looking for a J O B

After I retired I went to work part time (weekends) at a local Hobby Shop. During the quiet part of the day all I had to do was sit and build models or R/C planes for customers or myself. I was getting paid $75.00 a day for that. Plus every brand of paint, glue, tools and kits at a arms reach.   Not the greatest money I ever made a day, but I felt guilty collecting my check at the end of the week for doing what I enjoyed.

Guess the first step is to create yourself a portfolio of your modeling accomplishments...ie awards, features in publications etc. Not to be offensive but there are a lot of modelers out there who think they are good, but in reality they'd have to offer a cash incentive to get someone to actually take them home with them.

There are jobs for modelers in the industrial sector. In fact there are programs at various technical colleges that offer such courses. I know there is one such program in Green Bay, WI and a fellow club member is following his dream and attending now.

Build scale models for personal collections is hit and miss. Usually once someone finds a customer or a customer finds a builder they stick together. There are a lot of customers out there who want models but are not willing to pay a realistic amount to acquire them.

Modeling full time as a business for many has destroyed their passion for the hobby. When fun becomes a J O B things change in a hurry. I'm not trying to sway you from your dreams, but unless you have the ability, are self motivated, very dedicated, and most importantly have the means to support yourself for prolonged "dry" periods you might just be able to do this.

Businesses start and fail everyday. You cannot run it as a hobby interest if you want it to be successful. Those who do it as a sideline, do so with the understanding it isn't their primarly source of income and allocate time accordingly.

In this time of economic uncertainty, finding customers with disposably income who are willing to pay a fair price is getting harder. Starting a business is also risky too. If you want to do it, build that portfolio and market yourself effectively. Some start selling their works on eBay...it is a good way to reach a large market.  Just don't forget the project isn't done until the model is in the hands of the customer...building a customer well build model can result in disaster and nothing to show for it after a shipping accident. Another risk to consider.

Weigh the facts and go from there. If I can help, I'll assist in any way I can.

Gerald 

 

Thankyou for your response.

I am most definately a rookie. Rookies in every sport (or hobby) have more drive and passion than technique and accomplishments. Overall I believe I have the artistic ability and creativity to get to where I want to go. My problem is I need a map of how to get there. You have helped me with that. I see what you are saying. I need to spend some time perfecting my craft. Entering contests and shows would be a good way to measure my artistic ability and creativty, also it would help build a resume to help display my abilities to people. I will also check with local schools. I would have to say learning new techniqhesand ideas is the best part of modeling for me. There always seems to be somebody in the modeling community eager and willing to teach you whatever you want to learn.

Thankyou, Gerald

 

I was at the Miniature Figure Collectors of America show this weekend. They auctioned several pieces, including a 54mm figure that went for over $2000. But that was by a well know and established painter. As mentioned above, you have to establish a name for yourself, so someone will want to have something built/sculpted/painted by YOU, not just another pretty piece. They can get that from any number of souces such as Dragon, Andrea, the St. Petersburg Collection and many others. Building on commission results in you having to build/paint to someone else's taste and desire, not to your muse. Not much passion in that.

There was a market in the special effects field until computer generated graphics killed that. All the space ships of the original Star Wars, Star Trek and other sci-fi movies were models, either fully scratchbuilt or from massive parts boxes supplied by the deep pockets of the studios.

Another option would be a hobby store, either as owner, big initial investment in a marginal market being squeezed severely by the internet, or working in a store, independent or chain, which is working in a store. Long hours, small pay, PITA customers and questionable management.

In short. look to a career path that will offer you the money and time to continue to enjoy the hobby. If other opportunities arise, all's the better.

steveo wrote:

I'm not sure what forum to post this quuestion under, so I guess it would go under general. I would love to find any info on finescale modeling as a career.

well if you don't want to work hard,and you want to just hang around a get paid  just apply!

I would suggest Looking in to a prop building job.

Hollywood is always looking for a prop guy, well not as much since CGI but they will always need model builders.

Look up Industrial light and magic or a prop building guild online.

i am the greatest modeler wrote:

steveo wrote: I'm not sure what forum to post this quuestion under, so I guess it would go under general. I would love to find any info on finescale modeling as a career. well if you don't want to work hard,and you want to just hang around a get paid  just apply!

 

   just kidding      roflmao 

they ain't gonna like you for this one

Here give this a shot http://www.kalmbach.com/kpc/default.aspx?c=jo&id=5

 

The quickest and surest way to turn your love for something into a real drag is to make it your job. Trust me.

I have no desire to build full-time for a living.  I have been flirting with the idea of selling some things on Ebay however.  If you try Ebay you might want to make sure your work is not in competition with scores of low-cost die cast models.  Probably better to make things that are relatively unique.  Also certain models will ship more safely than others.  You might want to construct your work more solidly.  Whenever selling a model I would include a flyer which states "this product not meant for small children".  I've never shipped a completed kit, but I'd think careful packing with foam cut to shape would be in good order.  Some guys here might have better ideas for shipping.  Lastly, be careful what country you ship to.  I sold an R/C trainer kit to a guy in Turkey and found out the UPS costs were several times more than what I brought in for the kit.  The guy at my UPS store also said that overseas shipping can be risky as many Post Offices are corrupt and there's a good chance your package won't arrive.

Dave 

 

Steveo,

Another area you might want to look at if you live within reasonable distance of a seacoast, is to build ship models for seafood resteraunts.  I don't know if you could make a full-time living on this, but you might find a niche market that could bring in some money.

Finally, whenever selling a model, include a flyer which states "keep this product away from small children." 

 Dave