I think his hair could still use a little fluffing, though.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape008.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape009.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape010.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/thre2.jpg

[jessica]

(Julius)
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape014.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape012.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape013.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/I_dont_know_about_this.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/julius_push.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/astonishment.jpg

(Dr. Maximus)--just needs the hair, but I am happy with his face and hair is no biggie for me.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape016.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape015.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/MaximusCollodgea.jpg

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

They look fantastic Jessica, I can't wait to see em painted.

[GeneralApeGuy]

Very interesting your job sculpt on those Ape heads looks GREAT!

I don't care what scale Apes with modern bodies you have, I like 12" and 8" custom Ape figures are the best!

Can't wait to see 'em painted.

[yokaijohn]

WOW!! THEY ALL LOOK FANTASTIC!! I LOVE THE CIGAR(nice touch) on Jules!

[jessica]

WOW!! THEY ALL LOOK FANTASTIC!! I LOVE THE CIGAR(nice touch) on Jules!

Thanks guys! The cigar is just a rolled up tissue for now.

Last night I used a dremel for the first time ever. It was GREAT! I sanded down Galen's hair and dremeled off my Lawgiver's nose and eyes so I could touch it up (found a great photo reference for the Lawgiver's face). I will need to take down Galen's hair again, as it got too fluffy when compared to photo references.

Forgot to add Virgil:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/c901644f233aeba3edfe1d6e10c37e0e3c9.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape019.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape020.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape018.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008071.jpg

[vulcan2074]

Fantastic! I Love your Work :beaming1:
Sammy

[blastphemey]

all lookin great as usual!

[jessica]

This is the 1/6 child I purchased to convert to Arnie or young Cornelius. Before and after.
He just needs more hair around the bottom of his lower jaw...I had to cure the super sculpey in the oven before I could work on him anymore.
It was quite difficult to add the hair lines and not smush it with the sculpey not being cured. It's great though for fine details. I put a butane flame onto the top of his upper muzzle/nose area to cure that section before I could add the lower jaw, which is why he's got that burn/dark spot on his left nostril.

I tried to cure it at a very low temperature last night, around 170 degrees but the sculpey was crumbly this morning. So I rebaked it at 270 and the sculpey did not burn and feels quite solid now.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5533.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5540.jpg

Here he is with added hair to his lower muzzle, after baking. I also removed one of the deep lines on his left brow ridge. I thought it was too pronounced.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5546.jpg

[censy]

adorable.

[jessica]

Hmm...I am undecided what type of hair looks best. Left or right? I think this is the second face I have done of the same guy. The human looks familiar. Maybe he was my Dr. Milo. I will have to check the older posts. The black stuff around his nostrils are from the pen I was using to round out the nostrils. (too lazy to go upstairs and get real sculpting tools)!!

I'm going to call it a night. I stayed up until 1 AM finishing the chimpanzee kid, and felt horrible all day. I can't work on this guy anymore, because once I start it's hard to stop, and before I know it, it will be 2 am. He is a background gorilla (that fat one you always see getting kicked around on the tv series. I will have to try to dig up my reference photo of him.)
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5543.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5544.jpg

I think this the same guy with different paint!! The one to the right is the human I used for Prefect Barlow.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5542.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5460.jpg

[JediJaida]

Where did you get the child head from?

[jessica]

Where did you get the child head from?

It was a Luke Skywalker 1/6 scale I got on Feebay. It was not more than $20 after shipping/handling. I can't really remember. I got two of them and one was cheaper by $4 than the other.

[jessica]

Here is the background gorilla. I actually had an accident with him today--he was uncured and I was walking around holding him gingerly with my fingers (to not smush him) and he fell a few feet onto the floor and landed on top of his head and had a minor dent on his muzzle. I was able to fix him quickly and decided to just fire him up in the oven.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5545.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5547.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5549.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5548.jpg

[jessica]

I want to compare the first background gorilla and the new background gorilla, just to make sure that they don't really look alike. Try to ignore the ink on gorilla #2's nose and right hairline...

