I've been painting minis for 30 years. I needed to hear these tips. This is a really great video. Along those lines, the one tip I give - Don't compare your last figure to anyone else. Compare your last figure to the one you painted before it. Look to others for inspiration, look to yourself for improvement.
This is a double edged sword in my mind. Looking at others minis and comparing them to your own can give you the push you need to improve yourself just as likely it is to make you bum out that you are never going to attain that level.
1. Do not use a ton of different paints on every mini (draw focus on key parts with the color) 2. It is going to look worse before it looks better 3. You need multiple coats not just in applying base coat 4. Work on your contrasts (boost them) 5. Brush control is a skill that will improve over time 6. Use a bigger brush (more paint, more coverage, less scratching, better wet blending) 7. You do not need a lot of gadgets 8. Do not wait until you are good enough for a special model The model you like will actually motivate you to paint better
Thank you for this list. I appreciate the chapters in list videos, but when the creator doesn't add a short description with chapter start times in the video description, is frustrating at times.
@@barrett_miniatures3408 I am too, but from some of the other vids I've seen to learn basics and tips, they discussed painting competitions. I have no ideal how you go about learning when they are or how to enter, but yes, they exist.
@@toddwright2670 There's a secret knock on the side entrance to the abandoned hobby store. You need the entrance fee of 1 unpainted squat miniature and a schmeckle made out of green stuff. From there you will kearn how deep the rabbit hole goes. Be warned, once you enter the competition you can never go back to the world you leave behind. The ancient neckbeard sages know all.
Something that really helps me is when I'm stuck or get hobby block on an army, open up your codex or a novel and read, this gets my hobby juices flowing and really inspires me to pick up the brush again.
best part about this entire video (the first i have seen of yourself) you kept the whole thing original! very informative, honest!, ill be honest i love your content now please tell me where the hell can i get my hands on this mini!?!? give yourself a high five & keep up the good work!!
Watching you paint and the way you talk to your audience, you have such a nice honest, simple way of talking to us. Its like you wrap us in our favorite fuzzy blanket, turn on the fireplace and give us a cup of tea, and then tell us a great story that makes us laugh, or cry depending on the video, it just feels wonderful :D
Great video as ever Jon! Litteral little tip - use wooden toothpicks with a dab of thick paint on to dot eyes ... way easier to get an accurate dot on smaller models and if you use two double ended toothpicks tied together (with a bit of padding between if needed) you can make sure the eyes are looking to the same point.
Brush control...YES! I think that way too many miniature painters talk about not worrying about how messy the base coat is because you can fix it later. To which I always think, "how do you fix it later if you don't work to develop the skill to fix it? And, if you have the skill to fix it, why not practice brush control when accuracy matters less in the first place?" I mean, I understand that sometimes speed matters, and also you want to make miniature painting less scary to those that are new to the hobby. But practicing brush control only on the highlights/clean up is nerve wracking because that's when mistakes can ruin a paint job. Practice your brush control during your base coating, don't just slap it on. Work on getting that fine, accurate line at the transition where the hair ends and the flesh tones begin. Because you can fix it later, it's the perfect time to practice.
Much of my intermediate painting years was spent fixing little mistakes and it really increased the time to finish a model. Now I'm more careful. I still make mistakes but I keep a clean damp brush nearby to try and wipe them away (a tip I learned from Meg Maples). It's a lot easier than having to go over (and over and over) a mistake.
Just go for it. I was really worried about painting my sisters and death guard squads but i learned so much. If you're going through the whole army (2000 points) 120 orc boys arent always the centrepiece anyway- you'll be picking them up every turn. Advice is to not batch paint all 120. Paint small squads of 20 at a time, you'll get better over time Imagine what your 6th set of 20 will be like!
I agree, if you need a way to paint great looking ork skin fast then paint the skin averland sunset yellow and then give it a wash of biel tan green- the yellow and green fuse together quite nicely and the skin is done. I woudnt have gotten through my ork army without it.
Been painting just shy of 1 year and loving this hobby. Best advice I can give a new painter is to understand that painting is a skill, all good things take time. Each model I paint I can see myself improving and having more brush control and better decisions over which colours complement one another. Also, try not to get annoyed when you make a mistake, they will happen. And when you learn from those mistakes guess what, you improve. Love your content jon keep it up.
I loved the moment when you said: Are there any turtle folk in D&D? Pfff I don't care, I 'll do it anyway! That's the essence of D&D! Great tips and great paint job by the way, cheers!
Funny enough there is an offical playable turtle folk in 5e D&D. The rules for them are even on a free PDF Wizards of the Coast threw out there, so you can go right into an open adventurers league with a literal Ninja Turtle, and they just have to deal with it.
Yes. Tortles. They showed up in Basic D&D back in the...mid 80's? I think? I first remember seeing them in the adventure module "X9: The Savage Coast". That's probably their first actual appearance/creation/addition. .. And yes, I'm old. I've been DM'ing since 1980 when I was 11 years old. I'm now 51 and still going! :)
...after 30 years of painting, mostly casually but since lockdown I returned with avengence....the two things that changed my results the most beyond simply practicing, are using a wet pallet and splashing cash on a decent size 1 brush!
I really liked that you mentioned not waiting until you're "good enough" to paint a model. I printed a bust of the batman who laughs and I was so intimidated by the piece but I decided to go for it. I learned all kinds of new stuff, dry brushing for chains, rust, using washes etc. I wouldn't have learned those techniques if I stayed in my bubble of comfort using just flat colors. If you have a model that you want to paint but its imtimidating, go for it! You'll surprise yourself with what you learn
Great tips/advice! The one I would add is: find reference! I think painters often forget that looking at good reference is important and can be useful in the "narrowing your palette" phase or just deciding on a color scheme.
I've been painting on and off again for almost 20 years now. These are some things that I've never even thought of. Like the bigger brush thing, I've always thought I've had to have the smallest brush to get the results I want. Thank you Ninjon! This is helpful advice, even for someone imbedded in the craft for years!
I got to say, your videos (including the first with the weird audio) are just good!! The information you are presenting in all of them is very informative and not always following the general "youtube-mini-painting-video". They are just all very well and thought through! I hope you'll be able to do many more.
