The Magic of Miniatures: An Inside Look at dHCONCEPT X Freeman Model Studio

A Deep Dive into the Creative Process of Diorama Artists【dHCONCEPT X Freeman Model Studio｜"More important than success is doing what you love and are willing to work hard for."】

What kind of magic is at work in miniature modeling that can shrink the familiar world around you into a desktop diorama? Through the skilled hands and experience of three creators, we step into the magical world of Freeman Model Studio.

For this interview, we sat down with Yang Mei-chin (hereafter Chin), Chen Shih-jen (Scorpion), and Yamato, the three passionate diorama artists who founded Freeman Model Studio. They condense our shared memories of daily life and the fleeting scenes of the streets into their work. How have they cultivated their inspiration along the way, and what frustrations or difficulties have they encountered in their creative process?

Part I: The Journey of Life and Creation

Q1. When did you first become interested in model making?

Scorpion: It was probably around the fifth or sixth grade. I couldn't afford Chogokin toys, and model kits were much cheaper in comparison. Because I couldn't buy expensive toys, I tried making things like robots and cars out of paper. It's hard to say what I specialize in; I've just always wanted to use models to tell the stories and depict the scenes in my mind. Whether it's a street corner from Taiwan's past or a vision of a fantasy or near-future world, it all starts with an image in my head, and then I try every method I can to bring it into the real world.

Yamato: Around my early 20s, I got hooked on sci-fi model kits, specifically the "Gundam" models that everyone knows. Back then, I was just enjoying the fun of assembly and play, so the finished products were really just for my own satisfaction. It's not like now, where it's my profession and I pour my heart into every detail. My specialty is near-future mecha and sci-fi styles, which is related to the first type of models I got into. I've always felt that guys are drawn to more hardcore, rugged themes.

Chin: I started with paper models in 2015. I've always admired Japan, so I wanted to use models to build a small community of my own, featuring the shops and environments I longed for. I used to enjoy making 1/150 scale Japanese scenes because I could create the entire community I envisioned within a defined space. Later, I grew to love creating therapeutic 1/35 scale mini-dioramas using more realistic painting techniques. I'm always learning new skills and exploring unfamiliar areas. I feel that no matter how you present it, there's a huge sense of accomplishment in both the process and the final result.

Q2. What led to the founding of the studio, and what were the difficulties?

Chin: Scorpion and I were already friends, and we both had an interest in model making and loved dioramas. We found the way life-scenes tell a story to be captivating and wanted to share this fascinating field with everyone. We also thought that if we became skilled enough, we could hold an exhibition every five or ten years to share our creative stories and our journey of growth. Later, we met Yamato at an event. We started teaching together, allowing more people to experience the joy of making and to create their own small dioramas by hand.

When we share photos of our work-in-progress on our fan page, we get very enthusiastic fans who help us with fact-checking. For example, they'll point out what a sign from a certain era should look like, that a particular model of scooter never came in that color, or how an air conditioner's piping should be routed. Through these interactions, we've learned a lot of new things. Looking ahead, we hope to share our techniques and creations with more people through workshops and talks. We are constantly growing, and we hope that through these events, more people who love the world of modeling can join us in telling their own stories through their work.

Part II: Space, Inspiration, and the Creative Process

Q1. What about your personal collection of kits?
Yamato: All three of us have a "yama-zumi." In this hobby, we call it "yama-zumi," which means you've bought and collected a ton of model kits, but you can't build them as fast as you buy them. In guy terms, a backlog is romantic. My own collection has shifted from mostly sci-fi materials in the past to primarily everyday life subjects now. However, once model making becomes your profession, that so-called "mountain" gets significantly smaller.
- Q2. What is your usual workspace atmosphere like, and what is your dream setup?
- Yamato: I prefer to work late at night or when I'm alone, listening to the radio, enjoying my personal time while creating. This probably stems from the old days when transportation was inconvenient and cell phones weren't common, so most of my time was spent in my own little room, reading a book and drinking a 3-in-1 coffee while I worked.
  Yamato: My dream is actually pretty extravagant and glamorous. It's like something out of a K-drama, where a rich heir pushes open the studio doors to reveal a long row of finished works on both sides. Then there's a bar, various dazzling model display shelves, and finally, the work area with all sorts of equipment like 3D printers and laser engravers. Of course, everyone has their own fantasy space. If the studio could have a coffee and cocktail bar, I think that would be the ultimate joy in life!
- Part III: Philosophy, from Daily Life to Finished Work
  
  Q1. What is a quote that has deeply influenced you?
- Yamato: A senior modeler once told me that you have to make building models a habit, just like eating or showering. >
  
  Scorpion: More important than success is doing what you truly love and are willing to work hard for.
  Chin: Is your life the same as it was three years ago? Has it been stagnant for three years? Three years from now, when you look back at yourself today, will you have regrets?
- Q2. What is your general outlook on life?
- Chin: Only by constantly growing and moving forward can an ordinary life have extraordinary meaning. But it's inevitable to face setbacks and hit walls. When I'm caught in self-doubt, I really need positive people around to guide me, or I'll take a vacation and get outdoors to soak up the positive energy from nature. Whether it's people, things, or events, I choose to believe in all the goodness and trust that everything has a reason for being. Whether good or bad, it's all part of what helps me grow.

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