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape029.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5549.jpg[

[raider5gt]

Jessica,they are amazing,great detail,i think you nailed the ape sculpting,you should be proud of your work Truly Awesome!

Can't wait to see them painted and clothed.
I think the head is Anakin Skywalker from the 12 inch episode 1 range

[jessica]

Presenting background gorilla #3. This is how he looked before makeup. I didn't realize that his eyes were uneven. I thought it was a bad paint job. I guess it was an expression. I didn't really look that closely when I picked him out of the human pile. He's currently baking in the oven. I worked on him last night and got halfway through his hair. I combed out the rest of his hair this evening.

Practicing my way towards making a female someday soon. I don't know if I should do Fauna or Carsia. But definitely I have to do Lisa now that Cornelius junior is around.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5551.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5552.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5553.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5554.jpg

This is the photo reference I used. I used a little creative license for the sculpt of his hair since it was too blah for me. I am putting the reference photo next to the sculpt's photo so it's easier to compare. I didn't grab every single detail, but I think I captured most of the face in the sculpt. I might remove the lines on his lower muzzle. I keep forgetting only the chimps have those. The PotA gorillas have lines going the other way.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5552.jpg

[jessica]

Another gorilla!!

Before makeup, and after, with most of the hair in place. What a creepy looking human!!

I will comb the hair into place for another half hour before retiring for the evening, and then finish it up tomorrow and probably fire it. I really love this super sculpey!! There is no pressure to finish the sculpt in three hours. No waiting for it to cure to the correct consistency to do hair. It's so soft and so much easier to manipulate than Apoxie, and no mixing!! And it's softer than Fimo clay.

His muzzle looks so much wider in the photo than it does in real life. I think I've got the fishbowl effect going on with the camera. I remembered to make the lines of the lower muzzle go in the correct direction. I will also probably add more fluff to the top sides, too, of his hair.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape033.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape034.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape035.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape036.jpg

[jessica]

OMG!! Look how beautifully his hair is combing out!!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape-1.jpg

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

Jessica you are just getting better and better at a rapid rate of knots.

[jessica]

I worked on another gorilla today (because I thought the human had the perfect squint anyway for the gorilla). Here he is. I'm going to fire him up tomorrow with Zako (after I finish combing out his hair--I've got about another half hour left of combing, maybe less).

Here are some photos once the overall shape of the hair was in place, and how it looked after I combed it out. If you noticed I tried to remove his smile from the second photograph.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape037.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape039.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape040.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape041.jpg

I'm going to bed after I finish watching General Ursus give his brilliant speech. I had Planet of the Apes in the background while I combed out the gorilla hair and I only stopped combing just to study Zira's hair when she was onscreen. I have to figure out how to do Zira's hairline now for my own costume. I think I know what to do, but I want to see what samples Tom and Dan have before I splurge on more hair pieces...since I did buy a $200 wig already.

[censy]

Love the texture you put in their hair.

Chris

[vulcan2074]

Just Fantastic. I Love the Way all of your Apes come Out :beaming1:
Sammy

[jessica]

I whacked the heck out of Galen today. I have sanded him down twice and he still looked bad, so I took a hammer to him and shattered him. Like Burke, his head danced around a lot in the plastic bag before the Apoxie finally gave in. I will try to straighten out his nostrils before I fire him up in the oven.

This is how he creepy he looked before makeup.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/dec2008121.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape045.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape042.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape044.jpg

[ddgaff1132]

GO Jess!!! GO Jess!!! Its your b-day! Its your b-day! Thats about the best cheering I can do. Always great to see you at work Jessica.

[jessica]

I tweaked his nose, his muzzle and finished combing through his hair.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape052.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape054.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape051.jpg

[jessica]

Made my first mold yesterday, but the liquid plastic cured in the middle of pouring a cast, so I'm waiting for it to completely cure so I could start a new batch. It's not as easy as they make it sound...But where there's a will, there's a way.