“Not good enough” I’m stuck in that phase for my kingdom death monster miniatures. I don’t want to touch them lol. I almost didn’t want to do my dark souls minis either. I wanted to practice on small minis that I could buy. Instead I’m doing my dark souls minis. I will remember this. Thanks for sharing great video keep them coming.
@@Balderdashing well eventually I’ll get to it. Kdm is my pride and joy but Dark souls is something that I’ve loved for years. Also between the base game and expansions I probably could buy 2 maybe 3 KDM core games 😂
KDM is a challenge for sure. The characters are easy, of course, but help set the tone for the set. I found doing the monsters in order of appearance is about the right ramp up in difficulty. I did all of mine, except for the Phoenix where I chickened out and had it professionally done. Having done a bunch of Mythic Battles Pantheon gods now, I feel more comfortable with the big figures and will be doing the rest of my KDM expansion figures myself.
I was on that boat too. Total noob at painting, and afraid to ruin them. But i HAD to start sometime..... Last one done now was the Phoenix (Took me ages to complete), and currently working on the Grom, and I am having a blast. My best tip is just start, and spend time on it. Don't rush to complete. There is not that many monsters, and I'm happy as long as I have more to paint. Rip wallet for the coming BF sale..... looking at you wave 4...
I think the theme of this video is really important and Ninjon has done a great job at expressing it. If you don't just dive in, you'll never get anywhere. So, dive all the way in, don't be afraid of failing now and again, and just keep trying!
dude I'm brand new to painting minis and let me just say that your channel has taught me so much, thank you for your hard work please keep on making inspiring videos for this awesome community
I just started the hobby last November, your tips have made me a better painter in a short amount of time. Thank you for your bluntness, and actual usable tips. You’re really good at what you do.
Outstanding video. There are a million "things I wish I had known" videos out there, but few of them resonate with the ring of truth the way that this one does. From a novice, thank you!
Turtle-folk came out badass! And thanks for the tips, I really need to take the 'you are good enough' one to heart. Maybe I will give those KDM miniatures a try...
I'll add another one: When you're new, you can't see the difference between what you're doing and what's good. Then your eyes get trained and you can see the difference ... and you get depressed. But eventually, now that you can see "better", your painting gets better too. (You can't paint better until you can see what better looks like.) But usually that's right about the time that you start to see the _next_ level, so you still think you suck. This continues pretty much forever. One way to counteract that "I still suck" feeling is to keep your old minis. When you look back on the mini you used to think was really good, you'll see immediately that your "it's OK, I guess" from today is better than your "I'm so freaking awesome!" from a couple of years ago. You really are getting better when you practice, even if it feels like you aren't.
When I studied music production, a producer told me "keep one backup of every good thing you've worked in, and 5 backups of every bad one". I think this applies to everything, really. Keeping my old minis helps me see how much I've improved in this year. Even if I think "I'm not good enough yet", I can see the improvement, and get motivated to keep painting and improving.
Agree entirely with Doug, but here's a little more from my perspective. I have spent decades now not painting as much as painting. But each time I return to painting I have gotten better. This is just because your whole ethic can mature as much by passive learning as it can from active doing - in effect you can practice your eye for detail even without a brush in your hands. Look at your old models. Realise where you did good, recognise where you didn't do so great, remember what brought you to the point of being successful, repeat the good bits and work at the bad bits.
Today I did my first mini with two friends and it was so much fun! I have been subscribed for a month to two, but this has made me want to watch so much more now that I know how it actually feels to paint!
My painting skill really increased when I stopped stripping models that were at the "ugly phase". It's like a remodeling project - but if you see it through it's worth the effort! (Also, that Turtle is amazeballs)
Simply amazing and spot on. Especially #8 for me. Ive got several models that are sitting on the rack and I want to paint them but struggle with "can I do it justice." Thank you for the inspiration!
I have a box of minis from Dark Souls boardgame that I was saving until I'm good enough... After this video, I think I'm gonna finally put them in my to-be-painted list. Also I totally agree about brush handling skills. I can't paint on canvas, but I have bought a colour-book like painting (the ones that comes with a numbered paints, so you can just fill the spaces between the lines). I struggled to finish it, but once I did using brush on my minis became much easier. It comes with time and experience like you said
I'm not a beginner but, I haven't painted a miniature in 18 years. I'm gearing up to dive back into it this weekend. And even though I've painted a few hundred minis in my life, I honestly find the prospect of coming back after so long, kind of daunting. Your videos have been a great inspiration, not only by giving some helpful new tips, but also reminding me of things I already knew but, have forgotten. Thanks Jon!
I've seen a number of these "wish I knew" tips and tricks from miniature painters over the years, but this covers the best list I've seen and I really like the...supportive? way you put everything. Few guys I have seen have very arrogant ways of delivery. You never seem to have that problem even though your skill (to my eye) is of a much higher level. You also covered my one and only suggestion to any new painter. Lists are great, but I myself only have one... Brush size is never a substitute for tip control.
I think energy and motivation is the hardest. So I would add that having a place where you can have everything standing ready, and you can just plop down in your favorite chair, and do your thing, that's important. Having to pull everything out of some drawers/storage, I find that I've often lost my motivation when I'm done setting up. Also, don't pile up on projects, or think too much about piles of shame. It's like dishes. It's okay to wash a few cups, but once it's a giant tower, it's such a chore to get started. Grab 'em three by three. And it takes the time it takes. Make little details stand out on every single one. Even if it's just something minor. Imagine what it was doing in it's frozen moment. Much more fun than doing factory work.
I think I need to watch more of your videos. It was really inspiring seeing the turtle come to life while you talked. Bigger contrast is definitly the one I need to be working on right now.
Hey Thank You Ninjon ! Just Got back into Painting Miniatures! Between You and Goober Town I am so excited to get back into it. its only been 30 years, grenadier Paints and Minis! Both of You are Awesome Spokes Folks for Our Hobby!
Good stuff (despite it being a topic everyone has done). Your professionalism and personality shine through. You also have a very good speaking voice (and audio) which makes the video a joy to listen to as well as watch. Keep 'em coming!
