Standard-scale figure plan: model, base, and finish
Prepare a focused standard-scale figure plan. Specify your starting model or figure, display dimensions, simple base, paint references, and approval scope.
A useful first inquiry explains what you already have in hand and what you want the finished piece to look like on your shelf. You do not need an engineering specification before contacting the studio: a clear starting point, target scale, and three or four labeled reference images are enough to establish whether the project needs resin printing, kit preparation, paintwork, or a separate sculpt assessment.
What keeps a standard-scale figure plan streamlined?
A streamlined figure commission centers on one character at a standard collector scale (1/8, 1/7, or 1/6) or a portrait bust, built from a supplied 3D model or kit with a compact display base and one agreed paint direction. Multi-character scenes, large environmental bases, LED lighting, and from-scratch digital sculpting require a separate scope review.
| Project element | Streamlined standard-scale plan | Separate complex scope review |
|---|---|---|
| Scale and format | 1/8, 1/7, or 1/6 single character, chibi, or portrait bust | 1/4 or 1/3 large-format statue, or multi-character pairing |
| Starting asset | Print-ready 3D model (STL / OBJ), unpainted resin garage kit, or existing figure repaint | 2D concept art requiring full original 3D sculpting, or low-poly game mesh conversion |
| Display base | Clean disc, plinth, or compact rock/floor texture under the feet | Multi-level diorama terrain, architectural ruins, water/fire effects, or wired LED lighting |
| Outfit & construction | Fixed-pose assembly with standard transport keys | Magnetized alternate limbs/heads or removable cast-off outfit parts |
Choose the right starting point
| You have | Send with the inquiry | What needs assessment |
|---|---|---|
A 3D model (STL, OBJ, ZTL) | Model link, creator credit, un-supported part screenshots, intended size, and usage permission | Print suitability, thin details, part separation, and any model edits (see model checklist) |
| An unpainted resin garage kit | Photos of all laid-out parts, instruction sheet, eye decals, and box label | Casting quality, pinholes, warping, pinning, and seam prep (see garage kit guide) |
| An existing painted figure | Evenly lit front/side/back photos, dimensions, material if known, and any damage | Surface preparation, stripping vs overpainting, and markings to preserve (see repaint guide) |
| A character sheet or concept idea | Front, side, and back references if available, plus a preferred pose and scale | Missing turnaround views, digital sculpting scope, and physical engineering |
A file made for animation or a virtual avatar often stores details in flat texture maps rather than printable 3D relief. Owning or downloading a file does not automatically establish print readiness. Tell us where the model came from so its geometry and creator attribution can be reviewed before work is accepted.
Use the figure scale calculator for nominal standing height, then check the complete height, width, and depth against your cabinet in the display-fit planner.
Build a reference set that answers decisions
Separate references for the pose, face, costume, color palette, and surface sheen. Label the specific feature you want from each image. When two reference images show different colors or trim, state which one wins: a short note such as “use Image A for the pose, Image B for the jacket color, and Image C for the paint direction and skin/fabric sheen” prevents guesswork.
For an original character or adult pin-up / bishoujo commission, list the details that must not change: eye color, beauty marks, tattoos, asymmetry, accessories, and skin tone warmth.
Agree the scope and approval points
- Deliverable: printed and painted figure, portrait bust, garage kit build, or repaint—including the exact base style and detached accessories.
- Dimensions: overall height, width, and depth in cm or inches, not just a scale ratio.
- Production roles: who supplies the sculpt, who prepares or prints the parts, and who paints and assembles the piece.
- Reviews: which progress photos you will review before topcoat and packing, which adjustments are included, and how out-of-scope changes are quoted.
- Schedule: the production estimate, material dependencies, and whether your target date includes international transit time.
- Commercial details: private written quote, milestone payment stages, and change terms.
Review the written scope before authorizing work or payment. A 2D artwork or 3D render is a design reference, not a guarantee of identical physical pigment under every room light.
| Checkpoint | What you inspect in the photos | What is easiest to adjust at this stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Scope & reference lock | Agreed scale dimensions, part count, base style, and primary color authority sheet | Pose choice, scale target, base footprint, and overall paint direction before physical prep starts |
| 2. Print / part prep & dry-fit | Unpainted parts cleaned, test-fitted on keys, and primed on the workbench | Seam alignment, posture angle on the base, and minor surface cleanup before color layers go on |
| 3. Base color & facial detail | Primary skin tones, eye gaze direction, and blocked costume colors prior to final varnish | Blush warmth, eye highlight placement, and minor trim color balance before sealing |
| 4. Final topcoat & pre-packing | Completed figure under studio lighting plus separated parts ready for foam packing | Final sign-off for dispatch and confirmation of recipient delivery details |
Keep project credits specific
Examples in the portfolio document completed studio work; some are custom prints and others are painted kits or repaints. Your commission scope should state clearly whether the sculpt is supplied by you, licensed from a digital sculptor, or newly commissioned.
Plan the handoff and packaging before shipping
Confirm the destination country, shipping carrier options, inner foam packing, tracking, coverage conditions, and responsibility for import duties or customs charges. If you need unmarked outer cartons and neutral sender labels, review our discreet figure packaging guide and note it in your plan.
Before dispatch, agree what finished-work photographs you will receive for final approval, which parts ship detached in separate foam cavities, and how they key together on arrival.
A short first-message template
“I would like a [character or concept] for [display purpose]. I have [un-supported 3D model link / unpainted resin kit / existing figure / reference sheet]. My available shelf space is [height × width × depth in cm or inches]. I prefer [paint direction and base style]. Delivery would be to [country], and my target date is [date, if relevant]. Which scope would you recommend?”
Character and sculpt rights remain with their respective owners. Portfolio examples do not claim official licensing or affiliation. A project is accepted only after its scope and relevant permissions have been reviewed.
Discuss your figure
Send a short idea to the studio, or assemble your details in the interactive project planner. We review the starting point and prepare a project-specific, private quote.
Prepare an inquiryPlanning a larger or more complex build? Describe it in your inquiry and the studio will scope it separately.