Custom Help

[CypherRayne]

I'm making a custom based on one of my favorite characters and it would be fine, except that this character has burns on his face. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to achieve this effect on a pony or if I should just let it go. Also, anyone ever made headgear for a pony? Like a removable helmet? Any tips?

[MoonHawke]

I would say painting the scars would be the safest option. Then if they don't turn out right, a little bit of acetone and they're off.

Logic tells me you might be able to heat up a needle and melt the plastic to get a scar-type look. But even if this does work, you run a higher risk of ruining the pony.

I know many customizers have done removable masks with the use of magnets in the head and mask. Something similar might work. Maniah told me that she wrapped her pony's head in plastic wrap before sculpting, so it would fit the head snugly, but wouldn't get apoxie sculpt on the pony.

[Sarahlacewing]

Logic tells me you might be able to heat up a needle and melt the plastic to get a scar-type look. But even if this does work, you run a higher risk of ruining the pony.

Ponies melt and the plastic turns black if you use a wood burning tool.  It's hard to get it out of the groove, I think paint sculpt combo are the way to go.

[CypherRayne]

Luckily, it's a pony I can get at work for like 3 bucks if I do mess up. No idea how I would paint burns on a yellow pony. Should I seal it first?

For the helmet I'm planning more of a medieval armor type helmet. Any suggestions on brand of clay?

[Sarahlacewing]

Well first what kind of burns are we talking?  Old healed scars, blistered/boiled flesh, deep red and raw? There are many kind of burns in many stages of infection or healing.

Helmet- how are you handling the hair? I'd lean towards air dry apoxie for small detail, over bake super sculpey for just big bulk piece.

[CypherRayne]

Old, healed scars. The character was burned badly 20 years in the past.

I will be rehairing, so I would like the helmet to be removable.

[kaoskat]

I think sculpting is probably your best bet too. Melting the pony doesn't seem like it would work well.

[Sarahlacewing]

With burn scars there are also a few different types but I think that you're best bet will be sculpting.  A scar from like a cigarette burn or a hot surface burn is definitely going to be raised and discolored.  A more complete burn with graphs and stuff is going to be more about pushing the clay around on the face.  Let me look for some da pics...

Ok this is a make up effect tutorial...
http://applecakealois.deviantart.com/art/Scar-tutorial-266232353
http://damekazeko.deviantart.com/art/Zuko-scar-tutorial-169250139

This one is largely stitches:
http://v-e-r-a.deviantart.com/art/Simple-Stitches-Tutorial-272994181

I'd say look around at some burn sculptures to see how they look and give you an idea of how the skin lays.  Images of the character in question will probably be best.

[CypherRayne]

It's hard to choose because in the books he is written to be much more scarred, like this " his jawbone is exposed, as the skin above it was completely burned away, and his ear on the burned side is completely gone, leaving only a hole" In the show his scar kinda resembles Zuko's I guess, in that it isn't as severe and healed somewhat decently. I don't know which one to stay true to.

[Sarahlacewing]

Hmm that is a tough one.  Is the project for you or for someone else?  If it was me I'd want to be true to the book because that is how I would imagine the character in my mind.  But if you choose the book it's possible that other people won't recognize the character since they are used to seeing the show and using that image as a visual representation of the character in their mind. Will it bother you if people don't immediately recognize the character?

Sorry if I am being a pest I'm not an expert but I like to be helpful.

[CypherRayne]

Oh he's for me ^^ I don't mind if people don't recognize him really. I love this character either way honestly and that's why it's so hard to choose. His scars are part of who he is and so I want them to be prominent. Maybe I'll mosh the two together and do an in between sort of scarring.

And you aren't being a pest. I really do appreciate all of the help.