Are you too hard on yourself?

[Andy]

I don't know if anyone else is like me, but I'm a bit of a perfectionist. This can be extremely frustrating and very disappointing at times when you're trying to pick out every single detail of the model. It's not by choice, and I usually end up not liking the final product. I've scrapped numerous models because of a small kink here and there that can easily be overlooked.

So are you guys, like me, perfectionists? Or do you generally not have a problem with self-judging of your models?

[Gav0909]

I have to say that I am probably not a perfectionist, certainly not to the point where I would scrap a model. I have certainly built models I have known I could have done much better on, and recently I have made the decision to make major changes to a kit part way through. I stripped and repainted a Mosquito I wasn't happy with, and I ripped the wings off and replaced them on a Seafire I wasn't happy with to start with.

But I tend to leave the final judging to others, I think that is the best way of knowing whether your work is "good" or not. You are always your own worst critic remember!

[BrummieModeller]

I don't know if anyone else is like me, but I'm a bit of a perfectionist. This can be extremely frustrating and very disappointing at times when you're trying to pick out every single detail of the model. It's not by choice, and I usually end up not liking the final product. I've scrapped numerous models because of a small kink here and there that can easily be overlooked.

So are you guys, like me, perfectionists? Or do you generally not have a problem with self-judging of your models?

I know exactly how u feel i look at the models i build n think there rubbish compared to everyone elses i see

[WebbyNZ]

I often find it hard to take compliments on builds from friends, family and more so other model builders when all I can see is the flaws/mistakes/fails like a lighthouse on a dark night.
I guess as the creators that is always where our eyes are drawn.

I have grown to realise what I think is a mistake or a shortcut can often not even by spotted by fellow builders unless they have done the same kit.

[UKscalemodeller]

I don't think I would ever scrap a model but I am usually disappointed with what I have done, and that's not just in modelling, but in every creative project I undertake, painting the living room, building the kids playhouse, building the Falkirk wheel (OK I am actually quite proud of that one).

It's not that I necc. messed them up either, just usually that my level of skill doesn't allow me to produce the wonderfull creation that I imagine it to be when I start.

Even someone like Gary (Makingmodelsagain) is self-deprecating and I'd kill for the talent he has.

I think the day I belive a model is 100% of what I want it to be may well be the moment I stop building again. For me, seeing the flaws just makes me want to do it better next time.

[Gav0909]

building the Falkirk wheel (OK I am actually quite proud of that one).

You built the Falkirk wheel? Man I hate to tell you, but I am sure that thing is squint

[UKscalemodeller]

building the Falkirk wheel (OK I am actually quite proud of that one).

You built the Falkirk wheel? Man I hate to tell you, but I am sure that thing is squint

Squint? Sorry, no idea what that means

[Gav0909]

Squint, as in off centre, not in line etc.

I was only pulling your leg anyway lol.

[UKscalemodeller]

Squint, as in off centre, not in line etc.

I was only pulling your leg anyway lol.

Ahh, thought it might have been a Scottish colloquialism.

Seriously though it was an interesting project to be part of. I was stood on it the first time it ever moved and the HMI screens, I did those don’t you know.

But back to the subject. The screens could have looked better.

[Nige201980]

What's that old saying "may all your dreams come true except one" it's the same with modelling we aim to improve with every build if we get the perfect model what else is there to aim for.
I really hope that makes sense.

[Coen]

I've never been unhappy enough with a model that I've turfed it into the heap.
I have recycled a few though, and tossed what was left. Those are all models that I built years ago and were immature to begin with. I salvaged everything useful to the spares boxes.
As for being too hard on myself.... Perfectionist.
Not really, I'm a bit of a private rivet counter, but only with my own work, I see the good in everyone else's work and I don' care about the mistakes.
My own work I'll do my best to get it right, but if I don't I'm the only one that will care, chances are I'll just fix it later anyway.

[bullgill67]

i often have a picture in my minds eye how i would like my models to turn out, but i never achieve that goal and always end up feeling disappointed with the final outcome

but as long as i get some enjoyment out of the process i think thats all that matters in the long run.

i am my biggest critic

michael

[Lee]

I think all my models look crap!

As some one has already said though, as the builder you know exactly where all the faults are and that's where your focus will be .....

I enjoy the part of modelling where I'm always striving to be better, kind of mirrors life a little

[schweinhund227]

Yeah! Hard on myself and I have Diposed of many models in
My Hobbyist Career !

