Clay Sculpting Materials?

Farfarer

Hey dudes, I'm looking to get into doing some proper clay sculpting to improve my general sculpting knowledge and hopefully carry that back over to mudbox (that, and have something to do that doesn't involve staring at a screen, which is all I ever seem to do these days).

I've noticed quite a few of you on here do maquettes (which is part of the reason I'm inspired to try) so can anyone share some tips on what type of clay you find works best, which brands to go for/avoid, what to look out for, etc. ?

It's looking like Fimo or Sculpey is the way to go but I've read they're kinda hard to detail properly and quite expensive for any real quantity (I remember playing with Fimo as a kid, but I never did anything particularly detailed).

PolyHertz

Just some links to get you started (smellybugs tutorials are particularly good):
http://www.noadi.net/Tutorials/sculpting_resources.htm
http://www.paint-sculpt.com/tutorials/index.html
http://www.shiflettbrothers.com/forum/index.cfm?page=forum&forumID=2

hobodactyl

I have to say for myself buying Super Sculpey has been awesome because it's so easy to use. I'm sure there are cons to it, but it's really nice that it can just sit around in my drawer until I decide to use it and it doesn't get all dried out. On top of that it's much less messy than trying to use clay. I know there are plenty of reasons to use clay instead, so I'm not knocking it or anything, but Super Sculpey is great, especially if you're just starting up.

EDIT: Nice links poly!

BrodyB

I've always just used straight plasticine, as well as doing the armature wire and epoxy putty. Though I haven't really ventured much farther than what they showed in class.

Popeye9

I use traditional clay after working with it for a year in school. I found it forgiving and easy to use once you figure out how wet to keep it. If you get some with a higher grog count it seems to be easier when starting out. The other thing I like about it is that you can pickup a 50lb bag for 10 dollars. The tools are cheap under 10 dollars for a basic set and you can use anything to help sculpt ie: forks for doing hair.

Mezz

I think you can probably get what you're looking for for not too much money. I second looking into getting super sculpy, I personally really love the stuff. I think it's got the best of both worlds from clay and plasticine: Always ready, doesn't dry out, doesn't make a huge mess, bakes nicely, etc. Just overall great stuff, and you can find a nice-sized box of it for I'd say under $20, if I recall correctly. You can also get a basic tool-kit for about $5-10, and look around the house for anything else you think you can use. If you don't mind buying one, spaghetti makers are great, especially the ones that can flatten as well as slice it up. The only other thing you need is strong wires of different widths if you want to set up a strong base for like a character. Oh... and maybe just a piece of wood for a stand? You should be able to get that for free, though.

If you find you're really getting into this, then you can go out and buy more proffesional stuff like real clay and more proffessional tools. But I'd suggest starting with this.

Farfarer

Neat, cheers dudes. And thanks for the links PolyHertz!

I think I'll order me up some Sculpey

robioto

There's a product called Super Sculpey Firm Sculpting Clay and it's grey which is a better color choice for sculpting detail and viewing your sculpt in general. Here's a place online that sells it but maybe you can find some in a local craft store.

http://www.craftsetc.com/store/item.aspx?dep=50&cat=46&subcat=10&IsOnSale=0&IsFeatured=0&IsNew=0&ItemId=34691

Farfarer

Hmm, cheers, dude. I'll look into that, too.

I've been having problems finding a good online UK reseller. Tried 2 shops this morning and both of them crapped out at the checkout stage, bah.

vik

some uK sellers:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Modelling-Magic
http://www.tiranti.co.uk/index.asp

Farfarer

Thanks for the links. That Tiranti place is pretty good, but first order ships to billing address only.

In the end I re-tried http://www.polymerclaypit.co.uk and it worked the second time. Woop

cw

I bought some from here a while back - seemed fine.

http://www.polymerclaypit.co.uk/