I'm 38 and very new to the hobby. My 11-year old daughter and I attended a starter session at our local Warhammer store yesterday evening where we got an introduction in how to play Age of Sigmar and then an hour or so of painting a Stormcast Eternal minature each. The painting aspect is what always put me off Warhammer as a kid, but we both had an amazing time and both felt the most enjoyable part was painting.
Tom Hawkins, I'm 47 and just started painting. I'm an abysmal strategist (and more on point with the topic, I don't really enjoy strategy games enough to make them a true hobby) but I've been playing tabletop RPGs since '82, and finally decided to take the plunge for my character minis. I approached it as "If I want a better mini on the table, I'm going to have to learn to do it myself." It's quickly become "I have a new hobby, and I really like doing this." My minis are not excellent by any means, but I don't feel embarrassed to put them on a gaming table, so that's good enough for me. I've even had a couple of people at my tale ask if I can paint one for them if they provide it.
call me bias (cuz i am) but 40k is currently way better *for kids* not because of the kid friendly 40k stuff i actually think thats a horrible idea its another mini satanic panic in the making... But because sci fi as opposed to high fantasy simply attracts more kids your daughters age, and as a stockholder of GW, and just an objective observer, i can tell you 40k is getting WAY more love than AOS is. If your going to be the main person your daughter plays against than hey play whatever catches your fancy. I'm just remembering how hard it was to find a game of 40k when i was 11. (im 29 been playing 40k/ fantasy since 96') 40k has never not been more popular in these 21 years of playing. And it easier to play fellow tweens/young teens
Seriously though AOS is a lot of fun I play it myself. We have a hobby group of 200+ people at the store who all play 40k and most also play AOS. 40k has an official night and a league and prizes. Aos games require using our discord server to plan a game with someone. If you want to play 40k you can go the store pretty much any day after 5-6pm and their will be someone just hanging out shootin the breeze at the store and would be more than willing to play 40k. Also I win (a lot) so everyone always wants a rematch! lol
I get what he's saying--you may wind up painting everything you might need for your army. Bit less likely with regular CA changing things up, but as of right now, my army list is at least basecoated. I admit I haven't done a ton of highlighting though >.>
This is perfect for my cousin who is afraid of starting any hobby because he's not very good. You're never going to be the best right away and you don't need to be the best!
That's what I've been advocating for years. Hobby is a crucial part of psychological hygiene. A distinction between work and hobby is absolutely crucial. Crafting hobbies are among the top recommendations for psychological hygiene. They can help in preventing depression, fighting anxieties or sensory issues and many other brain malfunctions. Don't ruin their bountiful gifts by stumping them with feelings of pressure, guilt and this general looming feeling of the need to push yourself harder. Don't get me wrong. I don't advise sitting all day on a couch and be all talk, no action - on the contrary. This is a crafting hobby and I think of it in terms of artefacts it produces. I just recommend switching how you approach your hobby and being more agile, relaxed and fresh about it. "Why New Year resolutions are ruining your hobby" was the title of my piece on the subject, which tells a lot.
Your absolutely right, hobbies are what you do to reduce the stress in your life. And if you love something you probably will work hard at it for that very reason you love doing it. But to push yourself so hard that your hobby ceases to be fun because you feel that you should be constantly striving to get better defeats the purpose of having a hobby.
yes! I got in wargaming for the games but as I get older I often enjoy the painting more. I can "veg out" on painting and all my mental issues fade into the mix of two thin coats. And when done I can walk away from my hobby truly relaxed
I find that the more deadlines or objectives I set on my hobby, the more I get done but the less I enjoy it. I just finished quite a large project but I'm already thinking 2 projects ahead and haven't really stopped to appreciate what I've accomplished because I'm thinking "what's next". I've also got into the habit of booking events to act as painting deadlines but I don't think that's healthy either. Yes stuff gets done but at what cost. I totally agree with you about psychological hygiene.
Atom, I have looked at this hobby from afar for years knowing I would never be able to paint or even glue the models. I'm 42 now, but have been battling Young Onset Parkinson's for over a decade. After watching your videos for the past couple of years, you convinced me to give it a shot. I finally purchased some painted armies, terrain, and rule books. Would I love to paint my own models? Sure, but I just feel super fortunate to be able to physically play the game. I understand the need for excellence, but I just focus on the rules, the strategy, the stats, the lore, and the fun of just playing. It is a game after all. Playing Age of Sigmar is enough for me. Thanks for all that you do and for another great video!
Check out lukeapps video about painting with washes, or with kids, Not sure of the exact name. Shows you how to paint with less precise strokes, and still get a nice looking result
While I don't have your issue..I shake..all day everyday. While I have been picking up a paint brush since like 7 I'm am 49 now...somehow the shaking stops ...just keep pressing forward
Thanks for the great tips guys! I'm spray painting a lot and after watching of of Atom's videos, I have been trying sharpies as well. Just like everything else I do daily, I just try to time everything to my Parkinson's medications and when they are working. I'm loving Age of Sigma so far. The lore is awesome and now I really want to try the Nighthaunts. Those models are beautiful! Thanks again guys!
Christopher Cribbs- welcome to the hobby! The whole point is to have fun no matter what part you like or enjoy most. Painting isn’t always the most important thing. Really, as long as you enjoy what you’ve spent money and time on- that’s what counts. Please feel free to comment/email me if you ever have questions/need tips you can’t find on line (improbable, but you never know). Glad to have another hobbyist in the mix. Welcome
Glad to hear you're powering through! My medication makes me trembly, and it's something I've had to struggle with. Fine details, especially on old pewter models, are tough.
seeing pictures of people's models online always makes me feel bad about my own, but this video helped me live with the fact that I'm not the best, and I don't have to be. It is a hobby after all, enjoy it!
Yeah I scroll through it looking at amazingly painted models and think damn I’m so under skilled compared to these people but I just have to remember that this is a vocal minority of amazing painters and not everyone has the ability to paint like that
Its also worth remembering that the models you see online are often the best of the best, people who dedicate almost all their time to mini painting. Your minis can be rather good, even if they aren't approaching what you see online.
In model railroading there is the "good enough" philosophy. The idea that if it makes you happy then it's good enough. After all its your models and at the end of the day as long as your happy with it that's all that matters really.
CSX3026 that’s how it should be in miniatures and is in some games. My models compared to some look like shit but they’re painted and they look pretty good to me so to me that’s good enough
This video is well timed. I started reading a book called The Paradox of Choice. One of the types of people it describes, they call maximizers. They have to have the best of everything and they spend so much time worrying about it that they are never happy with their choices or never make one. I'm certainly a maximizer and it has been something I've struggled with for a long time. It's effected my progression in my hobbies and my life in general. It's nice to hear this advice from another source, especially when it relates to me so closely. Thank you for making this video! Very helpful and inspiring.
It suuuuucks showing up at a tournament with the only fully painted force. I made a new years resolution last year to not play with unpainted models anymore. When I show up at tourneys, my opponents almost never have even a majority of their figures painted and it just looks goofy.
This is one of the best videos you've ever made. You nailed this on every level! Indeed one of the most important points you made is that in our society there are so many vast amounts of people who have no hobbies. Not real hobbies, they just have the casual leisure stuff like watching TV, going out to a bar to drink, wandering through the mall when there's nothing you need to buy, etc. That is not hyperbole. It's true. In our family, I'm like an anomaly doing miniature wargaming. People are often so busy being "busy" taking care of busy things, they don't realize that they actually have nothing in their lives that's not work or not a casual leisure activity. So many people lack having a real passion for a hobby. Life is out of balance and we've become addicted to what I've seen called "survival porn". You wear having an empty, drudgery life like a badge and then you declare that you can't do any hobby unless you're an expert at it. Certain things are "only meant for other people". And that rubs off on those around you, especially your kids and friends. It's like a culture of self-imposed exclusion to prove the point that you're "too much of an adult and have too many responsibilities to have fun". That's a big thing in American culture. So the person wears the survival porn badge and makes that their identity. It's really clear how bad it is once you start to notice it around you. Great job Atom, keep up the good work.
That's so true, I have a few buddies who are really good and I look at their stuff sometimes and look at mine and can see the big difference and it used to bother me. These days I'm enjoying painting more than ever because I'm not being as hard on myself, I still want to improve but the being sad I wasn't able to paint as well as others was meaning I was letting it damage my enjoyment.
Yup. Compared to those elite guys, my paint jobs look like absolute garbage, and I'll probably _never_ be on their level. I'm just not willing to put in the time, effort, and resources to get to their level. But compared to most of the people I run into in the wild? I'm a great painter. Well, okay. I'm pretty good. ... And compared to the "pro-painted" models I've seen on eBay, I'm fucking amazing. Most importantly, though, the guys who're really good are happy to tell me exactly how to get as good as they are.
Even "'Eavy Metal" painters can't paint to 'Eavy Metal standards because the actual peices that are displayed actually use techniques that the GW model doesn't use. It's a bit deceptive but it also pushes hobbyists to try harder to make their models look as close to the 'Eavy Metal style as possible.
Gotta love your attitude towards hobbies and gaming! I'm newishly back to the hobby, I took it up to provide stress relief and interest, rather than just watching movies, playing Xbox games, or reading, after my daughter's in bed. I'm not so bad, but not quite good, but it does exactly what I wanted it to do. I can get my painting table setup, switch on either one of your videos, or the any other of the great content providers about this little hobby, paint, unwind, and have something at the end of the day that is MINE and only MINE. I'll get better, it's all evolving, and whether I paint something outstanding one day doesn't really matter. The only thing that matters is that you enjoy it, it does for you everything you started it for, and if others like and praise you even better. I don't get any chance to actually game due to where I am, but that doesn't matter to me. It's all about the process of de-stressing and producing something that's close to what I wanted, always learning something new, trying different approaches, taking a chance on something that might not work but might make something interesting. Unfortunately I'm suffering from a little bit of new-comers over-purchasing, but at least I have projects to take up this whole year. Started with a couple of Kill Teams, but Dark Uprising is staring back at me from my hobby shelf with accusitory envy on being ignored since opening, simply because I don't want to start on it until I'm at the level I think I'd be happy doing it justice. Keep up your great work, Atom!
I like to say: Wherever I go, I am a tourist in other peoples' worlds. There are always more talented and more dedicated people in any hobby. It's easy to get intimidated or frustrated by the work of incredible hobbyists, but I know how much time they devote to their craft. I'd much rather do other things. Just today I saw on the Warhammer Community page a Nighthaunt army bashed to look like a freakish Commedia-inspired carnival. I'll never do anything like it; I may never kitbash a single model. I just loved to see something so unique and masterfully done. Real art.
