Sculpey 101 Class 1: Tutorial on How to Sculpt a Head with Polymer Clay

We start with building the basic structure for a humanoid head. I tried to come up with a way for beginners to be able to get the proportions correct. And hey: did you know I wrote a fantasy novel?
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The head proportion chart I used seems to have disappeared from the internet, but here's another great resource for that.
www.artyfactory...
A great comparison for polymer clays:
www.garieintern...
Supplies List:
Amazon Affiliate Links (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Materials:
Super Sculpey Firm
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Tools used:
The main tool I use
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Sanding sponges
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Wire bending plier
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Other sculpting tools
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Rubber sculpting tools
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Molding material
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Anatomy refrence sculpture
www.anatomytool...

[@mari0n333]

This is by far the best tutorial I found on this subject! Thanks!!

[@OnlyGodCanJudgeMe.deanna]

I got into sculpting because I paid a lot of money for something I realized with time, and patience, I could learn to do it myself! I have seen TONS of tutorials, and yours is by furthest, the most detailed, and best one out there. Especially for people as myself who is just learning. Thank you so much for taking the time to show us! I look forward to watching your other videos.

[@ranjeet27766]

How to prepare polymer clay

[@jacobs241]

“Rubbery nubbery things” that statement earned my subscription 😂

[@aokajiya]

"and...whatever the heck this is." = subscribed.

[@lindanoreika893]

Me too!

[@v10moped]

jackass

[@knyazprime]

Josh, I've been using Sculpy...since the early 80's... and I am still learning. Your videos help that continue to happen and my skills to evolve. The other sculptors in college (BACK IN THE DAY!) used to call it bubblesculpt cause they said it was like trying to sculpt in bubblegum!

[@SSDD_NYC]

I'm a minute into this video-- the FIRST sculpting video I've watched since I decided I wanted to learn it. All of your artwork in the back is mindblowing: dark and twisted in its beauty, exquisite in detail, perfect in execution. It's exactly the kind of art I'm hoping to make when I can get much better at this. Subscribed. Notifications on. You will be the reason I succeed at this.

[@JoshForeman]

Awesome! Hope you'll share images of what you make!

[@funmeister]

Josh, absolutely loving the detail and depth you go into describing and explaining everything-- with the tips and tricks and all that... which is missing from all other videos. Absolutely fantastic video and series.. my favorite by far.

[@JoshForeman]

Thanks so much!

[@syl5615]

Hello Josh. I myself have made a few figurines in Super Sculpey, Milliput, and other material, still a beginner though. Thanks to your videos, your charisma that not anyone has to make a video (!), the tips you give, the way you exlain every detail, are simply answers to how to do it, how to correct my (many) beginner's mistakes, and simply how to do it good ! You've got it all, thank you for sharing your time and know-how with us.

[@db5891]

The best chanel!

[@JamesWardGodsMagicGuy]

I agree!

[@kellywithay]

Thank you for taking the time to film this! I am taking a 3D art class in college and this was EXACTLY what I needed to know. Hope you continue with the series!

[@keys-j2v]

Really great practical instruction, thank you! Your calm and unpretentious way of teaching is really encouraging.

[@JoshForeman]

Thanks! I will pretentiously accept this complement. :)

[@TheHappyhorus]

Josh thanks for this tutorial mate, I’m learning a lot of tricks and tips from your videos. You are a really good teacher and I wanted to say thanks. 🖖

[@silfnix1971]

Just a few minutes in I already appreciate what I've learned and that you mention how to hold the piece and how to measure. I've been looking for this kind of teaching!

[@barbaramckinley667]

I have been wanting to learn to sculpt a dragon. This video is excellent and Josh Foreman does a great job of explaining how to do things so you build the base correctly. I think I will have fun if I can be patient.

[@tomorrowkiddo]

You hit so many important parts of sculpture and anatomy with this video.

[@JoshForeman]

That was the goal! And thanks for the Patronage!

[@winonabannon7953]

You may already know this, but if you have an old food processor, you can run it through and it will grind it up kind of like rice and it warms it up a little, then you can roll it together and condition it. Makes it a lot easier to work with. I enjoyed your video!

[@sn4x203]

I just wanted to say thanks. Your videos, the links... you have given me a great start in this journey. You don't know how much I appreciate this series.

