LOL YUP. I have about 30 sitting unopened and a dozen or so in various stages of completion (even got a 1/350 CV-06 USS Enterprise sitting there about 25% done lol
I got a 32cm Tyrael as my very first “mini”. I’ve bought many others and that one will ramais just primed and a very light dry brush highlight for a other year easy 🫠
The absolute most important thing to keep in mind with this and any other painting project is that, no matter how badly you feel like you screwed it up at the end, you can always take the paint off and try again with a bunch of gained experience. All the anxiety telling you that you should wait to do it or that you're going to make mistakes is just holding you back from practising and learning!
So yeah, you'll probably make some mistakes that seem super noticeable to you once you're done. You'll have all kinds of ideas for things you could have done better, or faster, or maybe just differently - plus you'll have an awesome model that *you* made. Then you'll apply all those ideas on the next model you paint, and the one after that, and then maybe somewhere down the line you'll loop around to touch this one up or start over and do it again, differently. Either way, there's absolutely no downside to having done it in the first place.
You're so right! I am jumping in expecting to be disappointed with some of it but also excited to be pleased with some of it! I'm sure in 10 years time I'll look back and see so many things I could change. And maybe then I'll paint her again!
I need to finish the others before I even start his big ass lol
https://preview.redd.it/8eqmgh1tb7xc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce09fb2a1cb8dc797be8d60aae667f8d3c9ed89f
only about 50% of the way through the half painted one next to him, also have 2 others I need to paint that are the same size, all display pieces
Yep, I've been trying to look at Warhammer models I would like to paint (because I'm still not that interested in playing atm) and therefore I want some nice set pieces.
Problem with set pieces is that they are complicated and I don't want to screw it up and do a bad job as I'm still relatively new to painting.
I've bought some Space Wolves Thunderwolf cavalry as an intermediate step so we'll see if I actually bite the bullet and paint them.
Start small! That's what I have done! I mean this is a LOT bigger but I have to start somewhere. I don't play, I just love the minis and enjoy painting!
I put off Robot Gorillaman until I felt confident. Finished him last night.
https://preview.redd.it/01iuc9klc7xc1.jpeg?width=2221&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b3afa78382b51b233d27482ffa79a84778829fe0
Don't be afraid to shelve it if you're not feeling it and come back later.
To me its often times the other way around , im exited because i finally have enough space to really do what i learned on previous ones. Big ones usually are my benchmark, and to be honest... the bigger the easier errors are to fix/hide! :P
Oh you got this im sure! Don't be too scared!
Besides that, mistakes even happen to golden deamon winners and are fixable! And as i said... usually it is a lot easier on bigger models to fix or blend in small mistakes compared to small ones where sometimes a small slip can destroy the work of hours lol
Don't overthink it, i usually just throw up some colours i like, and go for it. (i pretty much only do big ones nowadays) Often times finding and changing stuff as i go. Sometimes i realise the colours dont look as good as i expected and still change my mind (mostly with details ofc, the base colors i usually try to rly stick to previous plans). I think people dont realise how much freedom you really have, there still is a lot of wiggle room even after starting and mistakes are pretty much all easily fixable.
And what i always keep in mind that you can only REALLY judge your job when it is fully done, so don't get discourage if you maybe doubt it a bit while painting... Try to stay confident. Often times some middle steps look weird and off... and some finishing touches and details along the way suddenly clean it up and pull it all together.
You got this!
I just started with the troll. I love muschrooms so its very motivating. I do have a little background in painting and design so I like to think I am pretty oke with colours but its just so new for me it takes time to get used to it. I hate pressure. What helped me is an app on my phone where I can write about my progress afterwards in relations so the topic imperfection. This helps me with feeling les anxious.
That sounds like a great idea. I might do a little video diary for myself and take a video on my phone and just chat about what I like and don't like. Might be nice to watch back when it's done?
I also have an artsy background so I think I do ok, it's practice I need so diving right in today!
https://preview.redd.it/qwmaxzqid7xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d67b57ef39443d1779eb8c4fbdb40a544c489a9d
The adult dragon is still in my closet
Only reason I haven’t painted it yet is that I know it will force me to come to terms with the fact my airbrush and compressor are a sputtery cheap mess
Yeah, and my fear is with inorganic large models (robits). I can't even fathom taking on a bug or anything with a skin tone.
Duncan bless you and your coming trials. You got this.
I've recently got back into the hobby and not done any large or special character models since but back in the day I was painting tanks, special characters etc (fairly poorly but I was 15 🤷🏻♂️)
The best advice I can give is to take your time and enjoy it.
There are THOUSANDS of videos and guides online for large and special character models in general, HUNDREDS for each one specifically.
Don't copy them exactly (your 7th mini won't look as good as the professional painter doing the video tutorial, that's an unfortunate fact of life) but take the broad scope of their advice, tips and tricks.
If they're blending across five colours maybe try two or three on your mini, focus on the blending rather than the complexity for example.
Have this as a "pick up" piece that you come back to for an hour or so every now and then whilst painting others.
This gives you the chance to practice techniques on rank and file minis before trying it out on your centrepiece. It also stops you being overloaded by the model. Do something else as a palette cleanser every now and then.
Lastly, and I can't stress this enough, HAVE FUN!
The hobby is just that, a hobby. A way to relax and enjoy ourselves. Put on some music/podcast/audiobook and enjoy your model.
This game is all about progress over perfection. You will be your own harshest critic and you will see faults when you hold the model 3" away from your face that everyone else won't see at arms length when they're taking in the entire thing.
Have fun, chip away at it and when you've finished proudly show it off to any and all. You've tackled a really complex and detailed model, take pride in that ☺️
This is great advice and the attitude I am trying to take! I don't have the range of paints in the tutorial I am watching so already I am simplifying the scheme. If I'm honest, I started painting when I posted this and I am so glad I did! Already pleased with my base coat, podcast on, big mug of tea. Life is great!
This was my thought as well. I prefer larger models. They're so much more forgiving. Just painted a 100mm model, and it was so much easier than a typical 15-28mm model.
My advice for newbies? Start with something big and fun looking. You can always strip or fix it later.
I tried to paint two minis this Friday and it turned out really bad and got me upset. Yesterday I tried painting one of them again and it turned out pretty cool in my opinion. Sometimes we just need to take a step back
I've been painting for a long time. I used to own a hobby shop where I did all the display painting, and I used to do commission painting as well. Nothing insane, but still being paid to paint is cool.
All that being said:
Imposter Syndrome is a thing. And I will stare at and overthink my own projects so much, that they end up being boxed away.
It sucks. And honestly, sometimes you just need to get some paint on the model. Even if it's just doing some spot coloring on a black primed model, it can help get over the hump, so to speak.
