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Pop Sculpture: How to Create Action Figures and Collectible Statues
Sculpt toys and collectibles with modern-day tools, techniques and applications used by today’s top industry professionals
Ever since a 12-inch G.I. Joe took toy soldiers to a whole new level by giving them the ability to pose via moveable parts, as well as interchangeable clothing and accessories, the business of creating pop sculpture icons for the mass market was off and running. Superheroes came next, followed by TV show and movie characters, most notably those from Star Wars . Today, action figures exist for sports stars, rock stars, even presidents.
With today’s blockbuster success of animated films, action figures and collectibles have become a behemoth industry—with a growing need for skilled artists who can bring these characters to life. So how do you get started?
The trio of veteran industry insiders who authored this book take you on an incredibly thorough journey that begins with drawing conceptual drafts and continues through rough sculpting and honing the final product. Along the way, you’ll learn how to research your character, shape casts from a variety of materials including wax and resin, make accessories, articulate characters so that they are poseable, paint them, and ultimately convince an art director to buy and manufacture them. Whether you want to make small PVC toys, collectible statues, or larger high-end collectibles, Pop Sculpture offers step-by-step demos and words of wisdom from the pros.
Ever since a 12-inch G.I. Joe took toy soldiers to a whole new level by giving them the ability to pose via moveable parts, as well as interchangeable clothing and accessories, the business of creating pop sculpture icons for the mass market was off and running. Superheroes came next, followed by TV show and movie characters, most notably those from Star Wars . Today, action figures exist for sports stars, rock stars, even presidents.
With today’s blockbuster success of animated films, action figures and collectibles have become a behemoth industry—with a growing need for skilled artists who can bring these characters to life. So how do you get started?
The trio of veteran industry insiders who authored this book take you on an incredibly thorough journey that begins with drawing conceptual drafts and continues through rough sculpting and honing the final product. Along the way, you’ll learn how to research your character, shape casts from a variety of materials including wax and resin, make accessories, articulate characters so that they are poseable, paint them, and ultimately convince an art director to buy and manufacture them. Whether you want to make small PVC toys, collectible statues, or larger high-end collectibles, Pop Sculpture offers step-by-step demos and words of wisdom from the pros.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2010
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222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 28, 2019
This is the quintessential Bible for anyone wanting to get into toy making. Lots of practical advice, and although a significant section is dedicated to working with wax sculpting, I am still able to apply these methods to my clay sculpting process. Full of detailed images and illustrations, this book has helped improve my craft immensely.
February 14, 2019
A wonderful book for sculptors interested in pop art and action figures, with a lot of good tips, detailed instructions and beautiful illustrations describing the production process, and pictures of the author finished pieces.
October 19, 2017
i want read this book
July 26, 2018
great book, I have it in paper, but right now I don't have it by my hand and I need to check something
September 28, 2018
Fantastic book my fiancé got me when I spoke of interest in sculpting. Now I just gotta start!!
February 23, 2019
Excellent guide from experienced artists with real examples of what they have created and why.
April 26, 2019
A must have for sculptors and mold-makers
November 10, 2010
I spent about ten years of my life writing and helping to promote popular collectibles from action figures to resin busts. It’s very easy for an outsider to be dismissive of the art of such things – who didn’t own a Princess Leia action figure that made her look more simian than human. But the truth is, the mass manufacturing process means that sometimes a lot of detail gets lost. Certainly in my time I saw the standards of sculpting rise from the barely acceptable to the truly stunning. I dare anyone to walk into the Four Horsemen’s studios and look at the Masters of the Universe 2-Ups (basically a prototype at twice the finished size) and not have their breath taken away.
Tim Bruckner is one, if not the best, in the business. He’s a pro’s pro – a sculptor other sculptors look up to. If you’ve ever seen DC Direct’s Alex Ross-inspired Justice Line you can see a lot of his best work. In fact he’s worked on a lot of DC Direct’s properties bringing various comic artists’ drawings into the 3D realm.
So now Tim has teamed up with Zach Oat of Toyfare fame and Rubén Procopio (Electric Tiki amongst other things) to bring us the definitive book on creating action figures and statues.
You’d think with the number of customizers and people wanting to break into the industry there would be a wealth of books on the subject, but this is the first one I’ve ever seen, and frankly, after being amazed by how comprehensive it is, I don’t think another one is ever going to be needed.
What’s stunning about this book is the level of detail. It goes into everything, filled not just with information, but tips as well. It starts with looking at the art reference, goes through the sculpting and casting to painting and ends with tips on going pro. Gorgeous photography detailing the various processes sit alongside little cartoon asides that not only raise a smile but raise pertinent points.
If you’ve ever marvelled at the level of art in an action figure or bust, then this is a fascinating book even if you have no intention of ever sculpting yourself. You can just dip into it and always come back with some new piece of knowledge you never had before. But if you’re into customizing and hoping one day to turn it into a full-time job then this book is a god-send. Seriously, in ten years’ time I reckon this will be THE textbook every sculptor learns from.
