Create your own Munny doll!
on October 25, 2010 at 5:12 pmSo you want to turn one of your characters in a custom vinyl doll?
Step 1 would be to figure out what exactly your character looks like in three dimensions, and then base your blank purchase on that. I personally tend towards Munny dolls as they suit my characters well.
Then it’s time to start sketching!
It’s a good idea to do several sketches, heck maybe even a complete piece of art before starting on your doll.
As you can see from these sketches I actually use a blank Munny doll photo, it helps me envision the 3 dimensionality of the doll better than the flat templates I have found online, but if you prefer the template idea you should use it. Whatever makes it easier for you. During this sketching process you get to decide exactly how you want to create your Munny, will you draw on it, or will you build it up with Sculpey and then paint it. Both of these are completely valid ways of creating your character. Once you have your sketches in hand, and maybe even your Munny, it’s time to get some information on exactly how to go about this process. What you thought I was going to give you detailed instructions? Yeah, uhhhh… no. Others with a lot more experience than I have already done that here, so go on over and check out that site for all your Munny related questions.
- This thread contains lots of great Sculpey advice if your planing on building the Munny up.
- This one has advice about how NOT to destroy the head of the Munny when you take it off.
- This thread has advice if you just want to draw on the Munny.
- And finally here is one about painting.
I will however give you a list of some of tools I use to make my Munny dolls, this list is by no means complete but if I think of more things I will add them:
- Super-Sculpey
- Wire mesh for creating a stiff structure.
- Thin gauge metal wire, for things like runaway tufts of hair.
- Toothpicks, they can be used to add rigidity to a long straight piece, like a sword or a 2×4.
- Plastic clay sculpting tools, nothing too fancy.
- Stainless steel dental tools, they are great for shaping and smoothing the raw clay. (especially if you dip the tips in water)
- Pasta Machine, nothing beats it for rolling out sheets of clay.
Now let’s move onto some mistakes to avoid.
- Don’t be like me and do your sketching on the doll in sharpie, it bleeds through most acrylic paints, and that can be super annoying.
- Try to remember that the Munny needs to be able to stand up, so take balance into consideration when creating your design.
- Don’t accidentally sand off the nose…
- Reds and yellows cover like shite.
- If your paint is really thick, thin it slightly you’ll get fewer lines when painting that way.
Now I know you all want to see some of the awesome Munnys I have made, and if not well you are going to anyway.
As you can see each of these pieces has been steadily progressing in terms of quality, as I get more confident with my sculpting skills.
Now the big question is…
If I can do it, why can’t you?
The answer of course is you can do, and it might even help you draw your character better after seeing it in three dimensions.
Your figure work is great and I can see it improving with the last figures you’re showing. I see all the work you’re putting into these things, especially in the paint details. Thanks for the great info. Keep up the great work!
Hi Mark, thanks these are an awful lot of fun to make!
I am actually surprised more webcomic folks haven’t tried their hands at them. Especially since it could be a pretty cool one off thing to auction off or sell at a con.