All the time! And not just big things. The advice I give to myself, and even sometimes listen to, is that even if I do make mistakes, it'll still look a lot better than it did on the sprue or assembled and unpainted. And there is always the option to strip it down, or try again on the next one. You've got this!
Being Done is Better
Check out the YT video from Uncle Atom with that title. Tabletop Minions is the channel name.
https://youtu.be/TvBmJ2vowfw?si=aDlgvLetAPaznJsi
I have this dragon that came in a box of various dnd minis that a friend got me for Christmas. It's, for the most part finished, but part of me wants to strip it entirely and start from scratch, I'm just not super happy with it
When I first dove into this world of plastic crack and paint years ago I was impatient and in my mind everything needed to be perfect. Needless to say I was humbled very quickly. I have painted with oils on canvas for years so I thought I had a good understanding of color theory and other techniques but to this day minis have been the most intimidating thing I have painted. I would go to my local shop and watch some people play 40k and the models were unbelievable! There is no way I could even show mine the light of day next to those. I went back to the paint table and started practicing until it consumed every bit of free time and became a job. I was so burned out I walked away from the hobby for a couple of years. One day my son wanted to grab a comic from our local shop and I met a few guys just finished playing 40k and their minis were painted so basic I’m talking just a few colors, and the bases were just sand. So we started talking and the one guy said something that changed my whole perspective and brought me back in. He said that the hobby side of the game is fun but I’m not looking to win any awards and the time he use to spend on the smallest details took away so many gameplay hours that he decided on basic schemes so he can get more table time. So now days I don’t worry about the little things and I am having a blast. If I mess up it’s just paint and can be quickly corrected. In the end it’s your model and it’s your vision so just have fun!
It’s a perfect gift. Use it to experiment, learn, and hone your techniques. It will come out better than you think and if it doesn’t, you will learn from it.
yes, but then i painted it anyway and i'm so proud of it. just give it a go. you can always strip the paint or paint over mistakes. think like bob ross
Most definitely. I just started my first 75mm figure amd was really put off by it. But then I got an idea in my head that I couldn't shake and got stuck into it.
Now I'm only about a 10th of the way through it I'm super proud of it. I personally think that it's my best work so far. I say go for it. At the end of the day it's just a model. Mistakes can be fixed
Life is not necessarily short, but my eyesight is, and I've found the painting of tiny details to be increasingly painful. I'd much rather have a big, beautiful model with clearly defined areas and plenty of room to practice my humble technique (metallics, highlights, wash placement etc)
i used to because i thought i would ruin this figure for all time.
But paint jobs dont have to be permanent , if your not happy just strip it with green goo and give it another go! with a paintjobs experience under your belt
Hey, you built the model at least. I buy them and then get so caught up in decision paralysis with all the cool conversion ideas I have that I don't even take it out of the box lmao
Absolutely! I used to have a bunch of models I avoided paiting because I wanted them to be perfect. Funnily enough, the way I got past it was cracking a couple of drinks and suddenly not caring anymore and just jumping in headfirst 😅.
Obviously, you don't need alcohol to do this, but full sending it and trying bigger projects helped me improve so much more.
https://preview.redd.it/brl3aaqwx7xc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1fbadc8c545c2984b4b21119e9ce04d3d5d30c15
I was the same with this fella. We have to remember that to progress we have to go outside our comfort zone and at the end of the day it's paint we can always strip it and start over if needed.
Yes; and here’s how I overcome it. I buy several smaller models that have elements that the bigger models has. Looks like you’re painting a beetle. Shouldn’t be too hard to find something with carapace. If you don’t wanna spend money on minis; hit the dollar store. I can’t tell you how many dollar store toys I’ve practiced on. Paint each of the other models first; practice; try techniques. Don’t be afraid to try different styles or colours on different parts of the other minis. They are paint pigs; they don’t need to look good; they are a test bed for other ideas. Once you figure out how to make it look good; paint that in your main mini.
This is how I broke out of my fear of painting bigger minis.
Yeah, I was scared to paint my big chaos knights…I have 4, as well as Rotigus. My main consolation is that I can always strip them and repaint them if I mess them up 🤷🏻♂️ but yeah, it was hard to take the plunge.
Oh yes, I just put together my Great Unclean One that I've been putting off for almost 4 years bc I didn't feel ready to tackle it. But now im like Let's Fucking Goooooo!
Took me a while before gathering enough clurage tovpaint The Phoenix from KDM because I knew I would mess it out. That's probably the only mini from KDM I didn't want to mess.
Ended up somewhat ok but far from what I had in mind.
I've always thought because they're massive, tiny mistakes are magnified 10000%. I'll notice a tiny dot of black or something on a huge model, but never see it on a mini
https://preview.redd.it/mq5ha5iz48xc1.jpeg?width=1588&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5b578ac51eb65798deb81830bc4b7218d7aae557
Boy howdy am I ever. Doubly bad in that this is going to be an NPC with a pretty significant role in the Pathfinder campaign I am currently running that REALLY needs this guy to show up to progress much further. This guy falls under the Huge category (3x3inch base) and I am petrified of not painting it well enough.
Weird, that’s the exact reason I put off painting something small.
So the way I see it you always make the same sized mistake relative to your skill level. Mistakes on an inch tall mini are going to be magnified. A mistake on this boyo might just be the very corner of a single horn or something.
I assembled my first two units ever, both armiger helverins, and 2 weeks later they still only have black primer. So nervous because I've never painted a unit before and they're pricey so I don't want to fuck it up.
All the time. I have a Norn Emissary I want to paint but haven't tried the leviathan style yet so need to do a whole bunch of the other smaller ones first
Alarielle was my first model as an adult (painted a few models as a child too)
It was cool and I learned a lot but I have repainted her three times since then. It's only paint, you can just paint over it again
Yes... i got Be'lakor, great unclean one, bloodthirster, Morty...
And Shf tobey, some shf kamen riders
I kept procrastinating and watching tutorials, stufying color theories, looking up different techniques, etc but i never actually sat down and do it.
I guess ill have to change that hahaha
Never let this put you off painting something big! Most bigger models are actually easier to paint than smaller ones and remember if it goes wrong and you’re not happy at the end of it, strip it down and start again :)
Usually in the beginning yeah, but then ill just rough out some weapons/armor on it just to see, and then all of sudden i love it and its the only thing i want to paint
A painted mini is always better than a non-painted mini…that said I know exactly what you mean and I am guilty of sitting on things because I dither about how to take something from vision to application
Big models are easier. You can hide mess ups and goofs well since there's so much to look at.
I find small ones more intimidating.
Just get colors on it and go at it. Commit to some small piece.
I just bought a board game Primal: The Awakening, fully backed the Kickstarter and now I've got 24 boss miniatures and 6 PC hunters to paint and I've never painted a miniature in my life so I've got an uphill battle on my hands.
Not scared so much as I just want to improve my painting skills more before tackling my Sororitas.
