Phaze Studio Online Journal

I've seen recently an increase in artists sculpting/releasing a horse in resin... and then offering 2-3 "versions" of the same horse (with different manes/tails or a slightly different pose), and//or then offering it in mini-size... in 2-3 versions...

There must be a market for all these horses, since it keeps happening at such a high frequency. Although not always the case, the first thought that comes into my mind is that the original artist saw a few customized pieces, liked how they looked, and wanted to get a piece of that success. Although this is not always the case.

This is a slippery slope for me to tread on, since while on one hand I am in favor of the original artist benefiting from these new 'versions'... I am REALLY against having so many different variations cast and sold of the same piece, with slightly different hairdo's or very minor (if at all) body customizing. My first and foremost reason is that every 'version' that comes out which is basically the same as the one before-- cheapens that earlier run.

My second feeling is that it devalues all those customized pieces that happened before it. When a resin is released and sold to the public, many artists will see it and think "OH, wouldn't that be cool to do THIS to make it different!". And so they customize the original release, making it one of a kind. Now... what happens if the original artist then releases a second version of the original resin, with the same/similar customizing that a different artist did previously? The one of a kind horse is not anymore. It took away the value of that custom, and is a bit demoralizing for the customizing artist, since now she wouldn't be able to get the same price for that piece that she would have before Version 2 came out.

Now, think about it this way, as a consumer. Here are two real-life examples of what happens.

Example #1: Say you REALLY want resin A. Its a nice piece, and a limited run of 150. You are so excited about getting it and its the newest, hottest thing out there. On the release date and you wait by the computer and as soon as it is available you get one. You are able to secure one. Horray! Victory!

But then, three months later the original artist comes out with a second version, which is basically the same thing only with different hair. You try to sell yours (at cost) because you need money, but no one wants to buy it at the price you paid because this new version is available. So, you have to sell it at a loss.

Example #2: Say you see this amazing customized resin for sale. It was a popular resin, and then what this artist did made it so different and unique, and you love it. You spend a lot on it, but thats ok since its one of a kind and a LOT of work went into customizing it.

But then, 3 months later the original sculptor of the resin comes out with another version customized basically the same way. This devalued the horse you bought because now someone can basically buy the same thing for the u/p resin price, instead of paying for all the customizing. So, if you have to sell this horse, you will not be able to recoup what you paid.

Now again, I can see how there can be multiple arguments on this. One could argue that the multiple versions may make the original version more valuable. There are examples of this happening. However, more often than not this is not the case. It floods the market with these "limited editions" that basically are the same piece, diminishing the secondary market value. Why does this matter to us? Because people are less likely to buy an unpainted resin if they are unsure if it will hold its value.

I personally am of the mindset that if you are going to spend the time to create an original sculpture, don't keep recasting it and recasting it. There are ways to make the edition profitable while also being fair to the secondary market and protect the buyer's investment.

1. Offer an open edition, allowing people to buy as many as they would like. This insures that the artist is the main beneficiary of sales.

2. Offer a limited edition, with a set number of numbered copies all coming with COAs. This protects the buyer's investment in that they know it is truly a LE, regardless of number. If you are genuinely worried about scalpers benefiting off your hard work, offer these pieces at auction and let the market decide the final cost. This also means that sold out means *sold out*. Stay honest and don't have one recast every time you need money.

3. If you do want to do multiple versions right from the start, there is nothing wrong with that!! Its probably a good idea to state what versions you plan on doing in the original release, especially if its something you think may have a lot of interest. OR, say that you do not want people customizing it, thereby keeping the 'specialness' of a customized re-release.

4. Not everything has to be mini-sized. Its ok to just have one size or another. There is also something to be said for doing a brand new sculpt if you want to mini-size something. Shrinking things down digitally looses a LOT of detail, and it takes FOREVER to put it back in. I realized how exhaustive this process is from watching Morgen Kilbourn re-detail Bitty Bosco. The finished piece was incredible, but it took a LONG time to put back all the detail so that he was as great as the original. What I learned is not all shrinkies are created equal, and putting out a really detailed mini, either a fresh sculpt or a shrinky, takes a long time. And a magnifying glass.

If you have a popular resin that you really want to make into a mini, either really put the time in to re-detail in it, or if you'd rather do a fresh sculpt, change it up a bit to keep the idea fresh.

5. Don't wait until you see a customized piece to do another version. Remember that this hobby was built upon people customizing. Its wonderful that people can build on your ideas and customize your horse. But, just because it looked great, doesn't mean that you should do the same type of thing and then offer it as an edition yourself. Don't dwell in the past... start a new piece and keep pushing yourself to do better.