[@mydoguschi72]

Thanks for the inspiration. Never sculpted a thing in my life before, though I did a bit of Warhammer kit bashing back in the day. Just got into building scale gliders and went looking for a half decent pilot bust to put into a 1/4 scale glider. After searching the net and finding nothing but cheap plastic crap, I got inspired to why not sculpt my own. So after watching your sculpt 101 series I had a crack. It’s been an awesome experience and learning so much on my first project which is still a work in progress. I discovered skills and a hobby I never would of thought I could do!

[@JoshForeman]

That's really cool! Great to hear. Do the gliders you're making actually glide? And if so would the pilot need to be light weight? If so, you might want to look into Free Form Air that I show in this video. It's a different process, though a lot of the techniques are similar. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5W6en6PipeKlac

[@mydoguschi72]

@@JoshForeman Yes the gliders are detailed scale Radio Controlled gliders with wingspans upto 4-5+ meters. Weight can be an issue but generally at this scale to achieve a centre of gravity some weight is needed. I hope to cast the finished model in resin but set mould up so the cast is partially hollow to save some weight. Will check out your link,. Not sure now to share my progress photos with you here Cheers Alex 👍🏻

[@JoshForeman]

@@mydoguschi72 Woah, those are huge and sound amazing! I have a tutorial on mold making as well, though not one on hollow casting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3a5i6tsbJiMY8U If you happen to be on Discord you can share WIP pics on my Discord channel. Find the link in the description.

[@CausticSpace]

Old vid, but getting a brush and 90% isopropyl alcohol will smooth the surface out a bit more reliably than your fingers when you rake it.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

I have been an artist and cartoonist all my long life but I could make stuff from plastercine as a kid so I recently got into sculpey {and now Appoxy Clay} , I love the work and now Im hooked well and truely however for the past 20 years I have been working almost completely in Photoshop and the problem is when I alter something on the clay that spoils the symmetry I immediately look for the "undo" key! lol, It happens all the time and Im so spaced when I remember I dont have one lol. Thanks for your videos, they help SO much

[@JoshForeman]

Oh yeah, that Phantom Undo impulse is very real for those of us who do both traditional and computer art, haha! That, and wanting to Save a copy of the sculpture before making a big change!

[@carbonitium1]

Dude, found you accidentaly as I am looking to pickup scultping in clay and I must say: 1. Great content and information, really appreciate you sharing your know-how 2. You are an epitome of self-confident IDGAF dude because you look like hipster hobo and at the same time own it 100% and you cleary workout. It's like... a holy grail of self-confident man and I applaud that because that inspires me :)

[@JoshForeman]

hipster hobo... love it. That's going on my business card.

[@judahalexander6946]

Im a artist but never sculpted b4, starting a project sculpting horror icons & your channel gave me the basics!

[@JoshForeman]

Sweet! Glad I could help!

[@judahalexander6946]

Josh Foreman what is the alcohol used for with polymer clay? Noticed you used it alot in the "details" video. I also see people use baby oil, which 1 do you prefer.

[@JoshForeman]

The alcohol slightly dissolves the surface to help smooth and blend. Baby oil does some thing similar but leaves the surface a bit slimy.

[@greenshp]

Some people are just born teachers. You are one of them! Well done.

[@francescatabor-miolla1439]

Awesome!! Totally awesome thank you so very much for sharing. Never even knew where to begin... now I have hope. You ROCK!!

[@JoshForeman]

Glad you like!

[@loopymind]

Only recently got "serious" with polymer clay for sculpting, so glad I found your channel and these tutorials!

[@goosegaskins]

Josh, thank you SO much for this series! I've been messing around with clay for years, but I never knew the fundamentals and the amazing amount of work that goes into sculpture before you even touch the clay! Thank you, thank you.

[@richardfraser7345]

Bro. Your tutorials captivate me more than others

[@ZenaHerbert]

I used to work a lot in quarter-life size scale earth clay (that fires in a kiln) and I'd forgotten about raking the clay surface to get rid of the divots. Thank you for that reminder. And for the video, too!

[@nathanhill8448]

I was looking for a portrait to draw on Pinterest yesterday and that man’s portrait really stood out to me. Really cool to see you chose him as well. I stopped and admired his features for a few minutes. Must be a model.