The models are amazing and I want to do them justice.
My Drukhari are more simplistic models, so my middling painting skills aren't such a factor for them.
But the detail and overall design of those Sororitas figs are just awesome.
I know I *should* just dive in. But I'll feel like crud if I muck those up.
Absolutely. I've got [this guy](https://kingdomdeath.fandom.com/wiki/Phoenix?file=Phoenixmini.jpg) sitting on my shelf that I've been too afraid to start for years. He's even been knocked off the shelf once or twice and broken a few fingernails that pinged off into the darkness, never to be found again. I've got plans on how to deal with that, but it's still daunting. In game lore, he's said to have iridescent feathers that appear to give off rainbows. I'm planning to make him a nightmare version of [this pretty boy](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_lorikeet#/media/File:Rainbow_lorikeet.jpg).
I owned the Bloodborne board game for a year and finally bought paints and brushes a few weeks ago. It’s a lot easier than I thought it would be.
They’re not pro level minis but they look fucking good. Just watch YouTube videos and try different techniques. Washes are the most important part from what I’ve learned. Bonus for Bloodborne is if I make a mistake and don’t feel like fixing it, COVER IT IN BLOOD!
Mate I haven’t picked up a brush for a year due to imposter syndrome. I never feel I’m up for the task. It really pisses me of to be honest. Don’t be like me. Just go for it!
100%! Took me literally years to start painting this Logan Grimnar, but I was so happy when I finished it, did mess some bits up but just repainted what I didn't like!
https://preview.redd.it/8n9160tbv8xc1.jpeg?width=2694&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f38e2363b407b05d102e3c16b680e09a2ccca151
Yep. I printed something at 180% scale and it looks amazing but I’m terrified of it. Considered going the rub and buff route just to say I “painted” it
Yup got a primaris dreadnought I got for Christmas 2 years ago still in its original plastic wrapping. I told myself I want to get better first but at the same time I just wanna go for it
I've been trying to get back into the hobby, so I ordered and assembled some minis. Was great, did a little conversion with weapon swaps. Much fun lol. Assembling is my favorite aspect.
Next step was painting. I thought about it long and hard over the course of several weeks, to no avail. Finally I was like "Okay let's just open some paints." They're all seized up cause they haven't been used in years...
So my next step is gonna be either attempt to rehydrate all/most of my paints or just buy new ones....
Nah, not anymore. It’s know it will end up looking at least decent, which is good enough for me. Just some basic paint on a cool model will make it look way better when playing than unpainted. So can only improve it.
I some times put it off because it’s a bigger time investment.
May I ask which model is this?
As for your question, yes. Both for bigger and smaller models. I still have my entirety of Marvel United benched because I want to do it as much justice as Big Child Creatives. And then there is the giant Galactus from Marvel zombies lol
Circa 1990, I was into Warhammer fantasy and I got my hands on a vampire riding a nightmare. It was awesome and I even did some kitbashing, giving it a more aggressive stance. However, I had only painted bretonian infantry and the nightmare seemed a daunting task, for the amount of work and because my lack of skill.
It is 2024 and the nightmare is still waiting in line.
Only way to get good is to paint.
If you want to preserve a big model get a toy plastic dinosaur about the same size and practice color mixing, brush techniques, etc. Until your comfortable.
I got in my head that I need a new airbrush and haven't primed anything since then.... I'm running out of primed things to paint. Most of the stuff I'm working on right now is boring stuff and I haven't been very excited to paint.
That’s a beautiful mini to be given! Hopefully you’ve already painted it by now haha.
If I may, do you mind sharing what it is so I can get one for myself :)
Yeah, but then I eventually just said fuck it and went for it and it turned out fine. Took me about a year to build up the nerve tho.
https://preview.redd.it/e67vs9o8e9xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3b6f3c336394023c12e1b2947539f7ef32008d96
https://preview.redd.it/ed3tv21pe9xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c708ab366415b852877e09836250f56a055e8323
I’ve gotten about this far on my McFarlane Dark Angel Intercessor that I got for Christmas two years ago.
I do the same thing, ironically I end up having an easier time painting larger models than smaller ones. Like once I actually sit down and start slapping paint on it's actually much less stressful, I feel like it's easier to play with techniques like wet blending and dry brushing when there's more surface area.
Im actually opposite. I sometimes have to plow through smaller minis to get them to table before sessions, the big pretty ones I take my time and enjoy so much more.
My friend. Yes. It took me almost 2 years to get up the courage to paint Archaon. When I finished, he was one of the best models I've ever painted, and I learned so much working on him. Just do it, enjoy it, you will make mistakes, you can fix them and you will learn.
I bought my first mini 3 years ago. I had anxiety over not being able to paint it even half decent. I started painting it two days ago. You are not alone my friend
this was the story of my last three years (I've been painting about that long), but I'm slowly coming out of it. Starting to finish up some stuff and really feeling better about things.
Hey I had the same problem but think of if this way it's a lot easier to test new techniques and even new paints on a larger surface to learn what you should apply to your small scale and if u don't like how it turns out one day come back and repaint
I've been like that with the primarchs. I've done most of the body but there's parts I don't feel like I'd do the models justice, also waiting till I've got better with flesh
Almost all of my kingdom death I'm waiting till the mystical moment that I can paint them "good enough" which absolutely is not an ever rising bar that I can never reach, stop saying that
Oh dude, I have a LIST. Belthanos happens to be on that list, along with a Heldrake, two Helbrutes, The Fist of Gork, The Mouth of Mork, just to start!
Yep, took me 2 years to pluck up the courage to paint my Avatar. Turned out pretty good. I’m a great believer that you only improve by challenging yourself - do the same as you’ve always done and you won’t improve.
https://preview.redd.it/dz2d05s1naxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=296510faa188a8c118f91003f8bde823790fc92f
I have a couple lord of the rings war Mûmakil that have intimated me due to the sheer size in comparison to all the tiny heros and soldiers are.. so I feel that.
I still have to finish my abaddon the despoiler and I have a Ghazghkull Thraka that’s still in the box I keep looking at telling myself I should at least desprue it clean it up sub assembly and prime.
Yes. But I’m ready now. Priming will happen this weekend.
https://preview.redd.it/06lm6pr17bxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b248bc1e1cd24d642aa63bc9d0ae8225a5227f92
The entirety of the Fellowship of the Ring. LOTR has such a special place in my heart, I am afraid I'll not do them justice. I did Treebeard, and he came out wonderfully. But so many skintones in the Fellowship! Ahhhhh!
I have a jaberwock I was given 2 years ago to paint. I've been terrified I'll make it look like a black blob, even though I'm very focused on highlights and light sources.
I’m the total opposite. I use dry brushing mostly so a big mini I can smash out to a table top standard in under an hour and a half. The bigger the better I feel.
