Careers for people who like to build models

How about machinist?

The model makers at the companies I worked for (airframe companies) got their start as machinists.  Work as a machinist for a company that has its own wind tunnels.  These guys got their start making wind tunnel models, the better ones also were asked to make advertising models, which are fancier.

You might also try getting a job making models for an architectural company.

I liked building tanks as a kid. I ended up joining the Army as a tanker. Lots of examples of how in service tanks and armored vehicles look like. Lots of first hand information on detailing tanks. Some of my attention to detail in modeling helped me in my career when I ran a maintenace school and selection to my final assignment as Deputy Director of Tactical Wheel Vehicle Development at the Pentagon (which I turned down and chose to retire instead).

Building models was insturmental in helping me to enter into a career as a jeweler. A lot of the same materials, tools, and skill sets are common to both modelling and smithing, so the transition was fairly easy. What I learn working at my bench at home is used in the shop and vice versa.

Don is right, there is a demand for tool die and pattern makers, even with 3D modeling and printing, we still need someone to actually make a part or pattern or do assembly.  I do industrial engineering, and although I 3D model a design, I may end up with hundreds of 3D printed or machined parts I have to assemble into a working prototype.  I guess you can say I bring my hobby to work.  

Prop (or set) builder for theaters/movies/tv/ads/magicians/etc.

Sounds fancy, but in fact hard work. Tight timetables, working time 24/7.... Still I love my job!

CAD detailer/designer, maybe. Working with 3D models and 2D drafting can be interesting.

Architect

Auto restorer

Engine builder/mechanic

Scale model builder for an architectural firm. Architects will often create a small, fairly detailed, replica of a project they are proposing. It is great work if you can find it. Barrett

Aircraft mechanic, 

But you may need schooling to get a Airframes and Powerplant licenses from the FAA.  I ended up assembling aircraft components for an industry supplier.  I assemble for work, I assemble for fun. 

Be careful of taking something you love to do recreationally, and turning it into work.

I've been looking for a model building career for years. Sadly the movie industry has moved mostly to 3D these days. Those few model builders that are left are not looking for apprentices as far as I can tell.

So for the last four weeks I've been working on a 1:1 tug boat. The Point Thompson. Seems there is some good history behind the "Point" boats. There were four of them made in the 80's and they're all still around and working.

The Thompson is going into dry dock at the Foss shipyards this week to have her restoration completed before she's back to work.

Its been really hard work, but rewarding. Restoration is tough work, but the skills translate on a huge scale.

The nice thing about scale models is that you don't have to scrape years of paint over rust before you can start painting lol!

So our hobby does translate to 1:1 in many ways. Just keep your eyes out for it. It is out there. :)

Model building influenced me to go into Industrial Design. We do mostly cad and aesthetic design for consumer products. Laptops, point of sale kiosks, bio med devices, dog toys etc. I elected to made a G scale model passenger train as my thesis. Modeled in cad, CNCed and bondoed/painted. Now a days we do most of our 'model making' in cad and sit behind computers all day sending parts out to be made. I miss the shop days big time.

I am sorry ;

   I can't comment till I get this off my chest . Did you photoshop your avatar ? or How did you get your cat to sit still and let you degrade Him /Her that way ? Now that said . I have done commission builds for Lawyers ( before computer graphics got better in Home/Office machines ). Goood Money !

 This required a full backstopping with all the learned knowledge of my engineering degree . Plus four Years as a design draftsman for someone else . Designing boats and Mobile homes was actually fun though.

   I have done commissions for advertising ( four scales in forced perspective on one model/dio) .And then models for pre-production engineering in boatbuilding firms . Again , Goood Money

 The fact is , sadly , with computer modeling , especially the better equipped firms the most done is now private commissions . You will Not make a good living at it unless you are known and your rep is solid . Other than that , for most it's feast or famine . I am not going to do anymore after this commission is done . I think fifty five years is enough doing for others . It's my turn to build my models . T.B.

How about photo etching? There are several etching shops around the country.

The dream job of a career building models for profit or other situations ,plain don't exist.It takes time to put out a number of models let alone the quality to attain for sale.The mini tv series adventures in scale modeling very long ago was a luck chance that happened.The modelers on that show were at the right place and time to get that job.Building for profit or tv .Its best that I would win the lottery and produce a show and hire you for the job."

Hmmm, yes audience generation/targeting requires modeling, testing, deploying, matchback analysis, attribution, refining - many loose metaphores.

Cdn Colin

Be careful of taking something you love to do recreationally, and turning it into work.

 

I know this is an old thread, but a message for TankerBuilder if you see this....

3 years ago, and a few posts above this one it appears you got your feathers ruffled over the OP's avatar.

Rest assured that is a stock picture from one of the sleazier stock image companies, I've seen other folk using it as their avatar over the years, and I even stumbled on the original somewhere once or twice.

So if subject cat was indeed humiliated, it most likley wasn't the OP's.

:)