Model maker

A Model Maker is a skilled professional who constructs detailed, scaled models of various objects, structures, or concepts for industries such as architecture, film, product design, and engineering. They use a combination of artistry and technical skill to bring blueprints, sketches, or CAD designs into physical form, working with materials such as wood, plastic, metal, and foam. Model Makers are essential in helping designers, engineers, and clients visualize concepts in three dimensions, allowing for functional assessment and aesthetic evaluations before full-scale production.

Model makers typically:

• Interpret blueprints, sketches, or CAD files to create accurate scale models.
• Use various tools and techniques, including handcrafting, 3D printing, and laser cutting, to shape and assemble model components.
• Select suitable materials, such as wood, resin, plastic, or metal, to achieve the desired look, feel, and functionality.
• Assemble model parts with precision, ensuring accuracy in details and adherence to scale specifications.
• Paint, finish, and detail models to achieve realistic textures, colors, and effects.
• Work with designers, architects, and engineers to understand specifications and make adjustments based on feedback.
• Maintain tools, machinery, and workspace to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Document and archive completed models for future reference or modifications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on prototypes, working from conceptual stages through final presentation.

The following job titles also refer to model maker:

model fabricator
model expert
model designer
modeller
model builder
maker

Model Makers typically work in workshops or design studios equipped with tools, machinery, and materials for model construction. They may work for architecture firms, film studios, or manufacturing companies, depending on the industry. The role involves precision and patience, as well as focus and fine motor skills, as models can be intricate and detailed. Regular working hours are common, though project deadlines or specific client needs may sometimes require extra hours. Safety protocols are essential, especially when handling tools or using adhesives and finishes.

Many Model Makers have a background in fine arts, industrial design, architecture, or engineering, with training in drafting, sculpting, and model construction techniques. Some hold specialized degrees in model making or attend technical schools for hands-on training. Experience in materials handling, 3D modeling software, and crafting techniques is valuable. Building a strong portfolio demonstrating both creativity and technical ability is key for career advancement. Knowledge of new technologies, such as 3D printing and laser cutting, is increasingly important in the industry as model-making techniques continue to evolve.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Model maker is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to model maker.

ergonomist
automotive engineer
automotive designer
rolling stock engineer
rotating equipment engineer

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of model maker.

• Design principles: The elements used in design such as unity, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, space, form, texture, colour, light, shade and congruence and their application into practice.
• Quality standards: The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.

These skills are necessary for the role of model maker.

• Follow a brief: Interpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.
• Use traditional illustration techniques: Create drawings using traditional illustration techniques such as watercolour, pen and ink, airbrush art, oil painting, pastels, wood engraving, and linoleum cuts.
• Operate precision measuring equipment: Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.
• Align components: Align and lay out components in order to put them together correctly according to blueprints and technical plans.
• Create a product’s virtual model: Create a mathematical or three-dimensional computer graphic model of the product by using a CAE system or a calculator.
• Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
• Build a product’s physical model: Build a model of the product out of wood, clay or other materials by using hand or electrical tools.
• Use digital illustration techniques: Create drawings using digital illustration programmes and techniques.
• Read engineering drawings: Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
• Use CAD software: Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
• Fasten components: Fasten components together according to blueprints and technical plans in order to create subassemblies or finished products.
• Design scale models: Design imitations of products such as vehicles or buildings which accurately represent the dimensions of the product in a smaller format.
• Develop product design: Convert market requirements into product design and development.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of model maker. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• 3D printing process: The process of reproducing 3D objects by using 3D printing technologies.
• Printing materials: The materials, such as paper, film, metal foils, and glass, on which texts or designs can be transferred by applying ink through direct pressure or with intermediate rollers.
• Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
• 3D modelling: The process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of an object via specialised software. The product is called a 3D model. It can be displayed as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering or used in a computer simulation of physical phenomena. The model can also be physically created using 3D printing devices.
• Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
• Casting processes: The various practices used in the casting of metal, plastics and other cast materials, including mould filling, solidification, cooling, and others, all relating to varying approaches in case of different types of material.
• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of model maker. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Finish plastic products: Finish the product by sanding, branding and polishing the plastic surface.
• Apply 3D imaging techniques: Implement a variety of techniques such as digital sculpting, curve modelling and 3D scanning to create, edit, preserve and use 3D images, such as point clouds, 3D vector graphic and 3D surface shapes.
• Manipulate plastic: Manipulate the properties, shape and size of plastic.
• Manipulate plaster: Manipulate the properties, shape and size of plaster.
• Manipulate metal: Manipulate the properties, shape and size of metal.
• Adjust engineering designs: Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
• Tend CNC milling machine: Tend a computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling machine designed for cutting manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.
• Create smooth wood surface: Shave, plane and sand wood manually or automatically to produce a smooth surface.
• Build miniature sets: Build miniature sets from a variety of materials, working with the design staff to create the appropriate prop for the production.
• Assemble final product: Install and mechanically adjust all components and subsystems, according to factory regulations and legal standards.
• Make architectural mock-ups: Make a scale model that represents the vision and specifications of the construction project to allow the design team to review details such as colour and materials selection, and to show and discuss the project with the customers.
• Mix paint: Thoroughly mix different types of paint manually or mechanically. Start from basic paints or from powder and mix in water or chemicals. Check the consistency of the resulting mixture.
• Tend CNC laser cutting machine: Monitor and operate a computer numerical controlled (CNC) laser cutting machine according to regulations.
• Use painting equipment: Use brushes, rollers, spray guns and other painting equipment in accordance with the work.
• Smooth burred surfaces: Inspect and smooth burred surfaces of steel and metal parts.
• Design prototypes: Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.
• Create set models: Create three-dimensional models of the envisioned set layout.
• Design miniature sets: Draw miniature set sketches and define set materials and building methods.
• Create 2D painting: Produce a drawing by using a range of digital tools.
• Operate 3D computer graphics software: Use graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-dimensional objects.

2163 – Product and garment designers

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References

1. Model maker – ESCO
2. What does a Model Maker do? – Career Basecamp
3. Model Maker Job Description – Velvet Jobs
4. Model maker – Sort Your Future
5. Featured image: By Lessormore – Own work, CC BY 4.0