When do you guys find that your model starts to take shape and look good. I found that once I drybrushed wow!! that model took on a life of it's own. I'm just starting so I can imagine what it will feel like when I get good. Before then it's just plastic with thinned paint all over but that dry brushing is incredible.

For me, it's when the decals hit the plastic. You can get an overall feel for how the completed model is going to look after painting, but there's nothing like seeing it in Technicolor to let you know the project is almost finished, and it's looking more and more like the subject that you're modeling.

Personally - when the wash goes on and the shodows pop out is when I start seeing life in a kit. You see depth and dimension.

For me its when the first coat of paint is on and i dont have any more finger prints or glue that needs cleaning up.

Josh Weingarten
aKa shiryon

I have a one of those crystal ball minds, for me it when I open the box.
Really though, it's when the wash goes on and that first step towards added dimensions comes out.

For me it's the model got primed. I dread building a bit, so after this it's my favourite part, painting and weathering....

When I'm doing a figure, it comes to life when the first highlights start to be applied.

The initial blocked colors leave me looking at a toy. The washes make it look like a hopeless mess. But when the highlights begin, the heavenly band of angels commence to singing and I start feelling like I might have something here! :-)

For me, it's when I've got everything glued together before painting.
That way, I can visualize how good the finished model is going to look! :-) ...as long as I don't screw up the paint job!

YodaMan

Good question, and a tough one to answer.

I suppose that for me it's when everything is built and primed including the base and groundwork. Once I test fit the model on to the base, it starts to come to life. Then it's just a matter of working the colors out.

Thanks,
Kevin Keefe
Mortars in Miniature

To my eye the model starts to pop when I start applying the weathering. That is easily the most enjoyable part for me. If I´m very lucky, I can cover it with snow !

With vignettes I see the big picture when the groundwork is almost finished.

The first touch of oils on a figure´s face is also a moment of magic!

:-)

Toni