The Mother of All Slumps. ( Advice NEEDED Badly! )

Manstein's revenge

Whatever you do, don't sell off all your stuff.  I've had to "restart" the hobby about three times during my life, and that gets expensive.  Most people always come back into it...  

double ditto on Manny's post.. if you take a "leave of absense" from the hobby,.,, pack your stuff and stash away,,, the tools, brushes, etc,, don't get cheaper with age and they'll be there if the mood strikes you again..

AMM- I'm coming off of a seven month unemployment stint and two months into a completely different career (which I'm not crazy about) and can't seem to get moving-one kit 90% complete (and has been since last July) and two Spitfires with the interior that has been painted for about a month-just not motivated....I hope you get back in the groove soon or find a hobby/activity that you enjoy until you are motivated to return to modeling.

Finding an quick & easy build or one completely different from what you normally build may be the ticket.

Good luck.

Model building has been my main hobby since I was 10 yrs old and its something I have always deeply enjoyed doing. Through the years growing up I didn't always pursue it especially in my teens. For awhile I gave up model building and started collecting and painting fantasy miniatures for the Dungeons & Dragons game and became quite good at painting detail and still paint and collect the gaming figures. I also collect dragons and wizards, so I do have other hobbies aside from model building.

However you cant beat that feeling and sense of accomplishment you get from completing a well done model kit and have everyone say, " you built that model... it looks great". Another thing is the kudos and compliments you get are the best inspiration and best motivator to keep you interested in the hobby and want to start the next model kit and do your best work on that also.

Maybe as some of you pointed out I need a change of pace and maybe look for a car model kit or armor kit to work. I have always wanted to do a star trek or star wars kit too, so that is also an idea for me. Either way I just want to end this slump and get back to the hobby I love most.

Rand: My simple advice would be patience. Simply wait.

This hobby isn't going anywhere. At some point the passion will hit you again. The longer you push yourslef to hop back in, the longer you stay in the cycle. This hobby shoudn't be like homework: you have to do it whether you like it or not. 

Definately stay on board here checking out posts, pictures, GB's, etc. Something will strike that nerve and you'll be back!

Another thing that could help is being sure to set aside 'model time'. For me, I won't touch a model if I'm not guaranteed at least 2 hours of an uninterrupted session. Especially if I'm trying to paint. So I try to find time to where I can sit down and enjoy my self. Like you said, it shouldn't be work. If I find myself squeezing in only a few minutes of model time, its frustrating because I feel that I've not accomplished anything - and again as you say, there is nothing better than that sense of accomplishment. My builds usually take a while because of what I've said. With a wife and two very young kids, its hard to stack one hour on top of another to actually get anything done. Don't force yourself to model....wait for a good opportunity and go for it.

Mucker and Odd,

I think you guys just gave me the best advice I could get. Maybe I am pushing myself to get back to work on my kit and perhaps your both right and I should just leave it alone for now and ride it out. I recall this is exactly what happened when I returned to the hobby after a ten yrs away. I had a sudden burst of inspiration and got back into the hobby and was turning out kits as if I had never left the hobby.

Also, do you have friends who model? Its easy to get inspiration when you're constantly discussing your hobby with your friends. I have a really good friend who models and so does my dad. Just about every day my father texts me pics or other texts about how his most recent build is going. We also meet once a month to do some model related activity. We just went to Mosquito Con up in north Jersey a couple weekends ago and we plan on hitting AMPS East in September. Kind of a father/son model club. But you can see, being surrounded by people who share the same interests as you makes it hard to ignore. That is also a great thing about this forum. Get inspired here, get advice, share information. As you can see, many members of the community have chimed in to help you out of your funk. You can't beat that. We've all been there before.

Odd, 

I have no friends close to me that build models. The nearest IPMS chapter here is in Columbus, OH and I have no transportation to get there for meets. When I was back in Oklahoma I knew quit a few people that were in the hobby and I always had a few friends to talk shop and swap models with. Since I moved to this one horse town here in Ohio I haven't found anyone here that is interested in the hobby. Even the kids here are not interested in this hobby. I guess numbing your mind with video games and the proverbial X-BOX are all the kids here care about. As for the adults here, I make sure I have my orange hunting vest on at all times and I don't hunt. 

hutchdh

To help get this thread back on track I can share a similar experience a few years back.  I used to build primarily WWII German armor, but lost the luster.  My last two kits were the Fehrmann Tiger and AFV Sturmtiger.  They are about 90% finished, but the meticulous detailing made it more of a chore and the fun was lost.  I couldn't explain what happened to me. 

