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Matt Adams Special user Harvest, AL 827 Posts |
Has anyone noticed that some projects never seem to get any closer to completion? I've been working on this display case for weeks in my spare time. I've spent HOURS on it...and every time I think I'm close, I find something else needs to be done. Sigh...
Website: www.MattAdamsMinistries.com
Instagram: @mattadamsministries Facebook: www.facebook.com/mattadamsministries |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
This is pretty common for any first time builds... even if you've made many other things. A new project often has details which are overlooked in the initial planning. Typically, those projects have a very foggy completion point. You get finished and aren't sure if you still have more to do.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Matt Adams Special user Harvest, AL 827 Posts |
Ah I see. Yes, I'd think you summed it up nicely with "new builds" - because I would know exactly what I needed to do next time (which there won't be a next time on this project). But anyway...it's been LUDICROUSLY expensive between materials and time. Gag...I've spent at least $500 on this project. lol. I could have bought one for less...but the point was experience.
Website: www.MattAdamsMinistries.com
Instagram: @mattadamsministries Facebook: www.facebook.com/mattadamsministries |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Experience is often worth more than the price you pay for it... but that doesn't make it any cheaper.
Some of my early illusion builds ended up to be ridiculously expensive. In part, this was because one-off projects don't have the luxury of buying material in bulk (read: FULL retail cost). Then, I didn't account for unusable extras, redundant purchases because the first buy wasn't "quite right". A world of experience! I also learned quickly that the smaller the parts, the more expensive they were. A few sheets of even the best plywood is nothing compared to a small bag of specialty hardware. Then, there're the dollars spent on countless shop materials... glue, sandpaper, clean up towels, etc.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
TheRaven Special user 597 Posts |
I've been working on a flea circus for about 4 years now. For me it is more an issue of finding time to spend on it - not endless details...
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
I have on occasion, decided to finish projects that I'd started many years ealier. I still have several more sitting around waiting for me to find the time to work on them.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Leland Stone Inner circle 1204 Posts |
It may be that completion isn't the point.
My Dad always had numerous projects going, some of which were completed in a timely fashion, and some of which simply rolled slowly along for ages, never making real progress. While you may not be retired as he was, perhaps you have a similar motive for not finishing: Involving oneself in a continuing project offers diversion from other cares. Just a thought. Leland |
Craig Ousterling Special user 585 Posts |
Sometimes I get stuck in the perfectionism-procrastination loop. It eats time and money. It will be perfect if I just do this. Nope, not perfect yet... think think think... It will be perfect if I just do this other thing. Nope, not perfect yet... think think think... rinse / repeat.
It's my nightmare. |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
As with a project I am currently doing, I will sometimes let a project sit for weeks or months while I decide what color combinations and detailing I want to do to it.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Shane Cobalt New user 91 Posts |
I try to keep in constant contact with people interested in the project in some way. They keep asking for updates and it keeps me obligated and motivated.
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Lou Hilario Inner circle 2235 Posts |
Matt, you are like me. I do several projects at the same time. Some get finished but others are just sitting there waiting on line. Of course, we get to finish first the projects that make us happier. Some don't get finished because we either lack the materials needed, have a little problem to solve for it or just get dis-interested. There will always be new stuff we want to make and create. But sometimes, we have to balance our family time and friends, too.
I find making and creating magic projects relaxing. Sometimes, I even enjoy it more than performing magic. Life is short, that is why make the most of it but have FUN always.
Magic, Illusions, Juggling, Puppet & Parrot Show ^0^
http://www.louhilario.net |
billappleton Inner circle Los Gatos, California 1154 Posts |
Perfect is the enemy of good.
The R and D for some of my ideas is too expensive. If I knew what I was doing these would be reasonable things to make. |
mrmetropolis Regular user who has only made 155 Posts |
I ususally spend about 6 to 8 months per project. Mostly because I have a 2 year old and I only get the oppertunity to work after she's asleep. Usually just on the weekends or 3 hours Friday and Saturday nights. Also, ordering parts takes time as well. You reach a point and need a special part that has to ship from halfway across the country... ugh.
"For those who believe, no explanation is necessary, for those who do not, none will suffice".-Joseph Dunninger http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4wL5fX3xGQ
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Wizard of Oz Inner circle Most people wish I didn't have 5150 Posts |
As frustrating and exhausting as it seems mrmetropolis, enjoy these days. You will always be able to go back to magic, but you'll never, ever, be able to go back to the magic you are seeing now. 2 year-olds are PURE magic. I know it's stressful, and you desperately want (and most-likely need) an escape. But these days will pass in the blink of an eye. You're 2 year old will be 10, and then 16...18....21...
Magic will still be here. (I know I sound like an old grandpa right now..."When I was young we didn't have..." But try and hang in there. As they grow, you grow. It's all good bro.)
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
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BanzaiMagic Inner circle 1339 Posts |
Wise words from Wizard.
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mrmetropolis Regular user who has only made 155 Posts |
Thanks for the wise words Wizard. Yeah, I try and enjoy as much time as I can with the little one. She's already grown up so fast and there really is no magic like watching her learn and experience all the new things this world has to offer. I finally finished my most recent project... took me about 8 months total to build and either 80 or 120 hours... who knows. Anyway. What a relief.
- Jason
"For those who believe, no explanation is necessary, for those who do not, none will suffice".-Joseph Dunninger http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4wL5fX3xGQ
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Wizard of Oz Inner circle Most people wish I didn't have 5150 Posts |
We just dropped off our only child at college this week. A trail of tears.
My wife poetically noticed that the long hill we drove up to get back home, was the same long hill we drove up returning from the hospital, carrying our newborn son. A lot has transpired between those two drives. And there was no speed limit.
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-08-30 15:51, Wizard of Oz wrote: Pretty fast, huh? My son turned 21 yesterday. His son turns 1 tomorrow. I've caught myself more than once calling the baby by my son's name and calling myself daddy. Weird how time compresses memories.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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