For a custom sculpture quote, send a 3D model in STEP, IGES, OBJ, or STL format at real-world scale in millimeters, plus a dimensioned drawing (PDF or DWG) and at least three reference photos. If you only have 2D art or photos, that is workable—we will quote modeling separately. Complete files cut quote turnaround from days to 24–48 hours.
Acceptable File Formats
We accept two categories of files: 3D geometry and 2D reference. For 3D geometry, STEP (.step/.stp) is the preferred format because it carries solid geometry and is unit-aware. IGES (.igs) works well for surface models. OBJ and STL are acceptable for organic shapes such as figures and animals, but STL carries no units, so state the scale explicitly. Native files from Rhino (.3dm), SketchUp (.skp), Blender (.blend), and ZBrush (.ztl) are also fine.
For 2D reference, send PDF or DWG dimensioned drawings, plus JPG or PNG photos at 2000 px on the long edge or larger. For 2D vector art (logos, patterns, relief designs), send AI, EPS, or SVG. Avoid sending screenshots of models, compressed WhatsApp images, or files exported at thumbnail resolution—they force us to rebuild geometry, which adds cost.
If you have both a model and drawings, send both. The model defines shape; the drawing defines critical dimensions, mounting points, and tolerances. When they conflict, we quote to the drawing and flag the difference in writing before production.
How Much Detail a Quote Actually Needs
A quote does not require a production-ready model. It requires enough information to estimate surface area, volume, internal steel structure, molding approach, and finishing hours. A clean watertight mesh or solid at final size is ideal. If the model is still a concept, send it anyway and note that it is preliminary—we will quote with a stated assumption set.
What matters most is overall dimensions in millimeters, the intended location (indoor, outdoor, suspended, floor-mounted), and the finish level (paint only, paint plus clear coat, gel coat, metallic, or illuminated). A 3 m outdoor tiger and a 3 m indoor tiger share geometry but differ substantially in structure and coating cost.
Internal steel armature design is included in our scope, but we need to know the anchoring conditions: concrete slab, roof structure, soil, or a movable base. Send site photos or structural notes if available. This single input often changes the quote more than model detail does.
Missing Data: What We Do When Files Are Incomplete
Incomplete files are normal. If units are missing, we assume millimeters and confirm in writing. If a model is not watertight, we quote mesh repair as a separate line item, typically 2–8 hours of modeling depending on complexity. If wall thickness is undefined, we propose a standard based on size and use.
If only overall dimensions exist with no shape reference, we cannot quote accurately—shape drives mold count and labor. In that case we offer a paid concept modeling stage, credited against the production order if it proceeds. If drawings show conflicting dimensions, we list every conflict in the quote assumptions so nothing is discovered mid-production.
We never silently fill gaps. Every quote states its assumptions, and any assumption that proves wrong triggers a written revision before cutting begins.
Photo-Only and Artwork-Only Briefs
Many buyers start with reference photos, mood boards, or a 2D illustration. This is fully workable. We convert photos into a 3D model, then quote production from that model. Modeling is quoted separately and typically ranges from USD 300 to USD 2,500 depending on complexity, with simple stylized characters at the low end and detailed realistic animals or multi-part installations at the high end.
For photo briefs, send the highest-resolution images available from multiple angles—front, side, back, and top if possible—plus a scale reference such as a person or doorway in frame. State the target finished height in millimeters. Two photos from the same angle add little; one clear side view adds a lot.
For 2D illustration briefs, send vector art where possible and note which features are essential versus interpretive. We will return a modeling proposal with a revision round included before production quoting.
File Requirements at a Glance
| Input You Have | What to Send | Typical Extra Step | Indicative Modeling Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production-ready 3D model | STEP/IGES + dimensioned PDF | None; quote in 24–48 h | 0 |
| Concept 3D model (not watertight) | OBJ/STL + target dimensions | Mesh repair, 2–8 h | 100–600 |
| 2D vector art or drawing | AI/EPS/SVG or PDF/DWG | 3D modeling from 2D | 300–1,500 |
| Photos only, multi-angle | JPG/PNG at 2000 px+ | 3D modeling from photos | 500–2,500 |
| Single photo or rough sketch | Best available image + height | Concept design then modeling | 800–2,500 |
Costs above cover digital modeling only and are separate from sculpture fabrication. They are indicative ranges, confirmed per project after file review.
Submission Checklist
Use this list before sending files. Each item you include reduces back-and-forth and shortens quote turnaround.
Geometry: 3D file in STEP, IGES, OBJ, STL, 3dm, skp, or ztl, at real-world scale. State units if the format does not carry them. Drawings: PDF or DWG with overall height, width, depth, and mounting point locations in millimeters. References: at least three photos or renders from different angles, 2000 px minimum on the long edge.
Project data: installation environment (indoor/outdoor/suspended), anchor surface type, finish level, color references (Pantone or RAL), quantity, target delivery window, and destination city in the USA. Contact and commercial: company name, delivery address, and whether you need a budget estimate or a firm quote. Send everything in one email or one shared folder link—scattered files across multiple threads are the most common cause of delayed quotes.
FAQ
Can you quote from a PDF drawing only, with no 3D model?
Yes. A dimensioned PDF with front, side, and top views is enough for many sculptures, especially geometric and architectural pieces. For organic shapes like animals or characters, a PDF alone usually means we add a modeling step, quoted at USD 300–1,500, before production pricing.
What if my model was made in a different unit system, such as inches?
Send it as-is and state the units clearly. We convert to millimeters internally. The risk is only when units are unstated: an STL or OBJ file has no unit metadata, so a model intended as 2 m tall can arrive looking 2 mm tall. One sentence in your email prevents this entirely.
How fast can I get a quote after sending complete files?
With a clean 3D model, dimensioned drawing, and finish specification, we typically return a firm quote within 24–48 hours. Photo-only or concept-stage briefs take longer—usually 3–5 business days—because modeling or a concept proposal is prepared first. Large multi-piece installations are quoted in stages.