Going Professional

[Hawk312]

With all the talent that is here, I was wondering if anyone here has tried doing this prefessionally, either for a living or just to make some money on the side. I know of some of you sell what you build. Do you do it regularly? How did you find people that want to buy what you build?
This has probably crossed the mind of everyone who`s been building for a while and really enjoys it. I`ve heard of people who do this for a living, but charge $500-$1500/model. But it would probably be the dream job for most of us.

[freakray]

I have built a few for other people and am currently starting another.

The first one I built as a favor, he told a friend about my work and sicne then it has been word-of-mouth really.
I've never advertised or anything, just had people approach me and ask if I can build one for them.

As far as money, I have only really covered expenses and made a little to fund my own building.

[Hiroboy]

OK the money would be nice, but then you would have the pressure to get it right, on time etc. No it would spoil the hobby for me I'm afraid.
I also build the cars I like. You may get asked to build something you really hate and you heart would not be in it. That's my outlook on it.

[Rtuned]

I'm going to be. But not pro-builder but to help my friend 'Garage43.com' to becoming a bodykits and tran-kits builder.

Rtuned

[willimo]

Originally Posted by Hiroboy

OK the money would be nice, but then you would have the pressure to get it right, on time etc. No it would spoil the hobby for me I'm afraid.
I also build the cars I like. You may get asked to build something you really hate and you heart would not be in it. That's my outlook on it.

I agree. Also, I'm not all that good... I've built a couple cars for friends, but that was just for fun and 'cause those friends were cute. A few people have suggested I do it for a living (they've never seen any of ya'll's work!) and that it would be so much fun.... But the idea of pro model building doesn't excite me... what would I do when I got home from a stressful day of model building?

[subyfanatic]

You have to put yourself in a certain mindset that I like to compare with cartoonist or comic book artists. Aside from building models I also sketch, airbrush, and do paintings on a commission basis. If you're not ready to part with your work then this isn't for you. You have to simply see it as a job or a paying hobby. You do have to deal with pressure and deadlines and that's what a job is about. I started out not wanting to sell off such original and unique works but, you learn to adjust to that and keep photo records in a portfolio of all you've done. You do get paid substantially more by people for one-off projects and unique requests, that comes as a nice perk. The most I got for one model building job was in the $600 range and I'm not a true pro, it's more about who your customer is and typically they'll only pay around $50-$100. However, I did paint a wall mural in a home several years ago and got over $6000 for it. I have a regular day job these days so I can't build as many models I'd want to but, it still is nice to make the extra money on occassion.

Good luck if you decide to do this.

Bigg "E"

[DSM-Mark]

Originally Posted by Rtuned

I'm going to be. But not pro-builder but to help my friend 'Garage43.com' to becoming a bodykits and tran-kits builder.

Rtuned

Would you be building in 1/24 or 43?

[tonioseven]

I don't think I'm good enough plus I just do it for fun.

[Hawk312]

Ok, I am getting a common sentiment here:
Everyone would like to enjoy their hobby, and they dont want the pressures/deadlines to spoil the fun? I can`t say I`m surprised. It would be my concern too.

Suby:
I can`t imagine building for anyone other than a relative for $50-$100!

Tonio,
You are waaaaaaayyyyyy to modest!!!

[Murray Kish]

I don't think there's alot of money to be made here. You might find the odd buyer willing to pay you a fair value for your time/talent, but they'll be rare. I wouldn't feel very confident about making the mortgage payments without some other source of income...

Murray

[malsheem]

Originally Posted by Murray Kish

I don't think there's alot of money to be made here. You might find the odd buyer willing to pay you a fair value for your time/talent, but they'll be rare. I wouldn't feel very confident about making the mortgage payments without some other source of income...

Murray

I agree with Murray. I can't imagine a line of people waiting for pay you several hundred dollars to build a model. And you'd probably have to build several at a time to make "real job" money.

I think the money is in the accessories part of the hobby. People are always asking "Hey, does anyone make this?" or "That be a cool kit/wing/wheel/etc to have." There a lot more of us (hobbyists) out there than people paying to have a model built. And more people are willing to plunk $20 for a trans-kit, $5 for resin parts, etc than $500 to have their car replicated in 1:24. And it'd still be fun building kits. You'd be showing off your products and getting more business.

[fullbloodchop01]

Originally Posted by tonioseven

I don't think I'm good enough ....

that is exactly how i feel
AND you are wayy good enough antonio

[EMAXX]

I kind of thought that would be fun, but modeling isn't what I would love to do for the rest of my life. Its fun and all, but just a stress releiver I think.

[flyonthewall]

I guess u could say i'm living the dream SAS is a full time thing for me, every day is a model making day, what more can you ask for? I'm not sure how someone can make a living from just being commissioned to build kits, there can't be that much of a market for it. The only modelers i know of that are able to do this are those with some serious modeling skills and able to scratchbuild larger scale cars, usually pre war classics. Then there are the magazine writers but there are only a handful of people involved fulltime as some of the content is from contributers. Perhaps the easier approach is to do something along the lines of what i do and tackle the aftermarket side of things, SAS is basically run from my bedroom and the spare room nextdoor. As long as you have the right ideas and right skills then you can do it.

[primera man]

I have made a few models for people, but to me its just not the same as building one for yourself.
The ones i have built, the people dont know the amount of work that goes into one. When i tried to charge the person he thought i was joking when i told him the price.
I would like to do it full time, but its hard to put a price on what we do.