I am absolutely scared of big models too, for no reason at all. Cuz the thing is: big models are actually easier usually. Even a base coated monster looks better than a base coated infantry model, and then by virtue of being bigger it's easier to do drybrushing for example. Just go for it anyways! digitally sketching the colors also helps with the block (just take a pic of the primed mini and test colors it in your app of preference)
I can say "good enough" so I'm not scared of not being perfect. I put off painting because of hassle of setting up and clean up. If I want to take a break and play a game or something I need to move all the stuff away, then bring it back in. Over few days my space will look like someone trashed the place.
Always mate - got one or two myself that I've still yet to start/finish that I've had for over a year!!
Best advice i can really offer is start slapping some paint on there - start simple like the branch's, then leaves, then you'll find you'll just naturally move onto different sections and won't think about it.
And if you do make a mistake - its not as it it can't be fixed, taken off or even made a feature of the model - perks of stuff like this is you are as free as your own creativity.
Slipped with the brush and put paint where you didn't want it? then clearly these are just part of the pattern on the beetles shell for example.
As a great man once said : "We don't make mistakes, we have happy accidents" ;-)
*Yes, but then I painted Nagash and it's my favorite model. It'll never be painted well if it's never painted and bad paint jobs are better than no paint jobs.
For me it's the other way around. I'm always putting off pating smaller minis like infantry.
Btw: I'd paint this mini in a shifting blue/violet/green metallic paint to make it look like a scarab beetle ;)
I did that with my Imperial Knight model. Procrastinated forever at each step of the project, took about 8 months until it was finished. It didn't turn out perfectly, but I love it and am super proud. I think it gets easier as you get used to it. There's always going to be that risk of making a mistake or of things not turning out perfectly the way you were envisaging. But you still just have to go for it at some point. You can take your time though, and think carefully about everything you do.
Wish you good luck!
I had the exact same view as you, (still do to some extent) until i realized it is only big when you paint it. When it stays safe on your home objective on tabletop it is still quite small and all my flaws isnt really showing, but rather i can present a nice fully painted army to make gaming more fun.
I was but watching a few Ninjon videos helped. Not necessarily any new advice but he has been going back and adding elements to his past work and really showing that as long as you blocked in color well the first time you can really bring it up a level later on.
But I usually hit my black models with a solid white spray can to break them up a little and really start to show off that detail. Then it’s time to slog through base coating.
Yes . Had Gaz on my shelf for months and months
And then I forced myself to do it by entering a competition.
https://preview.redd.it/31c9leh5efxc1.png?width=5184&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6b9084a287926612082b2c0fea0be74b7c369fff
I'm in the middle of build AoS Lord Celestant on Stardrake and I'm mega nervous of painting it . I have a generalised colour scheme in my head that looks great in my head (pastel blues pinks purples oranges yellows and greens I've bought the paints but now second guessing myself) I'm not sure how it'll actually turn out and I don't want to ruin what was a fairly expensive (for me) model .
I'm still fairly new to painting minis and painting in general.ive completed 8 total and while each has been better than my last they've all been fairly small where as this dragon is huge in comparison and it's daunting.
Models have to mature for 2-8 years in a closet or similar before they are ready to be painted. This is just a fact.
Guess I must have instinctively known this...
only 2 - 8 years (looks at 15 year old Very fire USS Wisconsin 1/350 battleship model that he hasn't bothered to open yet)
From what I can tell, military scale models are on a time frame all their own. People have some crazy stashes out there.
It’s directly proportional to how long it would take one person to build the full sized thing in real life
LOL YUP. I have about 30 sitting unopened and a dozen or so in various stages of completion (even got a 1/350 CV-06 USS Enterprise sitting there about 25% done lol
I got a 32cm Tyrael as my very first “mini”. I’ve bought many others and that one will ramais just primed and a very light dry brush highlight for a other year easy 🫠
Not a joke. I need time to think about how to paint it. Maybe I even do a test with some colors or technics.
The absolute most important thing to keep in mind with this and any other painting project is that, no matter how badly you feel like you screwed it up at the end, you can always take the paint off and try again with a bunch of gained experience. All the anxiety telling you that you should wait to do it or that you're going to make mistakes is just holding you back from practising and learning! So yeah, you'll probably make some mistakes that seem super noticeable to you once you're done. You'll have all kinds of ideas for things you could have done better, or faster, or maybe just differently - plus you'll have an awesome model that *you* made. Then you'll apply all those ideas on the next model you paint, and the one after that, and then maybe somewhere down the line you'll loop around to touch this one up or start over and do it again, differently. Either way, there's absolutely no downside to having done it in the first place.
You're so right! I am jumping in expecting to be disappointed with some of it but also excited to be pleased with some of it! I'm sure in 10 years time I'll look back and see so many things I could change. And maybe then I'll paint her again!
This was much needed, thank you
https://preview.redd.it/r4jtd7c087xc1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=61072a95ffd06cec0440917c133d77814fefd44e YUP
Omg that's Huge!!!! It's going to look so awesome when it's done!!
I need to finish the others before I even start his big ass lol https://preview.redd.it/8eqmgh1tb7xc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce09fb2a1cb8dc797be8d60aae667f8d3c9ed89f only about 50% of the way through the half painted one next to him, also have 2 others I need to paint that are the same size, all display pieces
Wow! What a nice long term project though! Hope you will be busting out the brushes today too?
yeah, poor Air compressor has been pumping away for half the day
Good luck dude! I'm here with ya!
cheers.
That Madcat!! I'm in love! Easily my favorite mech since MW3. Looks good!
Sir this is mini painting, not maxi painting...
I think i surpassed Maxi given the scale that this Battlemech is at lol
Yep, I've been trying to look at Warhammer models I would like to paint (because I'm still not that interested in playing atm) and therefore I want some nice set pieces. Problem with set pieces is that they are complicated and I don't want to screw it up and do a bad job as I'm still relatively new to painting. I've bought some Space Wolves Thunderwolf cavalry as an intermediate step so we'll see if I actually bite the bullet and paint them.
Start small! That's what I have done! I mean this is a LOT bigger but I have to start somewhere. I don't play, I just love the minis and enjoy painting!
I put off Robot Gorillaman until I felt confident. Finished him last night. https://preview.redd.it/01iuc9klc7xc1.jpeg?width=2221&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b3afa78382b51b233d27482ffa79a84778829fe0 Don't be afraid to shelve it if you're not feeling it and come back later.
Flipping hell! That's looks fantastic!!
To me its often times the other way around , im exited because i finally have enough space to really do what i learned on previous ones. Big ones usually are my benchmark, and to be honest... the bigger the easier errors are to fix/hide! :P
Oh nice! I never thought of that way! That has given me a bit of confidence! Thank you!
