Thinking of going self employed as modeller/caster - opinions sought.

[6milPhil]

Cousins,

I've been giving some serious thought to going full time with modelling and casting, not least because it's something I'd like to try before I shuffle off this mortal coil.

Now I know I'm not the best modeller around, nor the best caster, but I try my best and so I think there's room for another "bloke in a shed" set up.

My biggest concern is the original funding, so I've been thinking about using a crowd funder - not for a specific project rather than to get me going. I thought instead of offering goodies I might offer nominations and votes for each £x pledged, as in someone funds me and can then nominate a model they'd like to see produced, with all funders having a vote on say the final half a dozen models to actually be realised. I'd back this up with discounted models from the existing range for all funders, so if none of the voted for models appealed, something could be be bought.

I'd be interested in hearing opinions on this, or other related ideas.

Thanks in anticipation.

[OSHIROmodels]

As long as you have a normal job that pays the bills I don't see why not (loved the SWAT van) 

cheers

James

[Vermis]

Heard about this the other day.

http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/News-and-Events/News/Pages/Brighton-Fuse-Freelancer-Report.aspx

Now I know it's more about IT guys, and wargaming model makers aren't going to make anything like that kind of scratch. (From listening to Heresy Miniatures' fortunes on the Forum of Doom, if nothing else) But coming to the end of a period of employment I haven't much enjoyed, myself, it gives me a little encouragement about job satisfaction, at least.

[black hat miniatures]

I think that the Kickstarter idea you are suggesting would only work for someone who was an outstanding modelmaker and had people queuing up to buy anything he produced.  Then, a chance to pay to vote for what would be produced next would make sense.

Unfortunately, I don't think you are in that position (and very few people are!) so I really can't see it working.

The only way to get into the business full time is to build up slowly and create a catalogue of product until eventually you are selling enough to consider doing it full time,  or have the funds to buy into an existing business with existing product (as I did) which will give you a turnover from day one and a (small) living wage.

Happy to talk to you about the economics of running a wargames business if you want a chat off-line then PM me.

Mike

[6milPhil]

Thanks for the advice, both here and privately. Much food for thought.