Honest advice sought

[kenter]

Hello! I am trying to ascertain how to find a sculptor who would produce "masters" (one of each) of wildlife figures. I am not an artist and don't pretend to be. I am interested in producing pewter figurines and selling them. The size approx. 3"-4". They should be realistic as opposed to abstract.
Perhaps, some of your readers could offer some suggestions? I have spent a great deal of time on the internet but don't see artists looking for commissions.
Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks.
Kenter (Canada)

[Landseer]

Hello! I am trying to ascertain how to find a sculptor who would produce "masters" (one of each) of wildlife figures. I am not an artist and don't pretend to be. I am interested in producing pewter figurines and selling them. The size approx. 3"-4". They should be realistic as opposed to abstract.
Perhaps, some of your readers could offer some suggestions? I have spent a great deal of time on the internet but don't see artists looking for commissions.
Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks.
Kenter (Canada)Hi,
In other words you need to hire someone to hand scupt models for you in order to use them to make pewter runs of them?
I'm sure plenty do this, my own thoughts on this however is that due to the size 3-4" these would not be something a sculptor could charge $10,000 for, while a lifesized bust they could, and it might take no more TIME to do than the 3" tall model that they might only feel they can get $200-$300 for.
The other issue concerns royalties, copyrights, work for hire issues, the sculptor will likely want a cut from every cast sold and that is entirely reasonable especially given the fact you could sell thousands of the casts, or none as the case may be in the end.

I think most sculptors who are actively seeking out commissions are looking for big pieces. Many here also are mainly involved with very modern and contemporary or abstract work, myself, Blake and a very few others seem to do realism, and I'm probably one of the even smaller number here who does anything in animals.
Most seem to go for human form, torsos, figure sculpture, strictly animal sculpture is a real specialty and my models were dogs, but with a polar bear, manatee and a couple of none dog pieces.

A number of years ago I did a whole series of pewter dog head portrait medallions, very 3D and highly sculpted, I did about 60 breeds, but they just didn't do much. Unfortunately that sort of market and little gift statues is so saturated with stuff under $10 now from so many sources it's not funny. Are you certain you will have an active sales market for these?

[ahirschman]

Kenter, Landseer does amazing work with animals. Now you have your sculptor and all you have to do is work on the price and the other things that Landseer mentioned.

Good luck.

Ari.

[kenter]

Hello! Landseer,
Thanks for your response to my request. I appreciate artists need to make a living - who doesn't - but I also have read plenty of postings that seem to indicate people need to either sell their artworks or have someone do it for them. Yes, a $10,000 commission is great, but how many can obtain one?
My purpose in posting was to show I had difficulty in finding an artist who does miniature work because there appears to be no web that focuses on that aspect of artwork. I also don't wish to take a person's time if he/she is not interested .
I am pleased to say my searching has found an artist and, in fact, he has contacts who are engaged in the type of work I would like to commission.
My reseach on outlets has given me the information as to what is required and I am going to proceed forthwith.
Again, my thanks for your information. Thanks Ari, also.
Kenter