The Geek-ecation series is a huge help to fledgling makers who wanna follow in your footsteps. There are a lot of tutorials out there, but there are only a few folks that have the focus and talent to deliver a direct, comprehensive walkthrough on a given subject, and you are one of those guys! Definitely looking forward to more of that series.

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Thank you! We've been on the fence about brining that series back, I think you just convinced us we need to! Much appreciated!

@ThatRobHuman

24 күн бұрын

@@TheSmugglersRoom Definitely agreed. I'd recommend broadening the scope of Geek-ecation series a litlte though: Tool-centric framing is good for some things, but in some ways tool-centric might loose some context. I think it's equally useful to have *Process*-centric videos in there too, as you've done in a few instances like Weathering: but why not roll them together into the same series?

@jediknightjairinaiki560

24 күн бұрын

I agree. I love watching the Geekication videos. Brian, I don't know if you remember, but when you stopped by my friend's booth at FanExpo Denver last year to check out his life size Bantha, I told you that I find your videos frustratingly inspiring. I don't have near the equipment you do but I love watching your process and trying to figure out a way I can do something along the same lines. Keep up the great work.

Brian. . . you AND your wife ROCK SOOOO DAMN HARD, bro!! I have gotten so much from being present for your experience. I feel COMMUNITY when I'm involved in your content! Connection is a major tool to doing what we all try to do here - be better at what we love! You both deliver that in an AWESOME GEEK fashion!! So grateful to be a part of that!! Keep it Geekin!!!

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!! So appreciate this comment. You rock!!

@regularguyjedi9154

24 күн бұрын

Well said. I feel the same and couldn't agree more.

The pressure to create content is insane. I feel that and glad you guys are deciding to go in a direction where you create content that you love too. When we create content that we don't love we get burn out quick. Love the Q&As. Also make with the tools that help you create efficiently. You shouldn't be made to feel like you shouldn't use the tools you have available.

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Thank you! I totally agree with you. Last year we were feeling the burn out big time. We sort of realized it wasn't burn out of making things it was chasing the illusive algorithm and the feeling of keyword search and SEO. I get that those things are part of it all, but I know that we, and awesome makers like you, started doing this for our passion. So why not just stick with it you know? Thanks for watching today! Keep creating, we love what you do on your channel!

@ResinBelle

24 күн бұрын

@@TheSmugglersRoom thanks man, I couldn't agree more. Hang in there

@Craftlngo

24 күн бұрын

@@TheSmugglersRoom 2023 was a tough year for every (artisan) content creator on KZread

I love the mix of both short term and long term projects. Those little one-off shorts keeps me thinking about what to do when I don't have lots of time available. Also it gives you a mental break between things. Love what you do, thanks!!!

Using the best tool at your disposal is the smart way to work. If we didn't do this we'd all still be riding horses to our vacation destinations.

These Q&A sessions are great. I appreciate knowing more about the processes, motivations, and thinking from behind the scenes. I think a lot of people expect that there is some sort of magic behind selecting & planning projects and creating content - and there is of course - but giving us a peek behind the curtain makes the whole thing more human. Thank you for sharing.

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Thank you! I’m so glad you are enjoying them. They have been really fun to put together

I love the shop, it makes such a cool set. I'd love to see more shop-build videos, especially if the shop is becoming Star-Wars-ified. I really want to do that to my own garage/shop, and would love to live vicariously through you until I do it. 😉

I’m finally getting into painting at the age of 49 after not painting since I was 12 I have no artistic ability but I’m gonna do it. I have an airbrush. I’ve painted one thing it was OK. I did most of that by hand but now I’m gonna try the airbrush on my first Star Wars models. Wish me luck thank you so much for your videos. I look forward to continuing to support the channel, and using your amazing knowledge and Spirit and Passion to help me find my way from the dark side into the light. Be well be you.

No need to apologize for the tools you have. Anyone can start a YT channel and put in the work to grow it to the point where sponsors want you to use their tools, it just demonstrates your success in this space

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Thank you!

Thank you for answering my question. I have really looked forward to these Q&A videos. It’s great to learn about the creative process for others. I’m all here for videos about the workshop. Whether you’re improving the function of the shop or merely the cosmetics, let’s see it. Your creative and story telling approach works well across various topics.

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for submitting a question! We have really enjoyed the process of digging into these, it's been fun to talk through things so we are glad you enjoyed it. As for the shop . . . lets do it!!! Thank you much!

This channels fantastic. Creativity mixed with just a passion for doing whatever brings you joy. Keep it up man!

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Thank you so much! That means the world to us!

The struggle with the airbrush is so real, that kind of love/hate things 😅

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Right???

I loved the geekication videos. because of your Chanel we got a Cricket and love it. But also the smaller tools like the the stepper bits. You really have helped me up my game. As for laser cutters. You often provide people with alternative ideas. As it happens my brother gifted me a laser cutter, and thanks to your chanel I was able to just drive right in to projects with it

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Awesome! Thank you for sharing that. We really appreciate it! Hope you are enjoying both the cricuit and laser! Great machines!

Shop infrastructure, yes please!

