Frequently Asked Questions
Are your custom services available to private individuals as well as organizations and companies? We accept private commissions from a wide range of individuals and companies. Whether you're a large company in need of a trade show or promotional piece, a museum looking for a realistic historical figure, a theme restaurant or shop looking to enhance your customers' experience, or a private collector who wants something displayed or a unique piece of sculpture or furniture to make your home theater something special, we'd be happy to discuss what we can do for you.
How do I commission a custom sculpture? It all starts with an email. Drop us a line and let us know what you're looking for.
Can you design something for me? Yes. If you've got a rough idea or concept, but not a finished design, we can offer that service as well as fabrication.
What if I don't even have a concept? If you've just got a project, but need ideas, we can also work with you to come up with concepts as well as designs.
How much do your custom services cost? We offer many custom services, from custom sculpture (busts and masks, theme props and lifesized characters), custom mannequins and display work, one of a kind furniture and functional art, and even movie prop restoration work. All custom work is priced on a project by project basis. If you've got something you'd like us to sculpt, display or restore, email us today and we'll be happy to give you an estimate.
What is the commission process like? After initial consultations, we will schedule a start date for your project. Once work commences and throughout the creation of your custom work of art, progress photos will be sent along with detailed updates. We strive to keep our clients involved in the process.
How long does a custom sculpture take? It depends greatly on the project and our schedule. We do our best to provide honest time estimates, maintain steady communication and provide excellent service throughout the process.
Is a deposit required on custom work? On most custom work, a small non-refundable deposit is required to schedule your project, followed by one or more payments beginning at the time work is scheduled to commence.
PAYMENT and ONLINE PURCHASING QUESTIONS:
Do you accept payment in installments? On larger items, display projects or custom sculpture and other artwork, we usually will work with the client to create a payment plan that makes sense for the project and the schedule and/or deadlines. Generally, we find the following works best: Deposit to schedule your project, 50% of the balance due prior to start of work, the remaining balance plus any shipping fees due prior to the scheduled completion of the project.
Can I use a credit card to pay you? YES, we accept credit cards, business checks, personal checks, money orders and Paypal
Is paying through the links on your shop safe and secure? YES – we use paypal's secure system to handle our online payment services. Customers can safely pay via credit card OR with a paypal account. See Paypal's site for detailed information about their service and security: http://www.Paypal.com
When clicking the "buy now" button, I'm not seeing the option to pay with a credit card (w/o a paypal account)?
To pay by credit card, fill out the information on the LEFT side of that page and ignore the paypal log-in on the right. If no form appears on the left, look on the lower left for the credit card logos this link: "Don't have a PayPal account? Use your credit card or bank account (where available)." On the following pages, look for the "continue without logging in" link.
Do you sell on ebay? YES, from time to time we do list items on ebay. Our ebay ID is TomSpinaDesigns
OTHER QUESTIONS:
What do your prior clients have to say about your work and their experience with your company? Many of our past clients have sent testimonials regarding their experience with us. We've proudly posted those on our Testimonials page.
Can you make ____? If you've got a design that you'd like custom sculpted, fabricated or otherwise brought into existence, send us an email with detailed information and we'll be happy to let you know if it's something we can create for you and provide you an estimate. Please see our “Custom Sculpture Services” and “Custom Furniture and Functional Art” sections for more information and photos.
Can you display____? If you've got original movie masks or wardrobe, historical items, militaria or other hard to display items that you'd like turned into a stunning display, email us with a description and some photos and we'll let you know what we can do for you. We can provide custom mannequins, acrylic work, bases and more. We can also, of course, create custom sculpted heads and other pieces to help complete your display. Please see our “Custom Display Services” section for more information and photos.
Can you restore ___ ? If you've got a foam latex original movie prop or screen used foam latex mask or appliance that's in need of attention, please email us with a detailed description and several photos (preferably of the areas of concern) and we can give you an idea of what's possible. Please see our “Restoration Services” section for more information and photos.
How do you ship your items? This depends greatly on the project, its size and its value. On a regular basis, we use USPS priority and express mail, Fedex priority overnight, ground or freight and UPS ground. We also have used private shippers for unusually large items. We always use some method of tracking or confirmation and recommend full insurance.
Can you ship to ____? In most cases, we can ship anywhere in the world using many of the methods mentioned above.
Can you combine shipping? In certain cases. As some of our display items ship from different locations, this isn't always possible. Please email us with the items you're considering and we can let you know if combined shipping is an option.
Do you have a physical store? No, our online “shop” is our retail location. Custom work is done at our private studios.
Can you make display acrylic cases? Yes, we work with several acrylic shops that can create custom cases for our clients. Please email us the dimensions of the cases you'd like to order and your shipping address and we will be happy to provide you a quote.
Do you offer a bulk discount on products? Sometimes. Email us with your needs and we can LYK if a discount is possible. Some display items are offered at a case discount and are marked as such on their product page.
Do you offer a bulk discount on products? Sometimes. Email us with your needs and we can LYK if a discount is possible. Some display items are offered at a case discount and are marked as such on their product page.
Can I get a job at Tom Spina Designs? At the moment, we're not actively hiring, but are always curious to see the work of artists who are dedicated, talented and dependable.
I have a product that your clients may find useful, will you carry it? Maybe! Drop us an email with information about the product and your business and we'll be happy to consider it.
I see some custom furniture in your Theme Props section. Is it sturdy enough to sit in/use/etc? Generally speaking, yes. We use heavy duty (but lightweight) materials to create unique pieces that are functional AND look incredible.
What sort of materials do you use in your custom sculpture? We use a wide range of materials, from foam rubber and latex, to resin and fiberglass, to wood and metal, acrylic, plastics, silicone and more. Each project is evaluated individually and the material best suited for both the look and function of the piece is chosen.
What is flocking? Flocking is a material/process used on some of our display heads and mannequins which gives a velvet-like property to the finished piece. It adds a classy and elegant feel to many displays.
Can you make custom mannequins? YES. We can customize existing mannequins or create something from scratch to suit your needs. Please see our “Custom Display Services” section for more information about our custom mannequin services.
How can I care for my latex masks and movie items? Latex items should be kept out of direct sunlight or harsh UV lights and handled infrequently (as the oils from your skin can break down latex). Wherever possible, we recommend the use of a display case to keep dust (and fingers!) off the piece. For the best results, the piece should be properly supported, on a bust or head form, or gently stuffed to keep its shape.
How do you see out of the Hooded Horrors? Many of the Hooded Horrors feature latex masks. The wearer sees out of the masks through slots made in the deep grooves above the character's eyes.
Are the Haunt Items, Lifesized Characters and Hooded Horrors only available around Halloween? These products are generally available all year long unless otherwise noted.
Can I buy the screen used props seen in your displays/restoration page? These items are generally not for sale. If you visit our links page, however, you can find several sites which do sell original movie props.
Do you rent items? Generally speaking, we do not rent items.
Can you make me a reproduction Muppet character? No, sorry.
Can you make me an exact replica Star Wars (or other film) mask, character, etc? No, sorry.
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Website, products and photos © Tom Spina Designs, your source for custom sculpture, mannequins, statues, busts, theme props, home theater art and furniture, foam latex mask restoration and movie prop displays.
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owners and are for reference purposes only.