Custom Modelling

On the matter of custom models, I put together this general information page for potential clients to be familiar with how this works, and more importantly- how an affordable custom model can be made for your project for a lot less than you thought.

Quite a few clients ask about modelling sculptures from photos, especially salvaged architectural pieces, fragments or other designs they saw somewhere in person or in print.

Why does someone need a custom model when there are salvaged architectural pieces around?

Salvaged pieces, when they are available can sometimes work for certain projects, but of course finding the size, design and configuration one wants for a new or restoration project is almost impossible, especially if the project involves the need for several of the same design, mirrored pairs, undamaged pieces and so forth.

The salvaged pieces today of course come with a hefty price-tag, mostly due to their being antiques, collectable, one-of-a-kind and other intrinsic values such as sentiments due to where they originated from, or by whom they were made.

The prices on salvaged pieces are now at the fine-art level where I can offer competitive prices on a custom model designed the way the clients wants. One does not have to settle for "whats available" and paying premium dollars for it no matter what condition it might be in, or that it might be caked in toxic lead paint.

Make no mistake, custom models are not for the client hoping to duplicate something they have for $100 or $200. The average set up, design and modelling of a sculpture takes around 20 to 30 hours. This depends on many factors of course and some will be less, while others will take more.

As such, and due to material costs, custom modelling as of June, 2020 starts at $1,800 this includes all materials for the model, and up to 30 hours of setup and modelling time. Most models of the size range and complexity I work with generally are completed in under that 30 hours.

Change-orders on a completed model, alterations or additional time modelling past 30 hours is $60 per hour.

I do not charge for the initial design/consultation time, and this is not part of the 30 hours.

Once the model is approved and finished, there is phase 2; the mold making, this is charged on a 50% of the materials cost plus time basis as I retain all molds and rights to the designs produced in my studio.

The exception is for designs of a personalized nature which I simply cannot use, i.e. a family crest, or if the design is such I feel it has no use to me and doesn't fit my line.
Then the client pays the full cost for time/materials but the mold is destroyed or stored for the client for subsequent casts.

Casts are generally priced based on similar sized/weight/complexity pieces I produce, and will vary somewhat depending on material, finish etc.

Shipping is FedEx ground, or via freight truck for heavier pieces/quantities. Shipping several sculptures crated on a pallet via truck can be cheaper than shipping several boxes via FedEx, the break-even point is around 500#. Truck shipments are FOB via a loading dock here to your business, loading dock or residence.
Truck shipment pickups are arranged and paid for to the trucking agent directly by the client providing them with the information I provide the client when the shipment is ready- weight, size, crated/palletized, class etc.

Every project is unique, the first step to make your project come to life is for us to look over any photos, drawings, sketches or ideas you may have, and then discuss the goals for your project, then I will have a much better idea on cost and scope and can provide a firm quote to you at that time.

A custom corbel solution for a townhouse restoration project in a historic district of St. Louis Missouri.
Corbel project.

Please click on the link below to access the new client email request form, this will pop up a private log-in window (you must allow popups here for this to work) and simply enter the below values it requests;

VICTORIAN & ART DECO ARCHITECTURAL SCULPTURE, COMMISSIONS