Tha's like asking for a book to be a good designer!

hmm, what I am referring is basic skills that one should have when it comes to making models rather than how to make a model. As in things or skills that help to make a decent model, not making pre-made model step by step.

I have seen a good model making book but I cannot recall the name, it was about 8 1/2" by 11" landscape, hardcover and had a good summary of techniques to use when using different materials. It was focused on architectural model making, so I bet if you did a thorough search on amazon for "architectural model" you will find it. It was also rather expensive, I think 80$+.

I run a college model shop and have done freelance model building, so this is something I might be able to comment on...

I have a paperback copy of 'Designing With Models' that I keep at my desk for students to use. Its alright, nothing too amazing. If you can pick up a copy used, then go for it, but I personally don't think its worth hunting down. This is the book thats mentioned above. I have no experience with it, so let me know how it is if you grab it.

Model craft is something that takes practice. The best advice I can give is to take your time and do it right - there are always chance to cut corners (no pun intended) and from experience they're usually regretted at the end.

Yes, that is the book, thanks for finding it.

modelbuilding101.com the site is down for a bit.... reworking a few things

This would be a hugely helpful resource. I completely disagree with the poster above who says that's like looking for a "how to be a good designer" handbook. The truth is, we all have varying degrees of innate talent, but you CAN learn tenets of good design and you CAN learn tenets of good craft, if you have a good teacher to show you -- regardless of how much talent you had to start with.

For me, it was a huge shock to get out of school and work for a small firm who designs via models, and suddenly learn, from my boss, about 10 easy, totally simple tricks that made modelling 100x easier & crisper, in just 1 day of working together on a model. I was cursing the fact that I just hadn't known these techniques in school -- would have made my models sooo much better. This is exactly why craftsmen need to apprentice. There are things that would take you years to learn if you're struggling along on your own, but days to learn if you have a teacher who carries with him the knowledge of all the craftsmen preceding. (If that made sense...)

SOMEONE SHOULD WRITE THIS BOOK. ...cryz?

^ and yet you somehow conned them into hiring me? they never told me if they were happy or not, although those were a couple of intense days for me.

i just spit my websites and changed from .asp to .php so there was a lot of coding to get redone. (by my programmer).. so my model forum is down

i'm hoping to also get some tutorials up but been crazy busy with other stuff/etc.....

i could probably write a book, but i think videos might be easier and faster to do... maybe make a dvd collection or something....

cryz

They were actually happy with it. It's hard to work together on something that is continually changing / being designed. You should see how many models they have in there now! They could make a whole little exhibit just for that house...

Yes but you could sell a book. Just sayin'... aren't you the entrepreneurial type? You could do like cookbooks, and show step-by-step photos, with an accompanying dvd...

hey guys, thank you for all the helpful recommendation :)

ps:mantaray, what is the 10 techniques? =p

oh by the way, check the link below:

http://tokyobling.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/a-paper-craft-castle-on-the-ocean/