In the world of Gunpla, where plastic and passion collide, builders from all walks of life find joy and a sense of accomplishment. Today, we spotlight Austin, known in the Gunpla community by his Instagram handle @char_aznabear. A 34-year-old enthusiast from Arkansas, Austin shares insights into his journey, challenges, and the creative process behind his remarkable Gunpla builds.
A Spark Ignited by Friendship
Austin's foray into the world of Gunpla began in 2019, sparked not by the Gundam series itself but by a friend's passion for building. "I really hadn't seen any Gundam series, but my friend kept showing me his builds, and it got me interested in the process," Austin recalls. Despite admitting that his first kit was "an absolute mess," it's clear that the initial challenge only fueled his desire to dive deeper into the hobby.
The Joy of Transformation
What excites Austin the most about Gunpla building is the transformative power of painting and installing LEDs. "Seeing your model suddenly have lights or completely change its appearance is super rewarding," he says. This element of transformation—turning static models into vibrant, almost lifelike creations—is a significant draw for many builders, highlighting the blend of technical skill and artistic vision that Gunpla demands.
A Milestone Arctic MG Acguy
When asked about his favorite build, Austin doesn't hesitate to mention his arctic-colored MG Acguy. This model stands out not only for its technical features, such as extendable arms and a spring-loaded nail, but also as the first project where he successfully incorporated cockpit lighting. It represents a milestone in his building career, encapsulating the progress and learning that come with each build.
Learning from Challenges
Austin's journey hasn't been without its challenges. His Zaku-colored GM III project, his first serious attempt at scribing, taught him valuable lessons in using a chisel and fixing mistakes with putty. "Don't be afraid to try new stuff. It's just plastic; you can fix most things," Austin advises beginners. Embracing challenges and learning from them is a theme that resonates throughout his Gunpla experience.
Creativity Unleashed
When it comes to customizing his models, Austin starts with a plan, particularly for the color scheme, but remains flexible, allowing the build to evolve. "Once it gets to decals, I kind of wing it," he admits, highlighting the blend of planning and spontaneity that characterizes his approach to Gunpla.
Future Endeavors and Community Impact
Looking ahead, Austin has several projects on the horizon, including a GM kitbash and an Origin Zaku I, the latter still in the planning stages. Beyond the builds themselves, he credits the Gunpla community with playing a pivotal role in his development as a builder. The advice and encouragement from fellow enthusiasts have pushed him to step outside his comfort zone and explore new techniques.
Conclusion
Austin's journey in the Gunpla world is a testament to the hobby's capacity to inspire creativity, foster community, and challenge individuals to grow. Through painting, LED installation, and customizing, builders like @char_aznabear transform simple kits into works of art, sharing their passion and inspiring others along the way. Follow Austin’s Gunpla adventures and creative explorations on Instagram at @char_aznabear to see where his boundless creativity takes him next.
