Hello fellas, its been like 2 months since my last build, i have a B-26 a P-51B and a B-17 on stand by because i cant get enough motivation to go ahead and get done with them, so how do you guys do it? how do you keep the motivation to keep going and going? i just cant do it… any word of advise?[V]
I only build when I “feel” like building and, I put it down and walk away from it when I
start having any kind of problem. Since I have little to no patients, that’s the only way
I can maintain any kind of standards. Besides, unless you’re building for a client,
there’s no hard, fast deadline. Take your time and enjoy.
Ray
Motivation comes from within. When the desire to build is stronger than the desire take a break, you’ll know. If you don’t feel motivated, and “force” yourself to build because you think you “should,” you may not be pleased with the results. It’s a pastime, and if the time isn’t right, don’t let yourself become a victim of guilt. Just as it’s allright to build, it’s allright not to build. I think you already know the answer, and it’s OK.
I motivate myself by looking at other people’s models. Here, hyperscale, aircraftresourcecenter, etc. When I see how great they look it get’s me out in the garage giving it my best.
I definately agree with others above that it should be more of a stress reliever than a stress creator and there are times when you need to stop for awhile. and if you don’t the model will probably have tell tale signs that you should have put it aside.
Leon
Usually I just stop, get away from it for a while, and then when I start thinking about jumping back in again, I just think of the next single thing I need to do. Sometimes I do it and then walk away again. But sometimes just getting over the “next single thing” kinda cuts me loose and I keep on going.
[#ditto] Though, when I think i’m in the right state of mind, I’ll dig out the DVD of Memphis Belle to jump start it. (it works best when you’re working on a B-17 [:D])
to be honest with you and with myself i would have to say i always have a passion to build. but you must understand the passion is because the subjects i choose are very dear to my heart. i havent done a build that i didnt have an obsession to build. like the above members have said, its ok not to want to build. building is your choice. it comes and goes. if you find a subject that you feel a passion for you will build.
Well, it’s a hobby so it should be something you enjoy. But everyone experiences a little burn out once in a while. When I feel the need for a break, I go to my second hobby, figure painting, and work on something not too demanding like a fantasy figure. Eventually the lure of the latest build on the bench brings me back.
I go along with what the others have said; Research Material, Documentary Shows and/or Movies concerning the subject at hand is usually ones best bet at restoring the fire.
I’ve thought a lot about the meaning of my episodes of non interest, but it’s usually due to my other passion kicking in; Painting. By the time I start getting restless with it, I’m back to sniffing glue and mincing my thumbs with scalpel’s again! [:p]
…for what it’s worth…and when i have a work space…there will be times when i sit straight for numerous hours and work away…occasionally it’s even for a few days running…
concentraton, focus, & p a t i e n c e wear me out and it might be a few days or a week or two weeks before i even touch a project again…but, what i do…do…is to everyday just sit at my work station for as long as i need the “fix” and review what i’ve accomplished, read directions, review some research, open a new kit, visit FSM forum and look at the awesome work displayed on these hallowed pages, read a “How to…” book…etc…etc…
get the picture ?..i’ve taken breaks, a hiatus, vacations & sabaticals but, have never strayed too far away…
i’m so enamoured with this hobby, i don’t want to and cannot stay away from it but, if i do nothing else…i do it one step at a time.
don’t worry, mandrake…it’ll tickle your fancy soon enough…
keep yer chin up…
When I suffer from “burnout”, I usually take a short break from the build, then, to re-charge the batteries, I start off with a thorough clean and tidy up of my workspace - you know - clean off all the sanding dust that accumulates and put all the tools and supplies back where they belong - so then I have a clean slate to start (or re-start) off in the right frame of mind. I guess it’s a little OCD, but what can I say?
Works for me.
My way of keeping the interest is too build while I’m at work, or driving the car, washing the dishes etc.
When I get a kit, I read the destruction manual front to back, then back to front.
Then in my mind (small as it may be![:p]) I build a little section each day.
By the time I start building, half the kit is finished, and the test is to see if what I imagined, can be put into reality.
Keeps the interest up, and makes me want to get back to the bench.[:D]
Mind you, the missuss also claims it as an obsession, thinking about plastic all the time, but we all have a cross to bear[;)]
I’m with those who are adament that this is a hobby, not a chore. Sure, a few of us get an occasional paying commission. (I used to get obscene tax deductions for doing museum work). But even then, I wouldn’t take a commission on something I wouldn’t otherwise build for fun. Right now, having started a half-dozen a/c, without finishing one, I decided it was time to do something drastic. So I’m building only my second armor model in my life. It’s an obscure, modern Japanese Self Defense Force tank, with no historical value, but a great winter camo scheme and skis and other doo-dads strapped all over the outside. It couldn’t be more different than what I’m used to building. And, my girlfriend is pressuring me to build her a candy-red Mustang. So I’m going to do that next. I have rarely built cars since I was 12 or 13.
So, I recommend either taking a break from the hobby altogether, or do something weird like I’m doing. it works.
Good luck, and stick with it,
Tom