Right. Every weekend he parks and pubs are full of people who stuck with it because they love playing football and being in a band even though they're never ever going to be Lionel Messi or Mick Jagger.
Probably my favourite video of yours. I recently got into the hobby (painting, I don't have anyone to play with), put down a huge investment (for my little pocket) and bought $2,200 worth of models. I already had AoBR set from a few years ago unopened, so I had A LOT of work to do. After my first model, I was...distraught to say the least. I felt like my first model is way worse than most people's and quit for a couple of weeks. Then I went back because I liked the painting, and my second model was...a little worse. I kept at it and stopped comparing; I focused entirely on my enjoyment rather than the beauty of the model. Even my colour schemes became more varied and I started making a story for each of my models. My third model was much better than both of its predecessors. I'm not even painting consistent armies anymore. Just painting whatever fits the mood. I don't really play the game, so a consistent army theme isn't what I paint for.
Ladies and gentlemen, life is just too short. People get confused between trying to improve, and trying to “be the best.” I started painting just because I thought it might make the game pieces look better. Turns out I really enjoyed it. Now I’m swimming in models that are unpainted nagging at me. So I do have to tell myself that I don’t NEED to finish painting that second set of Legion Snowtroopers if I’d rather watch TV tonight. But the idea that I would someday produce models that would win contests never occurred to me. All the things I enjoy I am mediocre at and my goal is to get good. Not even great. Just good. Fishing, guitar, painting minis. I’m happy to just do a good job. Like I said, life is too short to make yourself miserable over your hobbies.
The fear of failure is an absolute mind killer. Relax, enjoy painting your mini's just for the hell of it. If you don't like the end result take a photo then strip it and start again. No one in the history of man has ever learned anything without making mistakes along the way.
Seeing Sam's first model was pretty inspiring. It's just practice, experience, and patience. Thank you for this video! Time to stop hesitating and start painting again.
Wow, this really speaks to me as I just got into Warhammer. I thought I was getting into W40k to play the game. But I've discovered that 99% of the hobby is painting. This is a different aspect of the hobby and I didn't expect it would be such a huge part of it. Luckily, I discovered that I really enjoy that part of the hobby. It just wasn't what I initially thought W40k was about. Rather than excellence, I've found it's a way to give me a zen like calmness. It's tedious, but in a relaxing way which helps focus my mind. And through that calmness, I find that I'm getting better and better at painting as I focus on doing a tedious, repetitive task to the exclusion of everything else. In zen they say "If you're going to sweep the floor, sweep the floor", meaning "Focus on the job you're doing and do it well even if it's trivial. So while excellence isn't actually my goal, I seem to be travelling more towards it each time I sit down at the painting station.
I've been painting minis for over 20 years now I do it cause it is therapeutic I'm not good at it but that is fine with me, I do it cause it keeps me from doing something stupid, I dont know when i sit for hours with a brush in one hand a mini in the other i get to see it change from something that is grey and lifeless to something i created...it just feels good to me
Great advice, Uncle A. Sam Lenz is good because he spent 10 or 20 years doing what he loves. Anyone can paint that well if they put in the time and effort. The great thing about today is you can watch youtube videos and learn things that took me years to figure out. Your first figures will be better than Sam's first figures. So start painting and enjoy the journey!
I have active tremors in my dominant hand so for me the fun isn't from being great it's just from completing a model and then just enjoying that I have done it. It makes me smile being able to just talk to people and learn and have fun with it
for me the building, kitbashing, and painting is the best part of WH40k as a hobby. I enjoy playing, its fun and it gets my mind working, but making things is where i really get into gear.
I recently got back into the hobby after a break of about 15 years. At first I strove for painting excellence and achieved mediocrity at best. I also only painted a handful of miniatures. Then something changed. I started to concentrate on getting groups of models finished. I aimed for overall effect rather than excellence in the detail. My shelf of painted miniatures is now filling up fast and more importantly I find myself wanting to paint and looking forward to getting home from work so I can finish my current project. I really agree with the points you raise in this video. Cut yourself a break standard wise concentrate on getting things done and enjoyment will follow.
28, new to the hobby. I'm mediocre, and I know it. I'm not "bad" and I still get compliments on my paint jobs. Hell, one of the most respected local guys I know says he wished he could paint like me, because while mine aren't the best, I got like 27 models painted over a weekend and he did two. Mine? Simple coats, detailing, I don't edge highlight, I don't often use shaders unless I really feel the model needs it, mostly for leaders or special things, and I don't have any will to start basing my models yet as I'm in for the game less than the painting, but it's still fun. My friend had painted a couple models for my army so he wouldn't go insane painting so many space marines and could do some greens rather then blues, and they are some of my favorite models for things like kill team and warcry so they stand out all the more.
This video was all that I needed. For a long time I've switched over a lot of different hobbies, then I've noticed something... That romantic view of the mastery was all that I pursued, it was not about being fun, but more like "I need to become good at something, I don't want to spend my life only watching stuff passively, I wanna create things!" So I didn't stuck to anything. Since I realized this, I've discovered what I really like: learning. I like to learn about new stuff, so knowledge in general, and specially philosophy, are my thing, not necessarily mastering Art related hobbies.
Watched this again and it still holds true 100%. This video should be in every hobbyists “ save” and referred back to periodically. It’s a hobby - for relaxation and fun. Never forget that everyone..
Atom, I was first introduced to Warhammer 40k when i was about 11 years old by one of my favorite counselors. He believed that not only will this hobby help me with social interaction skills but also help me learn different shades of colors and paint styles as well,"im severely color blind and have autism", and i never really had the opportunity to thank him. Now fast forward 15 years. Now i enjoy the hobby on multiple levels. I love playing against people and learning different strategies and play styles of other armies and games. I also love the fact that people come to me to paint there minis, they even pay me. I couldnt have asked for more from a hobby. That said I was feeling that my painting skills were at a stand still cause ive seen others paint at levels i dont believe i could. I put my brushes aside and have taken a 6 month hiatus from painting.I stumbled across this video and now have come to my senses so to speak and im now content with the accomplishments that i have made over the years of painting and got some paint on some minis again. So thanks for the video and happy painting.
In the early days of playing for me, I was so bad at the actual games that painting was the only reason that I kept going. I have always been better at the hobby aspect of hobby gaming than the gaming portion. I look forward to the time that I get to sit down on the weekend and paint a bit each week. I’m not the worlds best painter but I enjoy it. Thanks for the video.
So thankfully I gave some thought on this subject for my video on it and really glad to see it's spreading across the community. I think the big point I took away from it are the following: * We all see amazing painters doing amazing work. The point is to have the mindset where you are inspired by it versus being disheartened that you can't do that (yet). * On the flip side, if you are really good at the hobby, is it's important to not have that "elitism" that can deter people new to the hobby. You showing Sam's first mini really hit on this part of it, everyone has more potential than perhaps they even realize. Considering I am quite average at painting myself, and that being average miniature painting is what inspired me to start my own YT channel, this hit pretty close to home for me. Thanks for the wonderful discussion!
I agree, I won't paint anything for months, then spend a few days painting to a basic tabletop standard and listening to a 40k audiobooks, I find this very relaxing.
After watching the video, I also read the article and I have to say I agree with both; the idea that we *have* to excel at everything we do or its not worth doing frankly baffles me. Would it be nice for other people to appreciate the time and effort I put into painting a miniature? I won't lie; yes, it would be. Should I need that validation to derive enjoyment from my hobby? No, it is neither, nor should it be, a necessity of my hobby. At the end of the day, I'm doing this because I like it, and really that's all the "validation" I'll ever need; whether or not I ever win an award or even garner a lot of compliments from people doesn't even place on the list of reasons why I choose to spend my leisure time doing this. If you're afraid to try something simply because you might not turn out to be a prodigy/master at it, then personally I think you're missing the point of a lot of life.
I also think it’s the times we are in . It’s all about the show ... or show off.. people don’t just do . They do for others standards. Also its seems many people just want to be the best without putting in the work . Too much social media in my opinion. JUST HAVE FUN ! 🙌🏽😁
@@landsurfer66 it's a dopamine hit for *most* people. Acceptance, praise, adoration... these are the goals of far too many people. They aren't happy just being themselves, despite how they profess to be 'unique' and 'original'. They can't Just Be Themselves.
Couldn't agree more. People want results without effort. It's as if they expect to pick up a hobby and, well, wouldn't you know it, they're the best there ever was like magic. Fear of failure is crippling for far too many people. They can't stand the idea of not being praised, adored, fawned over for their efforts so they never even try. The road to success is paved with stones of failure. Success isn't even the goal either. It's personal. It's supposed to be fun.
I started paint warhammer miniatures this january because i found 2 boxes in a flea market and i discovered that i'm not as bad as i think. So now i paint for relaxation and because i like to see something painted by me. I tried to learn and learned some "advanced" techniques, but not because i wanted to be the best, just because for a model i wanted to do that. And i'm improving a bit, maybe i could learn faster and better but...i want to do it with my pace. So 100% agree with your video, it's nice to listen my exact thoughts :)
Ive been hesitant to get into miniature hobbies for a long while now because I've got a condition that causes my brainhalves not to work together properly when it comes to stuff requiring fine motor skills, think painting and writing, causing my hands to tremble a lot when I try to do those things. But 2 days ago after watching these types of videos for about 3 years, I took the plunge and plopped down some money I had leftover and ordered the killteam rulebook and a box of necron immortals and I have to say I'm more excited than ever.
The thing I love about Wargaming as a hobby is the fact is you don't have to be great at it to enjoy it. The hobby has so many facets to it painting, gaming, modelling and some people are great at organising group games and coming up with interesting campaigns and scenarios to play. I've made a lot of lifelong friends from the hobby so I might not be the best painter or gamer but I enjoy it so it's great. :-)
My way to push the painting of models away from feeling like work is to have audio that is totally unrelated from my work. I choose either some Bob Ross (the most therapeutic voice to boot) or old NPR episodes of Car Talk. It pushes my mind away from my work (though I just changed career fields drastically). Also met my first 40K friend using GameFor back in July. Looking forward to seeing my new area and what it has to offer for 40K and D&D. My wife and I move a lot now thanks to me going Coast Guard so this app will be worth its weight in gold to me.