Oh you got this im sure! Don't be too scared! Besides that, mistakes even happen to golden deamon winners and are fixable! And as i said... usually it is a lot easier on bigger models to fix or blend in small mistakes compared to small ones where sometimes a small slip can destroy the work of hours lol Don't overthink it, i usually just throw up some colours i like, and go for it. (i pretty much only do big ones nowadays) Often times finding and changing stuff as i go. Sometimes i realise the colours dont look as good as i expected and still change my mind (mostly with details ofc, the base colors i usually try to rly stick to previous plans). I think people dont realise how much freedom you really have, there still is a lot of wiggle room even after starting and mistakes are pretty much all easily fixable. And what i always keep in mind that you can only REALLY judge your job when it is fully done, so don't get discourage if you maybe doubt it a bit while painting... Try to stay confident. Often times some middle steps look weird and off... and some finishing touches and details along the way suddenly clean it up and pull it all together. You got this!
Yep just started. I still find paining kind of scary.
Same! Like I have some I'm pleased with, but I still have lots to learn!
I just started with the troll. I love muschrooms so its very motivating. I do have a little background in painting and design so I like to think I am pretty oke with colours but its just so new for me it takes time to get used to it. I hate pressure. What helped me is an app on my phone where I can write about my progress afterwards in relations so the topic imperfection. This helps me with feeling les anxious.
That sounds like a great idea. I might do a little video diary for myself and take a video on my phone and just chat about what I like and don't like. Might be nice to watch back when it's done? I also have an artsy background so I think I do ok, it's practice I need so diving right in today!
https://preview.redd.it/qwmaxzqid7xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d67b57ef39443d1779eb8c4fbdb40a544c489a9d The adult dragon is still in my closet
Bust it out! We can do this!!
Only reason I haven’t painted it yet is that I know it will force me to come to terms with the fact my airbrush and compressor are a sputtery cheap mess
100%. I've had an impulsor tank sat for months that I'm only now building because scary.
Hey you're taking the first step by building it! Just don't leave it built as long as I left mine. Took ages to get all the dust off 😂
Funny that you mention it, I've recently spent quite some time dusting off my many space marines & it \*did\* take ages! 😂
All the time, brother.
I'm glad I'm not alone!!!
Yeah, and my fear is with inorganic large models (robits). I can't even fathom taking on a bug or anything with a skin tone. Duncan bless you and your coming trials. You got this.
Haha thank you for the well wishes!!! But I feel ok with, but I'll be praying to Duncan when I get to flesh ... Have managed to avoid it this far!!!
I've recently got back into the hobby and not done any large or special character models since but back in the day I was painting tanks, special characters etc (fairly poorly but I was 15 🤷🏻♂️) The best advice I can give is to take your time and enjoy it. There are THOUSANDS of videos and guides online for large and special character models in general, HUNDREDS for each one specifically. Don't copy them exactly (your 7th mini won't look as good as the professional painter doing the video tutorial, that's an unfortunate fact of life) but take the broad scope of their advice, tips and tricks. If they're blending across five colours maybe try two or three on your mini, focus on the blending rather than the complexity for example. Have this as a "pick up" piece that you come back to for an hour or so every now and then whilst painting others. This gives you the chance to practice techniques on rank and file minis before trying it out on your centrepiece. It also stops you being overloaded by the model. Do something else as a palette cleanser every now and then. Lastly, and I can't stress this enough, HAVE FUN! The hobby is just that, a hobby. A way to relax and enjoy ourselves. Put on some music/podcast/audiobook and enjoy your model. This game is all about progress over perfection. You will be your own harshest critic and you will see faults when you hold the model 3" away from your face that everyone else won't see at arms length when they're taking in the entire thing. Have fun, chip away at it and when you've finished proudly show it off to any and all. You've tackled a really complex and detailed model, take pride in that ☺️
This is great advice and the attitude I am trying to take! I don't have the range of paints in the tutorial I am watching so already I am simplifying the scheme. If I'm honest, I started painting when I posted this and I am so glad I did! Already pleased with my base coat, podcast on, big mug of tea. Life is great!
Bigger models are easier to paint
This was my thought as well. I prefer larger models. They're so much more forgiving. Just painted a 100mm model, and it was so much easier than a typical 15-28mm model. My advice for newbies? Start with something big and fun looking. You can always strip or fix it later.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analysis_paralysis
From my experience, the hardest part of miniature painting is getting the first bit of paint on it. If you can overcome thst nothing will stop you 💪
No lol I always do the big ones fastest! I'm the opposite! 🤣
I tried to paint two minis this Friday and it turned out really bad and got me upset. Yesterday I tried painting one of them again and it turned out pretty cool in my opinion. Sometimes we just need to take a step back
Magnus the Red rn. Also most of Abaddon, having finished his base I know getting the model itself to that standard is going to be a time-consumer *
I've been painting for a long time. I used to own a hobby shop where I did all the display painting, and I used to do commission painting as well. Nothing insane, but still being paid to paint is cool. All that being said: Imposter Syndrome is a thing. And I will stare at and overthink my own projects so much, that they end up being boxed away. It sucks. And honestly, sometimes you just need to get some paint on the model. Even if it's just doing some spot coloring on a black primed model, it can help get over the hump, so to speak.
Paint scares me. I have more than entire faction worth of primed minis waiting for me to commit to a paint scheme
All the time! And not just big things. The advice I give to myself, and even sometimes listen to, is that even if I do make mistakes, it'll still look a lot better than it did on the sprue or assembled and unpainted. And there is always the option to strip it down, or try again on the next one. You've got this!
Man, I put off painting everything cuz I'm afraid I'll ruin it.
Pro tip: painting the big models as actually waaaaay more fun than painting the small ones.
The opposite for me, I paint the big guys first because big boy = bigger gun
Being Done is Better Check out the YT video from Uncle Atom with that title. Tabletop Minions is the channel name. https://youtu.be/TvBmJ2vowfw?si=aDlgvLetAPaznJsi
No, never. There are things to be scared of in this world, putting paint on a model is not one of them.
Yes, got a Knight Errant, a Cerastus Knight Acheron and I'm currently working on Magnus the Red. Youtube tutorials help a lot though.
I have this dragon that came in a box of various dnd minis that a friend got me for Christmas. It's, for the most part finished, but part of me wants to strip it entirely and start from scratch, I'm just not super happy with it
When I first dove into this world of plastic crack and paint years ago I was impatient and in my mind everything needed to be perfect. Needless to say I was humbled very quickly. I have painted with oils on canvas for years so I thought I had a good understanding of color theory and other techniques but to this day minis have been the most intimidating thing I have painted. I would go to my local shop and watch some people play 40k and the models were unbelievable! There is no way I could even show mine the light of day next to those. I went back to the paint table and started practicing until it consumed every bit of free time and became a job. I was so burned out I walked away from the hobby for a couple of years. One day my son wanted to grab a comic from our local shop and I met a few guys just finished playing 40k and their minis were painted so basic I’m talking just a few colors, and the bases were just sand. So we started talking and the one guy said something that changed my whole perspective and brought me back in. He said that the hobby side of the game is fun but I’m not looking to win any awards and the time he use to spend on the smallest details took away so many gameplay hours that he decided on basic schemes so he can get more table time. So now days I don’t worry about the little things and I am having a blast. If I mess up it’s just paint and can be quickly corrected. In the end it’s your model and it’s your vision so just have fun!
