Today "3D" computer image capability has taken much of the work that was at one time done by pro model makers. One example would be the early Star Wars films. The artist concept of the space ships was turned into a model for the films in different forms and scales by a team of pro model makers. Much of the work in the later films has been taken over by digital "3D" imaging. Many special effects during the "Golden Age of Film" were done by pro model makers. In other genres ,such as model ship building, those who create museum quality pieces are considered pro model makers if not artists or both.One of my favorite places to view the work of pro artists model makers on display is the Mariners Museum in Newport News, VA.