Uruk-Hai
PlanetFigure Supporter
Historical accurary.
What first comes to mind is where one draws the line? There is a wide span that is not well established at all. While many of us probably will agree that arming a knight at Agincourt 1415 with an M-16 is wrong, the very same people would also say that expecting portrait likeness of roman soldiers in a cohort at Alesia would be over the top in demanding historical accuracy.
But should the information be there, why not use it? If you create a piece that is good and accurate you will sell more and for a longer period.
What I really don’t want to hear is arguments like: -Well, you weren’t there, so how could you know?
I have more understanding for this if it’s a case of conflicting sources or educated guessing but not as an escape goat trying to get away from well documented critique.
If you are into history you act with what is known to us, and fill out the blank parts with educated guessing. And some of this guessing is far more educated than others. And the view on history and archeology changes from time to time and from new finds.
And from my point of view I can´t really see why some of those that claim that accuracy isn’t important to them are so concerned about that others are? I often make figures with some flaws but at least I know it, and also usually enjoy the discussion when it comes up.
Discussing an error in accuracy is by no means aimed at the sculptor or his talent to sculpt but to the researcher/commisioner. Which in some cases also can be the same person, but these are different areas. A piece can also be correct but poorly sculpted. And who expect sculptors to be that knowledgeable seeing the vast area many of them usually cover?
My advice is to seek help, there are many here and in other places on the internet that are willing to share their expertize, usually freely. You don’t have to post it openly if you still want the element of surprice, but try to get in touch with people privately.
Here are some factors that I can think of that plays a part in determining a purchase. Some use just one, most of us use more when making an informed buy. There might be others that I can´t think of right now.
Lifelikeness.
How real do you think the subject looks according to your vision and view of it, which of course can vary depending on the person. And additionally anatomy. Is at campaigning figure or more of a regimental piece?
Subject.
Is the subject/period interesting to you. Simple as that.
Pose.
Action, static etc.
Material.
Some prefer resin, others metal. There are also different type of resins and metal just as there are other types of material such as styrene, porclain, vinyl etc.
Collecting.
There are collectors that collect pieces from a certain sculptor, manufacturer, era etc.
Wowness.
Sometimes a figure no matter the subject just makes you go: -WOW!
Originality.
Being an odd product can sometimes play a part. I mean how many pointing SS-Officers can there be a market for?
Complexity.
Especially experience modelers want challenges and buys therefor complex kits.
Simplicity.
As opposite of above some want simple and easy kits to get going with the painting right away.
Historical accuracy.
Some of us choose certain producers and sculptors because we know and accept their knowledge of the subject. And usually we are willing to pay a bit extra for that work.
Loyalty.
Loyalty could play a part as some wants to support certain manufacturers that they like for different reasons.
What I don’t really understand is the view that some manufacturers seems to have, that we should be thankful for their presence and their releases? In the same view they do not want their products to be criticized? They also seem to think that Planet Figure is depending on them and that there will not be any critic if their releases are not posted here?
I find that stance quite strange and I am somewhat puzzled about it as I have met most of them and they are genuine nice blokes. And as others already have put it, passionate.
How would that work in other areas of the modern society? What if Dragon Models thought the same? Who can stop us from discussing a released figure? Also if you have a figure of subject that holds up better to other companies figures, wouldn’t you like that to be heard as well?
I totally understand how disencouraging it can be if you spend a lot of time and money on a release to have it scrutinezed, especially if its unfair or uninformed critique. But that is not always the case. And as I posted earlier, the trick is to know who to listen to.
Cheers
Janne Nilsson
What first comes to mind is where one draws the line? There is a wide span that is not well established at all. While many of us probably will agree that arming a knight at Agincourt 1415 with an M-16 is wrong, the very same people would also say that expecting portrait likeness of roman soldiers in a cohort at Alesia would be over the top in demanding historical accuracy.
But should the information be there, why not use it? If you create a piece that is good and accurate you will sell more and for a longer period.
What I really don’t want to hear is arguments like: -Well, you weren’t there, so how could you know?
I have more understanding for this if it’s a case of conflicting sources or educated guessing but not as an escape goat trying to get away from well documented critique.
If you are into history you act with what is known to us, and fill out the blank parts with educated guessing. And some of this guessing is far more educated than others. And the view on history and archeology changes from time to time and from new finds.
And from my point of view I can´t really see why some of those that claim that accuracy isn’t important to them are so concerned about that others are? I often make figures with some flaws but at least I know it, and also usually enjoy the discussion when it comes up.
Discussing an error in accuracy is by no means aimed at the sculptor or his talent to sculpt but to the researcher/commisioner. Which in some cases also can be the same person, but these are different areas. A piece can also be correct but poorly sculpted. And who expect sculptors to be that knowledgeable seeing the vast area many of them usually cover?
My advice is to seek help, there are many here and in other places on the internet that are willing to share their expertize, usually freely. You don’t have to post it openly if you still want the element of surprice, but try to get in touch with people privately.
Here are some factors that I can think of that plays a part in determining a purchase. Some use just one, most of us use more when making an informed buy. There might be others that I can´t think of right now.
Lifelikeness.
How real do you think the subject looks according to your vision and view of it, which of course can vary depending on the person. And additionally anatomy. Is at campaigning figure or more of a regimental piece?
Subject.
Is the subject/period interesting to you. Simple as that.
Pose.
Action, static etc.
Material.
Some prefer resin, others metal. There are also different type of resins and metal just as there are other types of material such as styrene, porclain, vinyl etc.
Collecting.
There are collectors that collect pieces from a certain sculptor, manufacturer, era etc.
Wowness.
Sometimes a figure no matter the subject just makes you go: -WOW!
Originality.
Being an odd product can sometimes play a part. I mean how many pointing SS-Officers can there be a market for?
Complexity.
Especially experience modelers want challenges and buys therefor complex kits.
Simplicity.
As opposite of above some want simple and easy kits to get going with the painting right away.
Historical accuracy.
Some of us choose certain producers and sculptors because we know and accept their knowledge of the subject. And usually we are willing to pay a bit extra for that work.
Loyalty.
Loyalty could play a part as some wants to support certain manufacturers that they like for different reasons.
What I don’t really understand is the view that some manufacturers seems to have, that we should be thankful for their presence and their releases? In the same view they do not want their products to be criticized? They also seem to think that Planet Figure is depending on them and that there will not be any critic if their releases are not posted here?
I find that stance quite strange and I am somewhat puzzled about it as I have met most of them and they are genuine nice blokes. And as others already have put it, passionate.
How would that work in other areas of the modern society? What if Dragon Models thought the same? Who can stop us from discussing a released figure? Also if you have a figure of subject that holds up better to other companies figures, wouldn’t you like that to be heard as well?
I totally understand how disencouraging it can be if you spend a lot of time and money on a release to have it scrutinezed, especially if its unfair or uninformed critique. But that is not always the case. And as I posted earlier, the trick is to know who to listen to.
Cheers
Janne Nilsson