[@elizabethferguson-barr8932]

Great tutorial. This is the first time anyone has explained and shown it this way. Now I know what I've been doing wrong. Can't wait to follow you and all your tutorials. Thanks

[@TheOriginalKwail]

This was really enjoyable to watch for some reason even though I'm not an artist! Great video looking forward to the next ones

[@BlueRoseGreen]

Yes, same! He is really talented and the things he make is really cool. I'm a new artist and some of his videos have helped me. :)

[@MrGoatflakes]

23:00 One point about language: in Australian and British English a butter knife is literally that a knife for spreading butter. Thin, flexible, without serrations and not very sharp. We call might call what you are using a dinner knife or table knife. But not very often, so I'm not actually sure what it is properly called, because usually it's just a "knife" in the context of the dinner table and everything else becomes a carving knife, steak knife, cheese knife butter knife, etc. I've noticed Australian English has a lot of this kind of thing. For instance we typically don't say "doing the laundry"and "doing the dishes" we say noun "washing" (British "the wash"?) for the laundry and noun or verb "washing up" for dishes. And if we say "washing up" it is puzzling to us that someone might mistake that for doing the laundry, and vice versa for "the washing" or "the wash" in context, meaning to us unambiguously the laundry; that is doing thereof or the thing being cleaned, as opposed to the room you do it in.

[@teagancombest6049]

Americans call dirty clothes "laundry" so we are in fact doing (cleaning) the laundry (clothes).

[@hadassahlarkin894]

I love that u have the fast forward sound similar to skipping around a vhs or tape recorder. This video is so detailed and u are super talented! Thank u for a wonderful tutorial

[@FatPeanutsFat]

This is so incredibly helpful I can't even tell you. I am someone who enjoys taking classes but haven't been able to find one in my area but this is Exactly what I need to get started. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos!

[@JoshForeman]

Glad to help!

[@PTQ4Q4Q4Q4]

First video I have watched on this subject as I love it, and you come across as a great speaker and easy well spoken guide. Going to subb. and see more wisdom thank you so much.

[@vhinicius23]

Excellent, man! I'm a beginner and this lesson really cleared my doubts about initiating a head properly. Thank you very much! You have a fan in Brazil!

[@iamjohnluke]

Finally, a video that explains the different materials! Thank you for this.

[@xaveriagamer4727]

Hi Josh, thank you very much for making these tutorials. They are great and I am learning so much from them. They are just awesome!

[@JoshForeman]

You're welcome, Xaveria! Thanks for the kind words! :)

[@xaveriagamer4727]

@@JoshForeman I thought perhaps you would think it was nice to see my first two sculptures. First one got burned but the second one is stil alive! yeah;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/h56amXSNqpitnLs No previous expierence what so ever so I am kinda happy with it.

[@retiredtom1654]

I never thought of myself as the artistic type. You have some fine teaching skills. I almost believe I can do this, at a basic level, I'm looking forward to class 2.

[@JoshForeman]

YES! DO IT!

[@MrGoatflakes]

Yeah coming to realise that art is learned like anything else. Sure people can have innate talent, but the same is true of any skill, and like any other skill persistence practice will make anyone reasonable at least at it. Certainly good enough to enjoy doing it.

[@leelootay6112]

THANK YOU Josh! Super super helpful. You're a good teacher.

[@lowenevvan8619]

Already loving this. Can't wait to see the next lesson.

[@Bagsy84]

45 seconds in and I already feel like this guy knows what hes doing

[@SDKsa1]

Guy! you are amazing, you actually know how to teach.

[@RobButler999]

I’ve been gifted an air-dry clay starter kit. Never done any art ( I’m a retired science teacher in U.K.) Tried other KZbin tutorials on sculpting but, Josh, yours is by far the best I’ve come across, by miles. I had done two previous attempts at “ human heads” and TBH they looked really, really bad, as you would expect. I have followed your tutorials and the difference is incredible and I’m really chuffed with the result. There is, obviously, a long way to go as I improve my technique, I Struggled with the mouth and lips, but I can only get better! Thanks again. You are an inspirational teacher with these vids. Thanks for your endeavours in producing them. (PS “ chuffed “ is Yorkshire for “really pleased”. Do you accept donations in Pound Sterling?

