Which companies offer minimee services?

[Vetinari]

Random qs. time again, I've seen lot's of pretty unique bjds out there, and all the owners list the heads as being minimees. (there's a frankly awesome leroux erik floating around somewhere)

So far I've only found this manufacturer: http://www.dimdoll.com/shop/step1.php?number=372
Are there others out there/ has anyone used them? Who's the best at capturing a good likeness?

(Basically I want to make a Bowie bjd, a la Thin White Duke/Man Who Sold the World era... This would be extremely eventually, think a couple of years down the line; especially if like in the above link it needs to be a group thing... He would look so awesome next to simply divine thomas and he'd suit being shorter too! Oh dear...)

[thisstrangeforest]

As far as I know DIM is the only one that currently offers that service but I believe bbb/resinsoul dose offer or at least did do casting for artists awhile back. Perhaps if you sculpted it yourself or had someone do it. I'm not sure on their pricing of even if they still do but I remembered seeing that and I thought I'd mention it in case it's any help.

[DollyKim]

The Dollshe Saint has a bit of a Bowie look to him with the right eyebrows or lack of.

[Vetinari]

Ah - right! Thanks! I'll have to keep this on the slow backburner then.

He does a bit, but gah the minimees are so ridiculously cool! (I've also been spoilt by necas tiny Jareths...)

[yarwel]

Angelsdoll has a headmaking service listed on their site, but it is even more expensive than DIM.

[kiki-chan78]

Actually, when broken down, the Angelsdoll is cheaper than the DiM service. With DiM's Minimee service, the $800 covers 6 heads, which means each head ends up costing $133. Angelsdoll's initial price point is higher($1000), but there are more heads included FOR the price, bringing each head down to around $100. The other cool thing about the Angelsdoll service is that you can specify the head, eye, and neck size.

I also recognize the gradient background in their 'head making-sample' shots. Most likely they're using Maya as part of the sculpting process. Which, imho, makes them that much more awesome to have the head start out as a 3D print. ^.~

<3

-Kiki-chan78.

[TasiaChiba]

If I remember correctly, Angelsdolls is the service that actually uses a 3D laser cutting process to make the sculpt for casting. They create them in a 3D program, such as Maya, and let electronics + lasers do the rest. So, no clay sculpting taking place at all. I personally think this should make their prices cheaper, but meh. >_<

[kiki-chan78]

Not always. You need to factor in the time spent modeling the head in Maya. Unless you don't feel like paying the 3D modeler for their time and expertise in a highly specific field. It's not as simple as dropping in a new set of parameters and magically out pops a new head. Trust me, doing a 3D model is just as tedious and intensive as making one by hand, it simply requires a radically different skill-set. I could understand a lower price for a poorly constructed model. But the ones presented in the images are really nice. I mean REALLY nice, those things are on par with anything I've seen made by Pixar or Dreamworks.

Then add in the cost of the 3D print itself. If you have a really flimsy and thinly modeled SD head, it can be maybe $50, but for something more substantial that won't feel like it'll break in your hands, the cost for the print alone will be closer to $100.

The type of 3D printer they have access to will determine the amount of post-production clean-up on the head to prepare it for casting. SLA and SLS prints have a lower level of 'tooth' compared to a FDM print. While a z-corp print feels more like sandstone, but can take a glossy-shine depending on the final binding agent used on it. So, a person can spend anywhere from 5 to 50hrs sanding on the head alone to achieve the desired finish.

Having made several models for print, and having sculpted in marble, clay, wood, epoxy sculpt, super sculpy, paper clay and various other mediums... I can tell you that while they all may be different mediums and require different skill-sets, the quality of the final piece is proportional to the amount of effort, and time that goes into it. ^.~

<3

-Kiki-chan78.

[DollyKim]

Just keep searching, start with a doll who has a general head shape you can work with then do a bit of modding. Some good blushing should do the cheeks.

I was on a Minime waiting list so long I fell out of love with wanting a big version, not saying that will happen with you. And I happen to have a Jareth, my sister had me do her Dollzone Recall up like him. The Monique Starr wig does most of the work.

[happyknot]

Nobility Doll Also has a custom sculpting service.