Illustration for From Drawing to Installed Sculpture
Process Guide

From Drawing to Installed Sculpture

Sending the Drawing and Site Photos

Start with a clear drawing or rendering of the sculpture, including the finished size and any required mounting points. Include site photos showing the wall or location where the piece will be installed, with notes on the wall type, surrounding structure, and mounting height. This gives the workshop the full context to answer the next questions.

Questions the Workshop Asks Back

The workshop will ask about the wall construction, whether the piece will be indoors or outdoors, the intended viewing angle, and if any structural support is already in place. For large works, they may ask if a scale model is needed to confirm the form before full fabrication.

Abstract Sculpture
Abstract Sculpture — see the product page

Quotation Based on the Drawing and Site Info

The quotation includes material, finish, and fabrication complexity. It does not include shipping or site assembly. The workshop confirms the feasibility of the shape, curvature, and height based on the drawing and the material selected.

Scale Model for Large or Complex Works

For large or structurally complex sculptures, a scale model is built first. This confirms the form, balance, and structural logic before the full piece is made. One documented work took more than half a year from model to site installation.

Ribbon Sculpture
Ribbon Sculpture — see the product page

Plate Forming Data Calculated for Each Panel

Technicians calculate the forming data for each steel plate. This ensures that each panel fits precisely into the final shape, regardless of curvature or height. The data is used to guide hand forging and plate forming, so the final piece matches the drawing exactly.

Forging Welding and Grinding

Each panel is hand forged and welded into shape. After welding, all joints are ground smooth. This stage is done before any surface finish is applied, so the final surface quality is not affected by welding marks.

Finishing and Colour Approval

The piece is finished with mirror polishing, brushed finish, baked lacquer, or colour electroplating as specified. A sample of the finish is sent for approval before the full piece is completed. This ensures the final colour and texture match the design intent.

Trial Assembly of Sectioned Works

For large or multi-part sculptures, a trial assembly is done in the workshop. This checks fit, alignment, and structural stability before shipping. It avoids problems during site assembly and confirms the final form.

Protective Film and Crating

The finished piece is wrapped in protective film to prevent scratches. It is then crated using custom wooden crates designed to match the shape and weight. The crate is built to withstand transport and handling.

Shipping and Site Assembly

The crate is shipped to the destination port. On site, the piece is assembled using the pre-built joints and mounting points. The assembly is done by the workshop team or a local installer, depending on the project.

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FAQ

Questions on This Topic

Can any shape be made from the drawing?

Yes. The technicians calculate the forming data for each steel plate, so any shape, curvature, or height can be built to the buyer's drawing at any size.

Is a scale model always needed?

Only for large or complex works. The workshop will recommend a model if the form is difficult to verify from the drawing alone.

How is the finish approved?

A sample of the finish is made and sent for approval before the full piece is completed. This ensures the colour and texture match the design.

Can the piece be assembled on site?

Yes. The piece is designed with pre-built joints and mounting points for site assembly. A trial assembly is done in the workshop first to confirm fit.

What happens if the site wall is different from the drawing?

The workshop will ask for site photos and wall details at the start. If the wall type changes, the fixing method may need to be adjusted before fabrication begins.

Apply This to Your Own Project

Send the drawing or the reference images and we will tell you what the material and finish choice means for your piece.