Why is modeling good for you?

Many people do modeling because they are naturally interested in doing it. They don’t dwell on why it’s good for you. Still, it is smart to understand the benefits of modeling as a hobby. Gradually you will find out that modeling is good for you because you develop various skills that you don’t easily acquire in other hobbies! We’ll be happy to tell you exactly what you’re getting into modeling. Moreover, you can make good use of the list in this article to see if modeling is something to introduce your children to.

You will learn about materials and construction techniques

First, you will learn about materials and construction techniques. The more you work with wood, metal and plastic, the better you can estimate what you can make with them. Therefore, it is smart to not only take a wooden modeling kit, but also engage in plastic modeling, for example. You will also face challenges by connecting different materials together. What glue do you use for it? Can you click certain parts instead of gluing or use magnets?

You get to know the structures inside out as you assemble new kits. Over time, you will see your building techniques improve.

You can put your creativity into it

The creativity involved in this hobby is a big reason why people get involved. For some, this is even the reason they do model building. It’s entirely up to you whether you stick to the manual provided or do something completely different. You may like other colors better or you may want to add some extras to the vehicle you are building.

With modeling, all of this is possible. Being creative, visualizing and spatially imagining what something looks like is all very good for your brain. You train the part that has to do with insight, so you see this reflected in other aspects of your life.

You improve your motor skills

By constantly holding models and painting small details, you improve your motor skills. These are all actions that develop the small muscle groups in your hands and arms. Think cutting, pasting, holding, cutting and painting. Especially to get the small details right, you have to have muscle control.

You learn problem-solving thinking

No matter how well you prepare, sooner or later you will face unforeseen circumstances. The glue may not work properly or certain parts may not fall quite how you want them to. Whatever it is, you need to learn problem-solving thinking to get into modeling.

It’s about making your own creation come to life, but also accepting that mistakes will be made. As best you can, of course, you try to undo them, but sometimes you will always see an imprint. Working on the hobby in this way teaches you to accept situations you cannot change and still go for a beautiful result.

You have to keep your concentration

If you don’t keep your concentration, things will go wrong. Especially when it is a larger modeling project that takes many hours, it is a challenge to keep your attention. These days there are many distractions in the form of social media and the Internet, but having your hands busy with something that requires you to keep your concentration trains your brain to focus on something.

You learn to achieve goals

The goal is usually pretty clear with a model kit: make the model you’ve chosen. Yet it is not that simple. You need to visualize in advance what it will look like and work toward it over a span of several days or weeks. This means practicing your perseverance to achieve goals over an extended period of time. Even if things come up in between that delay the construction project, you have to be able to deal with them and stay focused on the goal.

You learn to work in a structured way

Without structure, you will get nowhere with modeling. Not for nothing is there an emphasis on preparing your work. You want as much as possible covered in advance before you actually start cutting, gluing and sanding. Try getting one of the construction kits from Ugears finished. Set yourself goals and get to work.

Constantly keeping an overview of what parts you need, what colors you want to paint in what order and how long it will take for the paint or glue to dry teaches you all to work in a structured way.

You will learn a lot about the background of your models

One benefit not everyone will consider is that you get to know a lot about your models’ backgrounds. As you build your collection, you learn a piece of the vehicle, building or figure you are building each time. Certain features that you never noticed before now stand out, and the information provided with the model kit gives you valuable background knowledge about what you are making.

It is relaxing

For most people, being involved in a modeling project is very relaxing. It gives an outlet from everyday things. Because you often do it in a secluded space in a quiet environment, it is often a time when you unwind. You need this to function optimally. A moment of rest each day is very conducive to the quality of the rest of the day. You can better focus on your work and clear your head to take up any challenges immediately.

Which kit is best to start with?

Wooden construction kits are usually good to start with. This is mainly because of the material. Wood is robust and sturdy. It can well carry the weight of what you make. In addition, it is easy to glue. Especially if you take a pre-cut variety, you have a good entry-level model to get really familiar with the hobby. So a good move to see why modeling is so good for you!