Should I build the puppet's head first?

[MuppetRob]

Hi guys,
My name is Rob and I have just found the forum AND LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!
Ive been a Muppet fan for well over 30 years and am now about to resume my puppet making.
Just one question - is it better to start with the head ?
If not where do I start ?
I havent made a puppet for many years and am about to make an ALF !!!
Also im in Melbourne Australia if youre interested to know.
Thanks Again,
Rob

 

[dwmckim]

I usually start with the esophagus myself. ...which probably explains a whole lot about why i'm not a puppet builder.

 

[Gonzo's Hobbit]

Hiya Ralph! Welcome to the MC forums!
I haven't been doing it too long but I've often started with the head. I think partly because it's the most intricate part of some of the stuff I've done and it helps set the scale for the rest of the project. But I haven't the slightest clue how much it matters in a really complex puppet like ALF.

 

[MuppetRob]

ALF is proving very difficult. I'm starting with the head and it is going to take a bit to get the head right.

 

[Gonzo's Hobbit]

I just realized I called you Ralph, I am so sorry about that, Rob.

How are you doing it in general? Just curious.

 

[MuppetRob]

HaHa - I actually thought you ment it and was calling me Ralf the dog !!!
Im really great and loving all the info on this site.
Hope youre doing well also.
xxRob

 

[Gonzo's Hobbit]

That's good.
I kinda meant how were you going about making the puppet, but it's good to know you're doing well too.

 

[MuppetLabsBoy]

Yes, I recommend starting any puppet with the head. It gets the scale right for the body, and really helps you figure out what character you are going for so that you can create the body to fit it well. Plus, I find that making the head is just much more FUN than making the body. A lot more room to be creative with the way you sculpt.

I was looking at photos of Alf on Google and noticed that his "snout" if you will, is not covered with a fabric, rather it looks like it is latex. You might want to take a look at some older posts, there is lots of stuff on making a latex head.

Hope that helps!
-MLB