Millennials and Modeling

  Not trying to be a negative nelly, I think millennial are more interested in making a ton of money with very little effort. Model building requires attention to detail and patience, I don't see many young people with these traits. HOWEVER if we old guys keep hinting hiw cool tthis hobby can be when those "kids" grow up, we may see a resurgance.

I joined my first modeling club when I was 16.  I was one of about three teenagers in a club of about twenty.  There was concern in that era that the hobby was not appealing to enough young people.  Ever since there has been that concern, yet the hobby survives.  I never did join a model railroading club.  None of my friends in the modeling hobby were into model RR. Yet, today the RR hobby is very strong.  I think throughout the history of modeling, the hobby has been primarily adult based.  And yes, my current model club does have millenial members.

armornut

  Not trying to be a negative nelly, I think millennial are more interested in making a ton of money with very little effort. Model building requires attention to detail and patience, I don't see many young people with these traits. HOWEVER if we old guys keep hinting hiw cool tthis hobby can be when those "kids" grow up, we may see a resurgance.

 

What he said. Though i am not so syre there will ever be a resurgance. I think at best we have another 10 years of 40 somthing coming back into the hobby who used to model as kids.

Hi Tojo 72 !

 I am with you . I was born Before the end of the World War 2 But actually in the Middle of the thing . Does that make me a Dinosaur ? What IS a Millenial and how do they get that way ? Poor things . From what I've heard , I feel sorry for them .

 Gen X , Gen Y , what is with all the alphabet stuff anyway ?

At the risk of being seen as a heretic, think Gundam. My club introduced these as a class at our contest this year. It was just about the most populated class. The  entrants were generally in their 20's. Several hobby shop owners have told me these kits are bringing in even teen aged girls and people are buying them in bunches. We should be reachiong out to them, welcoming them if they show up at a meeting or contest and listening to them as they describe the backstory as enthusiastically as some of us talking about a Panzer IV aufs G or a P-51D vs a P-51B.

I don't think I ever revealed my age on this forum. 

I was born in October of 1997, which means I'm currently 20 years old. (not sure if that's a surprise to anyone here)

Unfortunately I also don't know anyone even remotely my age who is into this hobby and also not many of my peers share any interests with me.

There are some exceptions of course, but almost everyone I ever met at my LHS is at least twice my age.

I do love this hobby however and I honestly don't really care how old my fellow modellers are as long as there are others out there I can share it with.

Cheers, Clemens

SchattenSpartan

I don't think I ever revealed my age on this forum. 

I was born in October of 1997, which means I'm currently 20 years old. (not sure if that's a surprise to anyone here)

Unfortunately I also don't know anyone even remotely my age who is into this hobby and also not many of my peers share any interests with me.

There are some exceptions of course, but almost everyone I ever met at my LHS is at least twice my age.

I do love this hobby however and I honestly don't really care how old my fellow modellers are as long as there are others out there I can share it with.

Cheers, Clemens

 

I have had the chance over the past 4-5 years to teach a class on how to build models with our home school group.   So every month of the school year I would have 8-12 kids in my class and would build a model.  40% off michaels and Hobby lobby coupons help a lot.    lots of fun, and the kids keep coming back every quarter.  So there is hope that some of them in the future will pick it up.

John

ajlafleche

At the risk of being seen as a heretic, think Gundam. My club introduced these as a class at our contest this year. It was just about the most populated class. The  entrants were generally in their 20's. Several hobby shop owners have told me these kits are bringing in even teen aged girls and people are buying them in bunches. We should be reachiong out to them, welcoming them if they show up at a meeting or contest and listening to them as they describe the backstory as enthusiastically as some of us talking about a Panzer IV aufs G or a P-51D vs a P-51B.

 

I bought my first Gundam just a few months ago,   mainly because someone from the Gundam club left a really cool one on display at my LHS and I want to do it like he did.

John

hogfanfs

First off, holy smokes, SS, I thought you were much older.

I'm not sure about the demise of the hobby just yet. Like was said, gundam is huge. every time I go to HobbyTown I will see maybe one other guy my age, late 50's, looking at the standard stuff (we all like) while two or three young folks, and some with parents, drooling over gundam. The other day one little guy was heartbroken because his dad told him to wait a week. I even saw a young man with his pretty girlfriend pick up the Bandi Millennium Falcon kit, you know the BIG 1/72 one for $300+ and say that's what I want for my birthday! His GF just snorted and said "yeah, that's not going to happen" so he went around the corner to look at the cars LOL.
I'm not into gundam myself but hey, they're models and isn't that what this hobby is about, modeling something that's real or imagined?

