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Who is the audience for your models?

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  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Orangeville, ON Canada
Who is the audience for your models?
Posted by MrKipling on Friday, March 30, 2007 2:00 PM

Did you ever stop to consider who the audience is for your models?

You might build for your own satisfaction. In this case, you can build models of subjects that appeal to you. You can use techniques that you are most familiar with and build to a level of detail and quality that satisfies you.

Then again, if you build in order to display your work, whether for family, friends or other club members, you are going to work to a different set of standards. While your family might share your interests and be pleased with similar subjects, your friends might have a better appreciation of models of topics with which they are more familiar. Club members might be more interested in seeing a model which displays a novel modelling technique or a variation on one of their own subjects.

If entering competitions is the reason you build, you will probably be working with yet another range of subjects and looking to utilize aftermarket parts and additional specialized techniques to make a unique and prize-winning model.

Understanding the audience for which you build will allow you to plan the way you will select a subject and apply the appropriate techniques. This will add to the pleasure you will get from working on the project and result in a more apt model for your audience to view.

  • Member since
    August 2006
  • From: The Green "Mountains", Vermont
Posted by IanIsBored2000 on Friday, March 30, 2007 2:40 PM
My audience? Mainly you guys. If my friends come over, I show them too, but most of them dont know shermans from abrams, and couldnt glue two pieces together if there llives depended on it. They are usually impressed though even if theyve got no idea what theyre looking at.
"Scanlon: work your knobby hands on the table in front of you, constructing a make-beleive bomb to blow up a make-beleive world."
  • Member since
    March 2006
  • From: Drummondville, Quebec, Canada
Posted by Yann Solo on Friday, March 30, 2007 2:46 PM

Same for me.  Mainly you guys ont he forums.  When my friends come over to my house, I show them but they don't have much interest in WWII stuff.  I suspect them to think that I'm crazy to play with these tinny PE parts.  My wifes says I'm playing with toys. Propeller [8-]

I have this project that I will possibly enter into a competition if I'm confident enough just to see how it is.

No matter where you go ....... there you are.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Reno, NV
Posted by espins1 on Friday, March 30, 2007 3:12 PM

I build mostly for me as I'm interested in learning about the men, machines and history of everything I build.  I keep all my finished builds in a display case in our family room so I can share them with friends and family.  I also build for the FSM community and try to share what I learn with everyone. 

Most of my early builds were experiments so I could learn how to build, fill seams, airbrush, mask etc.  As I get better I would eventually like to enter some of my builds in model contests, just as another way to enjoy this great hobby of ours.  Cool [8D]

One of my long term projects is building a good representation of all the major and significant variants of the Bf109.  I'll share that with everyone of course, but I'm mostly doing it for me as the Bf109 is a big passion of mine.  Big Smile [:D]

Scott Espin - IPMS Reno High Rollers  Geeked My Reviews 

  • Member since
    February 2006
  • From: Smithers, BC, Canada
Posted by ruddratt on Friday, March 30, 2007 4:54 PM
When I moved out here from NY, I knew that many of my completed models would not survive the 3400 mile trip, so I gave some to friends, a few to family members, and about a dozen to an air museum in upstate NY, where they sit proudly on display, so I imagine my audience for the one's I had to leave behind is quite large. As for my current builds, it's my wife and the members of this forum who see my work. I got soured on entering model contests almost 10 years ago (they took all the fun out of modeling for me....life is competitive enough as it is. I do this to relax), but I still attend them from time to time just to admire the work, talk shop with friends, and hit the vendor's tables.

Mike

 "We have our own ammunition. It's filled with paint. When we fire it, it makes pretty pictures....scares the hell outta people."

 

  • Member since
    March 2007
Posted by Chuck0 on Friday, March 30, 2007 6:44 PM

  I am not and have no interest in becoming an ipms member or competing. I build for myself and try to beat my own personal best on each build. No one that sees the models in my home has a clue what actually goes into them, they look for a couple seconds and say "oh what pretty boats".

   I usually put a new build on display at TLHS for a few weeks before I put them up in my living room so that my friends up their can enjoy them, and of course I post pictures for y'all. 

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: 37deg 40.13' N 95deg 29.10'W
Posted by scottrc on Saturday, March 31, 2007 7:58 AM
Other then what I have built for others and hope are still on display in their homes, my main audience has been, much to my distaste, two children, two cats, four dogs, two dozen mice, and about half the spider population in town looking for a place to take up residency.