As a board gamer, I learned about Frostgrave a few years ago. Bought a couple of their warband boxes and had a blast building them. I bought a few paints and wanted to try painting them, but I was always too scared because I thought they would come out terrible. Fast forward to a few months ago, I painted a couple reaper bones minis (from that same 2 year old learn to paint set I bought along with those frostgrave models), then a random AoS Orruk I bought off eBay and it came out MUCH better than I thought I was capable of. 1 Deathwatch Kill Team and a bunch of terrain later and my "to paint" list is ever-growing along with my painting skills. I find it so relaxing to stress-relieving to build and paint. This coming from someone with almost no previous artistic ability. Sometimes I even bring it to the table by our living room tv so I can still "watch" some tv with my girlfriend. It's been a real experience. I'm totally hooked and loving it.
I haven't actually painted a mini in over a year. I've been at this hobby since the 1980s and have always just dabbled in whatever made me happy at the moment. This has left me with many unfinished armies and tons of miniatures I may or may not ever paint or play with. I have been in a "build mode" for several months now. The past couple of months life took over and I haven't had any time to do any mini hobby at all. I recently got into board gaming as well, which is also great fun. I don't have the budget to sustain all that I really want to do, so I do what I can. The point is that all of this is fine as long as it makes ME happy! I love collecting minis and sloooowly working towards having them completed. I love looking at them on the shelf, and it doesn't make me feel as though I am a failure for STILL not having them completed. Some people (my family) think I'm silly for buying a lot of stuff that I haven't played with yet. But I don't care what other people think as long as I am having great fun. I have varied interests and I don't have to be an expert in all of them.
I feels the same with music. There are thousands of people on internet that are god-tier and often you feel like what is the point if you never have time and dedication to get anywhere close to those top 1%. That kills a lot of joy in people
Learning and practicing new techniques to improve your skills feels great. You don't need to be good in order to get better. And usually getting better really helps to enjoy the parts of the hobby you enjoy most. For me it's mostly painting in creative ways. Just got a spearhead of Old One Eye and 3 Carnifexes that will get a similar tiger-like pattern as the warrior bugs in Starship Troopers, but in a purple-blue-pink sceme. Already know that it will be a hard, but great time. xD
I can totally relate. I used to race radio controlled cars at a club track about an hour from my home. I was nowhere near the fastest or having a podium finish every Saturday night. However, what I did enjoy about travelling 100 miles roundtrip every Saturday afternoon/night was the fun and companionship of hanging out with fellow hobbyists. We would help one another if someone broke a part or needed a part. There was competition, but for the most part it was just the time to forget about problems, work and stress; and play with you cars.
I 100% agree with all of this. I've recently taken up the hobby myself and my stress levels have gone right down. I'm pretty rubbish at painting at the moment, but I don't mind as I'm really enjoying seeing the results improve with each model I paint and just enjoying that ride.
Great video, wise message. After I stopped going to fencing tournaments I started enjoying fencing more. I applied once to a miniature painting competition and that model was the hardest to paint. So I only paint to see how it would look painted that way. I buy a box of minis and paint each differently and that is fun for me.
I love being mediocre, I’ve only been in the hobby for about a year and had so much fun learning how to make and paint models. I do it to relax. Thank you so much for making your content. Love your videos.
This was a great message. You’ve made me feel better about my average-ish building and painting of blood bowl pitches and stadiums, because for whatever reason I just can’t fathom the idea of having a painted team and not having a home stadium to play in.
Absolutely. And that's why you should post pics of your minis on the Tabletop Minions Paint Showcase Club right now ^^ I respect the skills of the pro painters but I'm more interested to see what we the average painters can produce with our average talent :)
Really a great and encouraging video. I´m into building model kits for aout 12 years now, but I just recently entered the world of painting minis and playing 40k. I think you and your videos have played a major role in my progression so far, thanks for that! Even trying to get into the paint showcase club right now. I can only support what you said about being "mediocre" at any hobby. I think that accepting it is one part of the enjoyment children experience while playing. Just building something with Legos and being happy about it without overthinking it. Also "not being a pro" doesn´t mean in any way, that you´re not contributing to a community. You never know, maybe even someone of Sam´s caliber can get a little inspiration from an average Joe´s model.
Adam, it's hard for me to describe how applicable this video is to me right now. With everything in my life, I have such high expectations of myself that I become paralyzed and wind up in front of a screen instead... Because at least that way I don't have to feel the pain of inadequacy. It's hard to live like that... Thank you for showing me this perspective.
i used to have very high standart for christmas celebration, with everything having to be done in a certain way... then i realized i made christmas a pain for everyone. Now i have a much more relaxed approach to it and i try to make it in my hobby as well.
The one mindset that I apply to all things in life, which I started doing a small number of years ago, probably as a result of finally "growing up" (I was a pretty big douche, back in the day, lol). is "Strive every day to be the best you that you can be, and once you're there, push harder to be better than that." It doesn't mean to be competitive with the world at everything you do, but rather just to be true to self and develop yourself into being the best you that you can be, at all aspects of your life. I'm a husband, a father, an artist, a tabletop wargamer, a musician, a forklift truck operator (my job/trade), a son, and so many other things. In all that I do, I don't aspire to be the best over all others, but rather just the best for those and to those who matter most. My mother, my wife, my son, our pets, my boss, etc. and so forth. As an artist & hobbyist - a creator of things, if you will - my first and foremost goal is to express my inner being, who I am, "what" I am. Beyond that, I simply aspire to do and be the best of myself that I can possibly be. Perhaps one day I might just win an award at a show, perhaps not, but if I do, it won't be because I devoted everything to achieving that goal, but rather because I'd reached that certain spot in my skill and inner being, where I "did a thing" and did it to the best I could possibly figure out how to. Thank you for this video, UA, and also to the author of that article. :)
I agree with a lot of this. Watching too much videos makes me lazy, lonely and dissatisfied with my hobbies. It is some sort of selection bias because you only see the best and most accomplished stuff online, quality that is far out of current reach. It is better to mingle with other people who are also mediocre.
Love this channel, was thinking about a mate who's enthusiasm for the hobby has meant from early days, when his painting was scruffy (he'd admit this) but after years of time spent painting and learning new techniques he's got to a pretty good standard so perseverence means you'll improve even if you never get to golden daemon standard everyone has their own thing they want to get from the hobby.
Great vid uncle! While I love painting and basing so much that it's basically all I do with this hobby (the gaming part I leave to other people) and am definitely pushing myself to get better and better at that, I absolutely love to see people being proud of their models. Whether the paint job is mediocre, or bad, or exceptional. Gawking at ridiculously well painted minis is cool and inspiring, but seeing people super happy with what they did is even better, even if the paint job isn't that great. I've seen shoddy painting that I loved much more than crystal brush jobs because I could still feel the enthousiasm and joy that went into it. You do a great job at keeping the hobby inclusive and accessible man. Thanks for that.
This video was very applicable to me I always get outright stressed when I look at my mass amount of models that are needing painting and/or assembling. Thank you this was a valuable reminder of the heart of the hobby
There’s a bunch of guys at my local shop who’s minis will definitely never win a golden daemon contest, but you know who’s mini they are, and they have their own unique style.
This vid made it so much easier for me to get into the hobby i have fine coordination issues with my hands from a nerve issue i have so painting wise I wouldn't be the best at it but i find calmness working slowly and when i make my small mistakes i just view it as a happy accident. I can figure out some head explanation story behind maybe this guy messed up getting his clothes ready and got a brown smudge on his robe/armor. It gives me an outlet to spend my downtime on and I actually feel like I have something at the end of it. I don't hate painting i never have i enjoyed it as a kid I'm just pretty bad at it but if i enjoy something i may as well try to do it, for a while i was worried about paint bullies but they really are rare in the hobby.
I found your channel because I’m trying to learn airbrushing (mostly just art pieces and 3D prints). I love this video, and needed to see that article. I’ve always had “ too many” hobbies and sometimes feel guilty if there’s no greater purpose behind them.
This is a really important point. I even find doing things for enjoyment ending with being the best. I’m an archer and I shoot every weekend because it’s fun to go out and enjoy the outdoors and have some fun with my clubmates. Over the years I’ve gone through a phase of being super competitive and it took all the fun out of it. Not only that but when I got competitive I actually scored much worse. I eventually saw the errors in my ways though and I won the state title last year, making me the best in my state, and I got there just by having fun and enjoying the sport.
this popped up again randomly in the background while i was painting today and my brain switched gears to listening, and I just wanted to say thank you, it's a great reminder!
I agree with everyrhing said in this video. I started painting long ago because I wanted cool looking minis to play with. But now painting has become a way for me to relax and it has been therapeutic in helping me deal with alot of the things I went through after I got out of the military. I know that I will probably never be as good as some of the amazing people in our community, but I continue to drive on because it is enjoyable to me.
I think this is a great point. Sometimes it's easy to be intimidated by the amazing pics in magazines or on display in stores. Over the decades (I'm 54) I've found I've hit that paint plateau a couple of times, and challenge myself to try new techniques simply because that's what I enjoy. Terrain is something I find myself really cutting loose on, as I find it more open to creative ideas. My boys love to build and play, with painting being less important to them. One thing I've enjoyed is teaching novice builders and painters tips and tricks to make life easier to get better results. I've also become a great fan of the GW paint app. It's a great guide for getting layers right. Oh, and speaking of apps, GameFor is currently downloading onto my phone. Brilliant idea!
This is a mindset that I need to start bringing to all of the (probably too many) hobbies that I have as it's so stressful to be doing so many things and worrying about mastering them. I recall reading the exact New Yorker article you mention in here and it's such great advice these days.
This is also pretty relevant for the playing aspect of the hobby as well. I started collecting Warmachine/Hordes models back around 2010 when I lived in a small area with only a few college buddies to play against. When we all graduated the models went in to storage and I didn't have anything else to do with them. Fast forward several years and I moved to an area with a local scene. I suddenly started playing again but with really old meta stuff trying my very best to focus on making something that could win the game. It wasn't working well and I was really only enjoying the game when I had a chance of winning, but there is a steep learning curve and my faction isn't in a great place right at this moment. Then I switched over to a different faction. I already had a lot of the pieces from years ago and I bought them because I love the models and fluff on them. I looked up some stuff that was a mix of competitive play but more importantly models that I love that I think are funny and cool. I played my first game with them the other day and I made a lot of mistakes because I'm new. I was not going to win that game but just playing with this collection of stuff that I liked and I think is fun really let me enjoy the game. I did not win, but I did have one big "OH SHIT!!!!!" moment where I was able to do some cool stuff and blow a lot of enemy dudes off the table and it was a lot of fun. I had fun, my opponent had fun and it was a much better feeling than when I was playing that other army purely to try and win.