[@JoshForeman]

This is wonderful to hear that you're chuffed, Rob! Thanks for the kind words. I take tips in whatever PayPal processes! ;)

[@luisbustamante5479]

very complete, I have struggled to find a more complete course even on websites dedicated to courses.

[@fabuularasa2305]

I love you! You're hilarious. I was laughing so hard when you tore the face off the paper and used it anyway. Totally made my day, and so very educational and engaging. Thank you so so much for your lessons and your time and effort for the community.

[@JoshForeman]

You're welcome! I love your name.

[@fabuularasa2305]

Thank you, Josh, and I love your work! Sending you more positive vibes to keep it going, man. :)

[@sirspikey]

Very good tutorial, love that you put the time in and added explaining clips (like the fleethingy)

[@faithandprovidence]

Wow, you’re a great teacher! I love all your explanations, so helpful!!! Thank you for this video, I know editing work is so time consuming!!! I appreciate it! I love the print out and glue gun trick…genius! Can’t wait to learn more, beautiful work! 👏🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@ArisRev1988]

Ooohhh!!! You have the anatomical sculpture I want!!!!

[@mehildemeh6907]

Excellent tutorial! I have never seen the advice about the raking then smoothing to get rid of the micro-hills and valleys on a flat plane. Your advice on blocking in the head from a photo and then marking the features from a photo is also new to me despite the fact I have been sculpting in clay, polymer clay and epoxy putty for 5 years. Keep up the series. I will subscribe and recommend to all.

[@snoopu2601]

That's good to know I just got the wax sculpting tools just like the one's you are showing. I can use them for other project's for details

[@cerethpainting6606]

I’m sure in your mind, it isn’t perfect, but what an amazing life you lead. I would love to be able to do art for a living. Happy subscriber!!

[@kbowler9266]

Sculpey III if fragile when baked. Mainly for small things like beads. Sculpey III can be mixed 1 to 1 with premo translucent and makes a reasonable strong clay for bigger and thinner things. I use this mix of premo translucent and Sculpey III because there are so many colours and its easier to make a colour match later, need be.

[@ClayClaim]

Really love it, job well done!!! You have earned a big subscriber :)

[@OmegaNut]

.

[@pomegrenade_358]

Wow this was quite a long time ago

[@justaspectatorpassingthrou6108]

So this is how it all started!

[@moldyshoess]

@Stetson Lewis lol what a scam

[@martinacevedohace8anos166]

Que haces aquí fred??

[@sweetmimisestscha]

this is my first time watching this tutorial and I love it!!! Great!! Great!! You explained this tutorial in very details I will keep watching the rest of all your tutorial!!! Thank You !!!!!!!!!

[@hikarii-kun2698]

I have never tried sculpting and I really want to, and this was very informative. Thank you!

[@MrFancyFingers]

Great intro into sculpey, just what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@splatt53]

This tutorial was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@lexdain9395]

I've always been interested in sculpting and you make it so easy to understand! and ur adorable with your little ranting

[@gailfattori6518]

I loved your class. You are a good teacher and I appreciate the time you took to explain why you do what you do. I can't wait to watch the rest. Good luck. Keep them coming. :)

[@denisekallas3722]

Dear Josh a wonderful lesson.

[@aintyourfavoritechampion4691]

So lucky that i know you from Blankos and twitch.And now i started do some clay works to learn and here i am.

[@yvonnewheeler7127]

Hi Josh, I just watched video #1. I've been looking for exactly this. So grateful that you are sharing your skills. I've subscribed and will follow along with everything! ❤

[@chrisdavid1410]

The best tutorials by far!

[@dkordmusicnstuff]

Thanks - love the print out for keeping head proportions!!

[@cfrates2703]

Where can I purchase the tool with the little paddle shaped ends? I have looked at 3 different craft stores and a dedicate art supply store and not finding anything similar. Thank you for these videos, they are well explained and complete.

[@JoshForeman]

I put links to all tools and supplies in the description

[@JustOneKnight]

I used to love sculpting talking 2005 can no longer use my hands for much due to pain. Loved this video so Ive subbed you. Very cool . Thank you.

[@JoshForeman]

sorry to hear that. I see it second-hand (gallows humor) with my wife losing the ability to do her art and play piano due to EDS. :(

[@JustOneKnight]

@@JoshForeman Sorry to hear for your wife, mine is just mixed Rhuematoid Arthritic. Doesnt stop me from trying the creative urge is strong in this one :) be safe, keep the vids coming.

