Grungy & abandoned-style miniature scenes: an interview with Max Aditya

How long have you been making miniatures? 

I started in 2016. The first thing that I made was a wooden house. I made it to photograph, then when I posted it to my Instagram page someone presumed it was for sale and asked me the price, so I sold it. My work is so much better now than the work I created then. 

What got you first interested in making miniatures? 

Photography. Basically, my hobby is photography so I started to photograph toys, focussing on 1/18th scale. I think photography is very relatable to miniatures. Many people that love miniatures take the photos of their miniatures. Especially for the 1/87th hobbyist.

What sort of miniatures do you make and why these in particular? 

I make dioramas. I like 1/87th scale because it's so very small but it’s important you still include all the details at this scale.

Where do you get your inspiration from? 

Mostly from Luke Towan, the diorama maker. He has a YouTube channel about making his dioramas. I’ve watched almost all the videos that he’s made. I like his work because his dioramas are so very realistic. I don’t copy and do the same thing as his work, I only use his work for my inspiration. Because of him I learnt to make my dioramas as realistic as possible.

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Tell us how you go about creating your work?

To start I always create a sketch of what I plan to build and then I go ahead and make the build. I only do one sketch however. It works when the diorama resembles the sketch, but I do try to make it as close as possible to my drawing. 

Do you have a favourite material to work with such as wood, etc?

Yes, I always enjoy using balsa wood. I like balsa wood in particular because it is easy to shape and paint.

Where do you make your miniatures? Do you have a dedicated craft room? 

I have workshop for my work – it’s not too big but works well for me. As long as I have my must-have tools – glue, a sharp cutter, a good brush and paint.

Do you have a top tip you would like to share with the readers? 

If you want to learn, do it and don't give up!

Find out more

Instagram: @queen_craftland

Next, meet another maker, Gemma Harris of Little Folk who creates magical miniature fantasy lands.