One thing I miss more than anything after finishing school was building physical models. As much as I enjoy rendering and illustrating, my favorite part of the design process was getting away from the screen and building study/presentation models. My thesis project was especially interesting, since I made it a goal to design the entire project digitally with no study models (well one quick one at the beginning of the project). My final presentation model was the first time I saw the design in physical, tangible form. Not only that, but the laser cutter was toast and everything had to be done the old school way, measuring and hand cutting each individual piece.
The reason that I bring this up is because I realized that maybe 75% of the models no longer exist or will never be seen again. Half of them fell victim to the move to Boston. Others, I let the schools keep. The model pics are all I have left which have been crucial to my portfolios and this blog. If you don’t already document your stuff after every project, it’s a good habit to get into. Also, take your time and use good lighting. Some of my model pics are blurry or just bad angles, which is brutal to edit.
Hey alex what type of lighting did you use when documenting models?
Why many models won't exist? I'm a little confused.
whats your favorite type of material to make models??
@Claud- I prefer to use northern sun light or take pics on a cloudy day. I like the soft shadows you get and you avoid yellow coloring from artificial light. Just put it next to a window and use a tripod
@Frontop- I was trying to get the point across that it takes little effort to document your stuff, and you never know when you will need the images. Its just a good idea to back up your stuff.
@Rojo- I prefer to use museum board. It is softer than crescent board and has a consistent white color all the way through. It paints up real nice too.
I appreciate the slide show. You are very good in designing patterns. Good Job!!
Tips on taking pics of models would be good for a post
I meticulously photographed ALL of my work throughout Architecture school, and was so pleased with myself for doing so. However, I apparently was not aware of how bad my ability to manually focus a 35mm camera was until I compiled all my images to create my portfolio. Everything is just slightly out of focus…
Now applying to Graduate school, and have to basically recreate loads and loads of materials as a result.
Belatedly, have you got any tips for when it turns out your photos were terrible and now you’re trying to shop everything together into something that doesn’t look rubbish? (without remaking models, pleeeeaasssee D: )