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requirements for Entry level job in model shop

Ivan Kriakov

I have a friend who dropped out of college for health reasons after a year and now that he's better he's looking for a job to do until school starts. I was wondering if people think he could get an entry level job at an architecture firm working in a model shop, or simply at a shop that only does models?

 
May 8, 06 2:01 pm

Depends on the portfolio. Really the only thing that counts there is craft. It helps if he's personable and all that, but really it's about nice cuts, no glue smudges, and perfect corners.

May 8, 06 2:30 pm  · 
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Ivan Kriakov

he doesn't have any architecture experience other than he buit a couple of models for me for some competitions I did, the models are very nice, is that enough if he did all the model work and they look great? 2 models?

May 8, 06 3:03 pm  · 
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Ivan Kriakov

he hasn't started arch classes yet

May 8, 06 3:04 pm  · 
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Ivan Kriakov

Anyone else? he dropped out because of depression and he's getting better now, but I don't want to get completely shot down if there's no chance. what do you think?

May 8, 06 9:13 pm  · 
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epm37

Hi there,

I recently left a high-end model shop out west where I started as an entry-level model builder about a year ago. When I showed them my portfolio I only had one "real" architectural model in there amidst a bunch of other work (graphic design, computer drafting, illustration, sculpture). Several other things helped me land the job however such as extensive construction experience and enough work with computer and hand drafting to prove that I know what plans look like.

The important thing is getting your foot in the door and having a good attitude. The portfolio is only to prove that you are moderatly capable and that they can train to do what they want, after that it is all about how you interact with the person interviewing you. You have to make them beleive that you want it - offer to sweep floors or work as an intern for a month or come by one day a week until they get you trained - whatever it takes to prove that you are serious. Modeling takes loooooonnnngggg hours and real dedication and I think that is what any serious model shop will look for in an applicant, not just a flashy portfolio.

Good luck, it sure is fun . . . Not my cup of tea though.

May 8, 06 10:08 pm  · 
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FOG Lite

Does he have all his digits? Then he's in.
OK it might take a bit more than that, if he has a basic understanding of how to read a set of drawings and has a sense of scale he should be good to go.

Word of warning though, I've been in some model shops that had a pretty toxic atmosphere (literally and figuratively.) If he's suffering from depression hanging out with the guys in the model shop may not be to helpful. I've also know plenty of model makers who were super happy people, more on the, "Gee-Whiz! I-get to sit around and make models all day?! Awesome!" tip.

May 8, 06 10:50 pm  · 
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In my first day on the job in the model shop, I thought it was the thing to wear a tie. After getting spray glue on it and then nearly chopping it in half with an olfa knife, I never wore a tie again.

May 9, 06 3:09 pm  · 
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newstreamlinedmodel

He should look for a shop that just does models. They do pretty well when they have a good set up and, from what I’ve seen, it’s a lot of sitting around gluing laser cut pieces together and chatting. A lot of work but not hard. The people I knew in San Francisco were more likely to hire you based on whether they though you’d be fun to hang out with rather than any technical skills based on the necessity of spending long hours in a room with you doing repetitive work. It would be a good thing to do while getting your head together.

May 9, 06 4:43 pm  · 
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