Mini Painting Tips I WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME!

Ever wish you could go back in time and tell a younger version of yourself some sage advice? Today I vocalize that feeling in regards to painting miniatures, and I hope that my mistakes and struggles become weapons you can use to properly SLAY THE GRAY!

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[TheGameCraftDragon]

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.

[AF-kjzl]

I definitely am guilty of "i love this model, I'm not ready/good enough to paint it yet!"

[andraslibal]

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

[heraldfmanwe]

"Who are they? I don't know..."
Scott. It's definitely Scott.

Another great video! Thanks Jon. Keep up the great work.

[Crivicus]

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.

[B.O.S.H_music]

just the inspiration I needed to continue with my 120+ ork boys, all with unique kitbashed loot and personalities. <3

[seanclarke]

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.

[GoobertownHobbies]

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.

[unleashzekraken]

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!

[bekkison]

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.

[alandelon]

I love how you say things and having a painting tutorial in the same time, keep up the good work

[chronicstamped]

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

[briarstingwrf]

That looks sweet!

Tips:
Dont compare yourself to others.
Wet pallette is life.
Dont be afraid to make mistakes.
Remember who you paint for!

[zackhirst]

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.

[miggychan]

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

[mszoomy]

That's freaking amazing. I m trying, not giving up yet

[christinevanpatten]

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.

[wolfpack]

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!!

[tinaprice]

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

[timwelch]

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.