I have been in the hobby now for basically 25 years. When I was young I lamented that I could never hit the standards I saw in magazines and at conventions. As I got older I realized, that short of a few showpiece models, I don't actually want my models I actually play with to be at that level. Minis get knocked around, scuffed. Even broken no matter how careful I am. So mostly I paint to a good enough standard, so I don't feel too bad if something happens to it. I also love the hobby itself, I get so much satisfaction just painting a few models I listen to audio books or put on a movie and paint Its incredibly relaxing for me, and with some relatively simple technique you can get a mini to a pretty good standard. Anyone really can do it, just a simple base coat a wash and a basic dry brush can do magic. I have brought a number of friends into the hobby over the years that thought I couldn't do it.
Great video! I think this message can be applied to just about everything in life. So often I can get hung up on the small details on my models and forget that I’m painting said models for fun.
Great thoughts Adam! Too many people get hooked on attaining a standard that is beyond most mortals & forget what got them into the hobby in the first place. Having said that, the persistence and determination to improve is admirable & I can understand why it might become an obsession. Since I got back into the hobby a few years ago I found that 20 more years of life experience had taught me one of the most valuable traits a hobbies the can have, patience. The time I spend on a mini can be just as important to my enjoyment as seeing the end product. It's possible to enjoy this hobby in many different ways & I think videos like yours can really help people see that. Thanks for the continuous thought provoking content!
Patience is one of the most important traits a person can have, and not just in the hobby, but in life. If I hadn’t had patience, I would have quit the channel years ago. Thanks for watching!
I feel I sit in a wierd place. I love to paint minis, I enjoy playing the games associated with said minis, and I love improving my skill. But, I don't enjoy painting large armies. I get board of the repetition. I like to paint the things that seem interesting to me and make painting fun. But I hate both being nagged to finish an army or have the nagging feeling of models left to be painted for an army, as those 2 things take away from my enjoyment of just playing the game.
It is the same for me, that's why I play only skirmish games. Each model can be painted differently and each is a little project in itself. And I can do one armored guy, then one with lots of skin, then a furry animal. And that variety keeps the whole process fun for me.
There's an upcoming book from the legendary Dave Taylor that might help you with this. It's a book about painting but not really. It's actually a book about project management, how to paint effectively and manage your hobby so you don't burn out. The kickstarter is closed now, and I believe Dave is more or less finished writing and the books is now being edited. I imagine that once the kickstarter has been delivered, the book will go for general release, but I think you can pre-order it at backerkit. The book is called Armies, Legions and Hordes. I'm not connected in any way to this project other than being a backer of the kickstarter. armies-and-legions-and-hordes.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders
I have been pretty ordinary at this hobby off and on for about 30 years. It's all about the process of getting that newly minted set of figures on the board and them being completely useless on their first outing. Happens every time and still makes me smile. For me, its always been enjoyable.
There seems to be an interesting divide with Warhammer players, where some prefer to play the game, so they just want their models built and painted real quick; whereas others are kind of the other way around and spend most of their time on the actual modeling. Which I think is great, actually. I love the fact there's an aspect of both, and there's a great deal of freedom in how much you want to lean into one or the other. It also allows for a nice balance between solo and social activities as well, so it serves various personality types as well.
Great life advice in general. I wish someone had sat me down and had this conversation when I was a kid. I spent so much time afraid to *start trying something* because of a fear that I wouldn't be good at it. It's such a crippling thing for a young person to encounter. I will be redirecting more people to this.
I've recently gotten into the hobby, and the vibe I got from the community here on youtube (accepting of different levels of aptitude, explicitly framing hobbying as a teachable skill rather than an innate talent or "pure creativity", focus on fun and having a good time) was one of the main things that convinced me to take the plunge. This feeling that it was ok to not be talented, or creative, or an artist. That it was ok to just be a person enjoying a crafty thing and slowly, slowly improving through practice without any hope of monetizing it or winning prizes with it. It was genuinely the first time I didn't feel immediately excluded by an "artistic" community.
Hey I'm not sure if you're checking comments on a year old video, but I just did a thoroughly mediocre job on 20 necron warriors no on will ever look at so I coild gett them on. The table, and this video made me feel great about that.
One of the issues I've had over the years in several communities is the ideology of "anyone can achieve x level of skill." We are finite and limited creatures. Some of us are simply incapable of achieving higher levels of skill. And yet, to the astonishment of many, we can still find great pleasure and enjoyment in participation. I am not very good at a number of things I enjoy. But I rarely find myself overwrought about that. The culture is too focused on extreme achievement which breeds disappointment and dissatisfaction at least as often as often as it breeds excellence.
Not a war gamer but an rpg DM at 1 inch scale ( which does have a history in war gaming and many people still liken it to a war game where you play just 1 character instead of an army ). I began painting my mini's and crafting terrain for the table , at first it was just a means to an end , but i soon realized it was my new hobby that i enjoyed and my missus joined me in mini painting ( not terrain building for her). I would class myself as mediocre at best at these hobbies , but then i have had many players at my table stare in amazement when i drop a building down or set up my monster mini's for an encounter . This is followed usually by did you make /paint that , when i say yes the next question usually deflates them 'how long did that take you ' . I am not a fast crafter the 2 story tavern i made with internal playable area took me many many hours of carving insulation foam etc . Some of them look at me strange when i say yeah it may have taken me x hours but i enjoyed every moment of doing it .
My lord, you should work on the side as a tshirt model - love that design! On topic, I really want to get back into tabletop games, either RPGs or games such as Battletech. 3D Printing is wonderful for me in this regard, as I will be able to design, model and print whatever would be needed for a campaign or the tabletop. Then there's the building of the figures, or the layout of scatter terrain on the tabletop, and after all that, the painting! Thats not to mention the rest of the things that can be printed with 3d printers outside of the hobby industry - what a wonderful time to be alive!
I try and do the best i can at 40k specifically when playing games. I am still undefeated with my Iron Hands since the space marine codex in 8th ed dropped. But your channel has really helped me out to see the worthwhile nature of every aspect of these hobby games. I used to buy my models built and painted because i sucked at both... Now with my new job i have more time (and more cash) so i started a Drukhari Army thats all about crazy aesthetics, so instead of me just throwing all my energy into tactical acumen and practice games. I now like to think I have a much more balanced approach to the overall hobby thanks to you.
I also read that article and agree with everything he wrote and what you’ve said here. But I think there’s an extra layer to our particular hobby in that the models are EXPENSIVE and there can be a real worry that you will ruin what you spent your hard earned money on and then have to look at it every time you play with it. I know you can strip minis and start over, but that in itself is an intimidating process that I reckon most people would rather avoid.
Couldn't agree more, I've played Warhammer and Warhammer 40k alternating for 25 years and in that time I have had one painted army, my 5th edition Lizardmen and I was so young I didnt care at all how they looked, but I was so concerned with being good enough for the next 20 years that I never picked up a brush once, If I couldnt paint every model to Golden Daemon standard every time, why bother. Recently I started Age of Sigmar with a group of friend and the group quickly evolved into a competitive little club and so I commited to painting up a Kharadron Overlords army to the best of my ability but I am older, much much wiser and have been through some shit now so painting miniatures is in a much better priority place, my goal was just to paint up an army as quickly and as well as I could, I started about 4 months ago and I now have 2k+ Kharadron painted to a standard ALWAYS has people cooing over my army when I place it and I'm starting on a new Lizards list with my first Sunblood drying from an undercoating now.
I entirely agree with you on this video. While I'm not the biggest fan of panting I'm more into the playing of the game, but I do find something very therapeutic in the act of as you said putting a podcast or audiobook on and painting.
Tabletop Minions is consistently the most thoughtful, level-headed, and intelligent RUclips series about gaming in existence. Thanks for everything you do, Atom. 😀
I'm still rather new to the hobby, and I kinda paint as a means to an end because I want my army to look unique for gaming. I won't win an award, but I've become alot better than myself. The good thing is I had gotten a second of the same model that was my first ever painted model and it felt grand to just have the two to sit next to eachother. My first stuff isn't grand, but I will keep them as a learning process and a comparison. I'm moving onto some 40k projects while having a fair bit of Age of Sigmar projects left to do. XD Just because I finally convinced my buddies to do some 40k, and I'm more a sci-fi person than fantasy, so it's something I'm slightly more motivated. Just finished a "Da Red Gobbo" model for my killteam and I get an interesting model with a cool paint job, and it's in the hobby I want to do. I'm super eager to get more into this.
![BabyChiefDoit - Wonderful Time (Official Music Video) [Shot By @Rxllo]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_Bfqt3zV2KE/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm 38 and very new to the hobby. My 11-year old daughter and I attended a starter session at our local Warhammer store yesterday evening where we got an introduction in how to play Age of Sigmar and then an hour or so of painting a Stormcast Eternal minature each. The painting aspect is what always put me off Warhammer as a kid, but we both had an amazing time and both felt the most enjoyable part was painting.
welcome in the hobby.
Tom Hawkins, I'm 47 and just started painting. I'm an abysmal strategist (and more on point with the topic, I don't really enjoy strategy games enough to make them a true hobby) but I've been playing tabletop RPGs since '82, and finally decided to take the plunge for my character minis. I approached it as "If I want a better mini on the table, I'm going to have to learn to do it myself." It's quickly become "I have a new hobby, and I really like doing this." My minis are not excellent by any means, but I don't feel embarrassed to put them on a gaming table, so that's good enough for me. I've even had a couple of people at my tale ask if I can paint one for them if they provide it.
Steven Taylor commissioned painter. Pro.
call me bias (cuz i am) but 40k is currently way better *for kids* not because of the kid friendly 40k stuff i actually think thats a horrible idea its another mini satanic panic in the making... But because sci fi as opposed to high fantasy simply attracts more kids your daughters age, and as a stockholder of GW, and just an objective observer, i can tell you 40k is getting WAY more love than AOS is. If your going to be the main person your daughter plays against than hey play whatever catches your fancy. I'm just remembering how hard it was to find a game of 40k when i was 11. (im 29 been playing 40k/ fantasy since 96') 40k has never not been more popular in these 21 years of playing. And it easier to play fellow tweens/young teens
Seriously though AOS is a lot of fun I play it myself. We have a hobby group of 200+ people at the store who all play 40k and most also play AOS. 40k has an official night and a league and prizes. Aos games require using our discord server to plan a game with someone. If you want to play 40k you can go the store pretty much any day after 5-6pm and their will be someone just hanging out shootin the breeze at the store and would be more than willing to play 40k. Also I win (a lot) so everyone always wants a rematch! lol
"you might get to a point where you have everything painted" HAHAHAHAHAHA
Well, there is Kill Team, lol.
