The Maquette Process

In the Character Animation program, a new semester means new assignments requiring different sets of skills. One of the things required of our classes this spring is the creation of a maquette of one of the character designs associated with the stories we'll be working on next year. I designed a griffin character to take the place of a dragon in one of the story pitches and knew I wanted to document the process of making my very first maquette!

I started with a simple sketch of my design in a pose. It had to be "relaxed" but still portray her characteristics.

This shows some of the materials used during the process: The 1/8'' armature wire was used to create the base for the pose. Also pictured is Sculpey clay as well as sculpting tools.

Here, I've finished the basic structure of the pose with the different gauges of wire.

Once the armature was done, I started adding basic bulk with aluminum foil. This ensures a stronger structure as well as less clay being used in later parts of the process.

Around this point in adding clay to the armature is where I realized that the original Sculpey wasn't going to be good for the addition of details. I decided to invest in some Super Sculpey in order to create the details on the remainder of the sculpture.

Before I started applying Super Sculpey, I added additional armature wire for the wings.

My first attempt at the head had eyes that were much too large, so I later modified it to be more anatomically correct to the original design.

I neglected to take photos of the wing construction process, but it involved connecting additional wire supports in place of the feathers and then covering them in pieces of foil. I then covered this in sheets of clay and smoothed it out before carving feather designs into the structure.

With both of the wings done and the head modified, everything was ready for baking and painting.

The following day, the maquette was complete! I am extremely pleased with how the model turned out, but it was a very time-consuming process. I learned a lot and would definitely be interested in creating another maquette in the future when I have the time.

-Cayla