Thank you! I know people have done this topic, but I never hear the tips that really have made the biggest difference for me so I had to do my own haha.
I am glad you mentioned brush control, not said enough! I have a lot to learn and I am steadily improving and each new step of my success often centres on my brush control to give me the confidence to step to the next new skill or technique!
Thank you for taking the time to paint that mini in this video ... and sharing your tips on what you wish you had heard/been told/read early in your hobby years.
Jon, I’ve seen you as a guest on Scott’s channel but this is the first time I’ve watched one of your videos. Everything you said in the video hits home and you explain it in layman’s terms making it easy to understand. You’ve earned another subscriber today bud. Keep up the good work and great videos friend!
I truly love it when people tell me to stop worrying about equipment and just paint more. I’m the kind of person that tends to go all out and get lots of good equipment with the hopes of “skipping stages” in my painting hobby. I want to be good fast but that’s not how it works. Great advice! Keep up the good work man! I’ll just be over here painting like crazy
Yeah I can feel the same, feeling like I'm wasting time "relearning" stuff, the evolution of painting, other painters have already learned instead of jumping directly into learning the most "meta" thing, such as using air brushes and whatnot. I'm happy when someone just reassures me that simple good enough paint and simple good enough brushes (3-4 of them) is good enough and that overtime, as you paint, you start hitting that point where you feel "yeah, this equipment would make X more convenient to do" rather than just mimicking others. Understanding why those stuff are handy through experience yourself is better, but ultimately the true and faithful simple tools will always be enough.
For a model you really like, you can always buy multiple of them, and when your skills have improved redo it on a new one and display them to show the progression in your abilities…
Well done! I have been a mini painter for over 30 years and found this video very helpful. I have stopped and started with the hobby many times over the years for various reasons [kids, moved across the country, etc] and some of these issues pop up every time I return. I continuously struggle with not pushing through and forcing myself to get past the ugly period. And I am definitely one that gets caught up in buying more equipment. Thanks for the points and reminders. Cracking turtle as well! You have a new fan and subscriber. Gonna get a shirt now! Cheers.
Probably the best video I’ve watched on how to get better as a painter. I’m relatively new to hobby painting and crafting but I’m constantly battling my own anxiety to move forward.
I think the best tip for a beginner should be: don't buy any other minis if you already have hundreds unpainted... Unfortunately we know this one is the hardest to follow 🤣
As a beginner, I have made a deal with myself to not buy any more minis until I'm done with the ones I have. Except this cool kickstarter.... and that boardgame.
That last tip really reasonated with me, im about to start painting my first miniatures and the first thought i had was to avoid the space marines i want to paint and do the necron part of the recruit box so i can develop some skill and be good enough for them too look awesome, but at the end of the day its just paint and whatever i learn after and if how much i improved painting shows in my models... i think that is a good thing. Thank you for the awesome video Jon!
I like it. I am just a beginner with the airbrush, but I used color modulation techniques from the scale modelling hobby to paint my 1:100 scale sherman for FOW using tutorials online. This showed me that just by doing it how great the technique is and the result. After just painting the dark and very light tones it looked really weird but after all the subsequent steps, the transitions blended together really well and it looks great. In the end, just doing it and then continue to improve is what is gonna make the next mini or model look even better.
I´m really happy you started your own youtube channel. Hearing you and Scott go on about painting on the podcast is awesome on it´s own, but all of your videos so far hold amazing tipps and techniques and just want to make me paint even more. So thanks for that
Well you did it. You made a subscriber out me! And has somehow managed to encourage this pessimist to start painting a stack primed, I'm not good enough minis. So thank you for that!
Thanks Jon for scratching my Friday mini painting itch since Scott has changed his schedule! Also your videos have increased in quality so much! A joy to watch and learn from!
You have become my GO TO content producer for painting miniatures. I've been in the hobby for a long time, but have always wanted to break through the 'good enough' level of painting. Your work and words are inspiring, and your production value is insanely good. Keep up the great work man, and I look forward to joining you on the journey!
Great video mate! Far more reaching to now painters such as myself for I was getting overwhelmed with what technics to use on my minis and you say just paint whatever and with practice you get better. Than if anyone wants to improve go for various advanced techniques. I learned (or should I say em learning) my basic painting from Duncan Rhodes on how to paint Primaris captain in Gravis armour. Been following his painting advice religiously. Though as you describe in your video I really wanted to paint Robute Guiliman model but was afraid I’d mess him up. Left him for long time and when finally got to do him I’ve put so much love in to painting him as I only could. Now he catches the eye of everyone even people who aren’t in to wargaming or mini painting. And though there is so many mistakes and imperfections that I’ve painted the model still looks great and makes me super proud. That’s some essay I’ve wrote here, sorry for who ever might be reading this. Finally great video, keep it up!
I've stoppes to look at "beginner" video a couple months ago. I've started miniature painting like 3 years ago and I have looked at my fair share of beginner video. But you have a different way to look at things and your videos are a gold mine for someone like me who's in the weird phase between beginner and intermediate painting. Congrats on your Patreon. I will glady participate.
I have been sitting on Ghazkhul for a couple months now exactly for that reason, and I’m finally gonna bust him out cause you’re absolutely right, and I needed to hear that
Great vid John, really enjoyed your delivery and overall presentation as usual, all your tips are so valid. Mine would be 'prep to paint' - set out your tools and work area (in boxes/organisers etc. if required), including juice, snacks, headphones etc. so when you come to paint you're getting straight into it and not having to keep stopping to collect something else you need/forgot. I keep my hobby stuff in partitioned boxes or on a tray so I just pull it off the shelf, top up brush water and good to go.
@2:00 a great way to practice using different tones of the same colors: paint in gray scale. I did this as a "challenge" for my Night of the Living Dead Zombicide minis to keep in theme with the movie. Doing the entire set in black and white "sounded" easy but it was anything but! I had to do so many different tones of gray to make the effect "work" and keep the models from all looking the same. I learned a LOT about different shades of the same color. My pallet had white on one side, black on the other and every shade of gray in between. It didn't save me any time to do the entire project grayscale. In fact, I probably spent more time/mini than I would have if I just painted them full color, but they turned out great and I wouldn't change a thing.