I will become undead!
HAHAHA - yeah - I cannot see that - especially now that I got the kill team box.... so much painting to be done... ;)
I get what he's saying--you may wind up painting everything you might need for your army. Bit less likely with regular CA changing things up, but as of right now, my army list is at least basecoated.
I admit I haven't done a ton of highlighting though >.>
No way, man.
This is perfect for my cousin who is afraid of starting any hobby because he's not very good. You're never going to be the best right away and you don't need to be the best!
Tell him no one is good at the beginning. You always get better and that is half the fun
Share the video with him, and I hope it helps. Thanks for watching!
The only thing your cousing does wrong is.... not enjoying a hobby.
The aim is to have fun doing something you like and not being the very best at it.
@rich law You'll never be good if you don't even try. " You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. - Wayne Gretzky"
Know how he feels, I'm too much of a perfectionist and get irritated at my lack of skill
That's what I've been advocating for years. Hobby is a crucial part of psychological hygiene. A distinction between work and hobby is absolutely crucial.
Crafting hobbies are among the top recommendations for psychological hygiene. They can help in preventing depression, fighting anxieties or sensory issues and many other brain malfunctions. Don't ruin their bountiful gifts by stumping them with feelings of pressure, guilt and this general looming feeling of the need to push yourself harder.
Don't get me wrong. I don't advise sitting all day on a couch and be all talk, no action - on the contrary. This is a crafting hobby and I think of it in terms of artefacts it produces. I just recommend switching how you approach your hobby and being more agile, relaxed and fresh about it.
"Why New Year resolutions are ruining your hobby" was the title of my piece on the subject, which tells a lot.
Your absolutely right, hobbies are what you do to reduce the stress in your life. And if you love something you probably will work hard at it for that very reason you love doing it. But to push yourself so hard that your hobby ceases to be fun because you feel that you should be constantly striving to get better defeats the purpose of having a hobby.
I really like the term ‘psychological hygiene’ - makes total sense. Thanks for watching!
yes! I got in wargaming for the games but as I get older I often enjoy the painting more. I can "veg out" on painting and all my mental issues fade into the mix of two thin coats. And when done I can walk away from my hobby truly relaxed
I find that the more deadlines or objectives I set on my hobby, the more I get done but the less I enjoy it. I just finished quite a large project but I'm already thinking 2 projects ahead and haven't really stopped to appreciate what I've accomplished because I'm thinking "what's next".
I've also got into the habit of booking events to act as painting deadlines but I don't think that's healthy either. Yes stuff gets done but at what cost. I totally agree with you about psychological hygiene.
If you enjoy it, then your doing it correctly.
Atom, I have looked at this hobby from afar for years knowing I would never be able to paint or even glue the models. I'm 42 now, but have been battling Young Onset Parkinson's for over a decade. After watching your videos for the past couple of years, you convinced me to give it a shot. I finally purchased some painted armies, terrain, and rule books. Would I love to paint my own models? Sure, but I just feel super fortunate to be able to physically play the game. I understand the need for excellence, but I just focus on the rules, the strategy, the stats, the lore, and the fun of just playing. It is a game after all. Playing Age of Sigmar is enough for me. Thanks for all that you do and for another great video!
Check out lukeapps video about painting with washes, or with kids, Not sure of the exact name. Shows you how to paint with less precise strokes, and still get a nice looking result
While I don't have your issue..I shake..all day everyday. While I have been picking up a paint brush since like 7 I'm am 49 now...somehow the shaking stops ...just keep pressing forward
Thanks for the great tips guys! I'm spray painting a lot and after watching of of Atom's videos, I have been trying sharpies as well. Just like everything else I do daily, I just try to time everything to my Parkinson's medications and when they are working. I'm loving Age of Sigma so far. The lore is awesome and now I really want to try the Nighthaunts. Those models are beautiful! Thanks again guys!
Christopher Cribbs- welcome to the hobby! The whole point is to have fun no matter what part you like or enjoy most. Painting isn’t always the most important thing. Really, as long as you enjoy what you’ve spent money and time on- that’s what counts. Please feel free to comment/email me if you ever have questions/need tips you can’t find on line (improbable, but you never know). Glad to have another hobbyist in the mix. Welcome
Glad to hear you're powering through! My medication makes me trembly, and it's something I've had to struggle with. Fine details, especially on old pewter models, are tough.
seeing pictures of people's models online always makes me feel bad about my own, but this video helped me live with the fact that I'm not the best, and I don't have to be. It is a hobby after all, enjoy it!
Yeah I scroll through it looking at amazingly painted models and think damn I’m so under skilled compared to these people but I just have to remember that this is a vocal minority of amazing painters and not everyone has the ability to paint like that
Its also worth remembering that the models you see online are often the best of the best, people who dedicate almost all their time to mini painting. Your minis can be rather good, even if they aren't approaching what you see online.
I'll take a photo of some of my early models... even i feel better that the new ones don't look like that
In model railroading there is the "good enough" philosophy. The idea that if it makes you happy then it's good enough. After all its your models and at the end of the day as long as your happy with it that's all that matters really.
CSX3026 that’s how it should be in miniatures and is in some games. My models compared to some look like shit but they’re painted and they look pretty good to me so to me that’s good enough
This video is well timed. I started reading a book called The Paradox of Choice. One of the types of people it describes, they call maximizers. They have to have the best of everything and they spend so much time worrying about it that they are never happy with their choices or never make one.
I'm certainly a maximizer and it has been something I've struggled with for a long time. It's effected my progression in my hobbies and my life in general. It's nice to hear this advice from another source, especially when it relates to me so closely.
Thank you for making this video! Very helpful and inspiring.
10/10 prefer an army with a mediocre paintjob over a grey one. (Also love the t-shirt)
Unpopular opinion: I actually like the unpainted models more than most mediocre paintjobs or a basecoat
It suuuuucks showing up at a tournament with the only fully painted force. I made a new years resolution last year to not play with unpainted models anymore. When I show up at tourneys, my opponents almost never have even a majority of their figures painted and it just looks goofy.
I like to play vs painted armies too as you say even if they are mediocre it shows they put the effort in.
@@Breakstop I always thought at competitions they had to be painted.
@@grayalun depends on what game you are playing and your local community
This is one of the best videos you've ever made. You nailed this on every level! Indeed one of the most important points you made is that in our society there are so many vast amounts of people who have no hobbies. Not real hobbies, they just have the casual leisure stuff like watching TV, going out to a bar to drink, wandering through the mall when there's nothing you need to buy, etc. That is not hyperbole. It's true. In our family, I'm like an anomaly doing miniature wargaming.
People are often so busy being "busy" taking care of busy things, they don't realize that they actually have nothing in their lives that's not work or not a casual leisure activity. So many people lack having a real passion for a hobby. Life is out of balance and we've become addicted to what I've seen called "survival porn". You wear having an empty, drudgery life like a badge and then you declare that you can't do any hobby unless you're an expert at it. Certain things are "only meant for other people". And that rubs off on those around you, especially your kids and friends.
It's like a culture of self-imposed exclusion to prove the point that you're "too much of an adult and have too many responsibilities to have fun". That's a big thing in American culture. So the person wears the survival porn badge and makes that their identity.
It's really clear how bad it is once you start to notice it around you. Great job Atom, keep up the good work.
I enjoyed painting my minis much better when realised that 99% of people cant paint to "heavy metal" standard.
That's so true, I have a few buddies who are really good and I look at their stuff sometimes and look at mine and can see the big difference and it used to bother me.
These days I'm enjoying painting more than ever because I'm not being as hard on myself, I still want to improve but the being sad I wasn't able to paint as well as others was meaning I was letting it damage my enjoyment.
Yup. Compared to those elite guys, my paint jobs look like absolute garbage, and I'll probably _never_ be on their level. I'm just not willing to put in the time, effort, and resources to get to their level.
But compared to most of the people I run into in the wild? I'm a great painter. Well, okay. I'm pretty good.
... And compared to the "pro-painted" models I've seen on eBay, I'm fucking amazing.
Most importantly, though, the guys who're really good are happy to tell me exactly how to get as good as they are.
Even "'Eavy Metal" painters can't paint to 'Eavy Metal standards because the actual peices that are displayed actually use techniques that the GW model doesn't use. It's a bit deceptive but it also pushes hobbyists to try harder to make their models look as close to the 'Eavy Metal style as possible.
What's heavy metal standard?
@@Demortixx GW's house style. You typically see it on their boxes, in codexes/battletomes, and in White Dwarf.
Gotta love your attitude towards hobbies and gaming! I'm newishly back to the hobby, I took it up to provide stress relief and interest, rather than just watching movies, playing Xbox games, or reading, after my daughter's in bed. I'm not so bad, but not quite good, but it does exactly what I wanted it to do. I can get my painting table setup, switch on either one of your videos, or the any other of the great content providers about this little hobby, paint, unwind, and have something at the end of the day that is MINE and only MINE. I'll get better, it's all evolving, and whether I paint something outstanding one day doesn't really matter. The only thing that matters is that you enjoy it, it does for you everything you started it for, and if others like and praise you even better. I don't get any chance to actually game due to where I am, but that doesn't matter to me. It's all about the process of de-stressing and producing something that's close to what I wanted, always learning something new, trying different approaches, taking a chance on something that might not work but might make something interesting. Unfortunately I'm suffering from a little bit of new-comers over-purchasing, but at least I have projects to take up this whole year. Started with a couple of Kill Teams, but Dark Uprising is staring back at me from my hobby shelf with accusitory envy on being ignored since opening, simply because I don't want to start on it until I'm at the level I think I'd be happy doing it justice. Keep up your great work, Atom!
I like to say: Wherever I go, I am a tourist in other peoples' worlds.
There are always more talented and more dedicated people in any hobby. It's easy to get intimidated or frustrated by the work of incredible hobbyists, but I know how much time they devote to their craft. I'd much rather do other things.
Just today I saw on the Warhammer Community page a Nighthaunt army bashed to look like a freakish Commedia-inspired carnival. I'll never do anything like it; I may never kitbash a single model. I just loved to see something so unique and masterfully done. Real art.
Right. Every weekend he parks and pubs are full of people who stuck with it because they love playing football and being in a band even though they're never ever going to be Lionel Messi or Mick Jagger.
Probably my favourite video of yours.
I recently got into the hobby (painting, I don't have anyone to play with), put down a huge investment (for my little pocket) and bought $2,200 worth of models. I already had AoBR set from a few years ago unopened, so I had A LOT of work to do.
