Game Design and Product Sculpting both require talent. In either field if you are good, then that business will come naturally but client patronage may be irregular at best. Such services are needed by companies at an unpredictable rate. Such irregularity makes budgeting for a business plan difficult if not impossible. The need for product sculptors is consistently greater than the need for Game Design specialists.

In both areas, there are production costs which must be calculated by the sculptor or designer. The failure to calculate all of the costs will result in the production of a ‘labor of love’ project rather than a profitable one.

D.1 Game Design is a mental operation. The designer must be able to visualize concepts. They must also be able to transform hard data into workable mechanics. They will need to have decent language skills and be able to format concepts into understandable documents.

Once the concept design is completed, the designer must be able to conduct play-test sessions and evaluate the process. Then they must revise the original concept work based on the play-test evaluations. In order to do this, the designer must be able to not let their ego get in the way of product development. After the document is complete the designer must have the verbal skills and temperament to explain the product (present it to publishers) and defend the product and its concepts (to players and in a way not to alienate them from further play). I find this option as the least likely to be successful on its own. The activity should be combined with another option to provide meaningful income.

D2. Product Sculpting has greater potential but as stated employment is often irregular. Most Sculptors are Free Lance Operators but a few are under contract with major companies. Sculptors are often better at some areas and scales than others. As a result, you often see sculptors who specialize in a specific venue or scale. If you have the skill to sculpt, sooner or later you will be found. Rejection will be tough but it will happen.

Do You Really Want to Get Into The Hobby Business?

Introduction
Running a Store
Painting Service
Ebay Store
Game and Figure Design
Running a Hobby-related Webpage
Something I Haven’t Mentioned
Running a Distributorship
Becoming a Producer (Manufacturer)