That last tip, that's the golden one. Most of the stuff I collected are great models that I'm not excited about anymore because I saved them for "when I'll be good". I've improved the most since I stopped saving stuff for later.
Dude, your brush control comment is so very important. I've been watching tutorials for a couple of years now and there's so much amazing information yet so many gaps and you pointed out a bunch of those in one video (every model has a "crap" phase is another super important one). For example, showing people glazing is great, and everyone will be quick to explain that the paint will gather at the end of your brush stroke. But where do i START my brush stroke? At the transition? Before the transition? At the far edge of the opposite tint or hue that you're trying to lighten / darken / change from / to? How do I know when my glaze is no longer on the brush and I'm just pushing damp bristles around a darkening surface only to have a chalky mess when it dries? Me being a miniature painter who is trying to glaze his own skills from beginner to advanced, your content has been super helpful to me. Thanks so much for all you do!
Fantastic video, my guy. Definitely going to be the vid I share with any friends who are just starting or feel like they're stuck early on in their hobby journey. Not getting bogged down by the early ugly stages and not getting overwhelmed by all the advanced techniques are big. Keep it up!
Love this video. Thank you! I truly love your mini painting style. I love the intense colors and high contrast you use on this turtle druid. I have been mini painting for over 15 years and do commission work as well as competitive painting and I still needed to heart these tips again. great stuff! Keep it up!
Great tips! Just found your channel and already enjoying the content. I appreciate that these tips are different than what I’ve heard on other RUclips channels, these focus more on building up confidence over building up technique.
Last tip hit me in the feels man. Have a cool young blue dragon mini sitting waiting and that comment of just paint it... yeah it’s my first paint of 2022.
Tip 8 for the WIN! that one is Gold - nice job on the Trutley Druidy thing. Do not be afraid to put paint on plastic, for way to many years I was to intimidated to paint my gray plastic, then when I did, I made a shed load of mistakes but none of my painted minis are hidden away I use them all, meaning the paint jobs ended up OK :)
Just started out and found your channel and video! The paintjob on the mini looks awesome! I was afraid to leave the base shade highlight way but your video makes it look easy :D Will give it a try on my next project! Thank you!
"Do not let that ugly phase take you down." I get this a lot. When I'm painting minis, or making terrain. I've almost given up on so many, but every time I power through, I end up happy with, and sometimes proud of, the results. I would also add to your list "never get rid of your first mini you painted." It will forever show you how far you've improved.
All great tips i wish i knew. Or listened to when i started. I think your best advise you gave was put paint to brush. So often its just getting motivated to start a project but once i start, im in it for hours without realising.
I know this comes two years late, but with the growth of 3D printing I think it's more salient now than a couple years ago. The great thing about that mini you love and want to do a great job with.... you can print it again! I'm just getting started, but I almost always do a couple prints of the same model just to play around with different schemes or something. You can always go back another time and do that model you love all over with all of your growth now making a difference. It's not unlike artists who develop OCs and such redrawing a pic from a couple years back!
Great advice for all skills of painting. With a background in airbrushing, painting minis is new again! Not since I purchased my first games workshop starter set 20 years ago
Tip #8 speaks to me hard...it's what's been keeping me from seriously getting into painting minis. I've bee practicing on cheapy bulk minis that really aren't great quality. I'm moving on to the minis I WANT to paint now...Thank you!
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
I've been painting minis for 30 years. I needed to hear these tips. This is a really great video. Along those lines, the one tip I give - Don't compare your last figure to anyone else. Compare your last figure to the one you painted before it. Look to others for inspiration, look to yourself for improvement.
This is a double edged sword in my mind. Looking at others minis and comparing them to your own can give you the push you need to improve yourself just as likely it is to make you bum out that you are never going to attain that level.
ive never really look at it like that before, and i think its gonna help alot, thanks
@@Pikkabuu i guess it comes down to ur mindset/mental health at the time
I definitely am guilty of "i love this model, I'm not ready/good enough to paint it yet!"
I kinda did the same with my first 40k knight. Now I'm starting to make it an army, and plan on doing some new techniques
Same! I have a Robuote Guilliman who is still in his box, because I don't wanna butcher his paint job!
@@timandshannon03 I got mine commissioned for my 5 years of living in a new city
@@jasonmolenaar119 Nice!!!
Same lol
1. Do not use a ton of different paints on every mini (draw focus on key parts with the color)
2. It is going to look worse before it looks better
3. You need multiple coats not just in applying base coat
4. Work on your contrasts (boost them)
5. Brush control is a skill that will improve over time
6. Use a bigger brush (more paint, more coverage, less scratching, better wet blending)
7. You do not need a lot of gadgets
8. Do not wait until you are good enough for a special model
The model you like will actually motivate you to paint better
Thank you for this list.
I appreciate the chapters in list videos, but when the creator doesn't add a short description with chapter start times in the video description, is frustrating at times.
Why is Jon talking to his security camera? Pretty cool that he has a security camera for his display case of award winning minis tho.
No nostril upshots - it's almost like "the perfect selfie angle"... :)
boom, roasted
You can win awards for mini's? im new here.
@@barrett_miniatures3408 I am too, but from some of the other vids I've seen to learn basics and tips, they discussed painting competitions. I have no ideal how you go about learning when they are or how to enter, but yes, they exist.
@@toddwright2670 There's a secret knock on the side entrance to the abandoned hobby store. You need the entrance fee of 1 unpainted squat miniature and a schmeckle made out of green stuff. From there you will kearn how deep the rabbit hole goes.
Be warned, once you enter the competition you can never go back to the world you leave behind. The ancient neckbeard sages know all.
Something that really helps me is when I'm stuck or get hobby block on an army, open up your codex or a novel and read, this gets my hobby juices flowing and really inspires me to pick up the brush again.
best part about this entire video (the first i have seen of yourself) you kept the whole thing original! very informative, honest!, ill be honest i love your content now please tell me where the hell can i get my hands on this mini!?!?
give yourself a high five & keep up the good work!!
"Who are they? I don't know..."
