Sculpting:
I was not formally trained as a sculptor, and there is traditionally a distinction between 'sculptors' and 'model makers' in the professional industries within which I've
worked. My background, nevertheless, always caused me to learn every craft and technique that I could possibly use to complete a superior project - especially when I
alone saw a model through from start to finish. During my professional years as a project manager and business owner, I saw the practical need to be a "know-it-all."
'Modifiers' 1/43rd Scale Car Kits for X-Concepts:
One of my larger projects for X-Concepts (X-Concepts was recently bought out by Bandai) was the hand building and sculpting the car bodies and interiors for their line
of 1/43rd scale collector cars and trucks. Their original idea was to sell a stock car that came with various 'aftermarket' body parts and custom wheels - along with a
screwdriver. The buyer could thus 'modify' their model car to suit their taste and make it unique.
A great deal of work went into each of these vehicles, and it was not just X-Concepts who had to approve of the finished product - but the car companies did too! If my
'02 Honda Civic did not look exactly correct for an '02 Honda Civic - Honda would not license it for production.
The primer-coated custom car trailer above is an example of my handy work, along with a red production Acura that fit within it. The trailer was never put into
production - but most of my projects made it into toy stores and car shops around the world, including the two Honda Prelude kits, above right. The display dioramas
for X-Concepts, below, were sold through Pep Boys and other car part and service stores, and a select few Toys-R-Us locations.
I've categorized my X-Concepts work as 'sculpting' due to the kind of hand-crafting that went into seats, consoles and car bodies - but the 'Tokyo' city diorama was in
fact machine milled out a single block of Renshape, including the subterranean walkway, and all the lighting was my craftsmanship as well.
'Tech Deck' Line of Figurines, Skateboards and Play Sets:
Sculpting for 'Micro Icons:'
Another model making project that required heavy demonstration of sculpting skills was a series of tiny caricature figurines and diorama sets marketed as "Mirco Icons"
and eventually sold through toy stores worldwide c. 2005 - and are still collectible.
I was not formally trained as a sculptor, and there is traditionally a distinction between 'sculptors' and 'model makers' in the professional industries within which I've
worked. My background, nevertheless, always caused me to learn every craft and technique that I could possibly use to complete a superior project - especially when I
alone saw a model through from start to finish. During my professional years as a project manager and business owner, I saw the practical need to be a "know-it-all."
'Modifiers' 1/43rd Scale Car Kits for X-Concepts:
One of my larger projects for X-Concepts (X-Concepts was recently bought out by Bandai) was the hand building and sculpting the car bodies and interiors for their line
of 1/43rd scale collector cars and trucks. Their original idea was to sell a stock car that came with various 'aftermarket' body parts and custom wheels - along with a
screwdriver. The buyer could thus 'modify' their model car to suit their taste and make it unique.
A great deal of work went into each of these vehicles, and it was not just X-Concepts who had to approve of the finished product - but the car companies did too! If my
'02 Honda Civic did not look exactly correct for an '02 Honda Civic - Honda would not license it for production.
The primer-coated custom car trailer above is an example of my handy work, along with a red production Acura that fit within it. The trailer was never put into
production - but most of my projects made it into toy stores and car shops around the world, including the two Honda Prelude kits, above right. The display dioramas
for X-Concepts, below, were sold through Pep Boys and other car part and service stores, and a select few Toys-R-Us locations.
I've categorized my X-Concepts work as 'sculpting' due to the kind of hand-crafting that went into seats, consoles and car bodies - but the 'Tokyo' city diorama was in
fact machine milled out a single block of Renshape, including the subterranean walkway, and all the lighting was my craftsmanship as well.
'Tech Deck' Line of Figurines, Skateboards and Play Sets:
Sculpting for 'Micro Icons:'
Another model making project that required heavy demonstration of sculpting skills was a series of tiny caricature figurines and diorama sets marketed as "Mirco Icons"
and eventually sold through toy stores worldwide c. 2005 - and are still collectible.
I was responsible for the design and prototyping of
more than a dozen separate products for X Concepts'
lines: Modifiers, S.C.U.M., Water Worms, and Tech
Deck among others. Of all, the Tech Deck line of
skateboarding thumbs has been the most successful
for the company. These images show a few of the
sculpted thumb figures and their respective
skateboards - with and without packaging.
more than a dozen separate products for X Concepts'
lines: Modifiers, S.C.U.M., Water Worms, and Tech
Deck among others. Of all, the Tech Deck line of
skateboarding thumbs has been the most successful
for the company. These images show a few of the
sculpted thumb figures and their respective
skateboards - with and without packaging.
All of these examples not only involved the craft of sculpting, but also model making, casting, painting, and of course design. In every case a good understanding of the
potential market was necessary, as well as manufacturing processes, price point, durability and usability, and potential packaging. In the case of X Concepts, my contact
at the company was none other than the president of the company, and my ability to communicate with him and understand his vision at all times was responsible for our
successful relationship - not just my ability in the various crafts mentioned above.
potential market was necessary, as well as manufacturing processes, price point, durability and usability, and potential packaging. In the case of X Concepts, my contact
at the company was none other than the president of the company, and my ability to communicate with him and understand his vision at all times was responsible for our
successful relationship - not just my ability in the various crafts mentioned above.
