Midztoyz: Let's make TOYz!

Sculpting before the devil has time

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 17:21:00 PST

Another sculpting video by Philippe Faraut was uploaded on Youtube!
Watch this! Subscribe to his channel. Nuff said.

Building BJD SS01 part 1

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:53:00 PDT

Another video series for those interested in ball jointed doll.
This part is about assembling the figure itself.
Go check it out!

Make your own sculpting tools

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:10:00 PDT

Yes.. yes ... oh yes.

Why? because there is so much you cant do with just your fingers alone. You need tools. And if you're like me (read: cheap), you'll learn to make your own. If that peaks your fancy, then today's blog link will make you very happy. It made me giddy and giggling like a little girl.

So go to Make your own sculpting tools. The uber-nice guy running it, RingerT, even made an e-book about it. did I mention it's a PRINTABLE E-book?
Go there now, say your thanks and move them asses and start sculpting!

I think I'll have myself a nice tea now.
Toodles.

Mold Making Tutorial Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:42:00 PDT

Another gem of knowledge I found while browsing YouTube. This is for those of you who'd like to make mold with plaster. Good pointers and technique.

Good stuff!

More after the jump.

Part 2

Part 3

A plethora of goodness!

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:22:00 PDT

Just a quick link.

Through the clubhouse's sculpting forum I was made aware of an awesome blog filled with tutorial sculpting goodness.
If you're into sculpting or thinking of taking up sculpting, I cannot recommend this site enough to get you started.

Go.. NOW!!!

Sculpting Tutorials

Adam Reeder Sculpts a Head in Less Than 50 Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:37:00 PDT

Another gem of a video from Youtube.
There are so many technique you can use in portrait sculpting. Adam Reeder's is the first one I saw using the profile view as a starting point. Cool beans!

Bruno Lucchesi - Sculpting in Terracotta: Sculpting the Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:13:00 PDT

A snippet from Bruno's DVD on sculpting the human figure.
He is one great sculptor. If you are interested in sculpting in neo classical style, get his books (link are on the right)!

process BJD doll head

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:21:00 PDT

This is for all you doll fans!
This video shows the process of making a face sculpt for a ball jointed doll (BJD).
It was done by Suryani Shinta, a fellow Indonesian currently living abroad in Japan. You can visit her blog at http://suryanishinta19.blogspot.com/
Awesome! also dont forget to check her channel for more videos.

I'm also editing some video that will hopefully be uploaded by weeks end. Stay tuned!

Peter Konig SuperSonic

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:06:00 PDT

This is just AWESOME!!!!

A full figure from start to finish sculpted by Peter Konig!
Just watch it. Its good. It's dang good!

Raya mini statue prototype

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:32:00 PDT

Hiya folks!

This post is to plug one of my work. I've been asked to sculpt a mini statue for an Indonesian independent comic book character. The character is called Raya. You can read up more about it at www.rayakomik.com (in Bahasa Indonesia).
I've also been granted permission to post WIP pictures of this project, so expect to see some soon.
The figure itself is not very big, about 14 cm and it has one point of articulation (gasp). The neck turns. I was going to add the joint system from my toph v.2 but it proves to be difficult.

More soon, so stay tuned!

Maket Figur Raya 1 by ~RayaKomikIndonesia on deviant ART

From Concept to Creation: TrapJaw

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:39:00 PDT

Another video slideshow uploaded by Youtube user M0delista.
If you ever wonder how they make those awesome action figures and joints design. You got to watch this.

From what I can see, they use Castilene for making the prototype. Use silicone block mold to cast the resin copy and them by adding joints. Dang! seeing this made me crave for a lathe.

On other news, I've finally made my joint system. I'll post the making of Toph v.2 soon. She got ball joints and stuff.
Stay tuned!

【12インチ関節人形の頭部制作風景01】 Making of an original 12inches doll head

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:53:00 PDT

A GREAT video of the process in making a ball jointed doll head sculpt by Youtube user Hanano001.
As always, I only post the first video. There are lots of video in this series.

Very very cool indeed.