[@bettaenthusiast2636]

I'm been searching a tutorial like this for years! Thanks! Very informative man!

[@Redthecatalyst]

I wish i saw this video yesterday lol i did my first ever project with clay and couldnt figure out how to hold the clay without getting it all bumpy while pressing. Took FOREVER but I did it and im actually super proud of how it came out otherwise. Im planning on doing a bust and was kinda intimidated by the proportions of the face so thank you for the extremely helpful video!

[@HsN-bd1lt]

I don't know if thank you is enough..I didn't know what to do and where to begin.. watching ur video helped me so much sculpting my first sculpture (king of barbarian from COC).. thank u ...*subscribed*

[@msunder0115]

Lol at the flea animation. Nice instuctional video. Really liked your finished artwork in the beginning of the video.

[@Hereandlearning]

I just found your channel I’m so happy I did!! I’m new to sculpting and I’m completely HOOKED!! I can’t thank you enough for sharing your talent and knowledge, blown away so far! Excited to watch more of your videos, thanks again your channel is amazing!

[@andreasn]

Dude, i think this is awesome. I have never worked with clay except once or twice in my childhood and this makes me want to get into it. I think i just might! :)

[@andreasn]

Oh, and btw this video is super helpful and well edited, good job all around!

[@VictorsMonsterLab]

Awesome work! Thank you!

[@heartlystar1563]

Omggg this is the most informative video ever this have help me so much as a starter I recently decided to try sculpting I have love it ever since I eventually got discouraged bc I been searching and searching video to teach mmyself how to sculpture came across your I have been blessed thank you so much for this beautiful inspiration pls never give up on these classes new subscriber ☺️

[@Snooty-Pookie]

you make a great teacher. 👍

[@JoshForeman]

Awww, thanks! :)

[@thundermicelouie5787]

Really like the cardboard form template idea. Good for 3D pen build up also.

[@dovel1000]

Great first lesson. Very informative and practical.

[@crustasaurus]

this is a very informative video, and I love all the effort put into the editing, thank you!

[@stevenlesperance445]

great work! professional presentation.

[@gtavo01]

I shall become your student through your videos thanks for being awesome n funny in your videos

[@mbarone911]

Amazing stuff, Josh. thank you. Love your style.

[@heatherherrmann1777]

Really great tutorial.I'm glad to have found you and look forward to watching the other videos in this series. Subscribed.

[@gregrydberg7168]

Great video! The pictures and animation shown as you describe things are so helpful.

[@allenclark4235]

Oh, and your work is amazing. Love the Zelda stuff in the background!

[@aprilhughes8540]

Thanks so much for the butter knife trick! I actually had a plastic "to-go" knife that is absolutely perfect for this! Taking time out to make my own tools or order them just hasn't been my priority...

[@dragonfly264]

Love love love this video. Great teaching skills

[@jonspeck4736]

The nice thing about using aluminum foil as the armature is that it also helps reflect the heat, so the sculpey gets baked all the way through

[@claygirl6133]

The template is a good idea, nice video.

[@MsStarlet21]

Yay! I happy I found this channel! I hope you’re still making videos. But either way thank you so so so much for making these videos so helping everyone who wants to do this! ❤️

[@nerome619]

very good, enjoyed this and liked the honest approach

[@stormcorrosion176]

Bro, that green angel you made is incredible.

[@nourm1982]

thank you from the bottom of my heart for your great lessons

[@catherinegoldie3432]

Love your technique really different from everyone else, I also sculpt dolls from polymer clay I will try your technique out💕

[@mikaylafjeld643]

I learned SO much watching your video. Thank you for sharing!

[@alacrionaesthetics1647]

I just wanted to say thank you Josh, you inspired me to start ...arting....again. This tutorial has inspired me to take on my first face sculpt and to start my own channel. Stay weird.

[@mikegameon]

REALLY REALLY REALLY APPRECIATE you all the tips, the lesson and everything that i learned here thank you for all and Keep it up :D

[@saraharris2699]

I love the flea animations!!

[@ludmilacox6579]

Thank you so much for this video and how detailed you were.

[@brielfarris9524]

You rock! Very generous with you knowledge. Thank you.

[@MrMage888]

The best tutorial for a beginner in youtube Thank you