Darn!!!!!! and Double drat!!!!! I ran out of action figures to sculpt on. I'm going to have to trawl Feebay now. I only have two in hand I can sculpt on now...but I wanted to sculpt a male ape. Don't think I'm ready yet for a female ape.

[Meule]

Most impressive sculpting Jessica, most impressive indeed

[HardyGirl]

Watch out! The girl is unstopable! :ape::ape:

[jessica]

:baby02::baby02::baby02:

I am so PUMPED to sculpt!! Some of my simian friends have said that I should get an extra cast of my face and sculpt my own Zira appliances but that thought is scaring me. I'm currently struggling with sculpting Carsia. I put an hour of work on her sculpt last night and I'm still tweaking her...

[jessica]

I am struggling with Carsia. But...seeing it in a photo, I can see where I need to tweak her. I'm going to put her down and walk away. Just waiting for the makeup crew to call me and get my lifemold re-done. Luckily Dan only lives 7 minutes away.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape058.jpg

[jessica]

Reworked hair/lower muzzle/slimmed her brow ridges a little. She still looks masculine. I've got the worst headache. I better pop some Tylenol. The makeup crew still hasn't called. It's way too late to be out.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape065.jpg

[jessica]

600 mg of Ibuprofen has kicked in. Makeup crew cancelled glop session. Sooooo glad they did. I have to read a chapter for class, and I want to rewatch Up Above the World so High and study Carsia.

I'm not done tweaking, but at least she looks more female.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape068.jpg

I think I did it! I recombed the hair on the left side of her head. I'm sure she'll look better once she's painted up. Haven't fired her up yet, so I will rewatch the movie a couple more times, rework her lower muzzle, probably make upper and lower muzzle smaller. Even though I can pause the DVD player to see a screenshot, it's not the same as working off of a photograph on paper for me. Something gets lots in the translation it seems. Oh well. Carry on...make it work. I can't believe I've put in so much time on her already. Usually it takes me not more than 3 hours. Females I guess are very tough to do. Someday maybe I will be able to sculpt Nova since I have not seen one that is believable to me.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape070.jpg

[blastphemey]

i cant wait to see all these heads finished on bodies.

[jessica]

I totally redid Carsia's face last night. I will work on her again with additional photo references and see if I can massage a pretty face out of the lump of clay.

[AJ Collector]

You do some serious work!!! kudos.....

[jessica]

Massaged her again. Going to see what the other apes think before I fire her up and cure her. Maybe walk away and come back, see what else I could tweak to get her just right.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/carsia001.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/carsia005.jpg

[jessica]

OMG--I think she's ALMOST there!! Just some minor massaging...but I really think she is almost there!!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/carsia007.jpg

[apes3978]

OMG--I think she's ALMOST there!! Just some minor massaging...but I really think she is almost there!!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/carsia007.jpg

I agree, I think you've got it with this one.

[jessica]

Tadah!! I think I did it!!! :baby02::baby02::baby02: To me it looks like Carsia. Now I can see why Ada takes as long as 40 hours on one sculpt. I think I may have done 10 hours on her.

I've got a huge commission to undertake now, so no more sculpting for about two weeks or so until I get this 1:6 scale sewing project done. I've done one before, and hopefully since I've already travelled that road it will not be difficult.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/carsia013.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/carsia011.jpg

[yokaijohn]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[M3G0M4V3R1CK]

That Is Awsome Bro Came Out Really Really Sharp Keep Up Yhe Good Work

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

Jessica, may I ask what you are using for your sculpts?

[jessica]

Cat, I started out with Aves Apoxie. It has its merits, but it's messy to work with and you have a 3-hour window with which to work with. I have switched out to Super Sculpey which stays maleable until I am ready to cure it in the oven.