After my first model, I was...distraught to say the least. I felt like my first model is way worse than most people's and quit for a couple of weeks. Then I went back because I liked the painting, and my second model was...a little worse.
I kept at it and stopped comparing; I focused entirely on my enjoyment rather than the beauty of the model. Even my colour schemes became more varied and I started making a story for each of my models. My third model was much better than both of its predecessors.
I'm not even painting consistent armies anymore. Just painting whatever fits the mood. I don't really play the game, so a consistent army theme isn't what I paint for.
Ladies and gentlemen, life is just too short. People get confused between trying to improve, and trying to “be the best.” I started painting just because I thought it might make the game pieces look better. Turns out I really enjoyed it. Now I’m swimming in models that are unpainted nagging at me. So I do have to tell myself that I don’t NEED to finish painting that second set of Legion Snowtroopers if I’d rather watch TV tonight. But the idea that I would someday produce models that would win contests never occurred to me. All the things I enjoy I am mediocre at and my goal is to get good. Not even great. Just good. Fishing, guitar, painting minis. I’m happy to just do a good job. Like I said, life is too short to make yourself miserable over your hobbies.
The fear of failure is an absolute mind killer. Relax, enjoy painting your mini's just for the hell of it. If you don't like the end result take a photo then strip it and start again. No one in the history of man has ever learned anything without making mistakes along the way.
Thomas Edison tested 99 failed lightbulbs before he got the one right lightbulb
After a year I barely have one unit finished. Because I keep stripping and restarting
So true.
Not doing something because you fear failure is admitting defeat before taking a first step
Fear is the little Death.
Dune reference?
Seeing Sam's first model was pretty inspiring. It's just practice, experience, and patience. Thank you for this video! Time to stop hesitating and start painting again.
I used to work with a TD who would say, "Done is beautiful." I heartily agree with that sentiment in regard to this hobby.
I do my hobby because it makes me happy, i don't care if i'm the best or not. My hobby is for ME and no one else.
Wow, this really speaks to me as I just got into Warhammer. I thought I was getting into W40k to play the game. But I've discovered that 99% of the hobby is painting. This is a different aspect of the hobby and I didn't expect it would be such a huge part of it. Luckily, I discovered that I really enjoy that part of the hobby. It just wasn't what I initially thought W40k was about.
Rather than excellence, I've found it's a way to give me a zen like calmness. It's tedious, but in a relaxing way which helps focus my mind. And through that calmness, I find that I'm getting better and better at painting as I focus on doing a tedious, repetitive task to the exclusion of everything else. In zen they say "If you're going to sweep the floor, sweep the floor", meaning "Focus on the job you're doing and do it well even if it's trivial. So while excellence isn't actually my goal, I seem to be travelling more towards it each time I sit down at the painting station.
I've been painting minis for over 20 years now I do it cause it is therapeutic I'm not good at it but that is fine with me, I do it cause it keeps me from doing something stupid, I dont know when i sit for hours with a brush in one hand a mini in the other i get to see it change from something that is grey and lifeless to something i created...it just feels good to me
been there, cheers friend
Always enjoy your philosophical clips. May your brushes continue to be dust free.
Great advice, Uncle A. Sam Lenz is good because he spent 10 or 20 years doing what he loves. Anyone can paint that well if they put in the time and effort. The great thing about today is you can watch youtube videos and learn things that took me years to figure out. Your first figures will be better than Sam's first figures. So start painting and enjoy the journey!
I have active tremors in my dominant hand so for me the fun isn't from being great it's just from completing a model and then just enjoying that I have done it.
It makes me smile being able to just talk to people and learn and have fun with it
One of the best feelings that I have is when you have an army completely painted, and you can just look at it.
Painting and modeling for me is, in addition to enjoyable, pain relief. Hobby time is one of the few times that I can ignore the pain in my foot.
for me the building, kitbashing, and painting is the best part of WH40k as a hobby. I enjoy playing, its fun and it gets my mind working, but making things is where i really get into gear.
I recently got back into the hobby after a break of about 15 years. At first I strove for painting excellence and achieved mediocrity at best. I also only painted a handful of miniatures. Then something changed. I started to concentrate on getting groups of models finished. I aimed for overall effect rather than excellence in the detail. My shelf of painted miniatures is now filling up fast and more importantly I find myself wanting to paint and looking forward to getting home from work so I can finish my current project. I really agree with the points you raise in this video. Cut yourself a break standard wise concentrate on getting things done and enjoyment will follow.
28, new to the hobby. I'm mediocre, and I know it. I'm not "bad" and I still get compliments on my paint jobs. Hell, one of the most respected local guys I know says he wished he could paint like me, because while mine aren't the best, I got like 27 models painted over a weekend and he did two. Mine? Simple coats, detailing, I don't edge highlight, I don't often use shaders unless I really feel the model needs it, mostly for leaders or special things, and I don't have any will to start basing my models yet as I'm in for the game less than the painting, but it's still fun. My friend had painted a couple models for my army so he wouldn't go insane painting so many space marines and could do some greens rather then blues, and they are some of my favorite models for things like kill team and warcry so they stand out all the more.
This video was all that I needed. For a long time I've switched over a lot of different hobbies, then I've noticed something... That romantic view of the mastery was all that I pursued, it was not about being fun, but more like "I need to become good at something, I don't want to spend my life only watching stuff passively, I wanna create things!" So I didn't stuck to anything. Since I realized this, I've discovered what I really like: learning. I like to learn about new stuff, so knowledge in general, and specially philosophy, are my thing, not necessarily mastering Art related hobbies.
Watched this again and it still holds true 100%. This video should be in every hobbyists “ save” and referred back to periodically. It’s a hobby - for relaxation and fun. Never forget that everyone..
Atom, I was first introduced to Warhammer 40k when i was about 11 years old by one of my favorite counselors. He believed that not only will this hobby help me with social interaction skills but also help me learn different shades of colors and paint styles as well,"im severely color blind and have autism", and i never really had the opportunity to thank him. Now fast forward 15 years. Now i enjoy the hobby on multiple levels. I love playing against people and learning different strategies and play styles of other armies and games. I also love the fact that people come to me to paint there minis, they even pay me. I couldnt have asked for more from a hobby. That said I was feeling that my painting skills were at a stand still cause ive seen others paint at levels i dont believe i could. I put my brushes aside and have taken a 6 month hiatus from painting.I stumbled across this video and now have come to my senses so to speak and im now content with the accomplishments that i have made over the years of painting and got some paint on some minis again. So thanks for the video and happy painting.
In the early days of playing for me, I was so bad at the actual games that painting was the only reason that I kept going. I have always been better at the hobby aspect of hobby gaming than the gaming portion. I look forward to the time that I get to sit down on the weekend and paint a bit each week. I’m not the worlds best painter but I enjoy it. Thanks for the video.
So thankfully I gave some thought on this subject for my video on it and really glad to see it's spreading across the community. I think the big point I took away from it are the following:
* We all see amazing painters doing amazing work. The point is to have the mindset where you are inspired by it versus being disheartened that you can't do that (yet).
* On the flip side, if you are really good at the hobby, is it's important to not have that "elitism" that can deter people new to the hobby. You showing Sam's first mini really hit on this part of it, everyone has more potential than perhaps they even realize.
Considering I am quite average at painting myself, and that being average miniature painting is what inspired me to start my own YT channel, this hit pretty close to home for me. Thanks for the wonderful discussion!
I agree, I won't paint anything for months, then spend a few days painting to a basic tabletop standard and listening to a 40k audiobooks, I find this very relaxing.
After watching the video, I also read the article and I have to say I agree with both; the idea that we *have* to excel at everything we do or its not worth doing frankly baffles me. Would it be nice for other people to appreciate the time and effort I put into painting a miniature? I won't lie; yes, it would be. Should I need that validation to derive enjoyment from my hobby? No, it is neither, nor should it be, a necessity of my hobby. At the end of the day, I'm doing this because I like it, and really that's all the "validation" I'll ever need; whether or not I ever win an award or even garner a lot of compliments from people doesn't even place on the list of reasons why I choose to spend my leisure time doing this. If you're afraid to try something simply because you might not turn out to be a prodigy/master at it, then personally I think you're missing the point of a lot of life.
Agree
I also think it’s the times we are in . It’s all about the show ... or show off.. people don’t just do . They do for others standards. Also its seems many people just want to be the best without putting in the work . Too much social media in my opinion. JUST HAVE FUN ! 🙌🏽😁
yep. It's all about collecting "likes". It's a drug for some people.
@@landsurfer66 it's a dopamine hit for *most* people. Acceptance, praise, adoration... these are the goals of far too many people. They aren't happy just being themselves, despite how they profess to be 'unique' and 'original'. They can't Just Be Themselves.
Couldn't agree more. People want results without effort. It's as if they expect to pick up a hobby and, well, wouldn't you know it, they're the best there ever was like magic.
Fear of failure is crippling for far too many people. They can't stand the idea of not being praised, adored, fawned over for their efforts so they never even try.
The road to success is paved with stones of failure.
Success isn't even the goal either. It's personal. It's supposed to be fun.
I started paint warhammer miniatures this january because i found 2 boxes in a flea market and i discovered that i'm not as bad as i think. So now i paint for relaxation and because i like to see something painted by me. I tried to learn and learned some "advanced" techniques, but not because i wanted to be the best, just because for a model i wanted to do that. And i'm improving a bit, maybe i could learn faster and better but...i want to do it with my pace. So 100% agree with your video, it's nice to listen my exact thoughts :)
Ive been hesitant to get into miniature hobbies for a long while now because I've got a condition that causes my brainhalves not to work together properly when it comes to stuff requiring fine motor skills, think painting and writing, causing my hands to tremble a lot when I try to do those things. But 2 days ago after watching these types of videos for about 3 years, I took the plunge and plopped down some money I had leftover and ordered the killteam rulebook and a box of necron immortals and I have to say I'm more excited than ever.
The thing I love about Wargaming as a hobby is the fact is you don't have to be great at it to enjoy it. The hobby has so many facets to it painting, gaming, modelling and some people are great at organising group games and coming up with interesting campaigns and scenarios to play. I've made a lot of lifelong friends from the hobby so I might not be the best painter or gamer but I enjoy it so it's great. :-)
My way to push the painting of models away from feeling like work is to have audio that is totally unrelated from my work. I choose either some Bob Ross (the most therapeutic voice to boot) or old NPR episodes of Car Talk. It pushes my mind away from my work (though I just changed career fields drastically).
Also met my first 40K friend using GameFor back in July. Looking forward to seeing my new area and what it has to offer for 40K and D&D. My wife and I move a lot now thanks to me going Coast Guard so this app will be worth its weight in gold to me.