This episode totally makes a lot of sense. This is the Way

@TheSmugglersRoom

9 күн бұрын

Thank You!

You always get me pumped!!! :) Loved the Geekification series

@TheSmugglersRoom

22 күн бұрын

Thanks bro!

I totally get where you're at. 3 years ago when i decided to build my Dalek i converted my shop from a custom woodworking business (25 yrs) to one dedicated to building cosplay. Since retiring in 2021 i basically spend as much time as possible in the shop. I don't have a YT channel to complicate things which allows me to work on several projects simultaneously and just jump around. Currently I'm doing a full Jayne Cobb cosplay outfit complete with the most screen accurate Callahan Full Bore Autolock anyone has seen since the all aluminum one was done and shown on the RPF back in 2009, assembling a kit I purchased for a fully functional Zorg Industries ZR-1 and a full Halo Master Chief build ... and I also go bass fishing once a week just to get out of the shop ... lol

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

All of that sounds absolutely amazing!!! Thank you for sharing that with us.

I'd love to see some themed workshop ideas. Residential or bar room builds are great but I want to be in an in-universe creative space and I'd love to see ideas that people have along those lines

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

excellent! We're on it!

Yes, bring back the geek!

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

10.4 we will geek it up!

Squidmar Miniatures is probably the most experienced channel on KZread when it comes to airbrushing. On KZread they have uploaded some excellent tutorials on painting with brushes and with airbrush. For example "Ultimate Guide to Airbrush" and "Paint like a legend".

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

100% agreed!! I actually own a brand new Squidmar airbrush. I’ve yet to break it out and use it? But I will be soon!

I find your Smugglers Room content inspirational, the concepts and ideas you show are infectious, giving me/us, your viewers, techniques we can employ for projects not even Star Wars/Sci-Fi related. So, many of us don't have access to exy tools and gizmo's that you do, if we want to watch joe bloggs starting out in his garden shed, well, there are stacks of those guys out there with YT video content. Some of which also come out with wild concepts, ideas, and techniques; But you are the Smugglers Room, we don't expect you to do a MacGyver with a hairpin, a paper clip and toothbrush. What I LOVE about your content is the infectious enthusiasm you pump out, that makes us wanna make somethin' outta nuth'n'.

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Thank you so very much! You just made my day!

Love your channel. No shame in using the laser or whatever tool you have. That is what a tool is for! If you have one great, if you don't that's ok too. It is about the project and I have bought tools just for one project knowing or rather thinking I would use that tool for future projects. I admit, I do have a tool or two, that only got one use-but it's in my inventory! For that next project.

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Absolutely!!! Thank you

🤔 a starwars themed workshop room build ok I'm intrigued

@TheSmugglersRoom

7 күн бұрын

Awesome

Videos where you show how to use a tool to be creative are a great idea. As someone who owned a custom woodworking business for 25 years I didn't really need any education there when it decided to get into cosplay making. However, things like the 3D printer, airbrush, fiberglassing, etc YT was extremely important in my learning curve

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Excellent! Thank you for the feedback

Love the energy, keep creating.

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Thank you! Will do!

I'd Love to see a Tutorial on HOW you use Notion (for us easily distracted Makers!) Thanks!

Some of my 'filler' projects are usually created out of necessity. Usually after a big build that has had a lot of detail work, I like to build something simple just to 'cleanse' the palette.

@TheSmugglersRoom

23 күн бұрын

Oh that’s 100% true right! Cleanse the palette is a great way to describe it.

I see nothing wrong with using tools you have. So what that some of us don't have access to one. It's a GREAT tool to have. It compliments the other stuff you use and just makes the over all build that much better.

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Well said! Thank you

There wasn’t a topic or element that you mentioned that didn’t sound fascinating as new content, and love the fact that you’re allowing space for organic evolution of the channel vs. churning out whatever the algorithm says. With that said, did also want to express some specific interest in periodic return to the geek-e-cation segments (especially as it might apply to specific tools and rapid prototyping). Also, a specific element in the geek-e-cation that I didn’t hear come up (but I think would be super helpful for hobbyists of all types) is Midjourney. I know it can be a bit divisive as a topic, but in terms of efficiency gain it has to be considered incredibly valuable, and you've shown tremendous results from its use!

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Thank you!! Really appreciate the feedback

I plan on getting some sort of airbrush rig setup; harbor freight has a nice multi-brush station and compressor rig that will probably do the trick.

I'd like to see a droid build. I know that's difficult because it's a very large project and it's been done a load of times before you KZread but I'd still be interested to see how you tackle it. I know you've done a couple of droid related videos showing your existing finished droids and upgrades to L3FTY but a "start to finish" droid build would be interesting. I also appreciate as I write this that given the time and the complexity I've *not* been filming my own droid build but "Do as I ask, not as I do." :P

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

I’m so glad you mentioned this. I’ll let you in on a secret . . . It’s happening! You’ll see it all start to finish. AND given that you are a Guild Member you’ll be seeing a lot more than most!