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Orangeville, ON Canada
Posted by MrKipling on Saturday, March 31, 2007 8:50 AM

I have noticed that most of the modellers I know in my area are quite content just to build for their own pleasure. I have tried to set up model contests at the shop but it is like pulling teeth to get any local registrants.

The members of our club are willing, even eager to have their work displayed at the shop or on the website but in the last eight years there was only one of our modellers who took the plunge and entered a 'real' competition (Mega City in Scarborough). It was his first time and he got a silver. The quality of work is present in our group just no desire to compete.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Tucson, AZ
Posted by Archangel Shooter on Saturday, March 31, 2007 9:17 AM

I just build for myself and that being the case wish I can get off the habit of buying all the little extras to super detail a kit and just build OOB.

Scott

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 On the bench: So many hanger queens.

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by IYAAYAS on Saturday, March 31, 2007 9:17 AM
3 people...me, myself, and I...I could care less what other's think!
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, March 31, 2007 3:51 PM

 IYAAYAS wrote:
3 people...me, myself, and I...I could care less what other's think!

multiple personality disorder can be treated with medication, nowadays...

as for my victims, i mean audience, they see the model and they like it or else they get the hose again! 

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Somewhere over the rainbow
Posted by m1garand on Saturday, March 31, 2007 5:50 PM
Mostly for myself, but occassionally, I build specific models for friends.  For instance, I have a friend who served as an Artillery officer and got out due to his injuries and I am in the process of building him Paladin howitzere and MLRS.  I also have built Korean War Chaffee tank in ROK army configuration for some one who lived through the war.  Other than that, I really don't have any specific audiences for my work. 
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Saturday, March 31, 2007 7:56 PM
Mostly for myself, but I share it here with you guys. Must admit that I'm shy about showing my work, because there are so many excellent builders here. Looks pretty blah compared to most. LOL

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Pineapple Country, Queensland, Australia
Posted by Wirraway on Saturday, March 31, 2007 11:21 PM
myself and my two boys, who, incidentally think I am the greatest modeller in the known universe, each new offering greeted with calls of "That's fantastic Dad"  (Ah, nothing like a captive audience)

"Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional"

" A hobby should pass the time - not fill it"  -Norman Bates

 

GIF animations generator gifup.com

  • Member since
    May 2006
  • From: Etobicoke ON
Posted by Supraman on Sunday, April 1, 2007 9:38 PM
Mainly me. But my wife is a captive audience, she really helped me getting back into the hobby. Occasionally, I will painfully subject some of you guys to my builds on the forums.

On the desk, 2 Revell Blue Angel F-18's, Tamiya British Quad gun tractor, Tamiya Morris Mini

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: Akron ohio
Posted by phoenix7187 on Monday, April 2, 2007 6:39 PM
I do 3 types of builds. I build some subjects for myself becasue I like the look of it or the history/story behind it. In this case I usually build out of box with some minor mods/details added. complete accuray and correctness take a back seat to what I want to see or like. The second is my competetion builds. These I pack detail into, accuracy, realism and historical correctness are my top priority. finally sometimes I like a challange. taking a kit most think of as not worth building or too difficult to get right putting way too much work into an in the end most do not believe it's the same kit. This type of build I usually try different things and use them to sharpen my skills for other bigger projects.  
Stan
  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by Gigatron on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 8:41 AM

I build strictly for myself.  I don't build to impress anyone, only to continously challenge myself.  Though, to be honest, I think this latest build is straining all of my senses.  I'm trying to make this bird as accurate as possible, so I've invested a lot in specialty parts and tools.

Occassionally if friends or family come over, they admire the work, but I don't think they can truly appreciate the effort that went into the project.  To them, there's no difference between an OOB build and a build with PE, resin and scratchbuilt elements.

The only one that appreciates any of the work is my dad.  He's been over the house while I was building the engine for my current project, so he's seen me hand wire the ignition.  But to everyone else, they're just pretty toys.

-Fred

 

  • Member since
    March 2005
Posted by philo426 on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 4:13 PM
I usually just build for myself.I choose subjects that interest me and just take it from there.I have no interest in entering contests.(never really saw the need).As long as I am pleased with the results I am happy! 
  • Member since
    July 2013
Posted by DURR on Thursday, April 5, 2007 12:28 PM

aside from the obvious [ myself  ]

the only other person to see my stuff is my wife she likes my stuff [ but then again what does she know    she married me]

once in a while  i may post a shot on a group build  here

but very very rare

1 because i got a crappy digi cam so the photos are Thumbs Down [tdn]

2 my models are Thumbs Down [tdn] as well  but then again  i build for myself 

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Nashotah, WI
Posted by Glamdring on Saturday, April 7, 2007 1:02 PM
My audience is myself, my extended family and the occasional friend. If I get the chance, I'll get a piece to the local model club, but I rarely get the chance to get to the meetings.

