CHANGE: Why Your Miniatures Don't Get Better

You keep painting miniatures, but they don't seem to get any better. Do you need more practice, or is it something else?
Vince Venturella and I made another game! Check out Space Station Zero at www.spacestationzerogame.com
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[@chalupacabra4312]

As a person in my 20s still figuring stuff out, I love the gaming advice that doubles as advice for life.

[@koldkaffe]

In my 40s. Still relevant - always a relevant point

[@richarddunn7017]

@@koldkaffe I came here to say the same thing.

[@tharkwarrior]

Audio and visuals in “not the studio” are fine Adam. I think I’ve evolved as a painter largely because you and others have shown me what can be done. What I find frustrating is people who continue to play the same rules and not have fun. Try different rules!

[@Fluffykeith]

I used to HATE painting minis. I have a whole bunch of shelves of unpainted grey plastic because of it. The biggest thing that made me change my perspective and actually find painting fun and relaxing was I realised that I’m not going to get perfection and that’s okay. As long as I’m getting a result that looks okay on the table, and not worrying about getting it “just right”, then I’m more comfortable painting and I’m painting more and I’m getting better at it as I go.

[@DemonLordRaiden]

As someone who recently started painting after a few attempted forays into it in the past, this is exactly my feeling too. Something just clicked this time and now it's not about perfection, it's about making something I'm proud of.

[@Fluffykeith]

@@DemonLordRaiden "it's not about perfection, it's about making something I'm proud of." Honestly....you said it better than I did. That's spot on.

[@MiniatureMasterClass]

I like this format. I feel like I'm in Not-a-Real-Uncle Atom's living room and he cares about the well-being of my hobby.

[@ausaskar]

Honestly, to experiment you need projects you're not afraid of screwing up. I find that when I am working on some models I care about I'll always play it safe. But on a side project, I'm happy to go a little wild and try out some stuff I've never done before. The result isn't always good and that's why I always play it safe on my main Army.

[@Spec0psGrunt]

I've had trouble starting to paint my Tau army as I've never painted miniatrues before. Recently started painting my first mini, a reaper bones model. I highly second the projects you aren't afraid of screwing up idea.

[@KuK137]

@@Spec0psGrunt And even if you do screw up, you can always strip and start anew. Just don't strip everything, it's nice to see how you improved on past not-quite-there models :(

[@migaelb9668]

Sometimes a screwup discovers new things. I inverted some colors in a ADD moment and discovered that my new platoon is now a desert camo theme instead of urban lol . Loved the result and kept adding to it.

[@johnnnysilverhand9819]

I notice my side project that I dont care about end looking way better than my “masterpiece” projects. Maybe need to turn off the compartmentalization and just not care about any projects and have fun

[@discountstepbro60]

Whenever I buy one of the starter sets, such as the current command edition with Necron/Space Marine, I tend to put any models from factions im not currently working on in a box of its own and keep those for experimenting, might be silly, but I feel less bad about messing up a model I've already put away in the "discard pile"

[@M1tZk1]

If you want something you've never had before than you have to do something you've never done before. This hit me on a different level.

[@DavePottsAmI]

After 15+ years of brush painting, grabbed my first air compressor/tank and airbrush this week. Good timing on the video theme! ;D

[@petershadock4239]

Just found your video while diving into the rabbit hole. So happy I did. Thank you.

[@LucaLacchini]

Zenithal priming, using a wet palette, mixing Contrast paints with regular acrylics for layering/highlighting, exploring different styles and effects (OSL is not THAT hard, even without an airbrush)... painting miniatures as a hobby is a journey. If you don't enjoy the voyage, you won't appreciate the results of it.

[@hoshi314]

i am interested in OSL and NMM but i need to take care of my brush first LOL

[@KuK137]

I'd say brush OSL is the only true OSL, people doing it with airbrush most of the time just dump horrifically ugly white/blue/red blob that looks like shit, not light, and say 'job done'. I hate how said blobs look on minis, ruins the look no matter how good the rest of the model is. That is not to say you can't do good OSL with airbrush, it just takes lots of time and skill so frankly, learning how to do it with brush is faster and easier...