@ekij133

23 күн бұрын

@@TheSmugglersRoom (* Happy Dalek dance *)

I’m a lifelong model railroader and scale modeler as well as a Star Wars geek. The airbrush is one of those tools that needs to be used on a regular basis to keep “sharp” on it. Also much depends on the prepping of the paint consistently each time… thinning, filtering, etc. I’m very far from being an expert though. My goal is to be “consistent” The guys that do model cars with slick, blemish free finishes just blow me away. Keep up the great work! It inspires me to stay in my shop!

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Excellent advice!! Love it

I’m very happy for you two to be where you are, and to have to tools you have. You should never have to apologize for that, nor for the use of a tool that makes you more efficient - that is what tools are for, so use it as much as you see fit! In addition, you constantly show other methods to come up with the same end result, so you are keeping with geekducation. I’d love a laser, but I also know I’m fortunate to have two 3d printers and a very small cnc. I’ll use what I have where I can to create - and make do with the other tools I have until maybe someday I can get a laser. Anyway, as always, appreciate your videos and that you share your hobby and journey with us!

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for the kind words. Wry much appreciated

When I stopped doing the project a week videos, and started focusing on larger projects, just breaking the bigger costumes into manageable parts; it made making things so much more enjoyable, but my views did drop down, at first. I'd rather get less views and enjoy a project more than just struggle with throwing out content I'm not happy with. I look forward to watching bigger projects from you!

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Yeah. It’s definitely a balancing act. I think this year we just really want to shift our production for the joy of it all. We feel like it better served you all as the audience, and that’s most important

@HawkWorley

23 күн бұрын

@@TheSmugglersRoom for what it's worth; I've seen the shift in the Channel, and I'm excited to see where you are taking this!

Firstly, The Pit looks awesome. Loved your segway [ahem] to Patreon, if I had the dosh I'd support you in a heartbeat. As for the airbrush, yep, I use mine whenever I can [a so much faster and smoother finish than hand painting 28/32 mm terrain] but I too am fully aware I'm still in the 'wipe on-wipe off' stage of my apprenticeship :) Any tools that help to bring an idea to life have to be used. Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Great video. I'm off to watch your Pit vids now. Thank you )O(

I love my airbrushes. I don’t get to use mine as often as I like, but when I do, I dive in full on and enjoy the process! Oddly you mentioned keeping the airbrush clean…I found out that you can over clean them! I was having an issue with my Badger M-150, so I called Badger and they told me what the issue could be, and said that I could be over cleaning my airbrush, which in turn was dislocating a rubber ring inside the airbrush. So now I’m not cleaning like crazy each time, but I am using a solvent to run through the airbrush in order to rid the airbrush of any pigment. As for the paints themselves, Createx has some versions of paint that are airbrush ready. You may want to check them out. I do miss your videos when they don’t pop up as often, but I get what you’re saying, quality over quantity is always better. Keep up the good work!

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Oh!! Those are great tips about cleaning them, thank you!! We are working on our schedule as well, trying to find time to do more for sure.

Fantastic information and thanks for answering our questions!!

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Absolutely my friend. Thank you so much for all your support bro

I love you smugglers room

@TheSmugglersRoom

22 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!!

Can’t wait to see what is next!!! 😊😊

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Thank you!

Great show loved the answers. I have 10 Vega 2000 double action airbrushes , changing the size of the tip and needles that can change the thickness of the line you are brushing, and air pressure has a big part on the control of your spray. On solid objects I set the psi between 20 to 30 psi, for cloths I spray between 60 to 70 psi. Practice is the key...

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Right on! Great tips! Thank you!

Thanks for the insight

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

My pleasure!

The Air brush! I spend more time cleaning it then using it. Love hate it!...too

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

LOL!! So true!

I really enjoy these talks you do and the work is amazing. I have NEVER done anything like you do but love doing models of all sizes and wanted to ask if you have every done or can show how to do the MOON? Like the full round and not a section. I want to do something like that for my granddaughter (3) as its become fun for the 2 of us to look at the moon when she comes to visit.

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Thank you! I am glad you enjoy the talks as well as the projects. It's new for us, but I have loved digging into everyone's questions. When you say Moon, what size are you thinking? Could be a fun project.

@jgjafo

13 күн бұрын

@@TheSmugglersRoom Maybe a beach ball size or a little bigger. Dont want something that totally dominates the roon LOL

Airbrushes are a pain. Those battery powered airbrush ones make setup easy. Thinning the crap out of the pint allows for very light multiple coats and lots of time to stop before going too far. Still a pain though.

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

They are finicky for sure, but the results are amazing

So, you mentioned a shop re-organization... and you have a laser cutter... I mentioned this on the discord, but just to reiterate, I *happen* to be developing a GridFinity-like system that's WAY more laser-cutter friendly. I even wrote a basic web-aapp to parametrically generate cutsheets as SVGs that you can just bring into lightburn. could/would that be of use to you?

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Whaaaaaat???? That sounds incredible!! (I am so awful about discord) but I would live to learn more about it. Please email us or message me through Patreon.

@ThatRobHuman

24 күн бұрын

@@TheSmugglersRoom done :3

Kinda bummed to see the intro go :(

@TheSmugglersRoom

24 күн бұрын

Oh don’t worry. It’s not totally gone. Just changing things up here and there.