I received your "Stop-Motion Monster Puppet Menagerie" book (printed on-demand) for around $30.00 USD, Richard! It arrived quicker than I expected, too! I love it! Very high-quality print on very durable paper stock. Full color pictures and a chapter on building techniques at the beginning! Your book and this video are equal, if not superior, to a University Course on this subject! Excellent artist and instructor!
I've watched this video too many times to count. Your methods and approach to creating these beasts are simply genius and astounding! I've learned so much from your work over the years, and it has spiralled into me having my own much less impressive workshop where I design and create creatures out of Chavant and Monsterclay. Still working on molding and what not, but I'm getting there slowly. Thank you so much again for your wonderful work, man. You are such a talent!
Glad it was helpful! I hope I've been able to show that it's not a mystic magical process, but something you can throw together and make work without lots of time and money. It's basically a question of exercising your creativity and a learning few skills really well, and you can pretty much build whatever you want.
@@TheLoneAnimator your videos are amazing and really helpful. But, I would like to ask if this can happen with silicone. I mean, that if you put silicone in the sculpture will It have the same affect or not ? I am just asking, because I want to make my own creations . If you see this comment, please answer me
@@stefanosmarkopoulos Silicone has different qualities and problems than latex. It's much softer and more organic-feeling. But it's also heavier and harder to paint -and more expensive. But you can certainly both cast silicone as a hollow skin in a plaster mold or build it up over your puppet. Just remember that weight issue, and that the more you build up with it, the denser it gets, and won't flex as well if it gets too thick.
What an amazing monster! My favorite detail is how the eye follows you wherever you go. Your work has inspired me to create stop-motion puppets in the future!
*sigh*, you make it look so, so easy. Every puppet I make looks terrible. As always impressed by your talent. Could you please consider a quick tutorial on making fur-coated monsters instead of the usual latex skins? Would also love to see a montage/highlight reel of all your monsters over the years. Thanks.
I'll see what I can do about a making-of regarding furry puppets. How do you think my first puppets looked -terrible! It took me many years to finally get the results I wanted. Keep at it. Keep the craft alive!
Thanks for sharing, for someone who has just started a couple years ago that is pure gold. By the way, I am sure you know that already (I mean, you are an authority to be fair), but if you use a couple coats of silicon over the purely latex skin it ensures the product lasts for much, much plonger.
Thanks for keeping the craft alive :) I've heard of the silicone trick, some use a silicone spray, as I understand it. I know that some types of silicone reacts negatively to latex surfaces, so all brands probably don't work.
This is much appreciated. Are most of your supplies bought online from specialty stores or can I walk into a hardware store and pick them up there? Great instructional vid.
I'm afraid most of these materials are bought from specialty stores, mostly online. You can pick up the t-nuts from most hardware shops, I believe. And you can probably find various gauges of aluminum wire at similar places. I've even bought aluminum wires at florist's shops since they use the wire for decorations.
That’s it? Really? That’s how you summarize all the experience, creativity and effort we can see here? Just a single question, that I think will contribute to make us understand the above: How long does it take a puppet like this to be made? Great as usual, Richard.
I assume it would depend greatly on your skill level, you should probably attempt some simpler designs to start out with if you don't have much experience modeling.
The smart thing is to start with simple projects made for fun that can fail a couple of times, and it won't matter. The worst thing is trying to start off with something really grand and complicated, failing with that and getting discouraged.
Hehe! I could've made this video even longer, but I'm probably already testing the patience of my viewers. This puppet took about five days to make from start to finish. That's a pretty normal building time for me regarding a puppet of this size. The more skin patches I have to cast and apply, the longer the puppet takes to be finished.
Interesting video. Did you learn these techniques in an art school, or did you experiment this type of sculpting on your free time? Either way, I find the result very compelling. I can appreciate the time and effort you put in this passion.
Wow that's amazing!! What kind of latex and which brand do you use for the monster skin (12:45)? And do you think I could glue parts of it on a clay (Super sculpey) figure? Thank you for your help
Thanks! :) I use what's simply called "mask-making latex". There are several brands of this material and you can find it online all over the place. There's also "mold-making latex", and the difference is that the mold-making variety is usually thicker. It's easier getting thin edges with the mask-making kind, but I've used mold-making latex too with great success. Sometimes it's slightly cheaper. Are you thinking of adding latex to cured or uncured Super Sculpey? It's difficult making latex stick to hard surfaces. It usually curls up at the edges and then the whole bit comes off. If you want a latex skin to stick to clay you have to glue it in place. Flexible contact cement is probably the best solution. I use that to stick bits of fur or cloth to puppets with latex skin. The trick is to smear contact cement on both surfaces, let the glue dry until it's not tacky anymore, and then press both surfaces together. Then it'll really stick.