McFarlane Goddess - Behind the scenes

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:27:00 PDT

A couple of pictures of the making of theGoddess figurine. I actually hunted down mine and this figure is awesome!
I really like the multi-limb design. The paint application can be a little 'meh' but not so much. Great reference piece and also a great display piece.
You got to be patient though, the good stuff (yep, just one) start at 1:27(!)

Me likey!

For more WIP pictures from McFarlane studios, head on to the sculptor's corner. You'll be glad you did.

Lost Cast In Clay: Creating The Toys Of Todd Mcfarlane.

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:04:00 PDT

This time it's McFarlane studios on making the LOST figures. A sneak peek on the production process of the figures. Not much though. Looks like Mcfarlane studios like castiline.

SOLO - Sculpting Female Figures　Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 21:33:00 PDT

Another interesting video I found while browsing YouTube. The method of making the sculpture is new to me. Check out his channel for more sculpting action.

Here are the artist's, Kiyoshi Tsuda (SOLO), website:
(english) AURORA Model
(Japanese) SOLO's treasure room
Happy sculpting!

Sorry but...

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:05:00 PDT

Hey gang!

Sorry for not uploading a WIP of Toph for today, something has come up and I'll be occupied for a few days. So don't expect any updates in that time. I'm very sorry. I'll write again when I have sort things out... hopefully.

UPDATE!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Tue, 26 May 2009 04:12:00 PDT

Well she's not quite ready yet.
So in the mean time, I'll share the WIP photos of Toph AF project throughout the week. Hopefully at the week's end I'll have a copy from my moldmaker/caster. Here's the first one enjoy!

A little head up ;)

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 03:48:00 PDT

Hiya folks,

Thanks for stopping by. I have to apologize for the lack of update these past months. I was doing a gig as a 2s artist at a game studio. The schedule there was hectic, but it was a fun gig. I enjoyed it very much. Shout out goes to my friends and colleagues at Matahari Studios. You're all awesome!

Well, this update is not much. But only serves as a heads up for all the people who asked for Toph. She's not quite done yet. But we're getting there. I opted for a more 'forgiving' joint design for her. She still could pose her awesome earth bender moves though. She will NOT grace this pages for at least a week or so. Something else will... and no, it is not Avatar: the last air bender related.

Here's a hint. BIG A$$ SWORD

Until this weekend, guys!

Anime Head Moldmaking

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 05:34:00 PST

Hey gang!

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I haven't been updating this blog lately. Soon you'll know why :)

Anyway. I come across a video that shows slides of the mold making process.

If video slides show isn't your thing, or you want the original source, you can go here for the non-video version which includes text and explanation. It's in Japanese though (use an online translator like excite.jp/world for it)

Also check out HG Onishi's tips on mold making here

There's another cool video slide show after the jump. This one is for all you mecha fans ;)

Stay tuned!

Midztoyz year end sale!

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:12:00 PST

For those of you living in Indonesia (sorry to all my International readers) and wanted to try out the material that I use to make figures, now is your chance!!!

I'm having a clearance sale for MpoxZ epoxy putty and MwaxZ modeling waxes. You can get 300 g of either one of the products for just Rp.50000!!! (exclude shipping & handling)

Hurry this promotion is valid while supplies lasts. Go on to Midztoyz@Multiply to get the complete info!

also...
Check back in a couple of days to see the girls (and Toph) in-action (wink wink nudge nudge)

Cheers!

The Fire Nation Girls Action figure project!!

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:08:00 PST

What happened to the Ty Lee figure? Well, she just got some company.
This update is all about the head sculpts. I've sculpted all the head for the girls and then some. They will all be using the same base body though. There will be modification for the individual girls you can be sure of that. As usual more pictures after the jump!

As promised here are more pictures. Enjoy!

The base body.

What is (the head sculpt of) Wang Fire doing there?

Sorry I didn't take a picture with the Mai head (still need some work). Hmmm... should I make a special "The beach" version of the girls... I wonder..

Check back soon.
Oh and Colorwheelz, sorry I haven't the time to take a picture of the bucket. Next time, for sure!

