Turning a Model Hobby Into A Business

Ross Sokolovski/ Unsplash

Sometimes a hobby should stay as a hobby because we all need something to do that brings us joy. Other times though, turning your hobby into a business could spread that joy far and wide. Miniature models are one of the most fun hobbies, and there is a market for them too!

What's more, is that a hobby like this can be brought into a business on the side. Most of the time, you are already spending time doing it for free after work and in your free time anyway. 

But how can you turn it into more than a hobby? 

Note: you will always need to register your business before you start making money, so check the requirements for your country and follow them asap. 

Funding 
Looking at all of the materials that you currently use, the chances are you have already spent a great deal on them. Part of turning it into a business is going to be buying a lot more in terms of materials - because, even as a smaller business, you'll need to be able to increase the speed at which you produce things.

The right machinery might feel like a stretch, but you can find second hand machinery for sale, like compressors that are larger than you might typically use. 

There are a couple of peer-to-peer options for funding, including Kickstarter and Patreon, where people who support what you do can put money into the start-up. 

Get social 
As much as you enjoy spending time creating and painting your models without an audience, you'll need to get social. By getting social, you start to get the word out about the work you are doing. 

Take high-quality photos so that you can share the details, and start adding prices too. Research the right hashtags to make sure you are getting out there to your audience. But the most important part of having social media is to be social on it. That means commenting and liking other people's stuff too. 

Brand name 
Yep! One of the most exciting things is coming up with a brand name. <Something> Models, or a name that will mean something to the audience you are trying to reach. Keep in mind that some names will be trademarked, so it is always a good idea to check them out before you start using them. 

Since you are your brand here, you can keep it authentic to you, and people will appreciate that a lot more. Make sure you convey that this is a passion first, and you'll be surprised how supportive the right audience will be. 

Have a set ready
Often there are models that will sell like hotcakes because they are beloved by the players or watchers of that specific thing. Make sure that you have a few ready to be shipped so that if you hit the right audience and are getting loads of orders, you don't get snowed under! 

And consider if you will take commissions for one of the pieces that required design work and intense printing. These can be very lucrative but also time-consuming, so price yourself well. 

Almost all start-ups will follow the same path, and this is no exception; here is what you need to keep in mind: Steps to Starting a Business.