Sometimes I go to HL to get some water making materials or artist acrylic, or even look at the model section to see what they may have that I want with the 40% off coupon and I will almost always see a child with his, or her, father or mother grabbing a kit, and not the pre-painted or snap stuff either, these are the old Revell kits! I've even see the old Revell Missouri sold more than a few times. The older guys like me are looking at the cars, the kids or looking at ships, tanks and planes, and usually Revell.

The hobby is on fire in Asia and Japan and I think even eastern Europe. I feel that while our youngans may not be into it right now, as they get older they may come to appreciate the joy of the creation and artistry of the hobby. I think it will survive just fine, with or without the millennials.

Just my .

I like your line of thought Steve. I guess time'll tell though.

I wouldn't say Millenials are are lazy, just different. They're into computers, video games and social media. Making things with their hands isn't something the current generation is used to doing. Now a days they can find and do anything with a touch of a button. Need to buy something? Click... In an age of Youtube, Google, Amazon and drones and computer information systems, the most valuable skills now a days revolve around sitting in front of a screen not putting things together.

However, I think as society moves away from making things with their hands there will eventually come a revival from traditionalist. Much like how people are starting to bike more and enjoy more outdoor activities, we'll probably see a revival of hobbies that the older generation grew up with.

VA Spartan

Good evening, all.  Does anyone know any millennials that model?  

I happen to be a "millennial" that models, though I admit I'm on the older spectrum of being classified as a millennial.

I spend some of my spare time modeling for the very reasons the posters above think millennial’s don't. My professional job entails sitting at a computer screen and fixing things / helping the generation before me comprehend these new fangled (30 years old now) things called computers. Though I do still play video games at home, I enjoy spending some "wind down" time just relaxing at my workbench and focusing on such a tiny small trivial task. When the workday is all about the bottom line, bigger picture, losing money every second something doesn't work... It feels good to just zone out on something that ISN'T really important to anyone but me.

My girlfriend supports it, because she knows I’m just sitting in the garage and not out at the bar.

I honestly think the larger reason why it's dying off... it's not cool... plain and simple. Everyone I know already KNOWS that I'm a nerd, so it's not that big of a deal to me. But when I run across someone knew, or have a party and people see a model they always go "ohhh, that's so cute, you're like a real nerd".

It fits my life, I have a long term girlfriend, and a kid.... but if I was younger, single... those words would have been a death sentence. 

There are lots of things going against my generation, perceived and actual. The current cost of house where I live (average) is 650k. Rent on a 2bd? $2600/month. I have a pretty decent job, saving up all of my disposable income would allow me to afford the down payment on a house when I turn 40, to then start a 30 year mortgage.

Though many people here may not see the relation... The true fact's are that no one wants to be known as the 28 year old living at home with their parents building model airplanes in the basement. We essentially NEED to have a dual income just to get ahead, and it's going to be very hard to find someone to be that better half if you don't play your cards right.

So... in short, I don't know any other millennial modelers, but it's 99% because guys my age don't want the perception that comes along with it.

In my IPMS and AMPS Chapters, we have a handful of “Millennials”. At 52 myself, I’m on the younger end of the age spectrum for both local chapters members. At the local shops, one has a large selection of Anime and Gundam kit subjects. That shop has plenty of Millennial customers. I actually  tend to see more of them in there on any given day than us OGs. Except when AMPS is going on and we take over the place before and after meetings. We meet a short distance away, and the shop is a big supporter of our chapter. One millennial I do know quite well has gotten into modeling again, my son. We did the usual father/son stuff, but he showed no interest in the stuff I like afterwards, except for Star Wars stuff. But, he did take an interest into Gundam and has been building those. Now that he is in the Air Force, some of his comrades have introduced him to Warhammer 40K, and he has started down that path. And he has also started ordering some of those Hasegawa & Bandai anime inspired Air Combat kits.  If anything is going to get the millennial generation into modeling, I suspect it will be similar stuff. Just like Italeri has gone down the “World of Tanks” route, or Dragon with “Girls und Panzer”. The younger folks may not have the historical inspiration like many of us, but instead be inspired by the gaming or video source. As long as it gets them involved and helps support the hobby, I’m all for it.

