APMM Conferences

The APMM traditionally holds a conference every two years, in a different region of the country each time. Due to the COVID pandemic, we have moved our event into the virtual space! Join us right from your own desktop or device for a virtual gathering to take place March 12-15, 2021. Watch for more details to be posted soon!

The purpose of the conferences is to pool our knowledge of resources and techniques through workshops and tours, to engage with our vendors, and to network. We hope you will join us.

2021 Conference - virtual!

Talking Shop...

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While the Paint Dries...

Visit While the Paint Dries... whenever you're watching paint dry, waiting for a mold to set up, or listening to the hum of a machine that is doing your bidding. Here you will glean the latest information from your APMM community, learn a trick or two, or find out what our Vendors are doing. Because resourcefulness is a true model maker's trait!

 

APMM Zoom Meet-Ups

We're hosting informal and interactive Zoom Meet-Ups for our members to get together in virtual space - make sure your membership is current and active, then join us! (Members in good standing will receive an email message inviting them to the session, including Zoom meeting details and links. Some sessions are open to all.) Meet-up sessions will take place on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 10 AM PT/11 AM MT/12 PM CT/1 PM ET/6 PM BT and the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1 PM PT/2 PM MT/3 PM CT/4 PM ET/9 PM BT.

Planned upcoming meet-ups:

  • Wed. May 19 @ 4 PM ET - Meditation: Achieving model maker Zen w/Terry Wellman and Pete Mack (member session)
  • Wed. June 2 @ 1 PM ET - Winners of the 2020 Virtual Model Making Competition: Where are they now? w/Will Strange (open to all) As we launch this year’s Art Hedlund Student Model Making Competition, join us to celebrate the work of students from the last year. What did we learn about running the competition online for the first time? How are students learning their craft in schools today?
  • Wed. June 16 @ 4 PM ET - Student Work reviews from Arts University Bournemouth UK w/Will Strange (open to all) A look at the work of students of the Arts University Bournemouth’s Model Making program. Senior Lecturer Will Strange will give a tour of their studios, and the work that students have made this year.
  • Wed. July 21 @ 4 PM ET - Diversity and inclusion in the model shop w/Aaron Williams (member session)
  • TBA - Tour of a university shop
  • TBA - Reliable sources for Unobtanium
  • TBA - Model Makers - the Swiss Army Knife people of the zombie apocalypse


Straight from the bench:
Our Star Wars Day meet-up on May 4 was amazing! Model maker extraordinaire Fon Davis and model maker/APMM co-founder    Jeff Hoefer shared anecdotes of their involvement in making moving magic with both the first Star Wars trilogy and the second, as well as juicy behind-the-scenes glimpses of how model makers bring to life the imagineered miniatures (and 'bigatures'!) and fantastical props.

They shared how even in the age of digital effects, miniatures are often relied upon to create settings that are true-to-life. Both Jeff and Fon talked about 'kit-bashing' and using common objects to create unbelievable film moments. Jeff reflected, "Only a model makers brain is wired to envision how to get the best result by using what you have."

With many blockbuster movies to his credit, Fon gave advice about a career in model making for film. "You will have fun," he said with a smile, "but be prepared to work hard!"
 
Want to make your own Star Wars themed project? Check out this link: https://www.instructables.com/Star-Wars-Projects/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email Send us pictures of your project - completed or in-progress and we'll feature it here!


We're model makers. We're your community.



We've made a few changes to our membership plans - check it out and make sure you're signed up at the right level for your needs!

Got questions? Contact [email protected]

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I am a Model Maker

You are part of a group that may be small in numbers but is huge in influence, since almost every manufactured or constructed item in the world was made as a model at some point. Model makers, no matter where they work, have a lot in common. Find out how the APMM seeks to represent and unite model makers across all industries.

Reasons To Belong

 

What is a Model Maker?

Model makers are given an idea, and we create a three-dimensional object which is used to explain or demonstrate that idea. We apply some of the oldest crafting skills and the most modern techniques to make models that are realistic and accurate to the idea. See if you would like to be a model maker – or already are one!

Who We Are

 

I need a Model Maker

The APMM has hundreds of members throughout the United States and other countries. One of our independent shops will be happy to help you with your project if they can. Collect your ideas and the information/data for your project and send us a Request For Quote.

Request a Quote

 

Where We Shop

The model making industry requires a huge variety of tools, equipment, raw materials, and specialized services to do the work. The APMM has invited the most trustworthy and capable vendors of these goods and services to become members as well. Check here to see if you have what model makers need, or if our vendors have what you need.

Community Vendors