@@TheLoneAnimator Thank you so much for your answer :D ! I found your videos too late actually haha - I am making an underwater monster (close to a moraine) and I've built all the body parts with tinfoil and super sculpey on top (all parts separated, baked and only connected by wire) - so i was trying to find a way to conceal the gaps between the body parts, so it can still move like a snake. I mean, it would have been much easier to do it "bluworm's way" haha but if i could save the monster with bits of latex that would be a relief. Thanks a lot and keep up the good work
@@stephaniemarielouisewidmer7098 I'd actually go for making two long bits of latex attached behind the head of your monster and covering both sides of the body, connected along the back and the belly of the puppet. That way you don't have to make a ton of smaller strips of latex to cover the joints. But that's just a suggestion. If you can make it work with smaller bits and it looks fine, give that a go :)
If I cast the whole puppet in liquid latex it would turn out like a piece of tire rubber. I'd have to use foam latex, which is difficult to get right and also expensive. Instead I build up the shape of the body using bits of already cured foam, and then cover that with patches of latex skin. That method is much cheaper and I need less equipment for it.
Very interesting, thanks for this tutorial. I ought to give it a try myself soon but it'd probably be best to start with something simple, like a worm. It'll be interesting to see what else one can pull off with the art style (partially translucent designs, or blood leaking from it, etc.) It's interesting how you mention you actually use a "floating" rig for the running and jumping scenes with the legs being anchored into the ground for the stationery stuff, I wouldn't have thought of that. EDIT: Hey I know this is random but I re-read a little 3-page story of mine I wrote a few months ago and I thought you might like it. I'll leave it here in case you want to read it. imgur.com/a/g6oXzlG
Here's a simple worm puppet: Get a bundle of aluminum wires (or a single thick wire) and wrap soft yarn around the wires, slowly building up the shape of the worm's body. Then dab the yarn with latex using a sponge - a bit of polyurethane foam from an old mattress or cushion. Let the latex dry. Add a tinting medium to the latex, if you can't fint any tinting colors use acrylic paint, and dab that on with a sponge to paint the worm. Now you have a cheaply made, but effective worm creature.
@@TheLoneAnimator Thanks for the information, I'll have to give that go when I can. I don't know if I've told you but one of my favorite puppets of yours was the maggot-thing in the King in Yellow video, I really like how you created the waxy cuticle look to its skin. Anyway best of luck and good to see your video activity increasing.
The thin foam is actually foam sheets you place under a kitchen drying rack for dishes, so I just get them out of a local dollar store. The thicker foam is a collection of old cushions picked up at yard sales, donated by relatives, and the like. The important thing is that the foam used is soft.
Stop motion is an art that looks better than CGI animation. I am thank full that some people are still doing it..
I just think stop-motion looks more interesting than CGI. Each animated puppet is an extension of the artist.
so true.
It is very interesting to watch how your works are born and then come to life.
Thanks! I hoped it would be interesting and maybe even useful for some.
This video has a bunch of helpful tips! Thank you!
That's great to hear; thanks! :)
Thanks for sharing your process.This is a fantastic monster design!
Thanks! It's very goofy and cartoony, but that was what I was going for :)
I received your "Stop-Motion Monster Puppet Menagerie" book (printed on-demand) for around $30.00 USD, Richard! It arrived quicker than I expected, too! I love it!
Very high-quality print on very durable paper stock. Full color pictures and a chapter on building techniques at the beginning!
Your book and this video are equal, if not superior, to a University Course on this subject! Excellent artist and instructor!
Awesome, thank you! :)
You are a master craftsman, and a major inspiration in my life as a monster designer/sculptor!
Thank you! Knowing that I can inspire means a lot to me :)
I've watched this video too many times to count. Your methods and approach to creating these beasts are simply genius and astounding! I've learned so much from your work over the years, and it has spiralled into me having my own much less impressive workshop where I design and create creatures out of Chavant and Monsterclay. Still working on molding and what not, but I'm getting there slowly. Thank you so much again for your wonderful work, man. You are such a talent!
