Understanding Shape Design in Warhammer (and why it matters)

There's a reason why you might be attracted to certain models or factions and not others, is it the "vibe?" Let's understand what gives off certain vibes with shape design in Warhammer.

Timestamps ⏱
0:00 Intro
2:03 The Basics
2:35 Quadrilaterals
4:23 Triangles
5:43 Circles
7:29 Advanced Shapes
9:15 Natural Shapes
11:35 Unusual Shapes
15:55 Abstract Shapes
18:42 Funko vs Warhammer
20:00 Outro
20:33 End Credit

More from WAYPN (Playlists):

Do you want your hobby works reviewed? Come and join us at

If you like our content please consider becoming a channel member or supporting us on Ko-Fi

The songs we are using are:
Music by Karl Casey / Music by White Bat Audio @WhiteBatAudio

Retrowave / Synthwave - Galaxy

[ShockArclte]

Chaos Knights seem to do this Asymmetry thing a lot, even if it's just the "teeth" embedded in the trim on the shoulders, it's rarely ever the same on the other side.

[ericred]

This is really good, I have watched a lot of tutorials, but until you understand the theory, you are just going to copy work or paint by numbers...getting the theory is the quickest and best way to level up your painting; I love that you are bringing in classical art and design theory into the hobby, I know that it was used by the pros and high-end painters, but this is so accessible to everyone and easy to understand and thus apply...to me this is where painters should start.

[darthpejter]

this is so eye opening. When you start see all of that you can't stop and nothing's the same anymore. Especially when you combine shapes with colour theory

[speaktome]

It's always so cool to hear about this kind of topic that affects our perception of the models we paint but no one else talks about much (at least in the WH community).

I've thought about shape in terms of how it affects composition and the way your eyes might perceive something artistically, but not how everything is comprised of these shapes and the way it affects you psychologically. Thanks so much!

Not to encourage the people who think this is all astrology, but have either of you ever studied much about feng shui? Admittedly there are definitely some aspects of it that are straight up mysticism, but at its core it comes down to human psychology and how shapes and colors along with the environment (light from the sun, etc) make us feel comfortable or uncomfortable. I wouldn't be surprised if it is a practical application of color theory and shape design in some ways too. There might be some insight in there for you all to look into.

[bashkaai]

Finally, some parallelogram passion! 😁

[Elehaya]

Very nice to see a video about miniature shape theory. I have recently seen a few videos about video Charakter design and thought: that is very important for designing a miniature

[abgea]

I wouldn't mind seeing an episode on the use of symbols of the imperium or symbols in general. I never knew that the Aquila looked forward in the past and now backwards in the grim future. That is really interesting maybe not super deep but interesting.

[evanuphil]

Shape color silhouette etc. all this design stuff can be thought of as really overthinking it or being way too obsessively nitpicky about what goes into it, but in reality good design reinforces a core idea over and over again so its super readable and cohesive even at a subconscious level. Think of video game design where you know exacly which direction youre sipposed to go, or what the enemy weak spot is. A lot of care goes into it to communicate an idea or concept as quickly as possible.

[Braindead]

I think this is what makes genestealer cult so neat. Their design misleads just like their lore. It’s much harder to tell that they are “evil” from their design, at least with some of their models.

[Gruntcakes]

Really interesting angle on the Warhammer design- great vid 💌

[nuriskandar]

Thank you! This is fantastic. I shared the video to my kids too. We're all into arts 😊

[natehart]

This was great! I would be curious how I can take advantage of shape design when I'm painting a model.

[erikmazon]

I love it! The more i hang with you the more i realize what is good and bad in my minis.
Keep up the great work!
Please please please a video about 3D volumes, or skulls (which also are symbols of pirates, and rebellion against rulesets and freedom) or every faction per se.
Can you recommend literature or other resources to learn more about these subjects?

[Beaver_Queen]

Yall are literally art scientist, who needs art school when you can watch hours of WAYPN!

[greg_mca]

15:15 hexagons, as in the very efficient hexagonal close packed crystal structures, the crystal formation of titanium and magnesium, two of the strongest metals per unit weight on the planet, despite their wildly different densities and properties

[MrFiremagnet]

I'm not an artsy guy, but I know banger when I see one

[oNovais]

you two sound so much like smart history. Love it!
Also, kiki for me sound friendly, prob because Gibly Movie Kiki delivery adiventures

[odinlindeberg]

I have one damning criticism of this video

The centurion effectively has a profile made of two stacked trapezoids, rather than a series of rectangles.

[Stormeris]

Huh, i wonder if that would explain my antipathy towards the primaris marines as opposed to the firstborn as they have a lot of rounder-looking elements to them, with multiple circular panels and the distinctive lack of the angry triangle mouth.

[disfuncionexe]

0:50 "in layman's terms" THE LAYMAN HAS HEARD THOSE WORDS BEFORE NOBODY THAT SOEAKS ENGLISH DOESN'T KNOWN THE WORD ASYMMETRICAL