All the time. I bought a Marneus Calgar a couple years ago that is still in the box.
It’s a perfect gift. Use it to experiment, learn, and hone your techniques. It will come out better than you think and if it doesn’t, you will learn from it.
I put off everything because I'm afraid it won't be good
yes, but then i painted it anyway and i'm so proud of it. just give it a go. you can always strip the paint or paint over mistakes. think like bob ross
Most definitely. I just started my first 75mm figure amd was really put off by it. But then I got an idea in my head that I couldn't shake and got stuck into it. Now I'm only about a 10th of the way through it I'm super proud of it. I personally think that it's my best work so far. I say go for it. At the end of the day it's just a model. Mistakes can be fixed
Dude, my Magnus and Mutalith Vortex beast have been in the box for a year + now
Always. But every time I’ve started one I’ve realised I was being silly and it’s not much different from painting a normal model.
Life is not necessarily short, but my eyesight is, and I've found the painting of tiny details to be increasingly painful. I'd much rather have a big, beautiful model with clearly defined areas and plenty of room to practice my humble technique (metallics, highlights, wash placement etc)
My unpainted Morty is sitting on my desk giving me judgmental looks as I paint some normie orks
i used to because i thought i would ruin this figure for all time. But paint jobs dont have to be permanent , if your not happy just strip it with green goo and give it another go! with a paintjobs experience under your belt
Hey, you built the model at least. I buy them and then get so caught up in decision paralysis with all the cool conversion ideas I have that I don't even take it out of the box lmao
Yeah, My Archaon :(
Big models are a joy to paint; Easier if you have the right approach; Doing the same model for 30 hours can be a slog; but totally worth it .
Absolutely! I used to have a bunch of models I avoided paiting because I wanted them to be perfect. Funnily enough, the way I got past it was cracking a couple of drinks and suddenly not caring anymore and just jumping in headfirst 😅. Obviously, you don't need alcohol to do this, but full sending it and trying bigger projects helped me improve so much more.
I'm kind of the opposite. Little models intimidate me.
https://preview.redd.it/brl3aaqwx7xc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1fbadc8c545c2984b4b21119e9ce04d3d5d30c15 I was the same with this fella. We have to remember that to progress we have to go outside our comfort zone and at the end of the day it's paint we can always strip it and start over if needed.
Yes; and here’s how I overcome it. I buy several smaller models that have elements that the bigger models has. Looks like you’re painting a beetle. Shouldn’t be too hard to find something with carapace. If you don’t wanna spend money on minis; hit the dollar store. I can’t tell you how many dollar store toys I’ve practiced on. Paint each of the other models first; practice; try techniques. Don’t be afraid to try different styles or colours on different parts of the other minis. They are paint pigs; they don’t need to look good; they are a test bed for other ideas. Once you figure out how to make it look good; paint that in your main mini. This is how I broke out of my fear of painting bigger minis.
All the times. Not even something big, I spend more time gathering up the courage to paint anything than actually painting it.
Yeah, I was scared to paint my big chaos knights…I have 4, as well as Rotigus. My main consolation is that I can always strip them and repaint them if I mess them up 🤷🏻♂️ but yeah, it was hard to take the plunge.
No. 3D printing completely removes that fear.
That’s why I put off painting anything.
Oh yes, I just put together my Great Unclean One that I've been putting off for almost 4 years bc I didn't feel ready to tackle it. But now im like Let's Fucking Goooooo!
Yep, mortarion angron and ushoran come to mind
Took me a while before gathering enough clurage tovpaint The Phoenix from KDM because I knew I would mess it out. That's probably the only mini from KDM I didn't want to mess. Ended up somewhat ok but far from what I had in mind.
I just made real progress tonight on one I’ve been stressing about for a few months now. I’m here for you 😂
I've always thought because they're massive, tiny mistakes are magnified 10000%. I'll notice a tiny dot of black or something on a huge model, but never see it on a mini
https://preview.redd.it/mq5ha5iz48xc1.jpeg?width=1588&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5b578ac51eb65798deb81830bc4b7218d7aae557 Boy howdy am I ever. Doubly bad in that this is going to be an NPC with a pretty significant role in the Pathfinder campaign I am currently running that REALLY needs this guy to show up to progress much further. This guy falls under the Huge category (3x3inch base) and I am petrified of not painting it well enough.
Weird, that’s the exact reason I put off painting something small. So the way I see it you always make the same sized mistake relative to your skill level. Mistakes on an inch tall mini are going to be magnified. A mistake on this boyo might just be the very corner of a single horn or something.
I assembled my first two units ever, both armiger helverins, and 2 weeks later they still only have black primer. So nervous because I've never painted a unit before and they're pricey so I don't want to fuck it up.
All the time. I have a Norn Emissary I want to paint but haven't tried the leviathan style yet so need to do a whole bunch of the other smaller ones first
Alarielle was my first model as an adult (painted a few models as a child too) It was cool and I learned a lot but I have repainted her three times since then. It's only paint, you can just paint over it again
Yes, definitely! The way I get over it is I remind myself it's just lots of small things put together.
Slay the gray!
Yes... i got Be'lakor, great unclean one, bloodthirster, Morty... And Shf tobey, some shf kamen riders I kept procrastinating and watching tutorials, stufying color theories, looking up different techniques, etc but i never actually sat down and do it. I guess ill have to change that hahaha
especially after seeing the talent on this sub
Never let this put you off painting something big! Most bigger models are actually easier to paint than smaller ones and remember if it goes wrong and you’re not happy at the end of it, strip it down and start again :)
Usually in the beginning yeah, but then ill just rough out some weapons/armor on it just to see, and then all of sudden i love it and its the only thing i want to paint
Yeah I find the more large flat surfaces a model has the harder it is to paint well.
A painted mini is always better than a non-painted mini…that said I know exactly what you mean and I am guilty of sitting on things because I dither about how to take something from vision to application
Big models are easier. You can hide mess ups and goofs well since there's so much to look at. I find small ones more intimidating. Just get colors on it and go at it. Commit to some small piece.
I just bought a board game Primal: The Awakening, fully backed the Kickstarter and now I've got 24 boss miniatures and 6 PC hunters to paint and I've never painted a miniature in my life so I've got an uphill battle on my hands.
https://preview.redd.it/0pi18x3cm8xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b60cc7ee087d3b627fa92badd362d2037f3d9fa7 Just do it.