Glad it was helpful! I hope I've been able to show that it's not a mystic magical process, but something you can throw together and make work without lots of time and money. It's basically a question of exercising your creativity and a learning few skills really well, and you can pretty much build whatever you want.
@@TheLoneAnimator your videos are amazing and really helpful. But, I would like to ask if this can happen with silicone. I mean, that if you put silicone in the sculpture will It have the same affect or not ? I am just asking, because I want to make my own creations . If you see this comment, please answer me
@@stefanosmarkopoulos Silicone has different qualities and problems than latex. It's much softer and more organic-feeling. But it's also heavier and harder to paint -and more expensive. But you can certainly both cast silicone as a hollow skin in a plaster mold or build it up over your puppet. Just remember that weight issue, and that the more you build up with it, the denser it gets, and won't flex as well if it gets too thick.
@@TheLoneAnimator thank you very much. I really appreciate it
What an amazing monster! My favorite detail is how the eye follows you wherever you go. Your work has inspired me to create stop-motion puppets in the future!
That's great! If my work can inspire creativity in others, then my little films really have a real value.
Thank you for sharing! This is very interesting to see and learn how you do it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I really like your work.
Thank you! Cheers!
very cool.
Thank you :)
Excellent video dude hope you are keeping well!😄👍
Thanks! Hope you're alright too :)
@@TheLoneAnimator 😎👍
*sigh*, you make it look so, so easy. Every puppet I make looks terrible. As always impressed by your talent. Could you please consider a quick tutorial on making fur-coated monsters instead of the usual latex skins? Would also love to see a montage/highlight reel of all your monsters over the years. Thanks.
I'll see what I can do about a making-of regarding furry puppets. How do you think my first puppets looked -terrible! It took me many years to finally get the results I wanted. Keep at it. Keep the craft alive!
Great job! I wish I had enough time to make that many puppets. Good luck on any future projects!
Thanks! I don't have a family to take care of, so I have more time than most, I guess.
Great work
Thank you! :)
Thanks for sharing, for someone who has just started a couple years ago that is pure gold. By the way, I am sure you know that already (I mean, you are an authority to be fair), but if you use a couple coats of silicon over the purely latex skin it ensures the product lasts for much, much plonger.
Thanks for keeping the craft alive :) I've heard of the silicone trick, some use a silicone spray, as I understand it. I know that some types of silicone reacts negatively to latex surfaces, so all brands probably don't work.
Definitely a good addition to the tutorial from years ago!
I think so too! I'll do a couple more to cover certain aspects of the process better.
This is much appreciated. Are most of your supplies bought online from specialty stores or can I walk into a hardware store and pick them up there? Great instructional vid.
I'm afraid most of these materials are bought from specialty stores, mostly online. You can pick up the t-nuts from most hardware shops, I believe. And you can probably find various gauges of aluminum wire at similar places. I've even bought aluminum wires at florist's shops since they use the wire for decorations.
great!
Love these vids, I'll have to check out your patreon!
Thanks! :)
That’s it? Really? That’s how you summarize all the experience, creativity and effort we can see here?
Just a single question, that I think will contribute to make us understand the above: How long does it take a puppet like this to be made?
Great as usual, Richard.
I assume it would depend greatly on your skill level, you should probably attempt some simpler designs to start out with if you don't have much experience modeling.
The smart thing is to start with simple projects made for fun that can fail a couple of times, and it won't matter. The worst thing is trying to start off with something really grand and complicated, failing with that and getting discouraged.
Hehe! I could've made this video even longer, but I'm probably already testing the patience of my viewers. This puppet took about five days to make from start to finish. That's a pretty normal building time for me regarding a puppet of this size. The more skin patches I have to cast and apply, the longer the puppet takes to be finished.
Wow, that's incredible. I respect you even more now. How often do the finished models vary wildly from your original vision?
Not that much. The dimensions might be slightly off from my initial thumbnail sketches, but apart from that I usually manage to stick to the plan.
@@TheLoneAnimator That's impressive. When I draw, it rarely comes out how I planned.
This is so cool, keep it up man!
Thanks! Will do!
Will you do a tutorial on making a cast for sculptures to turn into a stop motion puppet
I partially cover that in a few videos spread over my channel. But I'll keep it in mind if I do another puppet-making video.
Interesting video. Did you learn these techniques in an art school, or did you experiment this type of sculpting on your free time? Either way, I find the result very compelling. I can appreciate the time and effort you put in this passion.
I'm completely self-taught, which includes digesting many books on the subject of sculpting and using latex as a puppet-making material.
