The Side Track
Art vs. Creativity in Model Railroading: Why I’m Shifting to Freelance Modeling
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Note: I used AI to help turn the transcript of my latest video into this blog post. The words and ideas are mine—I just got a little help organizing them and cutting out the fluff for those of you that are in a rush and to help search engines find me.
Art vs. Creativity in Model Railroading: Why I’m Shifting to Freelance Modeling
We often treat creativity and art as if they’re the same—but they’re not. I’ve been sitting with this for a while, and it’s leading me in a new direction with my modeling. One that feels more personal, more alive. Here’s why I’m moving into freelance model railroading and how I plan to bring more of myself into my work.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the difference between art and creativity. It’s been sitting with me since my last post, and I wanted to talk it out here—raw and real.
Creativity is that raw energy—the spark that helps you solve problems, try something new, or adapt on the fly. It doesn’t need to be flashy or polished. It just needs to work. Like realizing your bread’s moldy but you still want avocado toast, so you crisp up a tortilla and make it happen. That’s creativity. Taking what you’ve got and finding a new way through.
But art—art is something different. Art comes from somewhere deeper. While creativity can stay in your head as a clever idea, art asks more of you. It comes from your heart. It carries emotion, risk, and vulnerability. It’s shaped by intention, and it tells a story. Sometimes a story you didn’t even know you were carrying until it showed up in what you made.
That’s where I’m heading.
For years, I’ve enjoyed recreating what I see in the world—painting it, modeling it, matching the details. But something’s been missing. I’ve reached a point where just copying reality doesn’t feel satisfying. I know I can do it. But I don’t feel it anymore.
So I’m turning toward freelance model railroading.
I want to build something that speaks—not just to technical accuracy, but to emotion. I want my models to carry a message. I want to create something that someone else can look at and feel something from. Something they connect with.
That shift means letting go of some control. It means being okay with not following the rules. It means being vulnerable enough to embed myself into what I’m building—even if not everyone gets it. And that’s okay. That’s part of the process. That’s what makes it art.
I’m working on a new layout right now. It’s based on a fictional railroad with its own backstory, its own logic, and its own visual language. I’m developing the storyline as I go, making decisions based on emotion and story rather than strict replication. And honestly? It’s kind of exciting. A little scary. But it feels right.
So if you’ve ever felt stuck in the “right way” to model, I invite you to come along with me on this journey. Let’s explore how we can bring more of ourselves into our layouts. Because at the end of the day, this hobby is about more than just trains—it’s about connection. With ourselves, with others, and with the stories we carry.
Thanks for riding along.
Until next time,
—Jamie