Here, I will give you an idea of what you can expect if you decide you want to commission me to build you a customized model of your own. Please read this section carefully.
Commissions
Current status: Resin figure assembly/painting and other model kit repaints are OPEN, complex/scratchbuilding commissions are CLOSED for the year. Please send all inquiries/price quote requests to ssi.kuvulcan at gmail dot com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sculpture/kit modification commissions do you accept?
I accept commissions for construction, painting and/ or modification of Zoids, Gundam and resin figure kits. I also accept commissions for original design prototype sculptures/resin casts, primarily robots/mecha. I primarily work with a urethane- based mold material (Depending on what I think will work best for the piece) and a urethane- based resin. I only do "one shot" casts- that is, you receive a one of a kind resin figure created from a master model. I do not have the time or resources to do large kit production runs. I usually paint models, figures, and sculptures with either Tamiya, Createx, Gunze, miscellaneous spray paints or some combination thereof. I also take commissions for the assembly and/or painting of Kotobukiya's High End Master Model (HMM) Zoids model kits. I currently don't take commissions for hentai figures, however I have no problems building or painting resin figures with tasteful nudity.
How do I commission you/ how much can I expect to spend?
To inquire about commissioning me, you may contact me at my business email address, which is ssi.kuvulcan at gmail dot com. Please put "Commission inquiry"/"commission price quote"/ something to that effect for the subject. In your email, you should tell me what you'd like (For example, is this a commission for a custom Zoid, a resin kit, etc.?) and then give me a thorough, clear description of the design you have in mind. If you have drawings/images of what you'd like, that's even better. I can give you a more accurate price estimate if you can give me as much info as you can about your design. When you accept my price quote, I will begin work after I have received a 50% deposit of the estimated price. When the model is completed, you may then pay the remaining balance as well as the shipping fees.
Prices for repaints, resin figure assembly, and lightly customized models are based on 2 things; time put into the kit ("Labor" charge), and the money needed to purchase supplies ("Supplies" charge). The supplies charge covers the purchase of the model/additional parts needed, any additional paint, mold material and casting resin, and putty. Basically, anything that I do not have on hand. Items that I do keep continuous stock of (Including but not limited to plastic joints, basic sheet plastic) are subject to a small "usage" fee. You will receive a list of supplies when I send you the price estimate. The labor charge is based on an hourly wage, which is currently $8.25 an hour. Most repaints/lightly customized models take between 2-12 hours to complete, so you can expect to pay at least $16.50 and at most $99 in labor charges. Very large models, models requiring extensive masking, pre- shading effects, patterning, weathering, etc. take up more time, and as such, will be reflected in the labor charge. I emphasize that these prices are NOT set in stone; each commission is unique and present their own set of unique challenges. Charges for the assembly and/or painting of HMM kits will cover the cost of the model kit (If I must purchase the kit for the customer. If the customer supplies the model, there is no charge for it) plus an hourly labor charge of $7 as well as the cost of shipping the completed model from me to the customer. For heavily customized models and scratchbuilding projects, I do flat- rate pricing based on the complexity of the model. Shipping and insurance is also to be covered by the buyer. Please remember that the price I give you pre- completion of the model is an ESTIMATE, and may be adjusted slightly up or down.
How soon can I expect my model to be done?
This depends heavily on the model itself. For simple repaints or lightly customized pieces and small sculptures, you can expect a turn- around time of 3- 5 weeks (This time frame can double between January and March when it is difficult for me to work outside with spray paints). Projects requiring a lot of scratchbuilding can take several months (Typically 1-4 months). Again, I stress that the level of work and detailing involved in the model determines how quickly it will be completed. As of 2009, I ask that my commissioners give me a deadline so I can complete your project in a timely manner. While I am willing to work on a reasonable deadline, projects that have a "rush" deadline will generally cost more. Currently, the only time I cannot work on a rush deadline is during the winter months (Around January to March).
How can I pay you?