[Mego Milk]

kickin' all forms of ape booty.

[jessica]

Someday it will be cool to make this outfit for my Carsia:

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee168/MagicManky/POTA%20Screen%20Grabs/14%20Up%20Above/JoannaBarnes4.jpg

[Meule]

With your talent that should be easy :wink_y:

[jessica]

With your talent that should be easy :wink_y:

Thanks, Thomas! I just finished this outfit, the second one in the world, and again it is not mine to keep. One more commission left to do, finish preparations for Wondercon, then I can go back to my apes. (Or...did I ever leave my ape work?)...

I really hate that lipstick on Zira, which is most especially noticeable with a flash. I better repaint her someday.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira014.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira023.jpg

[Meule]

Oh wow, that looks stunning :applause:

[apes3978]

That Is Awsome Bro Came Out Really Really Sharp Keep Up Yhe Good Work

Her name is Jessica, so that would make her a "sis", NOT a "bro"...

[HardyGirl]

WHOA!!! Jessica, that is AMAZING! Apetastic job!!:ape::heart::ape::heart:

[D!n0-M@n]

Jessica, you are AMAZING at what you do! I'm in awe of your talent. I sat here and was riveted to my chair while going through all of these posts. I really enjoyed seeing the progressions of every character. I know how it is when you're not satisfied with some work you've spent hours on earlier and decide later on to "re-work" it with a vengeance. :wink_y:

As you're saying goes... "where there's a will there's a way".

Very much looking forward to seeing more. Thanks for the look so far. :grin:

[D!n0-M@n]

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but, when you say you "combed out " the hair, do you mean with an actual comb? Is that how you sculpted the hair so finely? :juggleyes_y:

[jessica]

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but, when you say you "combed out " the hair, do you mean with an actual comb? Is that how you sculpted the hair so finely? :juggleyes_y:

Sorry. Wrong terminology. I sculpted with my favorite tool, a plastic toothpick. Each hairline equals one stroke of a toothpick.

[D!n0-M@n]

Well, my opinion of you work just went up like a thousand fold! :wink: You are simply awesome!!!

[D!n0-M@n]

See? I KNEW it was a stupid question. :smiley1: :googly: :grin:

[jessica]

Silly. :smiley1:

After Wondercon, I'm going to get back into sculpting (and painting!) and get going again on these. There's so much I want to accomplish. I hope I never run out of things to do...I just want to get better.

[D!n0-M@n]

Well, I gotta tell ya... you can't go anywhere but up. You're amazing already! You blow me away with your work! It's just STUNNING! :sunny_y:

[jessica]

It's been awhile since I sculpted. I wanted to do something easy, like paint up my Sideshow Zira and get rid of her lipstick. I really messed up her paint job, so I decided to remove it with nailpolish remover and accidentally took off more than I wanted. :terror:

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira038.jpg


But I still couldn't get in the mood to paint her well because her hair still bothered me. There was something just off with it, so I decided to give her a haircut and restyle it, so that it was more movie-accurate:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira041.jpg

When I paint her up, I will remove the fullness of her cheeks, too. She's going to look spectacular. I can tell already!!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira043.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira044.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira045.jpg

[HardyGirl]

*faints* That's just flipping unbelievable! :ape:

[jessica]

*faints* That's just flipping unbelievable! :ape:

I hope that means it's good!! :please_y:

[D!n0-M@n]

NICE!!! I really like the way you've redone the hair. It IS way more accurate. Another masterpiece is on it's way! :yes:

[jessica]

I couldn't wait to paint her up because I've been studying her face for so long...Darn camera! It keeps taking worse and worse photos. Grrr...