Scott. It's definitely Scott.
Another great video! Thanks Jon. Keep up the great work.
DEFINATELY.
It's scott.
Watching you paint and the way you talk to your audience, you have such a nice honest, simple way of talking to us. Its like you wrap us in our favorite fuzzy blanket, turn on the fireplace and give us a cup of tea, and then tell us a great story that makes us laugh, or cry depending on the video, it just feels wonderful :D
Probably the nicest compliment I've ever gotten, wow thank you Tina!
Great video as ever Jon! Litteral little tip - use wooden toothpicks with a dab of thick paint on to dot eyes ... way easier to get an accurate dot on smaller models and if you use two double ended toothpicks tied together (with a bit of padding between if needed) you can make sure the eyes are looking to the same point.
Yooooooooo
Brush control...YES! I think that way too many miniature painters talk about not worrying about how messy the base coat is because you can fix it later. To which I always think, "how do you fix it later if you don't work to develop the skill to fix it? And, if you have the skill to fix it, why not practice brush control when accuracy matters less in the first place?" I mean, I understand that sometimes speed matters, and also you want to make miniature painting less scary to those that are new to the hobby. But practicing brush control only on the highlights/clean up is nerve wracking because that's when mistakes can ruin a paint job. Practice your brush control during your base coating, don't just slap it on. Work on getting that fine, accurate line at the transition where the hair ends and the flesh tones begin. Because you can fix it later, it's the perfect time to practice.
Much of my intermediate painting years was spent fixing little mistakes and it really increased the time to finish a model. Now I'm more careful. I still make mistakes but I keep a clean damp brush nearby to try and wipe them away (a tip I learned from Meg Maples). It's a lot easier than having to go over (and over and over) a mistake.
just the inspiration I needed to continue with my 120+ ork boys, all with unique kitbashed loot and personalities.
Including today there are still 2 days left in Orktober! I have faith in you and getting it all done before the end of Orktober!
Just go for it. I was really worried about painting my sisters and death guard squads but i learned so much.
If you're going through the whole army (2000 points) 120 orc boys arent always the centrepiece anyway- you'll be picking them up every turn.
Advice is to not batch paint all 120. Paint small squads of 20 at a time, you'll get better over time
Imagine what your 6th set of 20 will be like!
I agree, if you need a way to paint great looking ork skin fast then paint the skin averland sunset yellow and then give it a wash of biel tan green- the yellow and green fuse together quite nicely and the skin is done. I woudnt have gotten through my ork army without it.
Been painting just shy of 1 year and loving this hobby. Best advice I can give a new painter is to understand that painting is a skill, all good things take time. Each model I paint I can see myself improving and having more brush control and better decisions over which colours complement one another. Also, try not to get annoyed when you make a mistake, they will happen. And when you learn from those mistakes guess what, you improve. Love your content jon keep it up.
Amen brother!
I love how you say things and having a painting tutorial in the same time, keep up the good work
I appreciate you mentioning this. I was struggling on if I should deliver it this way, or if people wouldn't like it!
Love it, this is your style and i love it
I can tell you put many thoughts on you channel
I loved the moment when you said: Are there any turtle folk in D&D? Pfff I don't care, I 'll do it anyway!
That's the essence of D&D! Great tips and great paint job by the way, cheers!
Funny enough there is an offical playable turtle folk in 5e D&D. The rules for them are even on a free PDF Wizards of the Coast threw out there, so you can go right into an open adventurers league with a literal Ninja Turtle, and they just have to deal with it.
Yes. Tortles. They showed up in Basic D&D back in the...mid 80's? I think? I first remember seeing them in the adventure module "X9: The Savage Coast". That's probably their first actual appearance/creation/addition.
..
And yes, I'm old. I've been DM'ing since 1980 when I was 11 years old. I'm now 51 and still going! :)
...after 30 years of painting, mostly casually but since lockdown I returned with avengence....the two things that changed my results the most beyond simply practicing, are using a wet pallet and splashing cash on a decent size 1 brush!
I really liked that you mentioned not waiting until you're "good enough" to paint a model. I printed a bust of the batman who laughs and I was so intimidated by the piece but I decided to go for it. I learned all kinds of new stuff, dry brushing for chains, rust, using washes etc. I wouldn't have learned those techniques if I stayed in my bubble of comfort using just flat colors. If you have a model that you want to paint but its imtimidating, go for it! You'll surprise yourself with what you learn
Great tips/advice! The one I would add is: find reference! I think painters often forget that looking at good reference is important and can be useful in the "narrowing your palette" phase or just deciding on a color scheme.
Dude, that was an amazing job. Well done.
I can't dobble like, but liking this kind of comments is close to it.
I've been painting on and off again for almost 20 years now. These are some things that I've never even thought of. Like the bigger brush thing, I've always thought I've had to have the smallest brush to get the results I want. Thank you Ninjon! This is helpful advice, even for someone imbedded in the craft for years!
high praise man, thank you!
I got to say, your videos (including the first with the weird audio) are just good!! The information you are presenting in all of them is very informative and not always following the general "youtube-mini-painting-video". They are just all very well and thought through! I hope you'll be able to do many more.
“Not good enough”
I’m stuck in that phase for my kingdom death monster miniatures. I don’t want to touch them lol. I almost didn’t want to do my dark souls minis either. I wanted to practice on small minis that I could buy. Instead I’m doing my dark souls minis. I will remember this. Thanks for sharing great video keep them coming.
They’ll look better painted then they do grey. KD and it’s limited runs must be a killer for this though so I can understand it.
@@Balderdashing well eventually I’ll get to it. Kdm is my pride and joy but Dark souls is something that I’ve loved for years. Also between the base game and expansions I probably could buy 2 maybe 3 KDM core games 😂
Yes! You ARE good enough!
Push through the shame!
KDM is a challenge for sure. The characters are easy, of course, but help set the tone for the set. I found doing the monsters in order of appearance is about the right ramp up in difficulty. I did all of mine, except for the Phoenix where I chickened out and had it professionally done. Having done a bunch of Mythic Battles Pantheon gods now, I feel more comfortable with the big figures and will be doing the rest of my KDM expansion figures myself.
