*TKMillerSculpt

TK Miller

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DC Comics Bombshells Harley

by *TKMillerSculpt

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I frequently get asked why I discourage critiques of my work.

All of my work represented here on dA is commercial. For each piece, I work closely with design teams, art directors, and licensors, and each piece I do is run through a gauntlet of critiques. I sculpt things the way my clients want them sculpted. The last thing I really need to hear when I post something to a site like dA is 'It would be better if only you would...' It's not my decision to make it better. Also, and I don't mean to insult most of you, the critiques and recommendations given here usually aren't coming from working artists. Working artists already understand all of this, and they know that the piece has already been through the aforementioned gauntlet.

I frequently read comments which protest that I could still learn something from blah blah blah. At the risk of sounding rude or arrogant, save it. I've been sculpting professionally for the past 14 years. That's sculpting for the special effects industry, film set production, and collectibles. I currently work with the top art directors in the collectibles industry. If they've not caught a 'mistake' in my work, don't think you have. Sorry, go feel validated somewhere else.

Perhaps its the wine that makes me sound harsh, but it's probably not. It's probably that I'm just tired of some inexperienced, puffed up 'artist' telling me that the legs I sculpt are too long. Well, the guy that signed the check wanted them that way, and I might think they look cool that way too.

In short, remember what your mama taught you, 'If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all'.

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FAQ

I'm eventually going to get around to doing something of a tutorial, but until then, here are some quick answers to questions I get hit or noted with occasionally. Enjoy!

1. I've never sculpted before but I'm sure I could ROCK the sculpting world harder than you could if I just had the right tools. What tools are you using?

I prefer robust tools that get the job done. These are all wonderful: [link]

Of course, these are nice too: [link]

2. I've not had a lot of luck with my sculpting medium, what materials are you sculpting with?

I like a sculpting medium with good body and firmness. Clays and waxes should hold their own weight, as well as hold detail. If this is your sculpting medium you should rethink your process: [link]

I like stuff like this: [link]

3. How do you do it?!

With style.

4. What kind of paints do you use?

I don't. I'm a sculptor. That's why each of the painted pieces in my gallery credit another person as the painter.

5. Can you tell me how to sculpt?

Not really, I'm busy sculpting (or creating entertaining blogposts for the interwebs). However, you can visit your local library and pick up books on sculpting, take a class at your local community college, or check this site out: [link]

6. Why don't you sculpt [insert model, actor, or comic book character name here]?

Because that character is lame. Or my clients have not paid me to.

7. Your sculptures would be so much better if you only [insert unsolicited advice here]. Why must you insist on mediocrity?

Mediocrity is the new black. If you don't like how my pieces look, maybe you should get a job as an art director. Or visit this site: [link]

8. Why are you such a snarky curmudgeon?

Now that's just silly. Read this: [link]

9. Can you get me a job in the industry?

I could, but I won't. Sorry, life's not fair, and if you're only bugging me for an in, I'll spread vicious lies about you. See question 8.

Work hard and diversify your portfolio. You're probably not as good as your mom says, so take criticism graciously, and do what the client wants. There ya go, you're on your way to working in the industry.

10. How many stomachs does a cow have?

Four, you git!

11. Where did the name Cracker Jacks originate?

Cracker Jacks was named by an enthusiastic sampler of the popular snack who remarked, "That's crackerjack!" (a colloquialism meaning "of excellent quality").

12. If you can lead a horse to water, does a pencil have to be led?

No, but you still can't do anything with it, you talentless hack.

13. How can I become a talentless hack?

Visit

He's turned it into an art-form! (I <3 you, Randy!)

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*TKMillerSculpt

TK Miller
Artist | Professional | Other

United States

Thanks for checking out my page. I have sculpted various and sundry items for Sideshow Collectibles, including many of the women in the Adam Hughes' line of comiquettes, portraits for McFarlane Design Group, and hot flossy babes for Bowen Designs. I've also sculpted collectibles for Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and various other pop-culture licenses. It's a tough gig, but I've manned up enough to accept the responsibility. I spend my copious free time formulating my plans and schemes for world domination. I like sushi, puppy breath, and spending time with my lovely wife, Rebekah, in picturesque Colorado Springs. Bekah and I are both grieving for our recently deceased English Bulldog, Turkish. He was a good dog (and only a little rotten).

Things people say about my work:
"Pure win!"
"This is what 'Yum' looks like!"
"I'm here to chew bubble gum and kick... Ooh, NICE sculpture!"

Current Residence: Colorado
Favourite genre of music: All over the board!
Favourite style of art: Macaroni
Shell of choice: Nautilus
Wallpaper of choice: Flowery, with that fake velvet stuff on it. Neat-o!
Skin of choice: Alpaca
Favourite cartoon character: Meat-wad
Personal Quote: "Don't quote me".

www.tkmiller.com

Interests

More stuff auctioning NAOW!

Journal Entry: Sun Mar 31, 2013, 3:05 PM

Only 90 minutes left on some of the auctions! Artist Proof and signed pieces: [link]

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Reading: More H.P. Lovecraft goodness.
Drinking: COFFEE!!! Elixir of Life!

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Sculpting Tutorial

I'm often asked about sculpting tutorials. Well, kiddies, try to contain yourselves, the wait is over! At long last, here is the first in the TK Miller Sculpting series of sculpting tutorials!

And now we begin...

Get yourself a pretty model and have her stand in your basement in her underwear. Take pictures, because, you know, it's a model in her underwear in your basement.

Find yourself some wire. Hardware stores are good for this, but you could do just fine by raiding your sister's closet for some clothes hangers, and you could save yourself some bones while you're at it.

Bend the wire into the framework of an object, maybe like the model you took pictures of before. Like so...

We call this an armature. And do be careful not to cut yourself or put an eye out, wire can be dangerous.

Next, put some clay onto your wire armature, kind of like this:

Now make a mold of the thing you just made out of clay. Use your imagination because I didn't take any pictures of molds, just of models and sculptures.

After your mold is made, cast molten wax into the mold. Again, be careful, wax is hot and you don't want to melt your face off.

Once you have your wax casting, clean up the details. Hire someone else to make things like guns, because sculpting guns sucks. For instance...

Now that your details are taken care of, make your sculpture a pretty base out of things you might have lying around the house or in your sister's closet. Here's one:

Now make another mold (imagination again) and cast the whole thing up in resin. Again, pay someone else to paint your sculpture because your painting skills blow: