How to Make a Posable Mini-Figure

In this video I demonstrate how to quickly put together a proportionally accurate, posable mini figure. These figures can serve either as models to test out proportions, gestures, or the relationships between figures in a grouping, or as a base for finished, small-scale sculptures.
More advanced sculptors make little figures like this in all kinds of different ways, so, as always, I’m not claiming that what I show you here is the best or only method. Rather it’s a systematic approach that works well for beginners who find themselves at a loss for how to proceed.
Note that there’s a quick reference on how to break down the sections at the end, at approximately 9:09.
You know the deal! Please like and subscribe! And, if you can, consider supporting this channel on Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=36099181

[@arthardware5560]

I like how concise you make these videos, just the facts no fluff. thanks

[@intheround8310]

Thanks! Don't want to waste anyone's time!

[@user-hw1tj4bd6i]

This was a really well done tutorial, thank you for the effort to create it. I’ve never worked with clay or any kind of sculpting, and don’t know anything about anatomy, but in about an hour I made a figure. Nobody is going to confuse it for Rodin, but it’s definitely obviously human-shaped! I used polymer clay, which I realized halfway through makes the joinery harder since i can’t make slip with it. I basically just blended the seams at the surfaces. It therefore won’t hold up to as much manipulation as yours does, but I only need a single fixed pose so it’s sufficient. My one suggestion, if you ever do a similar video, is to consider pausing after shaping each piece to show it briefly from a few different angles. Or mention the CAD view that you’ll present at the end, or show that view at the beginning and then refer back to it. It’s still really good even as it is though. Thanks!

[@5t66t5]

Such a well done video on many levels. Glad I found this channel. Thanks for the info and video

[@ita6901]

I am so impressed! This was incredibly helpful! Thank you for sharing.

[@katarzynakwarcinska6965]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you very much!

[@ScottCamazine8]

Thanks. Very nice instructive videos in your series.

[@intheround8310]

Thank you!

[@user-xh5zm1br5u]

Thanks to you, I learned how to make a human figure. Thank you very much.

[@devanshichandak3605]

Pretty amazing.

[@litsaiosifidou]

Thank you 🌹

[@lillianmarti3131]

Hello, thanks for posting this really nice video on making mini-figures. One question, can these be fired even though they are not hollow inside? Particularly the legs and arms, will not crack? Thanks you.

[@intheround8310]

At this scale, absolutely. If you use the right kind of clay and a sufficiently carful firing schedule, you can successfully fire up to 4 or 5 inches in thickness, maybe more. But for standard clays and pre-programed firings, you want to try to keep walls under an inch (.5 is better), and small figures and protrusions with lots of surface area under 2. Also, the thicker the work, the longer you should take with both the drying and preheating. Of course no firing is perfectly predictable, and all this is probabilistic. If you're really worried about explosions, you could always discreetly stick a needle tool into the fat parts of any sculpture. Even tiny apertures are enough for water to escape.

[@lillianmarti3131]

@@intheround8310 Thank you so very much for your response. This is very helpful and will follow your advise. Good luck to you with all your work, you are awesome!!!

[@Szmaglord]

Would you mind if i print your infographics from your videos, so I can look at paper, and not at the screen while sculpting?
These are very informative. Perfect for me as an entry level sculptor.
Thank you for those videos!

[@intheround8310]

By all means, please do! Also, I noticed that a number (though not all) of my students following this guide ending up with heads that were too small, and a few had torsos that were too big. I think this is becasue, in taking fractions of fractions of fractions, small errors can compound. If you find this is the case for you too, don't be afraid to just remove a little here and add a little there, as needed.

[@newbie3894]

Can anyone tell me what clay he's using please

[@intheround8310]

It's just a generic midfire stoneware. Nothing special 🙂

[@Blueskyz316]

And how do you set these ? They just dry up and they are good to go ? Lol

[@intheround8310]

These are small enough to be fired in a kiln, but as their really intended more as a way to plan bigger work, they are usually reclaimed after they're no longer needed

[@na4211]

I want to create little brahmin figurine...where do I even start

[@j.franciscoalt]

Is this man artificial intelligence? Or is really?