I was on that boat too. Total noob at painting, and afraid to ruin them. But i HAD to start sometime..... Last one done now was the Phoenix (Took me ages to complete), and currently working on the Grom, and I am having a blast. My best tip is just start, and spend time on it. Don't rush to complete. There is not that many monsters, and I'm happy as long as I have more to paint. Rip wallet for the coming BF sale..... looking at you wave 4...
I love your intro. I can't put my finger on why but it has some magic in there.
that intro always makes my day
I agree!
I think it gives a fantastic first impression of his style/energy. Really helps to get you ingrained immediately. I hope you have a great day.
I'd like to know how many takes that chair spin took 😂
I think the theme of this video is really important and Ninjon has done a great job at expressing it. If you don't just dive in, you'll never get anywhere. So, dive all the way in, don't be afraid of failing now and again, and just keep trying!
dude I'm brand new to painting minis and let me just say that your channel has taught me so much, thank you for your hard work please keep on making inspiring videos for this awesome community
I just started the hobby last November, your tips have made me a better painter in a short amount of time. Thank you for your bluntness, and actual usable tips. You’re really good at what you do.
Outstanding video. There are a million "things I wish I had known" videos out there, but few of them resonate with the ring of truth the way that this one does. From a novice, thank you!
Turtle-folk came out badass! And thanks for the tips, I really need to take the 'you are good enough' one to heart. Maybe I will give those KDM miniatures a try...
KDM are the #1 minis that 'freeze' people, I've been there too. Once I did one I was ready to keep going!
I'll add another one: When you're new, you can't see the difference between what you're doing and what's good. Then your eyes get trained and you can see the difference ... and you get depressed. But eventually, now that you can see "better", your painting gets better too. (You can't paint better until you can see what better looks like.)
But usually that's right about the time that you start to see the _next_ level, so you still think you suck. This continues pretty much forever.
One way to counteract that "I still suck" feeling is to keep your old minis. When you look back on the mini you used to think was really good, you'll see immediately that your "it's OK, I guess" from today is better than your "I'm so freaking awesome!" from a couple of years ago.
You really are getting better when you practice, even if it feels like you aren't.
When I studied music production, a producer told me "keep one backup of every good thing you've worked in, and 5 backups of every bad one". I think this applies to everything, really. Keeping my old minis helps me see how much I've improved in this year. Even if I think "I'm not good enough yet", I can see the improvement, and get motivated to keep painting and improving.
Agree entirely with Doug, but here's a little more from my perspective. I have spent decades now not painting as much as painting. But each time I return to painting I have gotten better. This is just because your whole ethic can mature as much by passive learning as it can from active doing - in effect you can practice your eye for detail even without a brush in your hands. Look at your old models. Realise where you did good, recognise where you didn't do so great, remember what brought you to the point of being successful, repeat the good bits and work at the bad bits.
Applies to much more than minis ^^
Today I did my first mini with two friends and it was so much fun! I have been subscribed for a month to two, but this has made me want to watch so much more now that I know how it actually feels to paint!
My painting skill really increased when I stopped stripping models that were at the "ugly phase". It's like a remodeling project - but if you see it through it's worth the effort!
(Also, that Turtle is amazeballs)
That's freaking amazing. I m trying, not giving up yet
Simply amazing and spot on. Especially #8 for me. Ive got several models that are sitting on the rack and I want to paint them but struggle with "can I do it justice." Thank you for the inspiration!
I have a box of minis from Dark Souls boardgame that I was saving until I'm good enough... After this video, I think I'm gonna finally put them in my to-be-painted list. Also I totally agree about brush handling skills. I can't paint on canvas, but I have bought a colour-book like painting (the ones that comes with a numbered paints, so you can just fill the spaces between the lines). I struggled to finish it, but once I did using brush on my minis became much easier. It comes with time and experience like you said
You’re right, they must be holding out on us
I'm not a beginner but, I haven't painted a miniature in 18 years. I'm gearing up to dive back into it this weekend. And even though I've painted a few hundred minis in my life, I honestly find the prospect of coming back after so long, kind of daunting.
Your videos have been a great inspiration, not only by giving some helpful new tips, but also reminding me of things I already knew but, have forgotten.
Thanks Jon!
Got to say this I always admired miniacs work but your painting of minis is just on another level, truly one of the best...
I've seen a number of these "wish I knew" tips and tricks from miniature painters over the years, but this covers the best list I've seen and I really like the...supportive? way you put everything. Few guys I have seen have very arrogant ways of delivery. You never seem to have that problem even though your skill (to my eye) is of a much higher level. You also covered my one and only suggestion to any new painter. Lists are great, but I myself only have one...
Brush size is never a substitute for tip control.
Great video boss. Those must be some pretty solid prints given some of your previous opinions on 3d printed miniatures, glad you found some to enjoy!
I think energy and motivation is the hardest. So I would add that having a place where you can have everything standing ready, and you can just plop down in your favorite chair, and do your thing, that's important. Having to pull everything out of some drawers/storage, I find that I've often lost my motivation when I'm done setting up.
Also, don't pile up on projects, or think too much about piles of shame. It's like dishes. It's okay to wash a few cups, but once it's a giant tower, it's such a chore to get started. Grab 'em three by three. And it takes the time it takes. Make little details stand out on every single one. Even if it's just something minor. Imagine what it was doing in it's frozen moment. Much more fun than doing factory work.
I think I need to watch more of your videos. It was really inspiring seeing the turtle come to life while you talked. Bigger contrast is definitly the one I need to be working on right now.
Hey Thank You Ninjon ! Just Got back into Painting Miniatures! Between You and Goober Town I am so excited to get back into it. its only been 30 years, grenadier Paints and Minis! Both of You are Awesome Spokes Folks for Our Hobby!
Just got into mini painting from a coworker who convinced me to play 40K, yours and Miniacs vids have been so good thanks for the advice!
Good stuff (despite it being a topic everyone has done). Your professionalism and personality shine through. You also have a very good speaking voice (and audio) which makes the video a joy to listen to as well as watch. Keep 'em coming!
