Rei Ayanami 1/7

Another straightforward build simply trying to get back into the swing of things. I didn’t go for any custom color schemes (or at least thought I wasn’t), just a simple build and paint job. I did get a better feel for application of the Mr. Color White Pearl, since I haven’t used it much. It’s a nice affect but subtle. I also refreshed on the process for skin tones, and I think it turned out pretty well (especially ensuring to toss a flat clear coat over the top except for the eyes, this made a big difference at the end in my opinion).

This kit is from e2046 and fit together reasonably well, but I’ve had better fits as well. Some areas that needed some extra work were filling gaps around the hips and pinning the arms/legs as these did not have very good attachments out of the mold.

I do wish I did a little more research on paint job prior to painting since I admit it has been a long time since watching Evangelion. Instead, I based it on the photo from the box which was front only, and I took a wrong guess when it came to the back. Going with yellow looks ok in person (better than in the photos I believe), but it would have flown together better if it were white consistent with the rest of the plug suit.

Lessons Learned:

• Prior to painting and throughout, refer to reference images online thoroughly, think through any color changes carefully
• For skin tones (especially using the clear red / pink shade combo), be sure to throw down a flat clear coat over top (except the eyes). It makes skin tone look much more realistic
• Take photos after priming before moving forward, and look at photos for imperfections. I did not do this during this build but I probably should start. This is because whenever I’m done with a model and pull out the camera for pictures, all imperfections become even more visible. Primer makes imperfections show better, but I feel like the camera makes them even more obvious but if you wait until final coats all painted before photos, it’s already too late.
• Easy way to fix background color – In Photoshop, select – color range, then cut is a great and fast way to remove background color (did to many of these since the backdrop was pretty dirty and didn’t look too great).
• Don’t forget your decals. I forgot them at first and had to retake all the pictures after going back and adding (some above are before decal, some after)