Not scared so much as I just want to improve my painting skills more before tackling my Sororitas. The models are amazing and I want to do them justice. My Drukhari are more simplistic models, so my middling painting skills aren't such a factor for them. But the detail and overall design of those Sororitas figs are just awesome. I know I *should* just dive in. But I'll feel like crud if I muck those up.
Absolutely. I've got [this guy](https://kingdomdeath.fandom.com/wiki/Phoenix?file=Phoenixmini.jpg) sitting on my shelf that I've been too afraid to start for years. He's even been knocked off the shelf once or twice and broken a few fingernails that pinged off into the darkness, never to be found again. I've got plans on how to deal with that, but it's still daunting. In game lore, he's said to have iridescent feathers that appear to give off rainbows. I'm planning to make him a nightmare version of [this pretty boy](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_lorikeet#/media/File:Rainbow_lorikeet.jpg).
I put off painting *everything* because I'm scared it won't be any good 😓
Silly, i do that with the small ones too.
I owned the Bloodborne board game for a year and finally bought paints and brushes a few weeks ago. It’s a lot easier than I thought it would be. They’re not pro level minis but they look fucking good. Just watch YouTube videos and try different techniques. Washes are the most important part from what I’ve learned. Bonus for Bloodborne is if I make a mistake and don’t feel like fixing it, COVER IT IN BLOOD!
Mate I haven’t picked up a brush for a year due to imposter syndrome. I never feel I’m up for the task. It really pisses me of to be honest. Don’t be like me. Just go for it!
I just started Belthanos and I'm 100% certain it will look terrible but have just made myself start.
I build complex models in sections.
The Lion (40K)
Yes, I find building and painting one section at a time helps.
100%! Took me literally years to start painting this Logan Grimnar, but I was so happy when I finished it, did mess some bits up but just repainted what I didn't like! https://preview.redd.it/8n9160tbv8xc1.jpeg?width=2694&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f38e2363b407b05d102e3c16b680e09a2ccca151
Yep. I printed something at 180% scale and it looks amazing but I’m terrified of it. Considered going the rub and buff route just to say I “painted” it
Yup got a primaris dreadnought I got for Christmas 2 years ago still in its original plastic wrapping. I told myself I want to get better first but at the same time I just wanna go for it
Every model is just a test model for your next one.
I've been trying to get back into the hobby, so I ordered and assembled some minis. Was great, did a little conversion with weapon swaps. Much fun lol. Assembling is my favorite aspect. Next step was painting. I thought about it long and hard over the course of several weeks, to no avail. Finally I was like "Okay let's just open some paints." They're all seized up cause they haven't been used in years... So my next step is gonna be either attempt to rehydrate all/most of my paints or just buy new ones....
Everyday. I love starting new projects just get nervous about the finishing stages.
Nah, not anymore. It’s know it will end up looking at least decent, which is good enough for me. Just some basic paint on a cool model will make it look way better when playing than unpainted. So can only improve it. I some times put it off because it’s a bigger time investment.
Ha!! I started a big mind flayer giant. Hated it, washed it off, and now it's sitting on my shelf. Judging me...
I have a dragon in my closet that I bought when I was 15. I am 38 now. It has never been painted still 😂 so yeah
May I ask which model is this? As for your question, yes. Both for bigger and smaller models. I still have my entirety of Marvel United benched because I want to do it as much justice as Big Child Creatives. And then there is the giant Galactus from Marvel zombies lol
I'm Putting off Commander Dante until I've finished some Sanguinary Guard in similar armour, cos I'm scared of painting the gold...
I was scared at first too, but my largest pieces turned out to be my best ones!!!
I only have a ton of unopened boxes because of my inability to keep my hands still...
Circa 1990, I was into Warhammer fantasy and I got my hands on a vampire riding a nightmare. It was awesome and I even did some kitbashing, giving it a more aggressive stance. However, I had only painted bretonian infantry and the nightmare seemed a daunting task, for the amount of work and because my lack of skill. It is 2024 and the nightmare is still waiting in line.
Only way to get good is to paint. If you want to preserve a big model get a toy plastic dinosaur about the same size and practice color mixing, brush techniques, etc. Until your comfortable.
I got in my head that I need a new airbrush and haven't primed anything since then.... I'm running out of primed things to paint. Most of the stuff I'm working on right now is boring stuff and I haven't been very excited to paint.
Honestly though I find larger models a little easier to paint. Room for error for looking good is generally larger than that of a mini.
Story of my life tbh
It should not but... I think it's quite common
I'm scared to paint a standard necron unit, let alone something that big.
That’s a beautiful mini to be given! Hopefully you’ve already painted it by now haha. If I may, do you mind sharing what it is so I can get one for myself :)
Yeah, but then I eventually just said fuck it and went for it and it turned out fine. Took me about a year to build up the nerve tho. https://preview.redd.it/e67vs9o8e9xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3b6f3c336394023c12e1b2947539f7ef32008d96
https://preview.redd.it/ed3tv21pe9xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c708ab366415b852877e09836250f56a055e8323 I’ve gotten about this far on my McFarlane Dark Angel Intercessor that I got for Christmas two years ago.
Been staring my primarch for about a year and half. Getting there lol
I do the same thing, ironically I end up having an easier time painting larger models than smaller ones. Like once I actually sit down and start slapping paint on it's actually much less stressful, I feel like it's easier to play with techniques like wet blending and dry brushing when there's more surface area.
My fear went away by using an airbrush. It is really a cheat code.
Im actually opposite. I sometimes have to plow through smaller minis to get them to table before sessions, the big pretty ones I take my time and enjoy so much more.
My friend. Yes. It took me almost 2 years to get up the courage to paint Archaon. When I finished, he was one of the best models I've ever painted, and I learned so much working on him. Just do it, enjoy it, you will make mistakes, you can fix them and you will learn.
I bought my first mini 3 years ago. I had anxiety over not being able to paint it even half decent. I started painting it two days ago. You are not alone my friend
I'd give it a just wash, if not possible a compressed air can will blow off the dust. Will help paint
I said to help with it and painted Mortarion, but I still have The Silent King waiting. So yes, I get it. I'm terrified of starting him lol
I was super nervous to do my necron monolith. Just finished last night, couldnt be happier.
Ah yes, my entire collection.
Trapped under plastic ain’t no joke
Does my entire Warhammer Dwarf army for the last 18 years count?
Yeah, all the time. I've got three huge minis that I've been procrastinating on for a year, six months and three months now.
Lumiere Pearlescent Emerald drybrush. Thank me later.
this was the story of my last three years (I've been painting about that long), but I'm slowly coming out of it. Starting to finish up some stuff and really feeling better about things.
