Submitted by jim on 6/17/99. ( jhowell@ptialaska.net )
I've noticed in the catalogs there are forms that cover the price range from inexpensive to not so inexpensive. Are they made of different products? Are some easier to use than others? Are some more durable? Or are you paying for more detail? I'm a beginner and it's hard to justify the expensive ones when I'm not sure I have the talent to justify it. Thanks in advance.
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This response submitted by frank on 6/17/99. ( basswtrout@aol.com )
Differences where to start. Most forms are really alike instyle, but anatomiclly speaking is where you will find a difference. You have Research mainikins there deer manikins sculpted by Frazier is going to be one of the best out there. He has changed the industry on how a deer eyes and body go together in proper relationship. But do I use his forms? Well sometimes if all the measurements are the same as he has. I have seen some differences in his measurements than the deer we have here, the proplem less feed for the deer. McKinize has some great heads and thats who I choose for alot of my work. Hides go on well and never had a problem with them, except for some eye to nose measurements to which you can alter or buy a change out head. Rinheart has a new head out with eyes in them do I like them not really. I set my eyes at 33-35* and there is 45*, but thats the standard in the industry. I also know a xsculptor ( still does it on the side) who never relized that the eyes where set at 33-35* until he studied a skull and yes if you take a skull and check it for the eye angle you will see it set at 33*. But you can alter any form to acommondate this change. Van Dykes, use them also a little different but good. You got Nooksete, Powel,Combs Etc.Etc.Etc. all are good in there own ways. The choice yours. All manikins have won awards at one time or another.
But the one company I stay away from and many will or not disagree with me on this is [a supply company], the reason being is his forms are over sized plus he does take other manikins and sells them as his own. He had a major law suit for this. I do not support anybody who takes another sculptor works and resells it as there own. Sorry my felling only. But as time goes on and you get more advanced in your work you will see who you like the best and use them.
This response submitted by LH on 6/17/99. ( )
It's too baD thAt you caN't sat who this Character is that Has
tried to benefit from the hArd work of other vendorS. Wish wE knew who it was. Hmmm.
This response submitted by Perry on 6/17/99. ( pgk@ncentral.com )
I agree with most of what was said above. There anatomical variations
on mannikins. There is also a possiblity of material differences in
foam density. In some cases their may even be a difference in foam mix
used by the supplier. If you stick with the reputable companies listed
above you should have any trouble or notice the material diffences unless
you start altering forms. There a host of reasons why antomical differences
occur in mannikins. Geographic location of reference specimen measurements,
Health of species herd, artistic view etc. most anatomical differences
are noticable, but not drastic. There is no catch all mannikin that will
excuse you from knowing the specimens anatomy. Yes you will be able to
put out an okay head, but if you want to put out a great head, don't limit
yourself to one mannikin and STUDY and USE REFERENCE.
This response submitted by Bob@Jonas on 6/17/99. ( )
Hey LH,
I got it. pretty clever.
who said taxidermist werent rocket scientists.
This response submitted by frank on 6/17/99. ( basswtrout@aol.com )
I did mention his or her or the company's name but I guess --- took it out LOL. I can think off many reasons why he did what he did, but the public domain should know how some companies opperate.
This response submitted by Bill on 6/17/99. ( )
We have much more to talk about here instead of him, anyway. I enjoyed the opinions above about and concerning thier choice of forms and why. There really is quite a variety in skill levels and direction, to be sure. Lets all just go forward with respect for the animal we are re-creating! Im not so sure about those eye measurements, though. But then again, I dont trust expanding foam and varied eye crystal sizes either! Good luck to all. Leanna, you sure are clever...
This response submitted by Carl on 6/18/99. ( spinneyc@klis.com )
as was said "read between the lines "
very good :)
This response submitted by Leanna on 6/18/99. ( scardeer@cornernet.com )
Way too cool LH. At first I thought maybe your pinky finger was a little lazy falling onto the shift key every so often, but when I finished reading, it stood out B-O-L-D-L-Y I'm just jealous I didn't think of it first, especially since Bill finally thinks I'm "clever"!! He he.
This response submitted by dumbo on 6/18/99. ( )
I just got it after reading this 4 times .
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