The Short Version
We like this stuff and we want to introduce it to those who haven't built a miniature or model in-person, touched a paintbrush or glued their fingers together before. We'll also be a great source of products for those who have done those three things.
The Reason
One of the biggest problems with in-person fun is finding that first seat to sit at. When you walk into a gaming store or hobby club you should be welcomed whether it's your first time taking the brave step inside, or whether you're a returning vet. Once welcomed, what brought you here? What's the thing your building at home? What's the thing you always wanted to play but don't know where to start? There are people in the community who share your curiosity, do you want to learn, build and have fun with them?
These are the questions that I have rarely been asked after 30 years of walking into these places (despite much investment), and why you're reading this today.
The Goal
My experience is not universally shared, and I know there are well-built, established communities out there that don't need any additional energy. But the goal of Reed Hobbies is to reach people not in those communities, and bring them into the fold. The goal is to make tactile moments available to those generations that have been caught up in the amazing technological advances we live in. Like standing outside and getting a dose of sunlight, painting a miniature or building a model is a cathartic challenge of our motor functions that everyone should experience.
The Vision
A lot of fun is happening right now behind screens, and maybe some less fun activities just like this typing and now your reading. But we can't lose sight of the fun that can be had when not using these screens. It's not that technology is scary, or sending us backwards, so much the opposite. In fact, our technology advances are incredible. Somehow I now have the ability to print resin miniatures in my own home! Only via technology do we have the means to give momentum to Reed Hobbies in the first place (Hi!). We just have to remind people that tactile things exist and it's a great tonic for the mind and body to step away from the screen to find some fun, and balance, and Reed Hobbies exists to promote that message.
Reed Hobbies is not to take market share from current communities, who already know the secret fun of building models and miniatures. (ie. If you're in the Toowoomba area, where we are based, I highly recommend walking in the door of two establishments I've spent lots of money at over the years: Wings Over the Downs & Battlestation). We want to bring new people into the hobbysphere, and remind people that learning to paint wasn't just a junior school tick-the-box like triginometry was (looking at you cosine).
The Approach
So with this in mind we have Reed Hobbies, a small family owned business based in Toowoomba, Australia. By day we are stuck behind screens, and by night we are picking up a paint brush and glue, and hoping more people will join us in doing the same. We have started with a small product range to sell online only as we gain momentum, and will expand over time as time & business permits. Please reach out with any questions, but otherwise we hope if nothing else, we can inspire you to spend a little bit less time behind a screen and more time finding a tactile challenge. Our store is online only at this stage, and the best way to get in contact is via email.