I was born in 1982.  That puts me at about either the trail end of Gen X or the beginning edge of Millenials, depending on how you look at it.  I really don't consider myself a Millenial, though, because I actually don't mind hard work, and can deal without immediate gratification... 

However, unlike Clemens, one of my co-workers also builds, though.  But him and I are the only ones I know.

I didn't expect my age to be such a surprise... 

I do agree that most people in my age group seem to have a very short attention span and almost no patience at all and I guess it really is a product of our environment. 

Personally, I can't stand not taking my time and doing things right. In my opinion, everything worth doing is also worth doing properly. I'm also not one to shy away from a bit of manual labor, as long as I'm at least remotely qualified to do it.

Many of my peers seem to lack that mindset and just want everything done asap with as little effort on their part as possible.

I guess I'm a bit of an oddball regarding those things and it can be pretty frustrating at times.

However, as long as I have people to talk to, I don't really mind, no matter if they're my age or older.

laskdjn

I was born in 1982.  That puts me at about either the trail end of Gen X or the beginning edge of Millenials, depending on how you look at it.  I really don't consider myself a Millenial, though, because I actually don't mind hard work, and can deal without immediate gratification... 

However, unlike Clemens, one of my co-workers also builds, though.  But him and I are the only ones I know.

 

I was born in 87 and at 30 I'm the youngest one in the hobby shop looking at model kits. But I hate being grouped into the millenial generation I tell people that I was a hold over from gen X. Could be worse could be a part of generation tide pod

My kids were born in 92 and 94 and did a couple models, but it didnt' click with them.  My sons (the twins in 94) really got into RC stuff - much more interactive, more immediate.  My daughter was a dancer.  I exposed my kids to all sorts of stuff, what stuck was active out door activities.   They ski/snowboard, camp, fish - my sons were pretty good atheletes.  I don't think my daughter will build another model - though she did do a diorama of the battle of Islandwanda, mostly to spend time with dad I suppose.  My sons have an interest in robotics and engineering so there's hope.  They are big gamers though, but will head up to the mountains for days to camp and fish.  Good balance, we'll see if they come back to modeling.  One interesting thing was when they did build models, the got a bit discouraged when they compared what they built with my models despite my coaching and encouragement.  I know lots of these kids and you can't lump them into one big pit.  As an engineering manager I'm hiring them out of college and their problem solving skills are great.  I do fear that the hobby has a horizon, but perhaps I'm wrong.

Mellenials

drumsfield

I wouldn't say Millenials are are lazy, just different. They're into computers, video games and social media. Making things with their hands isn't something the current generation is used to doing. Now a days they can find and do anything with a touch of a button. Need to buy something? Click... In an age of Youtube, Google, Amazon and drones and computer information systems, the most valuable skills now a days revolve around sitting in front of a screen not putting things together.

However, I think as society moves away from making things with their hands there will eventually come a revival from traditionalist. Much like how people are starting to bike more and enjoy more outdoor activities, we'll probably see a revival of hobbies that the older generation grew up with.

 

 

 

 

Nino, if you look on the Average Age of modellers thread, you will see a lot of us in the 40-50 bracket, the Gen X. From what i have seen on here and at shows, we seem to make up a big chunk of model builders. I would say we were the last of those who built models as kids before the age of video games and so on, 70's 80's. And we are now in the position that we arestill working but kids have grown up so we have the time and money to build models.

I think for many of us, our Grandparents fought in WW2 and our parents were children during it. And coming from east Anglia and with a dad interested in history, i grew up with stories of aircraft filling the skies going out to Europe. And we also had all those movies from the 60's and 70's. So we were still close enough to WW2 that it was not that long ago, but we didn't experiance the aftermath such as bombed out cities or rationing or family still being away from home and that may have made us more curious.

The club I belong to, although very small - about 20 members - is made up mostly of men 30 and older with most in their late 40's and 50's.  There is one chap who brings his 11 year old son and the little guy has a great time.  There is also one teenager and his gig is sci-fi and gundam.  We have a build night in Bill's store every other Thursday evening.  With the exception of these two 'youngsters' in our midst, it's the typical older white male modeler at build night.  We have no kids but I tried to get my nephews into building models and they looked at me like I had three heads and that was only after they could look away from the computer and game consoles. 