[@Gumlass1]

@@KuK137 I like to paint on highlights in a much lighter shade, then airbrush transparent paint over that for OSL. I think it looks good.

[@abandonlife111]

I like the 'change of scenery' feel in this vid. Out of the dungeon, and into the (natural) light.

[@Goddamnhungry]

Hey man! Your videos have taken me far in this hobby. I appreciate your effort in helping the rest of us out on a regular basis.

[@ODonnchadhaBrian]

Man, your videos are getting better.

[@nathannorth675]

Thanks for the great tips! I did this kind of thing with the “New Year, New Army” but decided I was going to do the whole army with dry brushing and in a completely different color scheme than I had tried before. It has made me a better painter and has expanded by color repertoire exponentially.

[@3Xero3]

"If you want something you've never had before, you have to try something you've never done before." I'm absolutely floored by this one sentence right now, which, is overflowing with wisdom and applicable to almost everything in life. Thank you, Adam.

[@wiebeposthuma4686]

Great video as usual ;-) and as a side note: this does not has to stop with gaming, but life in general !!! Have a great weekend all.

[@talonjansen8926]

These recent videos have really been quite good Adam, for a reason I can't put a finger on. I haven't been part of the miniature scene for long but already wasn't sure where to go or what to pursue in the hobby going forward. I think sometimes people just miss the refreshment that a change in perspective or new idea can bring. It's true, it isn't always about technique.

[@gregpotter6957]

I had painted my figs the same way for years, and always got the same result of course, which was ok, but was slow and not quite what I wanted. Partly inspired by your posts, I started to experiment with completely different approaches and techniques, and for every disaster I got, I also got something I liked! It did cost me some miniatures, but that led me to find out how to strip them! So I agree be brave, and do things differently, and see what happens!👍😁

[@TorchlightGamesandHobbies]

You have a real talent for rambling FACTS & INFORMATION. Always a joy to watch your videos, Thanks for helping people in our Hobby, we've been happy to share your channel with our customers here at our shop. Happy Holidays.

[@VicodinElmo]

I think my process can ultimately be summed up as “mindful repetition”. Doing the same thing over and over again… BUT always being conscious of exactly what I’m doing in the moment. Not simply zoning out, going into a routine and then being frustrated when it’s not going the way I want it to go.

[@MrSmashySmash]

Experimentation with what I have has definitely boost my hobby morale, since it can lead to creative bursts where you can try something new and interesting.

[@TommyRigginsNC]

Thank you Uncle Atom! Long time listener here ;-) Appreciate the words of wisdom. The much commented style of Slap/Chop or for me a great use of the speed or contrast paints has kicked up my game and helped me get the darker grimmer look. Please keep up the good work and content coming, Cheers!

[@DuceDesigns]

I think a good follow up 'quote' would be, "A change is as good as a rest". I recently got extremely fed up with painting 40k Orks, so have had a go at some Stormcast and some Nighthaunt - I'm enjoying painting again and also tryin new techniques that are making me a better painter at the same time.

[@BB-pn2qv]

Great definition between these concepts. Great job.

[@Az-yp8fs]

I'm enjoying the change of framing for shots to add emphasis to certain points. *zoom in* for key message, *zoom out* for unpacking. Works well. Your videos keep getting better, which is impressive given the already high standard.

[@tabletopminions]

I appreciate that, I’ve been trying it for a few months now. I think it adds extra visual interest and emphasis to message. Thanks for watching!

[@johnashley-smith4987]

Thanks for this video! Excellent topic for discussion .. About a dozen years ago, after deciding I wanted to improve the overall look of my miniatures, I decided the only way I was going to progress was to take risks. It paid off and I tried to encourage my group to do the same...without much success. The response was always;"what if I mess it up? " Fear is the enemy of progress in painting and this hobby. Thanks again!

