When I saw that the length of this video was nearly an hour I wondered if I’d have the staying power to make it to the end. I started watching and within minutes I was delighted to discover that I would indeed watch this funny dude build the entire, amazingly complex and ever-evolving mobile castle from Howl’s Moving Castle.
I knew I was going to watch a fella build a miniature and I expected to feel curious and interested about his techniques and materials, but I didn’t expect this crafts video to be so darned amusing. I was drawn into the playful spirit of the video and felt as though I was adventuring with the artist as opposed to just watching someone doing a thing.
And when he sang the names of his Patreons I was not just tickled; I felt endeared towards him – something that I’m sure his Patreons feel aplenty for this lovable character.
Studson’s entertaining presentation style and playful sense of humour pervades the video and draws the viewer into the artist’s world. On his Instagram, Studson states, “I make custom miniatures and models inspired by games/movies that I like, but mostly I make videos about them on YouTube.”
Here is a person who has found a way to spend his days doing things that he clearly enjoys; creating fan art, video production and entertaining. I have a deep respect for people who are seeking fulfilment in how they spend their time on our beautiful planet.
Studson is a mysterious character who appears to hail from North America, based on his accent. I could find little information to write a bio about this crafty artist and entertaining video producer so you’ll just have to get to know him through his YouTube videos and Patreon.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Studio Ghibli’s fantastic animated film, Howl’s Moving Castle is based on a book by the same name by British author Diana Wynne Jones. As the title implies, the story revolves around a wizard called Howl who lives in a cobbled-together castle that can both walk and fly.
The movie was written for screen and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, a man who has brought much joy and love into the world with his sweet-natured anime films. The animators cleverly depicted the changeable nature of the magical castle and even the castle’s personality. Not only are the human characters in the film very characterful – Howl’s castle has a personality all of its own; loyal, determined and trusting, right to the very end.
Studson has chosen to use a lot of found items and garbage in this miniature model build; from stuff he’s found around the house to stuff he’s picked up while out walking to stuff he’s fished out of his garbage bin. The artist cleverly uses part of toys, packaging, craft supplies and a whole lotta glue to create a life-like rendition of the castle as shown in the film.