What's the "going rate" for custom head sculpts?

[tylerh]

Hi All...

A few of you have seen my head sculpts (The Thing monster, and Colin Clive)

Im thinking about taking commissions if anyone is interested - But just wondering generally what the going rate is (I realize there are differences in detail, etc...)

Im trying to justify if it is worth buying a 3D printer so I can offer this type of service to people who want heads for their own custom, or to mold and cast to sell, etc....

Thanks for any input!

Tyler

[Captain Awesome]

The 3D printing process is so new, that I don't think anyone has done commission work for them yet, that I've heard of anyway...

[tylerh]

I just mean in general - for a head...

The process would be kind of secondary, since the final product would be a delivered sculpted head ready for whatever!

[jimsmegos]

For everything that I've ever heard, the custom parts "biz" is more a labor of love than a profit center. Not that folks won't pay for quality work, far from that. However I believe you would have a struggle to turn it into a consistent cash flow. Not trying to be a downer here or anything but more of a Devil's advocate.

[tylerh]

Im not trying to turn it into a business.. Just want to see if doing this could offset some costs of a personal 3D printer


Plus, I like sculpting heads

[jimsmegos]

Gotcha.... just go for it, take the plunge! I want one so bad I can smell the plastic / resin printing. But I know I have to wait. Join the ranks of the others on here who have made the leap and made folks like me very envious

[Captain Awesome]

I know that from buying plain ole resin heads, the cost of those run bout $8 or $10 apiece. I guess if you wanted to break down the cost of materials, labor, etc...and compare it to that price range, it'd at least give you an idea of what to charge.

[fun guy]

yeah,count me in too.

[dr_cyclops]

I don't know how labor intensive the 3D process is. Hand sculpted custom heads involve lots of time and effort, and a one of a kind/original piece can go for hundreds of dollars. Problem is, there is not much interest in spending that kind of money. Most people want to request a head, with the intention of spending $10 on a casting.
I hear that 3D printing shops are going to be appearing like the old Copy shops.
Just curious, how much did the 'Thing' cost to print out?

[CrimsonGhost]

There's two different answers here. A resin copy of a head sells for $10 - $15 bucks. A commissioned head would depend on how much you usually charge to sculpt and who your client is.

In my opinion, it wouldn't be worth it to buy a printer with the sole intention of making custom Mego heads.

[tylerh]

Its not my sole intention - Im actually a professional sculptor and I would use it for lots of things.... This was just a thought that came into my head...

The Thing head printout was done on a super high end machine, mold ready, and was about $150!

[CrimsonGhost]

Its not my sole intention - Im actually a professional sculptor and I would use it for lots of things.... This was just a thought that came into my head...

The Thing head printout was done on a super high end machine, mold ready, and was about $150!

In that case, ignore everything I said! LOL!

What projects have you worked on?

[tylerh]

Some prop replicas:

http://www.factoryent.com/universal-monsters-wolfman-cane-prop-replica-p/408456.htm

http://www.factoryent.com/Fossilized-Creature-Hand-Prop-Replica-p/408982.htm

http://www.factoryent.com/universal-monsters-mummy-ring-prop-replica-p/408457.htm

A bunch of stuff that never made it past prototype stage....

Currently sculpting a line of licensed 6" figures for the show ARCHER



I also do a bit of "art toy" sculpting for people producing their own toys....

[tylerh]

A few I like that got canceled along the way...

[sprytel]

Those are some cool projects!

Have you looked into a Maker club in your area? I would bet in your area there are some nice ones which could get you access to some really high-end printers...