Looking for tips to improve my next model, gunplalollapalooza finalist.
My entry for critique: https://www.flickr.com/photos/129305955@N06/sets/72157652111931193
This was the first time I had ever completed a model with airbrushing, weathering, damage, paint chipping, decals, clearcoats, minor modifications, basically the first time I ever completed a "high" quality model. I had never really done any of this before. Scratch building I've done a bit of, but nothing beyond the building phase, no paint at all even.
Hairspray chipping was a technique suggested to me that I was unaware of until recently.
What can I do to make the next model better? What's wrong with this model?
Please be honest, not looking for praise, tell me what's wrong so I can improve! Don't be gentle, just straightforward, no feelings hurt. I had a blast making this and I enjoy my work but want to bring it to the next level.
I've got 6 more Master Grade models in my hobby area just waiting for a build.
Posted Jun 14, 2015, 11:27 PM UTC
Alright, I'll take the bait.
Weathering and attention to detail is spot on.
Need to ease up on those paint-chips as to give a sense of scale. There are some spots that have too much and some spots just right for the scale. There will be parts of a mech that has seen wear and tear and some spots that might have a bit of wear but not too much like the lower arms, there isn't much action going on there but there are still some weathering in there, prolly paint fading and rusting. Usually paint chipping occurs when a painted surface meets another painted surface and the impact is what creates a paint chip. Tone it down to the spots where surfaces/edges meet and you'll be golden.
I could see some small bullet holes that aren't really needed, if I were to imagine it, a few on the shield, nothing on the spike armour, a few on the legs and that's it. It's hard to imagine but if you've watched 08th MS-Team you might understand what I mean.
You've got the weathering technique down, it's just a matter of scale that you need to work on.
Posing on the pictures are a bit too plain, if this is the old MG Zaku II v1 then I could understand the limited posability, there are some techniques you can incorporate to improve the posabilty of kits that will not take away from the default build, say for example the skirt armour, replacing the pegs with single-strand wire and springs to cover the wire would give the skirt WAY more posability options than those offered on the default construction. Might want to try posability mods as your next project.
You also might want to make an add-on base for that kit as seeing it in just some surface takes away from the overall viewing of the kit. Could have evened the score with u/VentureGunpla if you squeezed in a base for context.
I can understand that people love to experiment with their builds, trying a new technique etc. for me, you have to master clean builds before getting into other techniques. Clean build, destroy later with context.
TL:DR;
[EDIT] Drop by the chatroom to get more critiques as well.
I see what you mean about the chips! Funny how something you are told can really open your eyes when I sit here scratch my head. Thanks for the critique!
Sorry, been late getting a reply, steam sales, work around the house, full time job, and e3 have kept me busy, lol.
Haven't seen 087 MS team yet. 3 more episodes left for finish on the original Gundam and next is MS Team in my watch cue.
Not considering the holes "bullet" holes, the smallest holes on it I imagined were 20mm cannon marks. I don't think any small caliber rifle could leave a mark on thick armor like a MS would have.
I look into posing better and mods for posing as well.
Thanks for the advice, it will without a doubt help improve my next attempt!