I then picked up an airplane kit and it was like a large snowball being pushed off a mountainside.  I am back to being out of control on building my stash and can't wait for finding extra time to work on my kits.  I still have many armor kits that I know I will get back to someday, or sell on ebay. 

Same thing happened to me. I'm trying to finish my Abrams that has been going off and on for 2-3 years. I've burned out on all the wheels and tracks and 500 part kits. I too have gravitated back to planes. My Zero is also going on about the same time-frame. Airplanes also require less weathering, which is probably up my alley since I suck at it anyways and it's time consuming. In armor, a good or bad weathering job can more or less make or break the build.

I recently added some plane kits I once sold, back to the stash, and it's the largest I ever had it. Now got to finish something.

tigerman

 

hutchdh:

 

To help get this thread back on track I can share a similar experience a few years back.  I used to build primarily WWII German armor, but lost the luster.  My last two kits were the Fehrmann Tiger and AFV Sturmtiger.  They are about 90% finished, but the meticulous detailing made it more of a chore and the fun was lost.  I couldn't explain what happened to me. 

I then picked up an airplane kit and it was like a large snowball being pushed off a mountainside.  I am back to being out of control on building my stash and can't wait for finding extra time to work on my kits.  I still have many armor kits that I know I will get back to someday, or sell on ebay. 

 

 

Same thing happened to me. I'm trying to finish my Abrams that has been going off and on for 2-3 years. I've burned out on all the wheels and tracks and 500 part kits. I too have gravitated back to planes. My Zero is also going on about the same time-frame. Airplanes also require less weathering, which is probably up my alley since I suck at it anyways and it's time consuming. In armor, a good or bad weathering job can more or less make or break the build.

I recently added some plane kits I once sold, back to the stash, and it's the largest I ever had it. Now got to finish something.

LOL...my stash has gotten huge, ever since I crossed back over to aircraft...I have the bug and can't shake it (not that I want to...I'd rather nurture it).  One of my side excitements is "the hunt" for a good price when I have my sights on a kit.  I too, found the road wheels and weathering of armor quite taxing...but I do love Tiger Tanks....  Again, referring to the stash, I chuckle when a package comes in the mail and my wife always says, "another one?"  But it is lighthearted and she is supportive....

Still think you just ought to try opening a fresh kit...  It's hard as hell to go back into a partial build after you've shelved it... But it'll eventually find its way back onto the bench..

Master Modeler:   I know how you feel after 40 years as a model Railroader I just lost interest so I desided to narrow it down to my second love plastic models. Yes I miss model trains but I have moved on to something I like and a darn site less expencive hobby, put your mind to it, it will come back to you good luck to you.                                        Aceses5

Well first off to reclaim the interest of modeling, take a few weeks off. A while back when I was making a 1:400 scale MIR station, it was just so frustrating. I took a break off. after two weeks I felt a sudden need to finish it if I wanted to start my P-61(I think) blackwidow. In a few weeks, I finished it. Now it's like an addiction, I can't get modeling out of my head! Try it! Even looking at my stash gets me  exited!

Secondly, I'm a kid! OK, I do have an xbox.But, it's not all I do in my house. I play violin, baseball, and of course model. The xbox is like the comic books back in the 50s. So ya, I do other stuff other than XBOX.  (I wonder if anyone else is a baseball fan)

total american patriot

(I wonder if anyone else is a baseball fan)

Heck yeah!

 I was in to modeling until I was 20 and got out of it, sold my stash. Stupid move. Got back into it about ten years ago, about five years ago I got into a slump, worried me at first, but I kept on buying kits reading Fine scale and checking out forums. I have other hobbies, mainly pro audio, I work on that right now. I too look at my situation as a "leave of absense". I know that need to build will come back, just can't force it. Be cool about it. Don't sell sell your stash.

Just do it...

Air Master Modeler

 My current girlfriend has no interest in this hobby and knows nothing about military weapons systems and hates when I bring it up. I miss this encouragement and support I used to have because it really motivated me to do my best on every kit I built.

 

Have you ever told your girlfriend how you feel? I really think that it weighs a LOT heavier on you than you realize. Your primary relationship doesn't recognize or validate a big part of who you are as a person and what makes you tick and find enjoyment. No wonder you're in a slump! You've been made to feel guilty and denigrated because you like to build plastic models.

==and she "hates when you bring it up"?!

