Meet Rob Miller. He’s from Monroe, Mich., a member of the Great Lakes Garrison and a contestant on FaceOff. Rob is joining our Tinker.Hack.Invent Saturday activities this weekend and we’re excited to have him. Learn more about Ron and what inspires him as a maker.
Tell us about the your experience on Face Off.
I have always been a fan of the show since season 1. Each and every season many friends and family members hounded me to try out, but I never did. I never thought I of all people would have a chance to make it for an interview let alone be on the show. Seasons 2-6 came and went, and one night during season 6 my family and I were watching the show. My boys, Alex – age 14 and Zach age 12 have always told me I should try out for the show, and this time when they told me, I began thinking perhaps I should try out. What pushed me more than anything to go for it wasn’t just my boys, but my daughter Riley. Riley is 9 years old and was born with Down syndrome. Riley was watching the show with us as we all do, and during one of the episodes, she ran into my workroom and brought out a mask I made, and ran up to the TV and pointed to my mask I made, and then to the TV. She then said, “Daddy, you do it!” That is what started it all – my children. They have sat with me over the years sculpting with play doh, clay, painting, drawing, airbrushing, coloring, anything art related. They made me realize that I do have what it takes. So, I applied. I received a phone call 3 weeks after I applied and the next thing I knew I was on my way to begin filming the show! My experience on Face Off was amazing to say the least! I met so many talented artists who created things in so many different ways. We all learned different/new techniques in mold making, painting, fabrication, application. We all helped, taught and supported each other. In simple terms I honestly have to say it was a Special Effects boot camp! It blew my mind to have everything that I needed at my fingertips! To be able to try new products, techniques and to have my work critiqued by leaders in the Special Effects industry was truly an honor. I had to work under some tight time constraints. My days consisted of working anywhere from 12-20 hours each day. I was constantly on the go! I was the “Dad” of the group, as I was the oldest contestant and I truly was amazed at how a show can put 15 complete strangers together, take away all sources of outside media, and those 15 people truly become a family!
What is the inspiration for your current projects?
I often try to keep up with what is popular. Currently, Zombies, horror, Sci-Fi, and Video Game Characters are many areas that are really trending at the moment. I conduct a lot of research on what I want to create. I have to give each of my creations a back story, give them character, a purpose.
How long does it take to make your creations?
There isn’t no real set time. It all depends on what I’m making. A fabrication suit could take anywhere from days, months or even years. Sculptures are the same way. When I was on the show, I had to have my creations completed within 3 days. As for how long it takes to make my creations .. it also depends on the deadline I’m given by my clients.
As a Maker, what inspires you?
Technology, Industry, Science Fiction, Horror. I try to incorporate a plethora of genres into my work. I’m inspired by other artists work, and I visit a lot of museums, I often ask people on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram what they would like to see me create, and if they suggest something that appeals to me, I make it.
What are you looking forward to most about this weekend’s Tinker. Hack. Invent. Saturday?
I actually am looking forward to speaking to everyone that stops by. To be able to inspire a young artist to never give up on their dreams, and to answer any questions that someone may have will be an honor in itself. I love to see the reactions of the public when they view my work. I am very honored to be able to attend this event and to bring the things I have created for everyone to enjoy. It’s going to be a great Saturday!