As someone who worked on the fringes of the industry for ten years, it’s an incredible book. For anyone looking to get into the industry I’d say it’s pretty much damn well essential.
Tim Bruckner is one, if not the best, in the business. He’s a pro’s pro – a sculptor other sculptors look up to. If you’ve ever seen DC Direct’s Alex Ross-inspired Justice Line you can see a lot of his best work. In fact he’s worked on a lot of DC Direct’s properties bringing various comic artists’ drawings into the 3D realm.
So now Tim has teamed up with Zach Oat of Toyfare fame and Rubén Procopio (Electric Tiki amongst other things) to bring us the definitive book on creating action figures and statues.
You’d think with the number of customizers and people wanting to break into the industry there would be a wealth of books on the subject, but this is the first one I’ve ever seen, and frankly, after being amazed by how comprehensive it is, I don’t think another one is ever going to be needed.
What’s stunning about this book is the level of detail. It goes into everything, filled not just with information, but tips as well. It starts with looking at the art reference, goes through the sculpting and casting to painting and ends with tips on going pro. Gorgeous photography detailing the various processes sit alongside little cartoon asides that not only raise a smile but raise pertinent points.
If you’ve ever marvelled at the level of art in an action figure or bust, then this is a fascinating book even if you have no intention of ever sculpting yourself. You can just dip into it and always come back with some new piece of knowledge you never had before. But if you’re into customizing and hoping one day to turn it into a full-time job then this book is a god-send. Seriously, in ten years’ time I reckon this will be THE textbook every sculptor learns from.
As someone who worked on the fringes of the industry for ten years, it’s an incredible book. For anyone looking to get into the industry I’d say it’s pretty much damn well essential.
November 16, 2012
(More pictures on my blog)
Here's a great book for anyone interested in sculpt figures, whether you're a collector, aspiring sculptor or a professional.
The authors are Tim Bruckner, Zach Oat and Ruben Procopio. Both Tim Bruckner and Ruben Procopio have years of sculpting experience and have worked for companies like DC, Disney, etc.
The book is written in an entertaining lighthearted manner, filled with sculpting techniques, photos and even comic-style drawings for illustration purposes. I like the one that advises you to always get your children's permission before melting down their crayons. That's one good advice you might overlook, and there are plenty more useful ones throughout.
It's a rather detailed book. Here are the chapters:
Art, Reference & Design
Materials, Tools, Supplies, and the Workplace
The Rough Sculpt
Casting in Wax
Finishing in Wax
Making a Master Mold
Resin Casting & Finishing
Articulation
Accessories
Painting
Photography
Going Pro
It covers from the conceptualization stage right to the finished sculpt and photography.
As a non-sculptor, I learned a lot of new information about sculpting. There are different types of clay and each has different properties. A few sculptors were interviewed and they explain their preference. There's even a recipe if you want to make your own.
They also show you how to create the armature (the wire support), how to cast, paint, make accessories and even create joints for movable parts. There are a lot of processes behind the scenes not obvious to beginners or collectors. The book covers them in great detail. Chapter 10 on painting is a fun read with cute cartoons of professional prototype painter Kat Sapene dishing out advice.
It's a helpful book for any sculptors looking to make their first figure, more so for those who are looking to sell them as the book covers casting and a section on going pro. There are even tips on dealing with art directors and project managers.
The book features mainly character models so you'll need to be knowledgeable about anatomy to get your sculpts looking good.
April 6, 2012
As a toy aficionado, I felt it was a moral imperative to read this book. After all, it wasn't just the normal tome that listed figures and prices that I'm used to. Instead, this one actually gives you insight into starting your own sculpting and toy-making career, from conception to photographing the final product.
It's written by some pros in the industry and they take you through the creature of a figure or two and it's a pretty easy and engrossing read. If you've ever wondered what exactly goes on behind the scenes of the figures and statues you love, this book is well worth checking out.
It's written by some pros in the industry and they take you through the creature of a figure or two and it's a pretty easy and engrossing read. If you've ever wondered what exactly goes on behind the scenes of the figures and statues you love, this book is well worth checking out.
January 21, 2014
Excellent resource. Very detailed, very informative, with lots of photos for guidance and knowledge for many different aspects of figure development. I would highly recommend this book to both potential figure creators as well as to collectors who want to better understand the process and challenges.
August 7, 2015
Beautiful Book!!!
Very Friendly. Nice Images,Guides, Tips and Troubleshooting awareness. Very inspiring book on How to Sculpt, Mold Making and Cast your own Sculptures. Figurative Pop Sculpture.
Very Friendly. Nice Images,Guides, Tips and Troubleshooting awareness. Very inspiring book on How to Sculpt, Mold Making and Cast your own Sculptures. Figurative Pop Sculpture.
January 31, 2012
Great book for the artist. Excellent tips presented clearly and well illustrated. Awesome!
December 15, 2016
an awesome instruction book with great examples, i really like the armature set up they use
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October 7, 2015otimo
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews