Only a handful of people in the world
There are a lot of great artists out there, this is a fact. However, very few of them are trained to do this very specific job that @afturner does. Of course, this isn't hardly the only thing that she does, but it is one of the most unusual in my opinion.
In fact, there are only a couple hands full of people in the world who are trained to do this job, and they are almost all aware of each other. That job, specifically, is to paint and or design the faces of dolls made by famous toy companies around the world.
When we first met I went over to her place and saw buckets of blank doll heads and bodies, which I found bizarre until she explained what it was all about.
The thing that makes this skill so special and sought after is not only do you need an artist who has an insanely steady hand and immaculate eyesight in order to create insane levels of detail on a tiny head, you have to be able to copy it - exactly, multiple times.
Paint Masters
The larger companies generally need to get 3 exact copies of the same design made. One for trade shows such as Toy Fair in New York, in order to show the design to retailers.
Another to go to China, or wherever the factory is, to be used as a template to make lots more.
A third to go into a vault for safe keeping as a master copy in case it is ever needed in the future.
Paint masters have the highest standard of quality when it comes to face paint. These take a lot more attention to detail, and much more time to make than sample heads.
Sample Heads
Sample heads are much quicker to produce, and in my understanding are more like quick drafts if we want to make a comparison.
There are a few people in the industry who work on nothing but sample heads. I imagine some of them do it because they aren't skilled enough to do paint masters, while others have figured out that they can knock out a lot more of them and get a quick buck. That is just my speculation though.
Of course Amanda isn't just limited to face design. She also paints full figures. To be fair, she can really paint anything you ask her to, but I digress.
The Beyond Good and Evil 2 piece was sculpted by our good friend @steve.varner and painted by @afturner. It was a big hit at Comic-Con San Diego, where it was on display at Steve's Varner Studios booth. Amanda had a lot of fun working on this one. In fact, I think she much prefers this type of work to dolls.
One of the things that I really hate about this industry is that 95% of what you do, you aren't allowed to show anyone. And even if you could show anyone, you often can't tell them that you did it. You'd be amazed if I could show you some of the stuff she works on every single day. Stuff that is likely in all of your homes if you are a collector or have kids in your home.
Technically, you can say you've done something after it has already been released. The problem is, you have to do the research to see if it was actually ever released. Sometimes that can be tricky. A lot of designs never actually see the light of day! Often it is just best to wait several years before adding anything to your portfolio. Or in @afturner's case, she just doesn't really promote herself being that word of mouth is golden in this business.
In short, Amanda is the person you come to when you need it done professionally, quickly, precisely and right. As I said in the beginning, there are a lot of great artists out there, but much fewer that can take direction; and most importantly absurd numbers of on the fly changes and quick turn around. It takes nerves of steel that I certainly don't have.
I hope you all learned a little something new here! Personally, I know way more about dolls than I ever asked to know. But the whole process is actually quite fascinating. One thing that I have found especially enlightening is how cut-throat the toy industry is. But that is a story for another day!
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As a child I always liked having these dolls and as an adult I sometimes surprise myself admiring their features and makeup. but I hadn't thought about the work behind it all, it's fascinating
As a boy I never really thought much about dolls as a kid, but now I know the process, I find it all a lot more interesting!
It is super interesting to see behind the scenes of many things that we have no idea where they come from
that work is very well done, she is very talented in this.
You really have to be extremely precise so that all the faces look the same.
I take my hat off
Thanks @malos10, I never cease to be amazed by her skills.
whoa! very cool. quite beautiful work. and often kinda creepy! :P
It's funny how dolls are always balancing on the thin edge of creepy vs cute. It is a tough challenge to keep it on the cute side!
Thats interesting read about Dolls, seems amanda is very expert in her Job.
Thanks for sharing.
Very much so! Thanks for commenting.
Wow, I have about three dummies in my store for showcasing the outfits I make and now I appreciate it more, so much effort put into it, you're doing a great job @afturner, and you're right on this @nuthman are a lot of artists but few are trained for this job. Thank you for showcasing her beautiful works.
Being with her has given me a different perspective on things when walking around looking at things. Now I am more likely to look at some random item and wonder about the work that must have gone into creating it. Even really basic, every day items. Most human made things have quite an interesting history! I guess that's why I used to love watching 'How It's Made'
Thanks for reading!
That's crazy! I know what you mean about being a little freaked out about doll parts laying around. My mom used to work for a local doll factory and we would have arms and legs and bodies laying around for her to put together. It was kind of creepy as a kid. It seems like working on samples might give you more freedom to be creative. That might be part of the draw too. What an amazing skill! So many facets to this special person in your life!
I can't remember if I've talked about this on here before, but when I was a kid my grandma used to make porcelain dolls. She kept them in her guest bedroom, so when I would stay the night there I would see their faces staring at me whenever lightning would strike through the window. Used to scare the hell out of me!
I guess it kind of depends. To be fair, most of the time the so designers have a general idea of what they want, and the artist attempts to render it. I think samples make it easy to go through several iterations before they decide on a look that they like. Then they can give the sample heads back to the original painter, or a higher level painter that can copy them but as precise paint masters.
I know, right? I don't know why she wants to be with me though. haha!
You are definitely a lucky guy. I think you have a lot to offer too. That would freak me out as well. I can't even imagine!
I bet it was freaky at first, but also a clear sign that she was unique and worth your time. Her work looks amazing and I will admit that this is indeed the first time I've ever seen the behind the scenes of doll creation.
I remember the first time we hung out, she was talking to my friend and I must have dozed off on the couch. Then she drew this picture of me in like 5 minutes:
You'll have to trust me when I say it looks just like me, because that was back in 2006. So I had a pretty good clue that she was unique and worth my time from the beginning. Although I was pretty dumb and it took me a stupid long time to figure out that she liked me.
Man, that's so awesome. You all will cherish that moment and drawing forever I'm sure.
In my entire life, this is my first time to witness that Barbies that can be turned into Begoth. It's kind of cool!
They are actually two different projects, she has done contract work for both companies, and many more! Although it would be easy for her to Goth out a Barbie. Lol
in the hands of people who are experts in art everything will be beautiful, art is part of life, but sometimes the abilities possessed by everyone are different, i have no expertise in art, i have tried to paint, but failed, i have tried all arts, started art sculpting sculptures, designing dolls and even singing voices, all are less than perfect, maybe I was not born from an artist, and have no artistic talent, just a lover of other people's art.
I like what you show, thank you very much for your wonderful review.
That is very true, my friend. An expert artist can make anything into an amazing work.
usually a person's artistic ability will be passed on to children, even some of their descendants, unfortunately I don't have a lineage in the arts
I think everyone has some kind of artistic skill. I believe that humans are creative, at their core!
I think I have to have confidence to study art
Interesting!
@tipu curate
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