Armatures

Justin Kase · Armatures

Anyone know any good links for guidlines on creating armatures?

I have some basic measurements for Dwarf and Human sized armatures, but I was hoping someone might have some guidlines for things like Rat or Lizardmen.

Thanks

Bodhi

Best tip would be:

Check the proportions on a real rat/lizard skeleton (pictures of skeletons from most types of beasties is all over the web for free)
Use these proportions for the antropomorphic version

That's the aproach I've used for making a badger man at least.

I hate it when people just do antropomorphic animals through using human proportions and sticking an animal head on it

hanuman

hi, this is my first post here! On the subject of armatures, if you are a beginning sculptor and are planning on anthropomorphic figures, it is best to use a copper wire armature. As Bodhi says, it is far better to make an upright animal than a human with an animal head. those new gorgeous anubii that Victoria has sculpted are an excellent example of anthro form.

The copper wire is far more forgiving than pewter, and you can fiddle with the pose a bit more before metal fatigue sets in. if you like a stiff armature, you can twist the wire tighter to work harden it.

haven't poked around here much yet, but I am really liking what I have seen so far. Great stuff!

regards
jason wiebe

Justin Kase

Thanks both of you

Yeah, those Anubii minis are awesome - and along the lines of what I was thinking. Thanks for the idea of measuring out the real life animal proportions, that should help a bit

Never tried using copper - I mostly use various gauges of steel and whatever floral wire is made from (likely steel with a yummy green plasti-coat, melts in your molds, not in your hands). What gauge copper do you use?

Guess I'll just dive in and see what comes of it;P

hanuman

i usually use 22 or 24, but doubled up and twisted into a wire armature. i would be happy to elaborate on my method if you would like. and, of course, i use heavier gauges for bigger critters.

Justin Kase

Elaborate away

Any and all pointers are more then welcome:)

Bodhi

Steel can be OK - just a bit harder to clip of if you need to cut the figure apart for casting. Just avoid galvanized thread! It has a thin layer of fat which prevents the putty from sticking properly.