I prefer to be paid via Paypal, in US currency. With Paypal it's easier to keep track of who has and has not paid me, and if there is ever a need for a refund, it can be done easily and just about instantaneously. However, if you do not have Paypal, I can make arrangements with you if you can only pay with a money order. When you have accepted my pricing estimate, I will begin work after I have received a 50% deposit for the model. If you change your mind before I have started working but have already sent the deposit, it will be fully refunded. However, if you change your mind AFTER I have started working, you will only be refunded half of your deposit. If you change your mind and you don't want the model AFTER it's been completed or you fail to pay the remaining balance, you will not receive your deposit back nor will you receive the model. Why? Because I use your deposit to purchase the supplies and parts needed to build your model, money that otherwise would have come out of my pocket. The only real profit I receive from the model is the labor charge, since the supplies charge would be virtually the same if one were to go out and buy all the materials to build the model themselves. I unfortunately don't have the time or resources to do freebies. I reserve the right to refuse any commission or sale without question. If the buyer becomes difficult to deal with, I also reserve the right to send a full refund of whatever payment I have received and cancel the project. Please make sure you understand and agree to this before sending me a deposit. When the model is complete, I will calculate the shipping cost for it. By default, I will use the US Postal Service to ship all orders. If you would like the model to be sent via a different carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.), please let me know. By default, I put Delivery Confirmation on the package, but the buyer has the option of purchasing insurance for the package as well. This is highly recommended especially for more expensive models, and the insurance provided by the USPS is very inexpensive to purchase (Ranges from $1.75 to $5.70). Once I have received my final payment along with payment for shipping, I will pack up the model and mail it out. Depending on how the model is constructed, it may come partially disassembled. If this is the case, I will either email you or include a hard copy of instructions on how to put the model back together. I will ship worldwide.
What if I get my model and it's damaged?
Unfortunately, I cannot control how the postal service handles your package and I will package your model as carefully as possible, but accidents happen. Please contact me as soon as possible if you get a model that is damaged, especially if you did NOT ask for insurance on the package. If you did get insurance for the package, then the Postal Service will reimburse the cost of the model. If you did NOT get insurance for the package, I'll need you to describe (in detail) the damages to the model and if possible, email me photographs of the damages. Judging from the photos and/or written description, I will determine if it will make more sense for the buyer to return the model to me for repairs or if a partial refund (Up to 40% of the model's total cost) will be given. The buyer is responsible for the shipping charges on any returns.
I have the model/figure you said you needed for my project. May I send it for you to use in my project to save some money on the supply charge?
Yes, you may.
I want to get a commission or buy a pre- built custom model from you, but I don't have all the cash for it right now. Can you hold the model/ hold a commission spot open for me?
I only hold pre-built models if you send me a deposit for half the model's cost. After I have received the deposit, I will hold the model for you for ONE (1) month after receipt of deposit. If you fail to pay the remaining balance within one month from the date that I received your deposit, you will only receive half of your deposit back. I do NOT hold spots open for commissions at all. I think it's unfair for someone who hasn't paid/cannot pay right away to take up a commission spot, which would prevent someone who CAN pay in a timely manner from getting a model from me. And because no one likes to be ripped off, I have a "one- strike" policy when it comes non- paying customers. If you ask for a commission and fail to pay the full amount once the model has been completed, please don't expect me to take any commission requests from you in the future.
Misc. info
- I do my best to treat my customers with respect and work with them in a professional manner. However, please bear in the mind that should a client become overly difficult to work with, I do reserve the right to fully refund any payment received and cancel the project. I also reserve the right to refuse a sale of a pre-built model or commission, no questions asked. Mutual respect and understanding will make the commissioning process much smoother and enjoyable for both parties involved.
- If there are any questions at all about the status of your commission, please don't hesitate to contact me. I do my best to reply promptly, and if I have any questions about the project, prompt replies on the customer's part definitely helps me get commissions done faster.
- The client may request changes to the commission as it is being worked on. What kind of changes, you ask? Things like adding articulation/poseability (This has to be done early on and should be one of the first things you tell me if you want it, as a lot of the model's design will have to revolve around the model's ability to be reposed), or perhaps a change in the appearance of the model's armor (Ie. "I'd like the armor to look more angular/rounded" or "I'd like for the model to have an extra piece of armor here"). Reasonable changes, is what I am trying to say. In other words, if you commission me to build some sort of Liger-type Zoid, you cannot change your mind a good ways into the build and decide you want some sort of T-Rex Zoid. On the topic of changes, please do not be shy about asking for them! If something doesn't look the way you want it to, you'll have to let me know. Sadly, I cannot read minds and I would like for you to be happy with the model you are getting!
- Prompt payment is greatly appreciated. I do NOT start buying supplies or begin work on your project until I have at least a deposit for half of the quoted price.
Current Commission Queue
Trinity Liger:Status: Final lower leg armor reshape/resurface, working on weapon rack.
Special Discounted Commission Queue
Gildragon:Status: Supplies received, disassembling for paint
Blade Liger and Saber Tiger:
Status: Blade Liger received,
For Sale (Pre-Built models)
From time to time, I will have custom models I have already built for sale listed here, along with their price. Please send all questions or offers to ssi.kuvulcan at gmail dot com. SERIOUS inquiries only please.
None presently.