well they need some sort of authentication card so owners can be certain they got the real deal esp in resell market. like real rolex vs AAA replicas. people wanting a real rolex would still get it while people dont want to spend so much would get the AAA, and some who owns the real rolex would still buy the AAA as beater.
VTS X Artsfigures = best Max.
Not saying their faking as anyone would be upset of their hard work being copied without their authorization. We deal with that in the residential architecture world all the time with builder's taking architect plans and slightly tweaking them to pretend they're originals designs by the builder. Realistically though, if the sculptors wanted to sell their sculpts to recasters, anyone could pretend to be upset when they "find out" about recasts, especially if the only communication customers or the project runner have with the artist is through some sort of messaging service.
Many of the higher end headsculpts come with special packaging and a COA card these days. Some artists have started to number each headsculpt inside as well, assigning a number to each person who purchases the sculpt and having that number branded into the interior of the neck joint area to supposedly help keep track in case someone were to recast. So, with that, if someone is just selling the headsculpt by itself without any of the appropriate credentials that the original sculpt included, you could be pretty sure that they're selling a recast. Even though you mentioned that a branded number or other type of marking can be removed before casting, it's still a way to verify a real one from a fake if you're trying to purchase an original.
do they sell it as something preorder to meet or limited edition? if not i dont see why folks who got it would be angry when the artist decides to do reruns. they arent paying license fee so limiting it to 50 of 50 is still illegal but at the same time pointless unless they need to do this to get folks to buy. most folks who buy these arent looking for resell so resell value isnt a big deal if they decide to make more.Not saying their faking as anyone would be upset of their hard work being copied without their authorization. We deal with that in the residential architecture world all the time with builder's taking architect plans and slightly tweaking them to pretend they're originals designs by the builder. Realistically though, if the sculptors wanted to sell their sculpts to recasters, anyone could pretend to be upset when they "find out" about recasts, especially if the only communication customers or the project runner have with the artist is through some sort of messaging service.
Playing devil's advocate here: If the sculptor got their money from the original ppl in the run, but then have many ppl asking "are there any left?" or "Can I still join the run?" what do you do? You don't want to piss off the ppl that just paid a high price for a limited item by re-opening for a few more, but you also see there's still demand for your work with the chance to get a little more cheddar as well. Now, you have an opportunity to get even more out of that one sculpt by selling to recasters with an extra payday tacked on. The sculptor can easily say that someone else stole the sculpt to recast it and pretend to be all up in arms about it. They already have the loyalty of their high end customers that will come to their defense when recasts pop up, especially if they say how shocked and upset they are. So, you have a loyal fan base who believes you that will still pay the premium price to support the artist and then you're also getting extra money on the back end from the recasts. It's a win-win for the sculptor, really.
One can say their reputation will be eventually tarnished and the value of the originals will go down; but, unless there's proof that the artist sold their sculpt to be recast, typically, the ppl will chose believe the artist and that they have an original limited item over some "conspiracy theory" that the artist is in on it.
Custom sculptors when they "find out" about recasts:
Many of the higher end headsculpts come with special packaging and a COA card these days. Some artists have started to number each headsculpt inside as well, assigning a number to each person who purchases the sculpt and having that number branded into the interior of the neck joint area to supposedly help keep track in case someone were to recast. So, with that, if someone is just selling the headsculpt by itself without any of the appropriate credentials that the original sculpt included, you could be pretty sure that they're selling a recast. Even though you mentioned that a branded number or other type of marking can be removed before casting, it's still a way to verify a real one from a fake if you're trying to purchase an original.
Just want to point out, I'm not an expert-just voicing my thoughts based on my little bit of experience in custom runs and what I've seen in others. Also, I apologize if the below is a little long winded.
Another example: lower edition sizes usually matter to statue collectors and it’s usually a flex if you got a low number out of the production run and almost better yet, an Artist Proof. And related to 1/6: quite a few ppl have suggested rooted versions of InArt figures to include edition numbers b/c of how premium they're supposed to be. And I believe InArt will be required by the licensor for Joaquin Phoenix's Joker to include an edition number b/c they also perceive that adding one creates more value and only allow the license for "high end" collectibles. It's not about resell value necessarily, but more about perceived value.well then the artist at least should expect their work being copied. ask yourself as both artist and buyer would you rather have the market filled with original sculpts or flooded with recasts.Just want to point out, I'm not an expert-just voicing my thoughts based on my little bit of experience in custom runs and what I've seen in others. Also, I apologize if the below is a little long winded.
But to your question: It’s my understanding that usually the artist sets as a limited edition, at least for the higher end sculptors. That's why I mentioned previously that more and more customs sculpts coming with a numbered COA and, at times, a number or marking branded inside the sculpt depending on the artist. And like any other higher end artwork not exclusive to 1/6 figures, the fact that it’s sculpted by *insert popular artist* and marketed as a limited item makes it more valuable to the ppl buying. Usually the higher price on these custom sculpts correlates to the the limited nature.
For example: there was an Indiana Jones headsculpt that was limited to a select group of ppl (invite only I believe) that was about $800 if I remember correctly. So, imagine if you just paid $800 for a very limited item that was only meant for say 10 ppl, which was why the cost was so high, and then the artists out of nowhere decides to sell more. Most would probably raise an eyebrow at the very least if not their voice, b/c the whole point of them paying that high of a price was due to the limited nature and now the artists is going to make more? How dare they? If that was me, I know I would question why I had to pay so much if more were going to be offered in the end and I'm sure I'm not the only one. If all of a sudden 50 were now going to be offered when it was originally supposed to be only 10, I would not expect to pay the $800, but significantly less. I would want a refund and/or probably never buy from that artist again. Doing something like that lacks integrity and I don't think I'd be the only one who'd feel slighted if that were to happen.
The customers may not be looking for resell out right, but there's definitely a psychology behind it. Most humans like to know what they have is valuable (especially with artistic/creative media) and selling something as a limited run adds to it. Scarcity helps create the value. I've had this happen to me before with parts on eBay where a seller will have a certain part at a higher price than I'd like to pay with the quantity is set to "last one!" in red lettering; they're the only one selling it currently, so I buy it only to find that the item gets relisted again
I, myself, admit that it does feel nice when I get a statue or other items with a low number and sort of "eh, that's ok I guess" when I don't
Well, even HT production pieces are worse than their proto. So, it happens all the time with mass-produced items. I think having an original run sculpt is the same as having an original paintwork, not a copy. So, if you do not have the money you buy printed copies, and though they are similar it is not the original work. I see no problem with copies; they will never be the same quality as the originals. This problem exists for ages in the art scene, the real problem arises when there are people selling copies as originals (and for the same price).
so you are ok with fakes? like pirated dvd with lower quality disc? pretty much stealing. i rather the artist sell 2 grades of the sculpt.
You make it too simple. And it was discussed 1000 times. Do custom productions pay for the licenses/likeness rights? Is it not making money on somebodies intellectual properties?