As a board gamer, I learned about Frostgrave a few years ago. Bought a couple of their warband boxes and had a blast building them. I bought a few paints and wanted to try painting them, but I was always too scared because I thought they would come out terrible. Fast forward to a few months ago, I painted a couple reaper bones minis (from that same 2 year old learn to paint set I bought along with those frostgrave models), then a random AoS Orruk I bought off eBay and it came out MUCH better than I thought I was capable of. 1 Deathwatch Kill Team and a bunch of terrain later and my "to paint" list is ever-growing along with my painting skills.
I find it so relaxing to stress-relieving to build and paint. This coming from someone with almost no previous artistic ability. Sometimes I even bring it to the table by our living room tv so I can still "watch" some tv with my girlfriend. It's been a real experience. I'm totally hooked and loving it.
I haven't actually painted a mini in over a year. I've been at this hobby since the 1980s and have always just dabbled in whatever made me happy at the moment. This has left me with many unfinished armies and tons of miniatures I may or may not ever paint or play with. I have been in a "build mode" for several months now. The past couple of months life took over and I haven't had any time to do any mini hobby at all. I recently got into board gaming as well, which is also great fun. I don't have the budget to sustain all that I really want to do, so I do what I can. The point is that all of this is fine as long as it makes ME happy! I love collecting minis and sloooowly working towards having them completed. I love looking at them on the shelf, and it doesn't make me feel as though I am a failure for STILL not having them completed. Some people (my family) think I'm silly for buying a lot of stuff that I haven't played with yet. But I don't care what other people think as long as I am having great fun. I have varied interests and I don't have to be an expert in all of them.
Exactly the video I needed to see. Thank you so much
I feels the same with music. There are thousands of people on internet that are god-tier and often you feel like what is the point if you never have time and dedication to get anywhere close to those top 1%. That kills a lot of joy in people
I've learned to stop from Uncle Atom. Who cares it's not the best or the "right" way, I build and paint for myself and my own enjoyment.
I love this! I’m not good at 40k, or good at modelling and painting... but I’m great at enjoying it! Thanks!
Learning and practicing new techniques to improve your skills feels great. You don't need to be good in order to get better. And usually getting better really helps to enjoy the parts of the hobby you enjoy most.
For me it's mostly painting in creative ways. Just got a spearhead of Old One Eye and 3 Carnifexes that will get a similar tiger-like pattern as the warrior bugs in Starship Troopers, but in a purple-blue-pink sceme. Already know that it will be a hard, but great time. xD
I can totally relate. I used to race radio controlled cars at a club track about an hour from my home. I was nowhere near the fastest or having a podium finish every Saturday night.
However, what I did enjoy about travelling 100 miles roundtrip every Saturday afternoon/night was the fun and companionship of hanging out with fellow hobbyists. We would help one another if someone broke a part or needed a part. There was competition, but for the most part it was just the time to forget about problems, work and stress; and play with you cars.
This article did the rounds on the hobby groups on facebook, it was a refreshing read.
I 100% agree with all of this. I've recently taken up the hobby myself and my stress levels have gone right down. I'm pretty rubbish at painting at the moment, but I don't mind as I'm really enjoying seeing the results improve with each model I paint and just enjoying that ride.
Great video, wise message. After I stopped going to fencing tournaments I started enjoying fencing more. I applied once to a miniature painting competition and that model was the hardest to paint. So I only paint to see how it would look painted that way. I buy a box of minis and paint each differently and that is fun for me.
I love being mediocre, I’ve only been in the hobby for about a year and had so much fun learning how to make and paint models. I do it to relax.
Thank you so much for making your content. Love your videos.
This was a great message. You’ve made me feel better about my average-ish building and painting of blood bowl pitches and stadiums, because for whatever reason I just can’t fathom the idea of having a painted team and not having a home stadium to play in.
Absolutely. And that's why you should post pics of your minis on the Tabletop Minions Paint Showcase Club right now ^^
I respect the skills of the pro painters but I'm more interested to see what we the average painters can produce with our average talent :)
Really a great and encouraging video. I´m into building model kits for aout 12 years now, but I just recently entered the world of painting minis and playing 40k. I think you and your videos have played a major role in my progression so far, thanks for that! Even trying to get into the paint showcase club right now.
I can only support what you said about being "mediocre" at any hobby. I think that accepting it is one part of the enjoyment children experience while playing. Just building something with Legos and being happy about it without overthinking it. Also "not being a pro" doesn´t mean in any way, that you´re not contributing to a community. You never know, maybe even someone of Sam´s caliber can get a little inspiration from an average Joe´s model.
The most important thing in our lives is to be satisfied with yourself. And this is so much more true for our hobby.
Be yourself and have fun.
Adam, it's hard for me to describe how applicable this video is to me right now. With everything in my life, I have such high expectations of myself that I become paralyzed and wind up in front of a screen instead... Because at least that way I don't have to feel the pain of inadequacy. It's hard to live like that... Thank you for showing me this perspective.
Started at 39, 8 month ago. So far I am an okay painter, and I'm okay with it. :)
Thank you for your great channel, uncle Atom.
i used to have very high standart for christmas celebration, with everything having to be done in a certain way... then i realized i made christmas a pain for everyone. Now i have a much more relaxed approach to it and i try to make it in my hobby as well.
The one mindset that I apply to all things in life, which I started doing a small number of years ago, probably as a result of finally "growing up" (I was a pretty big douche, back in the day, lol). is "Strive every day to be the best you that you can be, and once you're there, push harder to be better than that." It doesn't mean to be competitive with the world at everything you do, but rather just to be true to self and develop yourself into being the best you that you can be, at all aspects of your life. I'm a husband, a father, an artist, a tabletop wargamer, a musician, a forklift truck operator (my job/trade), a son, and so many other things. In all that I do, I don't aspire to be the best over all others, but rather just the best for those and to those who matter most. My mother, my wife, my son, our pets, my boss, etc. and so forth. As an artist & hobbyist - a creator of things, if you will - my first and foremost goal is to express my inner being, who I am, "what" I am. Beyond that, I simply aspire to do and be the best of myself that I can possibly be. Perhaps one day I might just win an award at a show, perhaps not, but if I do, it won't be because I devoted everything to achieving that goal, but rather because I'd reached that certain spot in my skill and inner being, where I "did a thing" and did it to the best I could possibly figure out how to.
Thank you for this video, UA, and also to the author of that article. :)
Pursuit of perfection is the enemy of progress.
Which is why we paint da ork boyzzzzz!!!
I agree with a lot of this. Watching too much videos makes me lazy, lonely and dissatisfied with my hobbies. It is some sort of selection bias because you only see the best and most accomplished stuff online, quality that is far out of current reach. It is better to mingle with other people who are also mediocre.
Love this channel, was thinking about a mate who's enthusiasm for the hobby has meant from early days, when his painting was scruffy (he'd admit this) but after years of time spent painting and learning new techniques he's got to a pretty good standard so perseverence means you'll improve even if you never get to golden daemon standard everyone has their own thing they want to get from the hobby.
Great vid uncle! While I love painting and basing so much that it's basically all I do with this hobby (the gaming part I leave to other people) and am definitely pushing myself to get better and better at that, I absolutely love to see people being proud of their models. Whether the paint job is mediocre, or bad, or exceptional. Gawking at ridiculously well painted minis is cool and inspiring, but seeing people super happy with what they did is even better, even if the paint job isn't that great. I've seen shoddy painting that I loved much more than crystal brush jobs because I could still feel the enthousiasm and joy that went into it.
You do a great job at keeping the hobby inclusive and accessible man. Thanks for that.
This video was very applicable to me I always get outright stressed when I look at my mass amount of models that are needing painting and/or assembling. Thank you this was a valuable reminder of the heart of the hobby
There’s a bunch of guys at my local shop who’s minis will definitely never win a golden daemon contest, but you know who’s mini they are, and they have their own unique style.
This vid made it so much easier for me to get into the hobby i have fine coordination issues with my hands from a nerve issue i have so painting wise I wouldn't be the best at it but i find calmness working slowly and when i make my small mistakes i just view it as a happy accident. I can figure out some head explanation story behind maybe this guy messed up getting his clothes ready and got a brown smudge on his robe/armor. It gives me an outlet to spend my downtime on and I actually feel like I have something at the end of it. I don't hate painting i never have i enjoyed it as a kid I'm just pretty bad at it but if i enjoy something i may as well try to do it, for a while i was worried about paint bullies but they really are rare in the hobby.
I found your channel because I’m trying to learn airbrushing (mostly just art pieces and 3D prints). I love this video, and needed to see that article. I’ve always had “ too many” hobbies and sometimes feel guilty if there’s no greater purpose behind them.
This is honestly one of the best videos I've seen on youtube in a long time. Really hits home and makes me think.
This is a really important point. I even find doing things for enjoyment ending with being the best. I’m an archer and I shoot every weekend because it’s fun to go out and enjoy the outdoors and have some fun with my clubmates. Over the years I’ve gone through a phase of being super competitive and it took all the fun out of it. Not only that but when I got competitive I actually scored much worse. I eventually saw the errors in my ways though and I won the state title last year, making me the best in my state, and I got there just by having fun and enjoying the sport.
this popped up again randomly in the background while i was painting today and my brain switched gears to listening, and I just wanted to say thank you, it's a great reminder!
I agree with everyrhing said in this video. I started painting long ago because I wanted cool looking minis to play with. But now painting has become a way for me to relax and it has been therapeutic in helping me deal with alot of the things I went through after I got out of the military. I know that I will probably never be as good as some of the amazing people in our community, but I continue to drive on because it is enjoyable to me.
I think this is a great point. Sometimes it's easy to be intimidated by the amazing pics in magazines or on display in stores. Over the decades (I'm 54) I've found I've hit that paint plateau a couple of times, and challenge myself to try new techniques simply because that's what I enjoy. Terrain is something I find myself really cutting loose on, as I find it more open to creative ideas. My boys love to build and play, with painting being less important to them. One thing I've enjoyed is teaching novice builders and painters tips and tricks to make life easier to get better results. I've also become a great fan of the GW paint app. It's a great guide for getting layers right. Oh, and speaking of apps, GameFor is currently downloading onto my phone. Brilliant idea!
This is a mindset that I need to start bringing to all of the (probably too many) hobbies that I have as it's so stressful to be doing so many things and worrying about mastering them. I recall reading the exact New Yorker article you mention in here and it's such great advice these days.
