Engagement Guide
Hire Anna Schmelzer for custom 3D character modeling
A straight look at how I work — from first brief to final files — for character sculpting, digital portraiture, and miniatures headed for print or manufacture.
The Professional
Workflow
From your first brief to final delivery, I keep the steps clear: agreed scope, regular check-ins, and files formatted for your pipeline or manufacturer.
Brief & Feasibility
Every project starts with a clear brief. I review your concept art or photo references and confirm the technical target — watertight geometry for a resin miniature, or a retopologised mesh for an Unreal Engine cinematic.
Quote & Scheduling
Based on the brief, I'll send a tailored quote and a realistic timeline. A 50% deposit secures your slot in my schedule.
Sculpting & Milestones
The sculpt itself, in three passes with feedback between each:
A. Blockout — silhouette, proportions, primary forms
B. Secondary detail — anatomy, cloth, hard-surface
C. Final polish — micro-detail, print supports, pre-manufacture checks
Final Delivery
Final files in the format your project needs — ZTL, OBJ/FBX for animation, or STLs keyed for manufacture. Need something presentation-ready? I also offer rendering, lighting, and look-dev, including short AI-augmented animations (Kling AI, Runway) for pitch decks.
Pricing Strategy
Quotes are custom-tailored to the project brief.
Every character is different. A hyperrealistic likeness for a feature film has very different demands than a stylised 32mm tabletop miniature — so I quote from the brief, not from a menu.
What goes into your quote:
- Asset Complexity: Complex hard-surface armor, intricate mechanical assemblies, or elaborate hair/groom systems require significantly more development time than a standard portrait bust.
- Output Requirements & Look Dev: Does the asset require full retopology, UV mapping, and PBR texturing for game engines? Do you need final rendered images or AI video animations for a pitch deck?
- Production Context: A one-off personal project has different scope than an asset entering mass-market manufacture or a multi-season game title. The brief determines the quote.
- Project Timeline: Rush deadlines requiring weekend or extended overtime will incur a premium rate.
Daily Rates for Studios
- Film & VFX Shotsculpting: For specialized shotsculpting, facial blendshapes, and corrective workflows, pricing is structured on a daily rate basis for medium to long-term studio commitments.
- Game Development (Indie & AAA): Ongoing asset creation for real-time pipelines is also available via daily rates, ensuring flexible integration into your production sprints, whether you are a nimble indie team or an established AAA studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work under NDA?
Yes. I regularly work with unannounced IPs and major studio properties. A Non-Disclosure Agreement can be signed before any project details or references are shared.
Do you offer "test tasks"?
Test tasks are only undertaken if they are fully compensated at the standard studio rate. My extensive portfolio and client history provide a thorough demonstration of my capabilities and quality standards.
Do you print the miniatures yourself?
I operate solely as a digital sculptor. While I deeply understand the engineering requirements for resin/FDM printing (supports, keying, hollowing), I do not manufacture or ship physical resins. I deliver pipeline-ready digital files (.STL/.OBJ) for your manufacturer to produce.
How do revisions work?
The milestone workflow (Blockout -> Secondary -> Polish) is designed to catch major structural changes early. Typically, 2 rounds of minor revisions are included per milestone. Major structural changes requested after a milestone is approved may incur additional costs.
Ready to talk through your brief?
Send concept art, timeline, and technical requirements — I'll reply with a custom quote.