I'm only 15 and have been modeling for 4-5 years. I started because I was into ww2 aircraft and now I do it because it's relaxing and the finished product is well worth the time (and $).

Heck, I always thought a Millenial was a nasty rash that a doctor had to prescribe a heavy dose of antibiotics to cure...

As Millennials age I think they are discovering they need time to decompress and are seeking ways to unplug from the daily grind - hence newfangled ideas like...  forest bathing anyone?  For me, the relaxation building provides, can be a big incentive for the hobby to grow.  A number of them see themselves as artistic and I think we can emphasize this in order to reach them.  I think there is too much negativeness about them and by being positive we may see them start to show interest.  I am not a marketing person, but there are probably a zillion studies on how to reach them.

Born in 1990, so I'm a Millennial.

I think the big hurdle of getting my generation into modeling is the sheer amount of pass times at our disposal. We can stream any tv show or movie instantaneously. You can create an avatar in a virtual world to live out your fantasies... or even create the virtual world itself. All of your friends are accessible at anytime from a computer you carry in your pocket everyday. I could go on, but don't want to make a giant list.

The thing is, building models is probably as popular with my generation as the one before it, but the subjects have changed and the places they share them aren't on dedicated forums, but social media platforms.

Sci-fi modeling will be more popular with my generation that historical/military. Gundam model kits (Gunpla) are gaining a lot of popularity in the west, mainly amongst millennials. If you were to go on Reddit right now, the Gunpla subreddit is easily the most active of all the modeling subreddits. A large amount of posts are from people just starting out. Star Wars kits are popular, especially Bandai kits. You'll see some Trek and Battlestar in the sci-fi modelers subreddits.

If you want to get a millennial interested in modeling, sci-fi/mecha is probably the way to introduce it. I also think the companies that produce model kits need to look that direction as well. Where are the kits based on popular video game series? Where are the Halo kits? Mass Effect? Fallout? What about the newer TV shows and movies? I still can't believe there aren't model kits for the ships from The Expanse. Give Millennials subjects they're interested in, and you'll get more participants. And once they're hooked on the plastic crack, they'll probably branch out into the glut of armor and aircraft that dominate the market. That's how it worked on me, anyhow.

sincerely, 

A lazy millennial who just got off a 12 hour factory shift.

Zeon Zum Deikun

Born in 1990, so I'm a Millennial.

I think the big hurdle of getting my generation into modeling is the sheer amount of pass times at our disposal. We can stream any tv show or movie instantaneously. You can create an avatar in a virtual world to live out your fantasies... or even create the virtual world itself. All of your friends are accessible at anytime from a computer you carry in your pocket everyday. I could go on, but don't want to make a giant list.

The thing is, building models is probably as popular with my generation as the one before it, but the subjects have changed and the places they share them aren't on dedicated forums, but social media platforms.

Sci-fi modeling will be more popular with my generation that historical/military. Gundam model kits (Gunpla) are gaining a lot of popularity in the west, mainly amongst millennials. If you were to go on Reddit right now, the Gunpla subreddit is easily the most active of all the modeling subreddits. A large amount of posts are from people just starting out. Star Wars kits are popular, especially Bandai kits. You'll see some Trek and Battlestar in the sci-fi modelers subreddits.

If you want to get a millennial interested in modeling, sci-fi/mecha is probably the way to introduce it. I also think the companies that produce model kits need to look that direction as well. Where are the kits based on popular video game series? Where are the Halo kits? Mass Effect? Fallout? What about the newer TV shows and movies? I still can't believe there aren't model kits for the ships from The Expanse. Give Millennials subjects they're interested in, and you'll get more participants. And once they're hooked on the plastic crack, they'll probably branch out into the glut of armor and aircraft that dominate the market. That's how it worked on me, anyhow.

sincerely, 

A lazy millennial who just got off a 12 hour factory shift.

 

Great reply!  I think military subjects aren't really popular with millenials simply because they are so far removed from World War II.  

And yes, there is so much more entertainment options competing for spare time nowadays.  

I think every generation says that the previous generation is "lazy, have it easy, etc".  Let's just accept that every generation is different because the world they live in is different.  You can't fault people for that.  Yes millenials really like their phones, video games, etc, but if you were raised in that same world and timeframe, wouldn't you do the same?

I'm 43, so I'm at the weird generation where me and a lot of my friends built models and went to hobby shops, but we also had Nintendo and Atari.  No internet yet.  Or smartphones.