Custom sculpture commissions

Custom sculpture from a photo, made by a professional sculptor

Turn photographs of a person, pet, or meaningful moment into a one-of-a-kind sculpture. Compare real work by MadeMay sculptors, learn how each artist works, and begin a private commission in bronze, stone, wood, clay, resin, or another suitable material.

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2 vetted artists12 real portfolio examplesStarting at $1,500100% handmade

The people behind the work

Sculptors who can bring a photograph into three dimensions

The right sculptor depends on the subject, scale, material, and feeling you want the finished work to carry. These MadeMay artists have real portrait and figurative work in their portfolios, and you can speak with them directly before committing.

"I'm Still Here (John Hartford)" by John Leon

John Leon

Cincinnati, Ohio

From
$1,500

Bronze, stone, ceramic, & wood sculptor — figurative, realism & abstract; wildlife; music themescommissions

John Leon works from Cincinnati, Ohio. Their materials include bronze, stone, wood, and ceramics. Their portfolio includes ""I'm Still Here (John Hartford)"" and "Dove of Peace". Talk with John about a custom portrait, bust, relief, or figurative sculpture using photographs and other reference material. Their MadeMay commissions currently start at $1,500; the final price depends on the specific size, material, and scope.

View John's profile
Rapture by Larry Bechtel

Larry Bechtel

Blacksburg, Virginia

From
$2,500

Figurative bronze sculptor — public monuments and portrait commissions

Larry Bechtel works from Blacksburg, Virginia. Their materials include bronze, clay, and resin. Their portfolio includes "Rapture" and "Calling the Powers". Talk with Larry about a custom portrait, bust, relief, or figurative sculpture using photographs and other reference material. Their MadeMay commissions currently start at $2,500; the final price depends on the specific size, material, and scope.

View Larry's profile

Real portfolio work

Portrait and figurative sculpture by MadeMay artists

These are real works uploaded by the artists themselves. Open any piece to inspect it more closely, then visit the artist's full profile for materials, experience, process, and availability.

"I'm Still Here (John Hartford)" by John Leon

John Leon

"I'm Still Here (John Hartford)"

Rapture by Larry Bechtel

Larry Bechtel

Rapture

Calling the Powers by Larry Bechtel

Larry Bechtel

Calling the Powers

Dove of Peace by John Leon

John Leon

Dove of Peace

Harry Wilks by John Leon

John Leon

Harry Wilks

Dancer by Larry Bechtel

Larry Bechtel

Dancer

Neil Armstrong by John Leon

John Leon

Neil Armstrong

Isaac Granger Jefferson by Larry Bechtel

Larry Bechtel

Isaac Granger Jefferson

Mary and the Child by Larry Bechtel

Larry Bechtel

Mary and the Child

Restoration Figure by John Leon

John Leon

Restoration Figure

Rapture (gallery) by Larry Bechtel

Larry Bechtel

Rapture (gallery)

Figurative by John Leon

John Leon

Figurative

The commission process

How a photograph becomes a handmade sculpture

A skilled sculptor does more than copy a flat image. The artist interprets form, expression, pose, and character, then works with you to make decisions a photograph cannot answer on its own.

  1. 01

    Share your photographs

    Send the clearest images you have. Front, profile, and three-quarter views are especially useful, along with notes about expression, pose, clothing, and personality.

  2. 02

    Choose scale and material

    Discuss whether the work should be a tabletop bust, full figure, relief, life-size statue, or monument, and whether bronze, clay, resin, stone, wood, or another material fits the project.

  3. 03

    Review the sculptural model

    Many commissions begin with sketches or a clay model. You and the sculptor review likeness, proportions, and composition before casting, carving, or finishing begins.

  4. 04

    Approve and receive the work

    The artist shares progress updates through MadeMay. Final delivery, crating, shipping, and installation are planned around the size and material of the finished sculpture.

Planning your commission

What makes a strong sculpture reference

A single photograph can be enough to begin a conversation, but several angles give the artist better information about depth and proportion. Older family photographs can also work when the sculptor has enough visible detail and context.

Pricing varies widely because a small clay portrait and a monumental bronze involve very different time, casting, engineering, shipping, and installation requirements. The starting prices below come directly from each artist's MadeMay profile; your artist will quote the exact commission after reviewing the idea.

Helpful details to share

  • Use sharp, well-lit photographs when possible
  • Include multiple angles and any meaningful personal details
  • Share the intended display location and approximate dimensions
  • Tell the artist whether likeness, gesture, or symbolism matters most
Describe your project

Invitation-only artists

Every MadeMay artist is selected before joining the marketplace.

Handmade originals

No AI-generated art and no factory or mass production.

One connected record

Scope, messages, payment, and delivery stay connected on MadeMay.

Questions clients ask

About sculpture from a photo

Can a sculptor create a statue from only one photo?

Often, yes. A clear photograph can be enough to begin, especially for a relief or stylized work. Multiple angles are better for a realistic portrait or full figure because they reveal depth, profile, and proportions that one image cannot show.

How much does a custom sculpture from a photo cost?

Cost depends on the artist, scale, material, complexity, casting, shipping, and installation. MadeMay shows each artist's current starting price, but the final quote is set after the sculptor reviews your photographs and specifications.

What materials can be used for a custom portrait sculpture?

MadeMay sculptors work across bronze, clay, resin, stone, wood, ceramics, and other materials. Your artist can explain which material best suits the desired detail, size, placement, budget, and longevity.

Will I see the sculpture before it is finished?

The exact process varies by artist, but custom sculpture commonly includes sketches, a maquette, or a clay model plus progress photographs. Agree on review points with the sculptor before work begins.

Can I commission a memorial sculpture from old photographs?

Yes. Memorial portraits and statues are common custom sculpture projects. Share every useful photograph you have, along with stories, measurements, clothing references, or other details that help the artist understand the person.

Begin with a conversation

Tell us what you want made. We will help you find the right artist.

Share the idea, references, dimensions, budget, and timing. You can compare artists and ask questions before deciding how to proceed.

Start a custom project