Tomorrow after I finish adding a pocket to my outfit (still have to research how to do--since can't remember how), I am going to put some more paint on her and also take a photo in natural light. Matt Falls really did a spectacular sculpt on her face.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira046.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira049.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira048.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira050.jpg

[Meule]

It's so lifelike, really amazing job

[D!n0-M@n]

WOW!!! She came out AWESOME! That sure is one pretty lady... ape. :grin:

[jessica]

Thanks, guys! What a difference painting makes. Here's a comparison shot before and after. Sometimes it's hard to imagine how much better something could look when it's not painted...See what an improvement overall by removing the fullness of her cheeks?
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira044.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira046.jpg

A few more layers of paint and photographed in natural light. I still think I will add one more layer, though:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira057.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira058.jpg

[Mego Milk]

Beautiful!

[yokaijohn]

Now she's perfect!!!!!

[jessica]

Now she's perfect!!!!!

Almost, but not yet. I still have to augment Apoxie to her side beard/hairs because the rotocast is not as defined as the hair I sculpted and then paint that.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5774.jpg

[jessica]

My Sideshow Zira is now done!! Yay!! She is beautiful, no matter which way she is looking...
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5779-1.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5776.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5787.jpg

And...my costume is done! Another Yay!!

[yokaijohn]

Now She Really Is Perfect!!!!!!!!!

[jessica]

Carsia: I took her hair down a bit, which made her more effeminate, shaved off some of her brow ridges underneath to round them out a bit and gave her sleepy eyes. Her cast looks a bit rough, but I know she will paint up spectaculary.


http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5794.jpg http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5795.jpg

[jessica]

I am also tweaking Galen. I think his muzzle was too wide, so I shaved it down and resculpted...but seeing it again, his nose is now crooked. I will have to fix this as time permits. He looks a little wonky, I think it's because of the fish eye effect of the camera being so close. He doesn't look that bad in person.

Before:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape052.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/ape054.jpg

Now:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5796.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5797.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5798.jpg

[D!n0-M@n]

Galen is looking great! It really is looking much more like him now... :grin: Carsia is looking really wonderful too. I'm soooo looking forward to seeing these guys finished up and painted. :cool_y:

[jessica]

I am slowly making molds as I earn enough money to purchase the materials. It is so wonderful and exciting to see the cast in one color. Here are three of my successful casts so far. Once I have accomplished successful casts from the molds I make, I can start the shrinking process and see how that goes. But...I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I have a lot of ape sculpts to make molds of...Nothing feels as satisfying as working on my apes. :heart::ape::heart:

background gorilla:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5819.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/IMG_5822.jpg
Dr. Milo:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/DrMilo001.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/DrMilo003.jpg
Virgil:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira059.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/zira061.jpg

[piecemaker]

Awesome,awesome And Awesome!

[jessica]

My camera is horrible and getting worse. This is the best I could do as far as shots. My Carsia is still a WIP. I think I will go in and fill in some of those major lines on her brow ridges to soften them up. She'll look better then.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Carsia020.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Carsia035.jpg

Just some random shots of my other sculpts.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Carsia030.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Carsia033.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Carsia034.jpg

[Meule]

Never seen so many custom ape sculpts, those are fantastic

[jessica]

Thomas, I have about 18 of them lined up on my window sill. I haven't sculpted in awhile and I would love to get back to it. I'm going to paint four of the ones I have casts of, and see how they paint up, and get some practice in painting that way.

[jessica]

I smoothed out her brow ridges and added more paint. I think I need to make her a couple of shades darker. Her pupils came out beautifully. I wish I could take a closeup of them.
Before and now:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Carsia035.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Carsia041.jpg

[SpaceCrawler]

Jessica,
What do you use to sculpt with? I have a custom that I want to do (without have to cast and make molds or bake the stuff to cure it which would obviously melt the plastic, etc).

Sean

[jasonmego1277]

Wow those are coming together greatly. :)

[jessica]

I sculpted with Sculpey on top of a 1:6 vinyl head. I baked it in the oven to cure at 260 degrees for 20 minutes. The vinyl survived.

