Model Contest

The Anime Expo® Model Contest is a tradition that has been on going for over a decade. The model contest provides model builders a place to gather and compete with one another on any anime based model subject which includes but is not limited to Gundam, Macross, Evangelion, Ghost in the Shell, Five Star Stories, Armored Core, and figures from various animes. Contestants will compete against each other in various categories for prizes, the prestigious Anime Expo® Model Contest Trophies, bragging rights, and most importantly, the fun and support for the hobby.

Every year, the model contest adds a different flavor to make it’s mark for that specific year. This year, in addition to the regular contest, there will be an additional “At Con” contest. More details about the contest will come as the count down to Anime Expo® approaches.

Model Contest Judging Criteria

Build and Finish – 20 pts – This is the actual skill used in building the piece. This is visible seams, correcting of flaws in the kit, filling open areas that should be solid. The finish is a careful inspection of the actual painting, decals, weathering. Items to be judged: excessive brush strokes, over spray, decals that are peeling or silvering, stickers (if used) not showing signs of peeling or abuse. Sticker abuse is the sticker showing signs of being removed and reapplied and/or having creases and various other signs of poor carePoints are awarded for how well a model is built.

Technical – 15 pts – This area focuses on the technical difficulty of the kit. Points are awarded for various technical attributes such as building a very old kit, scratch building, modifications done to the kit to make it better (Lighting, new jointing, correcting joint issues, addition of conversion kit parts), intricate paint schemes, etc. Judges can award these additional points for increase difficulty.

Aesthetics – 10 pts – These points are awarded for the intangible aspects of an entry. This is the most subjective judging criteria, and is based on how the judges feel about the kit on a personal level. Judges will award points based on how they feel about the kit, about the color scheme used, and generally how the kit affects them on an aesthetic level.

Presentation – 5 pts – This is how the kit is displayed for judging. This includes: Base, pose, and a non-technical look at the piece which is a 2ft judgment of the piece. A 2ft judgment is at a distance how does the piece look. A piece can look incredible at 2ft but be technically flawed at close inspection. This is also any custom painting, decals, or other items that are added to the kit to add to the appearance of the piece away from its technical merits.

Total Points: 50

Competition Times

Model Contest Location: Inside Anime Expo® Art Show at the back of Hall K
Entry Submission Deadline: Saturday July 4, 2008 @ 12:00 PM
Judging Time: Saturday July 4, 2008 @ 3:00 PM
Awards Presentation: Saturday July 4, 2008 @ 5:30 PM

Model Contest Entry Form

The model contest entry forms will be available at the Art Show for entrants. If you want to fill out the form ahead of time, please download and print out the following form: Model Contest Form (37KB PDF)

Special At Con Competition

This year, the Model Contest will hold an additional contest that will run the duration of the convention. Entrants* will be given a kit** and the convention, and using what ever means, must complete the kit by 12:00 PM on Sunday July 5. The entries will be judged on how well they were assembled given the short amount of time. With that said, there is no limit on what a contestant can do. The bare minimum is to have the kit assembled; but contestants are encouraged to properly cut and sand the kits to their best of abilities. More information such as kit distribution and contest locations will be given out as we get closer to Anime Expo®.

Any questions regarding the Modeling Content can be directed to Anime Expo® Forum.

* To be eligible, entrants must hold a 4-day Anime Expo® Badge
** There are a limited number of kits avaliable, and the kits will be distributed on a first come first served basis.