Wow that's amazing!! What kind of latex and which brand do you use for the monster skin (12:45)? And do you think I could glue parts of it on a clay (Super sculpey) figure? Thank you for your help
Thanks! :) I use what's simply called "mask-making latex". There are several brands of this material and you can find it online all over the place. There's also "mold-making latex", and the difference is that the mold-making variety is usually thicker. It's easier getting thin edges with the mask-making kind, but I've used mold-making latex too with great success. Sometimes it's slightly cheaper.
Are you thinking of adding latex to cured or uncured Super Sculpey? It's difficult making latex stick to hard surfaces. It usually curls up at the edges and then the whole bit comes off. If you want a latex skin to stick to clay you have to glue it in place. Flexible contact cement is probably the best solution. I use that to stick bits of fur or cloth to puppets with latex skin. The trick is to smear contact cement on both surfaces, let the glue dry until it's not tacky anymore, and then press both surfaces together. Then it'll really stick.
@@TheLoneAnimator Thank you so much for your answer :D ! I found your videos too late actually haha - I am making an underwater monster (close to a moraine) and I've built all the body parts with tinfoil and super sculpey on top (all parts separated, baked and only connected by wire) - so i was trying to find a way to conceal the gaps between the body parts, so it can still move like a snake. I mean, it would have been much easier to do it "bluworm's way" haha but if i could save the monster with bits of latex that would be a relief. Thanks a lot and keep up the good work
@@stephaniemarielouisewidmer7098 I'd actually go for making two long bits of latex attached behind the head of your monster and covering both sides of the body, connected along the back and the belly of the puppet. That way you don't have to make a ton of smaller strips of latex to cover the joints. But that's just a suggestion. If you can make it work with smaller bits and it looks fine, give that a go :)
Can I use Gorilla Clear grip instead of contact cement? My place isn’t very ventilated so I need an alternative.
Give it a try. As long as the glue dries flexible, it should work ok.
Y put foam on you stop motion ween you just cast the inter thing in latex rubber?
If I cast the whole puppet in liquid latex it would turn out like a piece of tire rubber. I'd have to use foam latex, which is difficult to get right and also expensive. Instead I build up the shape of the body using bits of already cured foam, and then cover that with patches of latex skin. That method is much cheaper and I need less equipment for it.
Great video. Thanks for sharing. Where do you buy the monster clay? Is it sold in Sweden?
Yes, you can buy it here: maskspecialisten.se/sv/gjutmaterial/skulptering/lera/
I prefer the medium variety.
What so you use to Tini Latex
You mean what I tint latex with? I use Monster Maker's latex tints. Very good! But I also use tinting liquids used by paint shops.
What paint and brushes you use
Besides dry brushing with tinted latex I also use acrylic airbrush colors, various brands.
Very interesting, thanks for this tutorial. I ought to give it a try myself soon but it'd probably be best to start with something simple, like a worm. It'll be interesting to see what else one can pull off with the art style (partially translucent designs, or blood leaking from it, etc.)
It's interesting how you mention you actually use a "floating" rig for the running and jumping scenes with the legs being anchored into the ground for the stationery stuff, I wouldn't have thought of that.
EDIT: Hey I know this is random but I re-read a little 3-page story of mine I wrote a few months ago and I thought you might like it. I'll leave it here in case you want to read it.
imgur.com/a/g6oXzlG
Here's a simple worm puppet: Get a bundle of aluminum wires (or a single thick wire) and wrap soft yarn around the wires, slowly building up the shape of the worm's body. Then dab the yarn with latex using a sponge - a bit of polyurethane foam from an old mattress or cushion. Let the latex dry. Add a tinting medium to the latex, if you can't fint any tinting colors use acrylic paint, and dab that on with a sponge to paint the worm. Now you have a cheaply made, but effective worm creature.
@@TheLoneAnimator Thanks for the information, I'll have to give that go when I can. I don't know if I've told you but one of my favorite puppets of yours was the maggot-thing in the King in Yellow video, I really like how you created the waxy cuticle look to its skin. Anyway best of luck and good to see your video activity increasing.
Se parece a un t-rex
where do you get the foam?
The thin foam is actually foam sheets you place under a kitchen drying rack for dishes, so I just get them out of a local dollar store. The thicker foam is a collection of old cushions picked up at yard sales, donated by relatives, and the like. The important thing is that the foam used is soft.
@@TheLoneAnimator thank you, love you projects btw