This is also pretty relevant for the playing aspect of the hobby as well. I started collecting Warmachine/Hordes models back around 2010 when I lived in a small area with only a few college buddies to play against. When we all graduated the models went in to storage and I didn't have anything else to do with them. Fast forward several years and I moved to an area with a local scene. I suddenly started playing again but with really old meta stuff trying my very best to focus on making something that could win the game. It wasn't working well and I was really only enjoying the game when I had a chance of winning, but there is a steep learning curve and my faction isn't in a great place right at this moment.
Then I switched over to a different faction. I already had a lot of the pieces from years ago and I bought them because I love the models and fluff on them. I looked up some stuff that was a mix of competitive play but more importantly models that I love that I think are funny and cool. I played my first game with them the other day and I made a lot of mistakes because I'm new. I was not going to win that game but just playing with this collection of stuff that I liked and I think is fun really let me enjoy the game. I did not win, but I did have one big "OH SHIT!!!!!" moment where I was able to do some cool stuff and blow a lot of enemy dudes off the table and it was a lot of fun. I had fun, my opponent had fun and it was a much better feeling than when I was playing that other army purely to try and win.
I'm using this article for a persuasive essay on why it's always worth pursuing a hobby, even without being good at it! Thanks for the inspiration!
I have been in the hobby now for basically 25 years. When I was young I lamented that I could never hit the standards I saw in magazines and at conventions. As I got older I realized, that short of a few showpiece models, I don't actually want my models I actually play with to be at that level. Minis get knocked around, scuffed. Even broken no matter how careful I am.
So mostly I paint to a good enough standard, so I don't feel too bad if something happens to it.
I also love the hobby itself, I get so much satisfaction just painting a few models
I listen to audio books or put on a movie and paint
Its incredibly relaxing for me, and with some relatively simple technique you can get a mini to a pretty good standard. Anyone really can do it, just a simple base coat a wash and a basic dry brush can do magic. I have brought a number of friends into the hobby over the years that thought I couldn't do it.
Great video! I think this message can be applied to just about everything in life. So often I can get hung up on the small details on my models and forget that I’m painting said models for fun.
Great thoughts Adam! Too many people get hooked on attaining a standard that is beyond most mortals & forget what got them into the hobby in the first place. Having said that, the persistence and determination to improve is admirable & I can understand why it might become an obsession. Since I got back into the hobby a few years ago I found that 20 more years of life experience had taught me one of the most valuable traits a hobbies the can have, patience. The time I spend on a mini can be just as important to my enjoyment as seeing the end product. It's possible to enjoy this hobby in many different ways & I think videos like yours can really help people see that.
Thanks for the continuous thought provoking content!
Patience is one of the most important traits a person can have, and not just in the hobby, but in life. If I hadn’t had patience, I would have quit the channel years ago. Thanks for watching!
I feel I sit in a wierd place. I love to paint minis, I enjoy playing the games associated with said minis, and I love improving my skill. But, I don't enjoy painting large armies. I get board of the repetition. I like to paint the things that seem interesting to me and make painting fun. But I hate both being nagged to finish an army or have the nagging feeling of models left to be painted for an army, as those 2 things take away from my enjoyment of just playing the game.
Fred Golightly yeah doing 120 skeletons and 80 chainwrasps is rough BUT once I am done I will (hopefully) feel comfortable enough to paint Nagash!
It is the same for me, that's why I play only skirmish games. Each model can be painted differently and each is a little project in itself. And I can do one armored guy, then one with lots of skin, then a furry animal. And that variety keeps the whole process fun for me.
@@nagashizzar3978 i have a 4x3 plastic bin filled with Nagash and night haunt waiting to be painted and released. Hurts brain but will be next :)
There's an upcoming book from the legendary Dave Taylor that might help you with this. It's a book about painting but not really. It's actually a book about project management, how to paint effectively and manage your hobby so you don't burn out. The kickstarter is closed now, and I believe Dave is more or less finished writing and the books is now being edited. I imagine that once the kickstarter has been delivered, the book will go for general release, but I think you can pre-order it at backerkit. The book is called Armies, Legions and Hordes. I'm not connected in any way to this project other than being a backer of the kickstarter.
armies-and-legions-and-hordes.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders
What you can do is paint an army with a lore that enables it to consist of various schemes.
I have been pretty ordinary at this hobby off and on for about 30 years. It's all about the process of getting that newly minted set of figures on the board and them being completely useless on their first outing. Happens every time and still makes me smile. For me, its always been enjoyable.
I totally agree. I get excited to paint after playing a good game. I feel it goes in cycles.
There seems to be an interesting divide with Warhammer players, where some prefer to play the game, so they just want their models built and painted real quick; whereas others are kind of the other way around and spend most of their time on the actual modeling.
Which I think is great, actually. I love the fact there's an aspect of both, and there's a great deal of freedom in how much you want to lean into one or the other. It also allows for a nice balance between solo and social activities as well, so it serves various personality types as well.
Great life advice in general. I wish someone had sat me down and had this conversation when I was a kid. I spent so much time afraid to *start trying something* because of a fear that I wouldn't be good at it. It's such a crippling thing for a young person to encounter. I will be redirecting more people to this.
I've recently gotten into the hobby, and the vibe I got from the community here on youtube (accepting of different levels of aptitude, explicitly framing hobbying as a teachable skill rather than an innate talent or "pure creativity", focus on fun and having a good time) was one of the main things that convinced me to take the plunge. This feeling that it was ok to not be talented, or creative, or an artist. That it was ok to just be a person enjoying a crafty thing and slowly, slowly improving through practice without any hope of monetizing it or winning prizes with it. It was genuinely the first time I didn't feel immediately excluded by an "artistic" community.
Hey I'm not sure if you're checking comments on a year old video, but I just did a thoroughly mediocre job on 20 necron warriors no on will ever look at so I coild gett them on. The table, and this video made me feel great about that.
I'm glad you did it, and I hope this video helped you. Thanks for watching!
One of the issues I've had over the years in several communities is the ideology of "anyone can achieve x level of skill."
We are finite and limited creatures. Some of us are simply incapable of achieving higher levels of skill. And yet, to the astonishment of many, we can still find great pleasure and enjoyment in participation.
I am not very good at a number of things I enjoy. But I rarely find myself overwrought about that. The culture is too focused on extreme achievement which breeds disappointment and dissatisfaction at least as often as often as it breeds excellence.
Not a war gamer but an rpg DM at 1 inch scale ( which does have a history in war gaming and many people still liken it to a war game where you play just 1 character instead of an army ). I began painting my mini's and crafting terrain for the table , at first it was just a means to an end , but i soon realized it was my new hobby that i enjoyed and my missus joined me in mini painting ( not terrain building for her). I would class myself as mediocre at best at these hobbies , but then i have had many players at my table stare in amazement when i drop a building down or set up my monster mini's for an encounter .
This is followed usually by did you make /paint that , when i say yes the next question usually deflates them 'how long did that take you ' . I am not a fast crafter the 2 story tavern i made with internal playable area took me many many hours of carving insulation foam etc . Some of them look at me strange when i say yeah it may have taken me x hours but i enjoyed every moment of doing it .
Awesome post. Thanks for articulating a very important aspect of the hobby, enjoying yourself! Really great post! Thanks
My lord, you should work on the side as a tshirt model - love that design!
On topic, I really want to get back into tabletop games, either RPGs or games such as Battletech. 3D Printing is wonderful for me in this regard, as I will be able to design, model and print whatever would be needed for a campaign or the tabletop. Then there's the building of the figures, or the layout of scatter terrain on the tabletop, and after all that, the painting! Thats not to mention the rest of the things that can be printed with 3d printers outside of the hobby industry - what a wonderful time to be alive!
Hello Atom! I just want to say: Listening to you always brings me back to be wanting to be building and painting.
This hobby is something we should enjoy, no matter what level we build/paint at. Don't let perfection paralyze your progress.
I try and do the best i can at 40k specifically when playing games. I am still undefeated with my Iron Hands since the space marine codex in 8th ed dropped. But your channel has really helped me out to see the worthwhile nature of every aspect of these hobby games. I used to buy my models built and painted because i sucked at both... Now with my new job i have more time (and more cash) so i started a Drukhari Army thats all about crazy aesthetics, so instead of me just throwing all my energy into tactical acumen and practice games. I now like to think I have a much more balanced approach to the overall hobby thanks to you.
I maintain a back log in purpose, both to build and to paint. This is my hobby, so I like to have the variety to pick from.
I also read that article and agree with everything he wrote and what you’ve said here. But I think there’s an extra layer to our particular hobby in that the models are EXPENSIVE and there can be a real worry that you will ruin what you spent your hard earned money on and then have to look at it every time you play with it. I know you can strip minis and start over, but that in itself is an intimidating process that I reckon most people would rather avoid.
Couldn't agree more, I've played Warhammer and Warhammer 40k alternating for 25 years and in that time I have had one painted army, my 5th edition Lizardmen and I was so young I didnt care at all how they looked, but I was so concerned with being good enough for the next 20 years that I never picked up a brush once, If I couldnt paint every model to Golden Daemon standard every time, why bother.
Recently I started Age of Sigmar with a group of friend and the group quickly evolved into a competitive little club and so I commited to painting up a Kharadron Overlords army to the best of my ability but I am older, much much wiser and have been through some shit now so painting miniatures is in a much better priority place, my goal was just to paint up an army as quickly and as well as I could, I started about 4 months ago and I now have 2k+ Kharadron painted to a standard ALWAYS has people cooing over my army when I place it and I'm starting on a new Lizards list with my first Sunblood drying from an undercoating now.
I entirely agree with you on this video. While I'm not the biggest fan of panting I'm more into the playing of the game, but I do find something very therapeutic in the act of as you said putting a podcast or audiobook on and painting.
Tabletop Minions is consistently the most thoughtful, level-headed, and intelligent RUclips series about gaming in existence. Thanks for everything you do, Atom. 😀
I'm still rather new to the hobby, and I kinda paint as a means to an end because I want my army to look unique for gaming. I won't win an award, but I've become alot better than myself. The good thing is I had gotten a second of the same model that was my first ever painted model and it felt grand to just have the two to sit next to eachother. My first stuff isn't grand, but I will keep them as a learning process and a comparison. I'm moving onto some 40k projects while having a fair bit of Age of Sigmar projects left to do. XD Just because I finally convinced my buddies to do some 40k, and I'm more a sci-fi person than fantasy, so it's something I'm slightly more motivated. Just finished a "Da Red Gobbo" model for my killteam and I get an interesting model with a cool paint job, and it's in the hobby I want to do. I'm super eager to get more into this.