We all wish to be Masters but one must come to a
Decision ! What is this Hobby for?

For Fun or to drive you insane!
We can't all be Picasso's. so we have fun experimenting
And growing our skills sets. Either slowly or patiently like so many
Have done in the Past!

I am in for the Fun! I leave the expert stuff to
The Experts! LOL

It's easier on the Soul !

[Andy]

Thanks for the replies everyone! Glad to see I'm not the only one who dislikes their own work from time to time

[Bagpiper]

Difficult to answer. One of my modeling heroes is Quaralane on YouTube. One of the nicest and pleasant men I have ever dealt with. He makes every build of his fun. His imagination has no bounds and he comes up with some fantastic stuff. Now I mention him to put this into perspective. I am not a perfectionist but I hate any mistakes but I live through them. I have not found the fun yet. So I am very critical of the smallest of error or seam line to the extent of annoyance. But I move on. I wish I could model myself (sic) on Quaralane as he does great models but they have their flaws. I could not accept them myself. Wish I could but it would bug me until I fixed them. So maybe I am a bit of a perfectionist but only when it comes to the model. Painting I am not too bothered about. Did I just go 180 degrees here?

Cheers
Jim

[RED]

generally hard on myself, as has been said before - I get a "picture" in my head once I buy the subject then try to replicate it - but I use it as motivation to carry on and try to do better on the next one (including trying new techniques etc)

but I guess the main thing is, is that I am still enjoying it

[Viper]

making models is fun for me but i always strive to make the next kit a bit better

[PerezTurner]

I don' think so that your statement is true for me. I make my own plans and decide according to the situations.

Our Quality Products

[chief5437]

I'm in no way a perfectionist, I'm usually happy with my builds. They're just a marker of my progression at that time. And you can always go back and have another go at ones you don't like. I'm just starting a re spray of a king tiger I did a few years ago, that I got sick of looking at!
I was close to binning the Fw-190, but you think, 'I'll do the best I can with it' and 'keep calm and carry on'! Lol

[PerezTurner]

Self-judging is a type of gift. This habit makes you perfect to feel something special. I feel that I am perfect in self-judging of models because I am experienced and professional in this field.

[alextheblue]

Therein lies the dichotomy of what we all do. It is noticing the minute details of modelling that fascinates us, but in doing so we also notice the imperfections.

People that know me would say I'm a perfectionist, but I would disagree - I strive for perfection and I have come to realise over the years that it is the striving that is the key thing. Not that I have been modelling long, but I used to get very frustrated with some of the early projects I worked on. Not being a quitter I would always finish them and it would only be weeks/months later when I went back to look at them I would think, "that's not quite as bad as a seem to remember" (in some cases it was worse!!! )

In a long winded way what I'm trying to say is, learn to love the process and the result will always be a joy.

[Coen]

Ah bang on dude!
What he said!

[NovYank]

Being fairly new to this hobby, I would have to say a little bit of both ways. Yes I do find myself dedicating too much time to some aspects of builds, but I have never scrapped a model for the imperfections. If anything I just tend to look at the imperfection and I remember all the time and effort put forth to try and fix that mistake. On the other hand, I do find myself momentarily abandoning all hope when I screw something up almost beyond repair; but there is always a way to fix it

[gosselin2112]

Perfectionist? No, I see every build as a learning process. If I lined up every model that I built, I could tell what skills were learned in each other them. In the end, it is a journey, so I don't allow myself to fret about it. But I wouldn't substitute perfectionism with hard work. With every model I build my skills increase and my eye for detail becomes more acute (as with most of us I think). Do I get disappointed at times with myself? Sure, I'm a human being. Never tossed a build before, but I have done a lot of paint stripping and repainting.

Russ.

[HamilkarBarkas]

I have a certain standard where i stick too, for me personally its a quite high standard but doable and i usually reach it. i´m not too hard on myself if something does not turn out as i expected it, for me it is just a relaxing hobby and if the results please me than it is alright. if i´m not happy at all with a model it happens that i abort the project in the building phase already, i don´t see the point of forcing myself to finish something i don´t like. instead i build something else.
perfectionism can be good for important things, but model building is a hobby and not important at all so perfectionism takes away the fun for me. Thats why i usually build my kits out of box without any improvements.

[Coen]

Now that's a great point.

[DC87]

Very well said Hamilkar, wise words indeed.