If you don't want to bake, you can always use Apoxie, which is a two-part resin, and air cures. You have to mix in equal parts the two ingredients. You have 2-3 hours to work with it...and I let it sit for 30 minutes or so before I really work with it. If you let it semi-cure, it's less messy.

[jessica]

More Carsia shots, with my very sucky camera. I need a better one that takes better macros!!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Carsia043.jpghttp://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/apecityoutfitters/Carsia054.jpg

[Meule]

Nice paint job on the eyes

[jessica]

A song for Carsia...

YouTube - Aquellos Ojos Verdes - In the Mood for Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAYJYxbJv1Y)

Wow. The movie I just posted looks super hot. I better watch it just for the beautiful cheongsams!!

[The Bat]

Wow Jessica....AMAZING Stuff!!!:yes:

[jessica]

I spent a few hours sculpting again. I was scared, but I like my progress so far. Whew. It's 1:6 scale but these can be shrunk eventually. I know he's not an ape, but I need the practice...and this quote freaked me out:

>I started up painting again. It's tough

It has been said: miss a day of practice and you will notice. Miss two days and your audience will notice.

Don C.


Here's what he's supposed to be:
http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/zelda-gcn2/art-002.jpg


http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/195/dsc01565w.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2584/dsc01566k.jpg

[yokaijohn]

Link looks great so far!! And Carisia looks awesome(great paints)!!

[jessica]

Carsia is on the backburner. I am not happy with her paints--not smooth enough. She needs tons more paint on her. I thought she was done but I guess she's still a work in progress.

[critter2]

Great work! I am drooling!!!!:drool_y:

[jessica]

Here is Link's current condition. I had to re-do his face to fit on a smaller body. He looks like an alien. I think that used to be a Lone Ranger body.

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/804/link004.jpg
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/720/link006.jpg

[TEXASFETT]

Wow is what I have to say!!!!For reading this thread for 30 mintues now have to say your work is awesome!!!The best ape sculpts that I have seen by far!!!!:wink_y:

[jessica]

Thanks!!

I'm ready to fire up this guy before I mess him up. His nose is super fragile and I'm afraid just one wrong move would spell disaster...which is why I'm so itchy to cure him now.
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/249/link012.jpg

[jessica]

Oh fudge. Link is too big. I'm starting him all over again. I'll fire up the sculpt above just to keep it as a remembrance.

Edited to say...someone wants the old Link so I will complete the back of his head and fire him up.

Practice Cornelius until I can perfect my sculpting. I wish I could massage the eyes to look like mirror images of each other! Well, in due time.
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/9136/dsc01627m.jpg
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/6072/dsc01628i.jpg

[jessica]

I was sooo disgusted with the paint snafu that happened today that I decided to devote my time in sculpting Cornelius. I still have to clean up his face a little bit and smooth it out some--possibly make his lower muzzle smaller. I'll take a break now and see how I feel tomorrow. Had a difficult time trying to get the exact angle of the sculpt to match with the reference photo so I gave up.

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4765/dsc01641h.jpg

[yokaijohn]

He looks GREAT already!!

[Cosmicman]

My husband asked when I was going to quit doing "this ape stuff"

Maniacal laughter spewed from within.

Don't ever stop! You are talented and have a gift with these apes. You love doing this stuff as much as I love doing the super hero stuff. It's the creativity within. I love your work!!

[jessica]

Thanks guys!! Exciting things are happening in the sculpting scene...particularly when something you are working on is going in the direction you want. Today I received the body I had ordered for my Link custom. It is so beautiful and spry and so full of life!! I can't wait to see how my Link will be. Even though he is not an ape, this custom is different and exciting to me.

This is the resculpt of Link's face. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be...and I guessed correctly about the dimensions, since I started sculpting without the body in hand.
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/4821/dsc01643xe.jpg
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/8499/dsc01646o.jpg


And, my Cornelius is coming along swell!! I think I am almost done...but first I have to walk away and see how I feel about him tomorrow. His hair has combed out wonderfully--I styled it with a part in the middle, as Sideshow had done...but with my own take. I still can't get the eyes evened out, but where there's a will, I'll find a way.
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/6973/dsc016492.jpg
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4643/dsc01648s.jpg

[jessica]

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/2005/dsc01652c.jpg
http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/1881/dsc01654ac.jpg
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/213/dsc01655di.jpg

[jackson5677]

This is amazing...what you do....great work.