Thank you! I know people have done this topic, but I never hear the tips that really have made the biggest difference for me so I had to do my own haha.
Man that last tip is so important. I’m still trying to get out of this mindset, but every time you push your limits on a new mini you learn so much.
That looks absolutely amazing ... lovely colours. There was no rubbish phase .... it started great and just got better!
I am glad you mentioned brush control, not said enough! I have a lot to learn and I am steadily improving and each new step of my success often centres on my brush control to give me the confidence to step to the next new skill or technique!
Nice job on your Jonatello! And yes, I agree that those are all tips I don't hear repeated often enough.
Great video and the mini looks awesome!
Thank you for taking the time to paint that mini in this video ... and sharing your tips on what you wish you had heard/been told/read early in your hobby years.
Jon, you have very quickly become my favorite youtuber. I've been watching folks for years but none quite as saucy as yourself! Keep it up mate :)
Jon, I’ve seen you as a guest on Scott’s channel but this is the first time I’ve watched one of your videos. Everything you said in the video hits home and you explain it in layman’s terms making it easy to understand. You’ve earned another subscriber today bud. Keep up the good work and great videos friend!
Glad to have you Shawn!
I truly love it when people tell me to stop worrying about equipment and just paint more. I’m the kind of person that tends to go all out and get lots of good equipment with the hopes of “skipping stages” in my painting hobby. I want to be good fast but that’s not how it works. Great advice! Keep up the good work man! I’ll just be over here painting like crazy
Yeah I can feel the same, feeling like I'm wasting time "relearning" stuff, the evolution of painting, other painters have already learned instead of jumping directly into learning the most "meta" thing, such as using air brushes and whatnot.
I'm happy when someone just reassures me that simple good enough paint and simple good enough brushes (3-4 of them) is good enough and that overtime, as you paint, you start hitting that point where you feel "yeah, this equipment would make X more convenient to do" rather than just mimicking others. Understanding why those stuff are handy through experience yourself is better, but ultimately the true and faithful simple tools will always be enough.
For a model you really like, you can always buy multiple of them, and when your skills have improved redo it on a new one and display them to show the progression in your abilities…
I've watched a bunch of these and I think this might be my favorite one as I could relate with almost all of the tips.
Well done! I have been a mini painter for over 30 years and found this video very helpful. I have stopped and started with the hobby many times over the years for various reasons [kids, moved across the country, etc] and some of these issues pop up every time I return. I continuously struggle with not pushing through and forcing myself to get past the ugly period. And I am definitely one that gets caught up in buying more equipment. Thanks for the points and reminders. Cracking turtle as well! You have a new fan and subscriber. Gonna get a shirt now! Cheers.
Probably the best video I’ve watched on how to get better as a painter. I’m relatively new to hobby painting and crafting but I’m constantly battling my own anxiety to move forward.
I think the best tip for a beginner should be: don't buy any other minis if you already have hundreds unpainted... Unfortunately we know this one is the hardest to follow 🤣
That sentence doesn't make any sense! ;)
As a beginner, I have made a deal with myself to not buy any more minis until I'm done with the ones I have. Except this cool kickstarter.... and that boardgame.
@@jeffreykershner440 I only can say I have simething like 200 minis painted and the the double unpainted... XD
@@luigipetrillo9468 1:2 ratio is really great =]
Sell.
That last tip really reasonated with me, im about to start painting my first miniatures and the first thought i had was to avoid the space marines i want to paint and do the necron part of the recruit box so i can develop some skill and be good enough for them too look awesome, but at the end of the day its just paint and whatever i learn after and if how much i improved painting shows in my models... i think that is a good thing.
Thank you for the awesome video Jon!
I like it. I am just a beginner with the airbrush, but I used color modulation techniques from the scale modelling hobby to paint my 1:100 scale sherman for FOW using tutorials online. This showed me that just by doing it how great the technique is and the result. After just painting the dark and very light tones it looked really weird but after all the subsequent steps, the transitions blended together really well and it looks great. In the end, just doing it and then continue to improve is what is gonna make the next mini or model look even better.
That looks sweet!
Tips:
Dont compare yourself to others.
Wet pallette is life.
Dont be afraid to make mistakes.
Remember who you paint for!
I´m really happy you started your own youtube channel. Hearing you and Scott go on about painting on the podcast is awesome on it´s own, but all of your videos so far hold amazing tipps and techniques and just want to make me paint even more. So thanks for that
This an amazing video. Not just tips on painting itself but the philosophy behind it
Well you did it. You made a subscriber out me! And has somehow managed to encourage this pessimist to start painting a stack primed, I'm not good enough minis. So thank you for that!
Thanks Jon for scratching my Friday mini painting itch since Scott has changed his schedule! Also your videos have increased in quality so much! A joy to watch and learn from!
You have become my GO TO content producer for painting miniatures. I've been in the hobby for a long time, but have always wanted to break through the 'good enough' level of painting. Your work and words are inspiring, and your production value is insanely good. Keep up the great work man, and I look forward to joining you on the journey!
Thanks a ton Stephen!
Great video mate! Far more reaching to now painters such as myself for I was getting overwhelmed with what technics to use on my minis and you say just paint whatever and with practice you get better. Than if anyone wants to improve go for various advanced techniques. I learned (or should I say em learning) my basic painting from Duncan Rhodes on how to paint Primaris captain in Gravis armour. Been following his painting advice religiously. Though as you describe in your video I really wanted to paint Robute Guiliman model but was afraid I’d mess him up. Left him for long time and when finally got to do him I’ve put so much love in to painting him as I only could. Now he catches the eye of everyone even people who aren’t in to wargaming or mini painting. And though there is so many mistakes and imperfections that I’ve painted the model still looks great and makes me super proud. That’s some essay I’ve wrote here, sorry for who ever might be reading this. Finally great video, keep it up!
I've stoppes to look at "beginner" video a couple months ago. I've started miniature painting like 3 years ago and I have looked at my fair share of beginner video. But you have a different way to look at things and your videos are a gold mine for someone like me who's in the weird phase between beginner and intermediate painting. Congrats on your Patreon. I will glady participate.
Yay thank you and I’m glad you find the vids useful!