I like doing big figures because I feel like I have more room to do detail work
Talk to my mortarion
Hey I had the same problem but think of if this way it's a lot easier to test new techniques and even new paints on a larger surface to learn what you should apply to your small scale and if u don't like how it turns out one day come back and repaint
I've been like that with the primarchs. I've done most of the body but there's parts I don't feel like I'd do the models justice, also waiting till I've got better with flesh
I picked up Gargantuan Tiamat during my FLGS anniversary sale last September. That one's going to be a massive project.
https://preview.redd.it/zpo4905h4axc1.png?width=2459&format=png&auto=webp&s=6431bb318efd5bb14e83e87506c974a4519dc9af Yes
Almost all of my kingdom death I'm waiting till the mystical moment that I can paint them "good enough" which absolutely is not an ever rising bar that I can never reach, stop saying that
I'm the complete opposite I love painting bigger centerpiece models. It's all the troops that I dread.
Yep. My husband has had the Tiamat dragon sitting for 2 years because he is afraid of getting it wrong. (Yes the $400 piece)
Oh dude, I have a LIST. Belthanos happens to be on that list, along with a Heldrake, two Helbrutes, The Fist of Gork, The Mouth of Mork, just to start!
Nope, I know it won’t be good enough, so I do it anyways
Yep, took me 2 years to pluck up the courage to paint my Avatar. Turned out pretty good. I’m a great believer that you only improve by challenging yourself - do the same as you’ve always done and you won’t improve. https://preview.redd.it/dz2d05s1naxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=296510faa188a8c118f91003f8bde823790fc92f
I have a couple lord of the rings war Mûmakil that have intimated me due to the sheer size in comparison to all the tiny heros and soldiers are.. so I feel that.
I still have to finish my abaddon the despoiler and I have a Ghazghkull Thraka that’s still in the box I keep looking at telling myself I should at least desprue it clean it up sub assembly and prime.
hey how did you do to pass the paints from the pots to the droppers did you follow a tutorial or something?
M O O D
I just take the plunge, how bad can it be. Gotta start somewhere☺️
Me and my Silent King all the way
Every. Single. Time
Yes. But I’m ready now. Priming will happen this weekend. https://preview.redd.it/06lm6pr17bxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b248bc1e1cd24d642aa63bc9d0ae8225a5227f92
The entirety of the Fellowship of the Ring. LOTR has such a special place in my heart, I am afraid I'll not do them justice. I did Treebeard, and he came out wonderfully. But so many skintones in the Fellowship! Ahhhhh!
If by big you mean assembling and removing mould lines off 30+ Skaven infantry units…then yes. Absolutely.
I have a jaberwock I was given 2 years ago to paint. I've been terrified I'll make it look like a black blob, even though I'm very focused on highlights and light sources.
All the time
Yes, almost everything but I’m new to painting. I still think everything is going to look terrible.
Me with the Phoenix from Kingdom Death. I just try to tell myself that no matter what, it looks better than a plain gray miniature.
Too Many
I see you have seen my collection of grey Stormcast centerpieces.
I’m the opposite these days. I prefer the bigger models because the normal 25mm-32mm model’s details are getting WAY to fine for me to do justice to.
I’m the total opposite. I use dry brushing mostly so a big mini I can smash out to a table top standard in under an hour and a half. The bigger the better I feel.
I am absolutely scared of big models too, for no reason at all. Cuz the thing is: big models are actually easier usually. Even a base coated monster looks better than a base coated infantry model, and then by virtue of being bigger it's easier to do drybrushing for example. Just go for it anyways! digitally sketching the colors also helps with the block (just take a pic of the primed mini and test colors it in your app of preference)
I can say "good enough" so I'm not scared of not being perfect. I put off painting because of hassle of setting up and clean up. If I want to take a break and play a game or something I need to move all the stuff away, then bring it back in. Over few days my space will look like someone trashed the place.
Always mate - got one or two myself that I've still yet to start/finish that I've had for over a year!! Best advice i can really offer is start slapping some paint on there - start simple like the branch's, then leaves, then you'll find you'll just naturally move onto different sections and won't think about it. And if you do make a mistake - its not as it it can't be fixed, taken off or even made a feature of the model - perks of stuff like this is you are as free as your own creativity. Slipped with the brush and put paint where you didn't want it? then clearly these are just part of the pattern on the beetles shell for example. As a great man once said : "We don't make mistakes, we have happy accidents" ;-)
*Yes, but then I painted Nagash and it's my favorite model. It'll never be painted well if it's never painted and bad paint jobs are better than no paint jobs.
For me it's the other way around. I'm always putting off pating smaller minis like infantry. Btw: I'd paint this mini in a shifting blue/violet/green metallic paint to make it look like a scarab beetle ;)
I put off painting because I'm lazy and procrastinate.
I did that with my Imperial Knight model. Procrastinated forever at each step of the project, took about 8 months until it was finished. It didn't turn out perfectly, but I love it and am super proud. I think it gets easier as you get used to it. There's always going to be that risk of making a mistake or of things not turning out perfectly the way you were envisaging. But you still just have to go for it at some point. You can take your time though, and think carefully about everything you do. Wish you good luck!
Yeapppp same here buddy ❤️ that’s true to all of my hero models not only big ones.
Scared it won't be any good plus intimidated by what I see on this sub 🤣
I own several kickstarted sets from Reaper. So far I have painted....one goblin.
I had the exact same view as you, (still do to some extent) until i realized it is only big when you paint it. When it stays safe on your home objective on tabletop it is still quite small and all my flaws isnt really showing, but rather i can present a nice fully painted army to make gaming more fun.
Im not scared it wont be any good, I KNOW it wont be any good. I am putting it off bcuz Im lazy.
Only all the time
I was but watching a few Ninjon videos helped. Not necessarily any new advice but he has been going back and adding elements to his past work and really showing that as long as you blocked in color well the first time you can really bring it up a level later on. But I usually hit my black models with a solid white spray can to break them up a little and really start to show off that detail. Then it’s time to slog through base coating.
Yes . Had Gaz on my shelf for months and months And then I forced myself to do it by entering a competition. https://preview.redd.it/31c9leh5efxc1.png?width=5184&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6b9084a287926612082b2c0fea0be74b7c369fff
Yndrasta, primed and collecting dust for a year.
I'm in the middle of build AoS Lord Celestant on Stardrake and I'm mega nervous of painting it . I have a generalised colour scheme in my head that looks great in my head (pastel blues pinks purples oranges yellows and greens I've bought the paints but now second guessing myself) I'm not sure how it'll actually turn out and I don't want to ruin what was a fairly expensive (for me) model . I'm still fairly new to painting minis and painting in general.ive completed 8 total and while each has been better than my last they've all been fairly small where as this dragon is huge in comparison and it's daunting.
I stay near the synapse to keep my fear suppressed.