3D Polymere Clay Illustration Process

By Illustrator, Bethany Culp

I have had so many people ask me about my process, that I thought I'd put together a short essay describing how I work!

Step 1: Research

I typically begin with research. I'm often given a story to illustrate, or a short article. After familiarizing myself with the material, and talking to the client or art director about their goals for the project, I'll usually go to the library for reference images and additional information. I try to make my illustrations as accurate and detailed as possible, and spending time researching the topic can often add to the end result.

Step 2: Conceptual Sketches

After researching the topic, I'll work on some quick sketches. I'll create several concepts in sketch form, and supplement them with notes and plans for construction for the dimensional piece. These notes and sketches are then sent to the client for approval. Changes are made based on client feedback to firm up the concept and general composition of the piece before beginning on the final.

Here are a few initial sketches from past projects (click on the thumbnail to compare the sketch with the final illustration):

Step 3: Setting the Stage

Once the sketch and concept has been approved, I begin the sculpting process. I start by creating an armature of foil and wire. Using Super Sculpey polymer clay, I’ll block out a general form. Once the basic form is bulked out, I’ll go back into the sculpture and add details and texture. For relief sculpture, I will often work right on top of the sketch to get the composition as close to the sketch as possible. Photographs of work in progress are sent to the client.

The completed sculpture is then painted with a base coat of acrylic paint. Once the base coat has dried, a second coat of oil paint is applied to areas that require sensitive blending. When the second coat of paint has dried, I add hair or feathers and sew the clothing directly onto the figure.

The background elements are constructed from found materials, foam core board, plastic plants--anything I can find that will create the illusion of a realistic, to-scale environment.

Here are a few progress snapshots from past projects:

Step 4: Photography and Digital Work

The stage and lighting is then set and the piece is photographed. When necessary, digital effects are added using Photoshop. The final file is sent as a high resolution .tif file to the client.