3D modeling software running rampant in the sofubi scene feels shitty. it bums me out. Not to say the artists haven't produce something worthwhile...after all, a design strong or it isn't. Not to say that isn't handy in certain applications... Not to say it doesn't take "skill" to use it. (but it's like how a guy can play the shit out of street fighter, but can't touch his toes or throw a punch to save his life. Sure, it's a fighting game--but it's not the same as fighting--but you want to get paid to "fight"). But if the artist who can actually sculpt their 8" toy is asking 7000¥, i feel there's something wrong with the artist asking for 40,000¥ who just prints it out after moving a mouse around. So the pricing is bumming me out too. I also have an asshole. it seems to serve only me as well.
One of my best friends was a sculptor for toy biz way back in the day. When zbrush was introduced, he saw the writing on the wall and went digital. Though all of his work is via computer now, you can see his skills as a hand sculptor. It feels more alive and natural. I don't have a big problem with digital if it comes across this way. I get what you're saying and most vinyl made digitally are *too* perfect.
I don’t like that it’s like an unspoken rule to not have the same paints on a toy release more than once. Sometimes I just like the 1st painted release and that’s it.
Thanks for that. I feel you. it's a nuanced thing for sure. And i enjoy a few designs that are sculpted this way...but with some of the things i've held and seen, something feels like it's missing--as "perfect" as it can be. when it's made by hand it has a certain charm. i felt some of the sculpts of old that i like are damn near perfect, but maybe there's something about the medium being touched and held and manipulated that gives the finished thought a kind of life of its own that couldn't be selected. Plus i feel the price is justified when it's hand made and the pride, discipline, and passion for their craft is what produced damn near perfect results. I've tried clay sculpture before. i can appreciate it. it's real to me. With 3D modeling for clay sculptors, i would imagine an element of their signature touch isn't lost. Your friend works for a big company--so i get it. but in this branch of toy making, the ways of old is one of the things that made me appreciate what i was seeing and buying. Maybe the flood of "perfect" crap these days makes me cringe at how accessible it seems to be. i don't want pop music... i want the music you make when it's just for you first and only--and then you share it. If i want pop, i'll go to Target. This hobby was giving me my garage band fix. Discovering great things that didn't need to be famous to feel validated. now it feels a little color-by-number. maybe i'm just getting old. i'm feeling my time boxing up into a thing that people can see and label--but can't see inside. you had to be there when it was happening. i miss all the feelings. Now it's time for something new. i'm trying to see the magic of it, but damn.
The 3D sculpting becomes problematic when the mirror tool is used as a crutch. It becomes uncanny valley when it’s too symmetrical. Objects that are perfectly symmetrical seem unnatural.