I'd think hard about that....

my advice ,for what it is worth,is go to a local hobby shop and find a club meeting in your area.any club that puts glue to styrene will do,you will find insperation and motivation to carry on with this HOBBY,while giving pesonal advice on relationships is something i try not to do it is imporant that your signifigant other respects what makes you happy or enjoy doing.i won't say "kick 'em to the curb" but DO NOT allow them to control every aspect of your being(today your models tomorrow your choice in dinner).modeling is apart of your life from the first one you built till the last wiff of glue you breathe no matter how old you are.WHEN you do come back don't set your expectations to the level you had when ya put the pin vice down,your skills will diminish over time but don't be discouraged when you do build again it will come back and you will find your skills and models have improved.we have all been there (and most will probably be there again for a time)so hang in there.like my tag line says"we're modelers it's what we do"

the doog

Air Master Modeler:

 My current girlfriend has no interest in this hobby and knows nothing about military weapons systems and hates when I bring it up. I miss this encouragement and support I used to have because it really motivated me to do my best on every kit I built.

 

 

I think you've identified the problem--forget about the model--you need a new girlfriend.

Have you ever told your girlfriend how you feel? I really think that it weighs a LOT heavier on you than you realize. Your primary relationship doesn't recognize or validate a big part of who you are as a person and what makes you tick and find enjoyment. No wonder you're in a slump! You've been made to feel guilty and denigrated because you like to build plastic models.

==and she "hates when you bring it up"?!

I'd think hard about that....

the doog

 

Air Master Modeler:

 

 My current girlfriend has no interest in this hobby and knows nothing about military weapons systems and hates when I bring it up. I miss this encouragement and support I used to have because it really motivated me to do my best on every kit I built.

 

 

I think you've identified the problem--forget about the model--you need a new girlfriend.

 

I'd think hard about that....

OK, let me clarify something here. My girlfriend is supportive of my hobby but given the fact she knows nothing about the military or its weapons systems its not a subject she can easily understand or converse with me about when I talk about it. Its not her fault, its just a topic she has no knowledge or understanding of. She is just not interested in technical stuff I often talk about with fellow modelers and I respect that. Yes, she does not like to talk my hobby or military weapons because she knows nothing about it and no interest in it. Fact is not a lot of women are interested in our MAN toys.

Now lets stay on topic.

Let me make clear, "JUST DO IT" is the stupidest idea to break a slump. It doesn't work!!!! Forcing yourself to work on a model kit while in a slump will render the final results a disaster. I rather let my slump ride out  than force myself to work on it and the end result not what I want. I want the results to be something I can take pride in, not something that will end up in the dumpster by forcing myself to "just do it".                

Those of you who have actually been through a slump have been the best source of advice.

Air Master Modeler

OK, let me clarify something here. My girlfriend is supportive of my hobby but given the fact she knows nothing about the military or its weapons systems its not a subject she can easily understand or converse with me about when I talk about it. Its not her fault, its just a topic she has no knowledge or understanding of. She is just not interested in technical stuff I often talk about with fellow modelers and I respect that. Yes, she does not like to talk my hobby or military weapons because she knows nothing about it and no interest in it. Fact is not a lot of women are interested in our MAN toys.

Now lets stay on topic.

Let me make clear, "JUST DO IT" is the stupidest idea to break a slump. It doesn't work!!!! Forcing yourself to work on a model kit while in a slump will render the final results a disaster. I rather let my slump ride out  than force myself to work on it and the end result not what I want. I want the results to be something I can take pride in, not something that will end up in the dumpster by forcing myself to "just do it".                

Those of you who have actually been through a slump have been the best source of advice.

Maybe you need to accomplish something other than kit buiding....does your lady friend need any work like painting, etc...? Do any wood working?

Maybe when you finish an unrelated project and feel the satisfaction of completing a project, building a kit will seem easy.

And as Red Green says.....

so,

Air Master Modeler: Good Luck on getting over the slump.

the doog

Air Master Modeler:

 My current girlfriend has no interest in this hobby and knows nothing about military weapons systems and hates when I bring it up. I miss this encouragement and support I used to have because it really motivated me to do my best on every kit I built.

 

 

I think you've identified the problem--forget about the model--you need a new girlfriend.

Have you ever told your girlfriend how you feel? I really think that it weighs a LOT heavier on you than you realize. Your primary relationship doesn't recognize or validate a big part of who you are as a person and what makes you tick and find enjoyment. No wonder you're in a slump! You've been made to feel guilty and denigrated because you like to build plastic models.

==and she "hates when you bring it up"?!

I'd think hard about that....

Manny, If my girlfriend were selfish she would not be taking me to hobby shops to buy kits and model supplies. Its not so much that she hates it, she doesn't understand it so it would be redundant to try and have a conversation about model building with her. She does like end results when I complete a kit but, other than that model building isn't as big a deal with her as it is to me.

Now I would like it if you would drop the subject about my girlfriend and stay on topic. This thread isn't about my girlfriend.

Air Master Modeler

Manny, If my girlfriend were selfish she would not be taking me to hobby shops to buy kits and model supplies. Its not so much that she hates it, she doesn't understand it so it would be redundant to try and have a conversation about model building with her. She does like end results when I complete a kit but, other than that model building isn't as big a deal with her as it is to me.

Now I would like it if you would drop the subject about my girlfriend and stay on topic. This thread isn't about my girlfriend.

Manstein's revenge

 

Its about your "slump". And you mentioned your girlfriend in one of your posts, which the doog mentioned, from her remarks/attitude,  as a possible source behind said slump. You brought her up, not amnyone else...don't want to talk about it, don't bring it up.

 

And you wonder why I have no respect for you here. Your attitude smells like a fresh pile of . At least Doog wasn't harping on my girlfriend and being offensive as you are now. He made one remark and you have made several and many of which I found offensive. You do this in a lot of threads you post to with an offensive attitude.

Thanks again for being a jack-anus as usual!!!

I only brought up your girlfriend because, in our posts you mentioned that you missed not having the reinforcement and approval from someone in regard to your hobby. Then you mentioned that your ex-wife used to be that support for you and now.....ya know?

Like many people, I too have been in "slumps" before, and through some really smart advice, realized that the problem was NOT what I thought it was--it was, in fact, something completely outside of where I was looking. Or I should say 'where I was comfortable looking".

If you say it's not your your girlfriend, then I have no reason to try to convince you that it is, but while she may take you to hobby shops, I just want to offer the opinion that buying you something is not the same as making you feel some approval for it. If my girlfriend didn't appreciate my modeling, it would certainly make me wonder if somehow this hobby was some kind of source for tension in my relationship,, especially if she "hated when I brought it up" to paraphrase YOUR own words. You seem to be backing away from that statement now, but it's kinda interesting that you put it that way in the first mention of it before someone called you out on that particular comment?

Anyway, that's the last I'll say on it. I still think you should tell her exactly HOW much of an interest it is for you, and why it matters to you that she realizes that it's an important creative outlet for you.

I build my girlfriend models--two or three a year. Her favorite car, horse-themed stuff---even the famous Castle Neuschwanstein where we took a special holiday. Did you ever think of doing something like that to get her a little more "connected" t your love of the hobby? It also might provide some real inspiration for YOU to be working on something so personal and special for the person you love?

Air Master Modeler

And you wonder why I have no respect for you here.

Uuuuummmmm, nooo.  Wrong again.  I have never wondered, or cared, why you have no respect for me...

WELL NOW YOU KNOW!!!!

Its bad people like you that make good people leave these forums and look for other modeler forums where advice and criticism are constructive and helpful. You have been nothing but a TROLL posting to every thread you can just to bump up your post count.  You offer absolutely  NOTHING in the way of help or advice that I would consider constructive or helpful in any way. So why do you even bother except to start B.S. and be a complete TROLL?

This will be my last post in reply to you. Weather or not you care isn't my problem but,  I am not going to have a battle of wits with an unarmed jack-anus and Troll like YOU!

the doog

I only brought up your girlfriend because, in our posts you mentioned that you missed not having the reinforcement and approval from someone in regard to your hobby. Then you mentioned that your ex-wife used to be that support for you and now.....ya know?

Like many people, I too have been in "slumps" before, and through some really smart advice, realized that the problem was NOT what I thought it was--it was, in fact, something completely outside of where I was looking. Or I should say 'where I was comfortable looking".

If you say it's not your your girlfriend, then I have no reason to try to convince you that it is, but while she may take you to hobby shops, I just want to offer the opinion that buying you something is not the same as making you feel some approval for it. If my girlfriend didn't appreciate my modeling, it would certainly make me wonder if somehow this hobby was some kind of source for tension in my relationship,, especially if she "hated when I brought it up" to paraphrase YOUR own words. You seem to be backing away from that statement now, but it's kinda interesting that you put it that way in the first mention of it before someone called you out on that particular comment?

Anyway, that's the last I'll say on it. I still think you should tell her exactly HOW much of an interest it is for you, and why it matters to you that she realizes that it's an important creative outlet for you.

I build my girlfriend models--two or three a year. Her favorite car, horse-themed stuff---even the famous Castle Neuschwanstein where we took a special holiday. Did you ever think of doing something like that to get her a little more "connected" t your love of the hobby? It also might provide some real inspiration for YOU to be working on something so personal and special for the person you love?

Doog,

Your OK with me. I know your trying to help and I really appreciate it! I wasn't trying to back away I was just putting what I had said in better perspective because I know I made her sound like something spelled with a "B", and that was not my intention at all.