[jessica]

Link sculpt is almost done! He's baking in the oven to cure, and all I need is to make his neck, which I will sculpt up with Apoxie...and then I will make a cast of it and paint that.

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/7316/dsc01658iq.jpg

Comparison shot before and after last tweaks:
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/213/dsc01655di.jpg
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/3220/dsc01656l.jpg

[Meule]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: your talent at sculpting is friggin amazing

[jessica]

Need more females for Ape City!!!

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/2966/dsc01684q.jpg
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/984/dsc01685a.jpg

She's soooo not done...Female hair is DIFFICULT for me!! Ugh.
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/786/dsc01695u.jpg
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/7811/dsc01696r.jpg

[vulcan2074]

Jessica
Your are beyond talented. Wow! :beaming1:
Sammy

[jessica]

Thanks, Sammy. I call myself just a little ape crazy.

[HardyGirl]

The pearls for the eyes is a stroke of genius! Apetastic job!:ape::heart:

[supes]

Wow! That is awesome!

[jessica]

I am wondering if I should start my Mego sized Lawgiver from scratch or keep at him...It would probably be better to start over. Not really sure...I feel bad for gouging out his eyes...and yet I can't bake him now if I use Super Sculpey on him because he's made of Apoxie and other air dry clays...Hmmm....

I suppose I could always use a heat gun....

Hmmm....

[jessica]

Here are the beginnings of Link's shield. I don't know where it's headed...I make things up as I go...

First bake:
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/7691/dsc01721z.jpg

Second bake layer:
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5049/dsc01728y.jpg

One more layer to go and then I will move onto crafting the sword.

[jessica]

Here is the finished sculpt of the female:

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3741/dsc01727v.jpg
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5738/dsc01726m.jpg

[AJ Collector]

ah......WOW!

[Meule]

Impressive sculpt, but the shield looks cool too

[jessica]

I guess I'll have to bake it one more time to add the other fluff. It took forever to sculpt this itty bitty bit!!!!

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/8122/dsc01730w.jpg
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4709/dsc01729z.jpg

[Meule]

Oh wow, that is really gonna kick *** when done

[alex]

Thats stunning stuff, how do u add all the details, scalple?, it really is amazing, is this just a hobby, or do u do something like this for a living?

[jessica]

Thats stunning stuff, how do u add all the details, scalple?, it really is amazing, is this just a hobby, or do u do something like this for a living?

It's for fun and because I'm too poor to buy the good stuff. It would cost me a lot of $$$ to hire a sculptor to make me my apes...so I had better just get cracking and get better.

I used to use whatever I could lay my hands on until I upgraded two weeks ago to $15 worth of sculpting tools. These were my tools before my upgrade...can't remember if I posted them here before.
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/5112/linkwr.jpg

[Gorn Captain]

I guess we now officially have an "in house" sculptor.
Great work!

If you ever start taking "orders", I'll be first in line.
That shield looks like something machine made, it's that accurate....

[ODBJBG]

WOW! Great work.

[critter2]

This has to be one of the best threads in the museum right now! I too would get in line to buy your ape heads!

[Tothiro]

I'm completely into the hyrule project.
You might bevel the edges of the triforce a little more before you bake, but so far it's great work!

[jessica]

Uh...what is the triforce? Is that the triangle thingy?

[alex]

Seriously u should go and work for , "sideshow"or something, I tell u, Im not easily impressed, but that is fantastic work.

[jessica]

Wow, thanks guys! That makes me feel so happy!!

