This is the first stage in which sculptor Javier Murcia brings to life the figure of Paul Stanley for a new line of collectibles produced by Weta Workshop. The sculpture was traditionally sculpted in clay—a rare approach in today’s world where digital tools dominate the industry. Yet, Weta Workshop continues to champion the value of traditional craftsmanship, even in an age of hyper-advanced technology.
While digital sculpting offers powerful tools and flexibility, Weta understands that artistry begins with the artist—whether with clay or on a screen. Their philosophy embraces both ends of the spectrum: cutting-edge digital tools and hands-on sculptural techniques. Even digital models are “traditionally crafted” in a sense—because behind every successful design is a skilled human being shaping it with intent and precision.
Once Javier completes the clay figure, it is 3D scanned and passed to talented digital artists like Jorgeline Jemen and her colleagues at Weta, who refine and finalize the piece digitally. This hybrid process is a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation, keeping the human touch at the core of the creative process.
You can see the final collectible figure and pre-order it now through Weta Workshop’s platform.
This project is a testament to how traditional sculpting still holds an essential place in modern production pipelines. As AI and automation evolve rapidly, it becomes increasingly important for creative companies to uphold artistic integrity and not rely solely on profit-driven shortcuts. Keeping artists in the loop ensures authenticity, quality, and a future where humans and technology coexist creatively.