Ty lee, Azula, Mai, Avatar, Action Figures

Ty Lee Action Figure project WIP 01

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:28:00 PST

Yup you read it right!

As you all might know, I'm working on a Toph action figure. That project is currently on hold, until I can find some solution for her articulation. In the mean time, as I promised (many many moons ago), here is the first couple of progress pics on Ty lee.
She's one of the 3 Fire Nation Girls that I'll be making. Eat that Mattel!

More pictures inside!

This figure is about 5.5" and is sculpted in my homemade modeling wax. I've finally got a firm wax that I can do rapid prototyping on. YEY!
If you look closely you might notice that I adapted elbow joints from Revoltech Revy. I'll be making ball joints for the shoulder and hip. Still don't know about the legs though.

You might also recognize the changeable breast piece like the ones found on Konami's Busou Shinki MMS figures. This is because the body will be a base body where the Fire nation girls will all be made. So I only need to make new head sculpt and adjust their measurments accordingly... (or not... hehehehe)

Check back soon for more progress and the new head sculpts for Mai and Azula.
Until then!

Midz's workroom...

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:16:00 PST

This blog needs more frequent updates, and you all know it. But there is so much from sculpting and figures (that I can share at the moment) to keep this blog interesting. So I'm going to start posting my ramblings... yes, I know you're thinking, "This is not why I came here for! Gimme TOPH dang-it!!!". I feel you... I feel every virtual punch, kick, and atomic wedgie you throw at me, but bear with me... more after the jump. There'll be picture!

Above is a (poor) panoramic picture my workroom. The editing is crude, I know.
As you can see my workroom is also my sleeping quarters. For the sake of having a larger space I opted to remove the bed in exchange for a futon, a pillow and my bolsty. But this is still not enough. I have stuff everywhere (I know where everything are by the way... well, almost) and loads of sculpts, reference material and toys strewn all over the place. I think I need to refurnish my room.

There are online stores that sale furnishing stuff. WikiShop for example, Amazon.com is another good place to start. I don't have access to both of them where I live though, which is a bummer. But that doesn't stop me to at least see the choices that can inspires me to make something, even though it'll cost more than just buying something in the end.

The first thing I need is more space and that means SHELVINGS!!! You guys living in the states got it made. You can get great looking shelving as low as $15!! It cost more than triple that where I live. If not more. And the current exchange rate isn't helping. For comparison, you see those cheap looking (because it is!) plastic shelving on my desk? that's about $4 for a 3 tier shelving. Sad isn't it. Compare that with the shelving found here (input the maximum price of $30). Those shelving look sturdy and I don't mind paying $20+ for some good racks (no pun intended).
The closest thing I come across as good shelving is at my local Ace Hardware furnishing section. Mind you, here in Jakarta, Ace Hardware is notoriously known for having the highest prices for home/garden/furnishing and tools too. How does a 3-5x markup makes you feel? ... Yeah, I thought so too.

After looking around. I think I'll opted to make a shelf from those perforated L bracket thingy like the one shown here. It'll cost more money (hope not) and time in my part (there will be much bolting and screwing around this weekend), since I probably will be making them myself. But that's just the way I like it. Yeah... that's how I roll.

Thanks for reading thus far.
Stay tuned for the next update. It'll be a teaser for the new sculpts I was talking about in an earlier post :)

OMG ANOTHER UPDATE!

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:05:00 PST

Hiya folks,

Sorry for neglecting this blog for quite a while.
Just a quick update from me. I've reserved a table at the annual Tomoci Fair which will be held on the 28th - 30th of November at the TransTV building, Jakarta. I'll be posting teaser pics of the NEW sculpts that will be shown there. Some of them are already kit-bound.

So if you happen to be have time, do drop by for a visit
See you there!!

Happy Eid ul-Fitr to my Moslems Friends!

noreply@blogger.com (MidZ) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:36:00 PDT

Happy Eid ul-Fitr 1429 H my Friends!

من العائدين والفائزين المقبولين

The day to Forgive and be Forgiven

Forgive me for not updating this blog as often as I should ;)

Stay healthy everyone, more awesome news coming soon!