Still trying to massage the pattern to get them to mirror each other! Hoo boy that's tough. Hopefully I can accomplish this tonight. I'll cut down the relief once I am able to do that, and clean it up some...add the bottom fluff of the shield, so that I can bake it. Then I'll work on the back side. Forgot to say that the tiny rivets on the top part of the shield was made by an empty mechanical pencil. Very proud of them. Took me about 20 minutes rummaging through the pencil drawer to find something I could use.
http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/8914/dsc01735q.jpg
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4729/dsc01737ko.jpg

[Meule]

Sure, your sculpts are impressive, but this shield is beyond words. Because of all the tiny, minuscule details. I'm speechless

[jessica]

Zoiks---this is all I could muster for the evening. I've massaged the filligree on top and I've shaved down the relief a lot. The squiggly parts on bottom of shield is a very rough draft. I'm too tired to plug on. I'll see how I feel about the shield tomorrow, with fresh eyes before I cure the clay.

Eeep...looks like I need to move up the square piece where my pinky finger is photographed. Going to have to dig up the dremel and rework that bit. That's what happens when you eyeball everything and don't use a ruler.

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/3884/dsc01738g.jpghttp://img33.imageshack.us/img33/1534/dsc01755v.jpg

I've massaged all I can to make it work. I ended up using an exacto to remove the square shape on the bottom right instead of a dremel...thought I had more control that way and also less mess. I still need to cure the clay. Once that is done, I will work on the back side of the shield. Still tossing ideas about how I'm going to do that, though...Should I cut through the balsa wood or should I just plop some clay on top?

I want it to look like this:
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/eryestrife/zelda_w01btm.jpg

[jessica]

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/429/dsc01773pf.jpg
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7178/dsc01772o.jpg

I'll make a smaller one for my figure. I think the majority of people would outfit a 12 inch figure....and my dolly is about 10 inches tall.

[Gorn Captain]

That arm protector is picture perfect....

[jessica]

OMG. I am loving where this project is headed!! It's so exciting to see an idea materialize. Too bad it's not an ape, but Link still is very cool.

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1212/dsc01778vv.jpg
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/6712/dsc01780q.jpg

[GlobalObserver]

I wish I had a fraction of your talent.

[jessica]

Tadah!! My first ever Mego-sized sculpt. I thought I would never get here, so everything has been 1:6 scale, but I guess it's just mind over matter...and talking to Sharry this weekend made me do it. It's all your fault Sharry!!

Background chimp begins:
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/1339/dsc01791k.jpg

Next to Dr. Zaius for sizing purposes:
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2371/dsc01796y.jpg
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/9499/dsc01795.jpg

OK...he's not perfect, but that gives him character:
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/2670/dsc01798up.jpg

[supes]

Wow!!! He looks AWESOME!!!!

Link is looking pretty sweet also!

[HardyGirl]

Fantablous, Jess! I knew you could do it! I think he look like Lucius! :ape:

[Gorn Captain]

I know I'm repeating myself, but "impressive!!!!"

Please say you'll cast of few heads so we can all get a welcome addition to our family of apes....

[supes]

I know I'm repeating myself, but "impressive!!!!"

Please say you'll cast of few heads so we can all get a welcome addition to our family of apes....



Yes, please do!! We all need some more apes to add to the line up!

[jessica]

I will cast the mego-sized ones I make...just give me some time to get my act together. Plus someday I'll get to shrinking the 1:6 scale apes I have already made but that is in the future...hopefully before 3978!!

I forgot to add the straight edge on top of the shield. I'll just reconstruct it with clay before baking.

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/4762/dsc01800c.jpg
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/1073/dsc01802o.jpg

[ODBJBG]

Great work and you can definitely count me in on a head cast purchase!

[Gorn Captain]

I will cast the mego-sized ones I make...just give me some time to get my act together. Plus someday I'll get to shrinking the 1:6 scale apes I have already made but that is in the future...hopefully before 3978!!



Fantastic!
More apes!!!!:ape::ape::ape: