How to Become an Expert Model Builder
Building models allows you to make the imagined real, creating an actual 3-D representation of an object, typically in scale. A combination of art and skill, it's a hobby enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Model builders create everything imaginable, from figurines to landscapes, creating models that incorporate a high level of realism into even the most fantastical of subject matter. Although there's no certification or degree necessary to become an expert, there is a process that you can follow that can lead to expert status.
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Things You'll Need
- Model kits
- Hobby knife
- Modeling putty filler
- Glue
- Model paints
- Paintbrushes
- Ink
- Epoxy modeling putty
- Modeling clay
- Rubber mold kits
- Modeling magazines
Instructions
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Build model kits that are rated as the most difficult kits available. Concentrate on the model assembly process to create flawless models ready for painting. Remove mold lines caused by the part creation process using a hobby knife, fill in gaps between ill-fitting pieces using modeling putty and use glue judiciously to keep seams between pieces as smooth as possible. Work with a large variety of model types and scales -- from figures to vehicles -- to increase your experience both with the building process and with the flaws that many models possess.
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Experiment with painting techniques using the models built. Use both light and dark paints as primers to note the effect on the final coloring and shadowing effects of base paints. Use both paintbrush and airbrush techniques to see the differences in the paint surfaces created. Mix your own shades of colors to gain experience in how to create a wide variety of hues. Practice advanced painting techniques that add realism to your models such as weathering to simulate model age, color highlighting to layer and complicate model colors and inking techniques that enhance and blend colors.
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Modify models during the building process to create variations on the model kits. Use a combination of parts from multiple kits to create new looks for existing models. Cut, alter and reattach model parts to change the lines or structure of a model. Create your own modifications using epoxy modeling putty, which hardens to add sculpted structures of your own making to your models. Modifying the models helps you to become familiar with the model design process as well as the difficulties in building unique models.
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Work with other builders to further develop your technique. Become familiar with the techniques used by other modelers to create various modeling effects. Attend seminars, enter contests and share your work for critique by other modelers on Internet forums devoted to modeling. Build your modeling repertoire during the process, as you continue to build more models. Extend your building capability in the process by experimenting with the new techniques, adding more of your own modifications and sculpts to each model you build.
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Work with modeling clay to build your own models, and then create your own molds using rubber mold kits to reproduce and use your parts to create your own model designs. The greater your ability to add originality using an existing model as a base or to create a model from scratch, the more expertise you will gain as a builder. Improve your sculpting ability. Work toward creating a model from design to final product to reach expert builder status.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit model wolksvagens image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
