...
4) There is no real skill to what I did. Its just knowing what to use and where to put it...
...
This is, in fact, the very definition of skill. (Or at least one of the possible definitions)
For me, it was more when people say "I can't do this, I don't have the Skill."
My Response is. "Sure you Do. You can do it. Let me show you the basics."
...
4) There is no real skill to what I did. Its just knowing what to use and where to put it...
...
This is, in fact, the very definition of skill. (Or at least one of the possible definitions)
For me, it was more when people say "I can't do this, I don't have the Skill."
My Response is. "Sure you Do. You can do it. Let me show you the basics."
I hear ya. I think the better response is that it doesn't require any artistic talent. Most people think painting miniatures = paint + brush = art = requires art talent. It does require skill...but really no artistic talent.
I don't know if this is common with models from shapeways, but the bottom end on the right side is rather...grainy...I washed it...scrubbed it...wouldn't come off. I mean I paid top dollar for this so I'm curious what's up on that front. The resin ones have that issue at all?
It's almost certainly from the Shapeways model removal process, (I've been told that it is one of the primary reasons behind the 'rough' surface texture). The resin ones likely have fewer issues with surface definition aside from the usual worry of potential bubbling as resin is aught to do at times.
I know how you feel, mate. My MC80A had some several centimetre thick wavy bands that looked like ribs when painted, not to mention the same exceptionally rough texture on the underside. I used liquid green stuff to even it out as I couldn't sand those parts down, but it's possible that a selective gloss coat would fix/minimize it as well.
As for this artistic talent vs. creative ability/skill thing: I've found that it requires neither, but benefits from both. One may be a great technical painter and not achieve great result because the individual fails to arrange patterns or to leverage techniques in aesthetically pleasing ways. Conversely, one may be a visionary in colour patterns or methods, but lacks the control and experience to realize the full scope of their ambitions. As far as I'm concerned, you don't have to be some gifted artist for painting to be worth attempting. The whole act is a stamp of individuality via artistic expression. It just takes the will to actualize that desire, counteracting the perceived deficiency in creative and artistic abilities which prevents many from making the attempt. In that way, other painters can serve as guides in both areas, but it's through personal exploration and experience that we all achieve growth.
Basically, I still don't think I've got a ton of artistic ability but I try a lot of stuff and can fake it 
Even this blind pig-rat finds the occasional acorn. Acorns taste terrible, in case anyone's asking.
Gonna put on Jedi and paint my frigate....brb
Whatcha guys think so far?
See the grain on the end....I'm HOPING that the gloss will balance it out.
Looking good, although I did not have any grain on mine. Generally it will not be an issue as long as you don't ink that area too heavy and stand it out.
Problem is the area that has the grain has a good portion of details...the right side of the tail for example is...just...bad. I think I'll strip it and redo it...see what happens.
I LOVE these things!
I've started using these guys to reshape some more x-wings and found them to be great at getting into the really tough spots. Not sure if they'll work for you, but thought I'd mention them.
I LOVE these things!
I've started using these guys to reshape some more x-wings and found them to be great at getting into the really tough spots. Not sure if they'll work for you, but thought I'd mention them.
Worth a shot, I'm gonna need some fine sand paper and get in and get the heavy grain out...as much as I can. The bottom half the right side of the model is very bad.
To be honest in hindsight I feel like I paid $50 bucks for a model and got ripped off, the details are just...rough.
Right so the self pity has passed...and that kickass modeler that has been stumbling around in the back of my mind had a sweet idea.
Sanding brick...a fine sanding brick that I can work with, with pressure work into small areas...cut down if need be.
Also carve out the actual lines with an exacto or use a file...
I will make this thing work...and she will be amazing! I'm also considering some different colored panels, the last look I had was just too...too simple.
I've got faith in you, mate! These models can be... finicky, problematic, even irritating. But don't let a bloody model beat you up! (Not that my FFG official stuff has been perfect: I have 3 VSD's and 2 of them had notable defects, including one that arrived with only 2 engines).
The sanding block should work just fine on a lot of the flat surfce areas. The round ones may take some more work, and a liquid putty or a select gloss might still be a good option. Either way, I'd recommend being careful with the resin unless that rear fin is one solid piece. But I know you can do it, and I'm willing to bet that you'll love that ship after.
Alright, I don't think I've ever posted this particular image before and I can't recall if I even posted my MC80A around here, so my appologies. I did mention I had to do a fair bit of reconstruction in the past on my MC80, did I not? I never did take a picture of the issue but it was significant.
That turned to this. Still not the best, but I really wasn't at my best when I had to correct it. So it's not perfect, I learned a lot, and one of these days I might go back to it.
And into my 'MC80 Assault' model.
Which happens to be one of my favourite Rebel fleet models, though I still use my normal Home One MC80 in tournaments.
Edited by VykesTo be honest, I can barely see it, and I know what to look for. I obsessed over the same thing on one of my Dreadnaughts, so far nobody I show them to notices unless I point it out, and even then I have been told it looks "on purpose" due to the narrow parallel lines.
All those picks do is make me want one!
Whatcha guys think so far?
See the grain on the end....I'm HOPING that the gloss will balance it out.
Thats a cool looking ship design. I would not mind that for another wave.
I got it sanded down...this should work out nice.
I think we've got a solid fix here fellas!
What did you use and how please? I have ordered mine and would like to know for when it gets here.
Vykes offered me some tips on this job. Thank you for that.
Im not overly excited with how it turned out but its good enough. I need to learn to blend better.
What did you use and how please? I have ordered mine and would like to know for when it gets here.
220 and 120 grit sand paper, a good exacto blade, and a file.
Basically you want to get rid of the grit, then go over the lines. I'd clean the model, prime it a light color so you can see it all better.
Vykes offered me some tips on this job. Thank you for that.
Im not overly excited with how it turned out but its good enough. I need to learn to blend better.
Lurtz, where did you get the MC75?
I made it.
I need to learn to blend better.
Or learn how to Cheat 
A thoughtfully applied Blue Glaze would start to tie the colours together more
I really think this is coming out 100% better than the previous version (not counting the fuzz!) I like the darker tone of grey...it adds more character and it'll set it apart from the Imperial ships.
"Old/slightly used rendili stardrive dreadnought turned into some odd looking frigate via monster garage."
I can only afford apple barrel at the moment (poor college kid)
Im fairly certain they dont make glazes and ive no idea how to make them myself but ill do some research.
I can only afford apple barrel at the moment (poor college kid)
Im fairly certain they dont make glazes and ive no idea how to make them myself but ill do some research.
Research is key bro.
Also check out tutorials..and play and modify them.
I use dropship studios tutorial on making x-wings..but modified it for my own uses.
What did you use and how please? I have ordered mine and would like to know for when it gets here.
220 and 120 grit sand paper, a good exacto blade, and a file.
Basically you want to get rid of the grit, then go over the lines. I'd clean the model, prime it a light color so you can see it all better.
120 is really aggressive, also going from 120 straight to 220 will mean you can't fully get rid of the deep scratches that the 120 will leave behind
i'd recommend 180 and 220 if you're going to go the sand paper route
180 is plenty aggressive enough, especially for a model