Robert 

"I can't get ahead no matter how hard I try, I'm gettin' really good at barely gettin' by"

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Orangeville, ON Canada
Posted by MrKipling on Thursday, April 12, 2007 12:09 PM
I suppose it would be fair to say that we all 'build for ourselves.' Ultimately, the satisfaction one gets from a successful build is its own reward. Unless, of course, you were also to get paid for it! I envy those guys who build models for the movies. Big Smile [:D]
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: California
Posted by Manic Moran on Thursday, April 12, 2007 4:37 PM

I have no idea why I build models. Probably the same reason I'm still in the military. It's not like my 'fun' hobbies, I find myself frustrated and cursing my foolishness half the time. Still, there's something that keeps me coming back, and it does keep me away from the computer a bit. Bit of a challenge, I guess.

I do enter into competitions, but I know my place. More for the sake of filling out the tables than expecting to win anything.

NTM

The difference between infantrymen and cavalrymen is that cavalrymen die faster for we ride into battle!

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: White Mountains, NH
Posted by jhande on Saturday, April 14, 2007 2:48 PM

When I get to build, I am like most people, I build for myself. Whether I am trying to duplicate the accuracy of detail in a stock build car or a custom build. I always ask myself, "can I get the paintjob better?" Or "Can I detail that better?" I try new techniques that I have read and heard about that where not common practice back in the 1960's. I spend countless hours working on minute details that no one will probably ever see.

My builds used to get stored back into boxes. But they are coming out and being displayed in a curio cabinet. Some visitors spot them and say - "Oh, you collect diecast" I kick them out, no just kidding, I tell them those are plastic model kits that I painted and glued together. They take a closer look and say - "Oh cool, that's some serious detail painting." When my Mom comes to visit she notices them and says - "You're doing models again like you did when you where a kid. These look fantastic and the colors are like the real cars." I think that's the best feeling I'll ever get from displaying my work, from my Mom. She remembers what my models looked like when I was a kid and she notices an improvement. Plus she never ever said I was playing with my plastic toy car kits. She always encouraged me when it came to my hobby or any arts & crafts. Even when I was rebuilding my first 1:1 car.

Thanks Mom  Make a Toast [#toast]

 

-- Jim --
"Put the pedal down & shake the ground!"

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: phoenix
Posted by grandadjohn on Saturday, April 14, 2007 7:58 PM

Myself mainly and then my son and especially my grandkids

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 9:16 AM

Mostly myself.  But I do have some pieces that are requests either from friends, family or my wife.  I've done two request kits in the recent past, one a birthday gift for my dad, one for a co-worker to present his wife (F-15 that she crew chiefed at Eglin).

I'll be doing a 1/48 scale Tamiya Lancaster that my wife's grandfather flew in the Big One, and will be doing custom decals for it.  They called him "Bring 'em Back Pete", because he never lost a crewman in all of his bombing raids.

This will not be presented to him, mind you, because he wants no reminders of the war.  This is for the family to honor their father and to remember what he sacrificed for the rest of us. 

Aside from these... all of my work is strictly for myself.  Although the wife teases that she wants some modern jetfighter done up as an Austin Powers plane...  Wow!! [wow]Yeah!! [yeah]

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Thursday, April 19, 2007 10:58 PM

As most everyone else here has said, first off, they are for now my own viewing pleasure. At one point I was building only modern armor to help with my vehicle ID skills I needed as a TOW gunner, those days are long gone. These days although several of my friends are also Vets and or history buffs, and do apprecaite my efforts, the work is not for them. I have done a few for contests, local Hobby Shops, and rarely as gifts for individuals. But I do love wowing guests (friends, neighbors, family) in my display room when they visitEvil [}:)]

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    February 2003
Posted by Jim Barton on Saturday, April 28, 2007 10:48 PM

 scottrc wrote:
Other then what I have built for others and hope are still on display in their homes, my main audience has been, much to my distaste, two children, two cats, four dogs, two dozen mice, and about half the spider population in town looking for a place to take up residency.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the door open one lovely evening while modeling, and a winged termite or ant landed on the model and I had to dispatch it down the toilet. (The critter, not the model.) Just minutes later, I had to smack a mosquito that had gotten on the desk lamp, and that's when I reluctantly decided to close the door and turn on the AC before every invertebrate in Phoenix got in the house. 

"Whaddya mean 'Who's flying the plane?!' Nobody's flying the plane!"

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