This is so nice! The way you paint tree and leaf with wet blend of brown/yellow and green/yellow
This is a video I come back to, now and again. Great topics to be reminded of.
I have been sitting on Ghazkhul for a couple months now exactly for that reason, and I’m finally gonna bust him out cause you’re absolutely right, and I needed to hear that
I just like going for it. Think in the 1 year and half. I have grown so much as a painter. With just do your best and keep moving forward.
Your final tip to not waiting on your favorite models is definitely something I needed to hear. Ty for the nice vid
Great vid John, really enjoyed your delivery and overall presentation as usual, all your tips are so valid. Mine would be 'prep to paint' - set out your tools and work area (in boxes/organisers etc. if required), including juice, snacks, headphones etc. so when you come to paint you're getting straight into it and not having to keep stopping to collect something else you need/forgot. I keep my hobby stuff in partitioned boxes or on a tray so I just pull it off the shelf, top up brush water and good to go.
@2:00 a great way to practice using different tones of the same colors: paint in gray scale. I did this as a "challenge" for my Night of the Living Dead Zombicide minis to keep in theme with the movie. Doing the entire set in black and white "sounded" easy but it was anything but! I had to do so many different tones of gray to make the effect "work" and keep the models from all looking the same. I learned a LOT about different shades of the same color. My pallet had white on one side, black on the other and every shade of gray in between. It didn't save me any time to do the entire project grayscale. In fact, I probably spent more time/mini than I would have if I just painted them full color, but they turned out great and I wouldn't change a thing.
That looks sooooo cool. Awesome job. I love the leaf at the end. Thanks for sharing.
Fantastic! These are all excellent tips that everyone should hear starting out.
Jon: paint one of the coolest looking minis I’ve seen.
Also Jon: I’ll never be able to do this model justice.
That last tip, that's the golden one. Most of the stuff I collected are great models that I'm not excited about anymore because I saved them for "when I'll be good". I've improved the most since I stopped saving stuff for later.
Great video mate! Love the positivity! You’ve inspired me to start painting my Mortarion that I’ve been putting off until I can “do it justice.”
Dude, your brush control comment is so very important. I've been watching tutorials for a couple of years now and there's so much amazing information yet so many gaps and you pointed out a bunch of those in one video (every model has a "crap" phase is another super important one).
For example, showing people glazing is great, and everyone will be quick to explain that the paint will gather at the end of your brush stroke. But where do i START my brush stroke? At the transition? Before the transition? At the far edge of the opposite tint or hue that you're trying to lighten / darken / change from / to? How do I know when my glaze is no longer on the brush and I'm just pushing damp bristles around a darkening surface only to have a chalky mess when it dries?
Me being a miniature painter who is trying to glaze his own skills from beginner to advanced, your content has been super helpful to me. Thanks so much for all you do!
Fantastic video, my guy. Definitely going to be the vid I share with any friends who are just starting or feel like they're stuck early on in their hobby journey. Not getting bogged down by the early ugly stages and not getting overwhelmed by all the advanced techniques are big. Keep it up!
Amazing how you took such a simple but awesome model to be looking extremely professional. Thanks for the tips! Helped me a lot
Your fades, and edge highlighting def. Has made me think about my painting. Look to compete one day. We shall see how it goes
Love this video. Thank you! I truly love your mini painting style. I love the intense colors and high contrast you use on this turtle druid. I have been mini painting for over 15 years and do commission work as well as competitive painting and I still needed to heart these tips again. great stuff! Keep it up!
Great tips! Just found your channel and already enjoying the content. I appreciate that these tips are different than what I’ve heard on other RUclips channels, these focus more on building up confidence over building up technique.
That's an awesome sculpt... I am tempted to look for a printer who will print those files...
Last tip hit me in the feels man. Have a cool young blue dragon mini sitting waiting and that comment of just paint it... yeah it’s my first paint of 2022.
Didn't hit the exact same points the majority of these videos cover, and frankly I found this quite inspirational. Thanks much.
Wow, thanks!
Tip 8 for the WIN! that one is Gold - nice job on the Trutley Druidy thing.
Do not be afraid to put paint on plastic, for way to many years I was to intimidated to paint my gray plastic, then when I did, I made a shed load of mistakes but none of my painted minis are hidden away I use them all, meaning the paint jobs ended up OK :)
Just started out and found your channel and video! The paintjob on the mini looks awesome! I was afraid to leave the base shade highlight way but your video makes it look easy :D Will give it a try on my next project! Thank you!
These are some of the best tips I've heard - every one of them was on point.
"Do not let that ugly phase take you down." I get this a lot. When I'm painting minis, or making terrain. I've almost given up on so many, but every time I power through, I end up happy with, and sometimes proud of, the results.
I would also add to your list "never get rid of your first mini you painted." It will forever show you how far you've improved.
Great video, love the tips and yes I can say I'm guilty of not usi g the big brush when I should. Advice is heard.
Amazing paintjob and very clear video. Liked it very much and motivated me to pick up the brush straigt away!
Thanks! I'll remember to get started and stop waiting until I'm 'good enough' To paint a particular model. These really are important tips!
All great tips i wish i knew. Or listened to when i started. I think your best advise you gave was put paint to brush. So often its just getting motivated to start a project but once i start, im in it for hours without realising.
I know this comes two years late, but with the growth of 3D printing I think it's more salient now than a couple years ago. The great thing about that mini you love and want to do a great job with.... you can print it again! I'm just getting started, but I almost always do a couple prints of the same model just to play around with different schemes or something. You can always go back another time and do that model you love all over with all of your growth now making a difference. It's not unlike artists who develop OCs and such redrawing a pic from a couple years back!
Great advice for all skills of painting. With a background in airbrushing, painting minis is new again! Not since I purchased my first games workshop starter set 20 years ago
Tip #8 speaks to me hard...it's what's been keeping me from seriously getting into painting minis. I've bee practicing on cheapy bulk minis that really aren't great quality. I'm moving on to the minis I WANT to paint now...Thank you!
Number 8 hit home too closely. :D But I have recognized that myself lately and am working on that. The turtle is amazing, btw! Sculpt and paint job!