[@shadowops62]

Just wanted to say this particular video was truly inspiring. The light bulb has lit. Thank you, I needed this one really bad.

[@Brandedwolf]

Putting a calendar memo to watch this again in 2 months since by then hopefully, I've done more than fully painted 2 minis. Already trying some different things with my slap chopping because of a video by goobertown by using a gray rattle can for to zenithal highlighting and than hitting the mini with white dry brushing. Thanks again for the video :D

[@dominikvukelic2412]

So, uncle Atom is a disciple of Tzeentch...

[@paintingbyminions8360]

I read a book recently by Nick Hornby that compared Prince to Dickens and their insane creative output. It really resonated me because what was key was the idea that they were not perfectionists. I think thats an issue we face. People tend to keep woking on a model trying to get it perfect rather then just moving on. Where they would end up painting more minis overall and giving themselves more opportunities to learn more on the next model.

[@goodjessehobbies]

Finally started watching Vince Venturella and one of the first things he tought me was that black and white typically contains Blue as the dominate color, and that is going to desaturate any brighter or complimentary colors I put over-top immediately. (IE Yellow, Orange, Red.) Looking at my previous work and seeing all my yellows tilting toward green now makes complete sense.

[@JustinBrown-gh9vv]

I once got banned from a painting group defending a mini that was not painted to “their” standard… it broke me for a while. I have a distinct style, and as I paint more and more it looks quite unique… but not to the community standard. Finally got back to painting. I don’t care if others like it, I like it, and that’s more important to me. Sorry I know it’s not quite the same theme as the video, but it helped me move forward. Another great vid.

[@thorikstoneshield3716]

Hi Adam, thanks for this video, I agree, I found a lot of help showing my job and asking for help on a Forum, speaking with other people is great, and try and make a step out of your comfort zone, can be what you need

[@hogger95905]

I’m happy with my products and a lot of good advice I’ve gotten from this channel. Thanks fellow Wisconsinite!

[@shawnwootan232]

When I took up 40k in addition to AoS I love loved the black Templars, but I was just so so bad at painting black armor and majority black models. But I stubbornly stuck with it and now I love my BT boys! I’m even repainting my very first sword brother from a few months ago now

[@timothywillox8564]

I’d love to pick up BT as a second force but I’m personally intimidated with how much drip they have.

[@shawnwootan232]

@@timothywillox8564 I was too but then decided to just take a plunge and they looked awful. But I love them so I kept doing it and kitbashed more and now they look less awful! Serviceable, even

[@nonya9120]

Geezer here... Trying new things. It is the spice of life. Gaming on.

[@briochepanda]

"Change the process, change the outcome." - Mick Gordon (Killer Instinct, Doom, Wolfenstein: The New Order)

[@AndICanTalk2]

Great video. I appreciate you reminding many of us that there are alternatives.

[@Breland1976]

Uncle Adam....this is the video I needed today. Seams obvious, but you presented it so well. Thank you.

[@vidi5086]

Tzeentch liked this video 💙💜💚💛♥️

[@LegionaireSiggi]

I just switched to AP SpeedPaints and ProAcryl and and I'm so happy with the changes in the new army I'm working on.

[@mikat6521]

Since I changed from just white primer to the slapchop (or Grisaille) technique it made painting fun and fast!

[@Skedarking85]

I'm not even referring to gaming here... There is some sage life advice in this video.

[@basman5591]

"If you want something you never had before, then you have to do something you never done before". Greate saying for life in general.

[@schemesof40k]

Something deferent, a Red Mechanicus 30k army. So, I am priming them VA bronze-green. {?} Because if you mix red and green you usually get a black-green or a black-red. Auto shade, I hope. [Been doing SM for 30 years.]

[@gregorstamejcic2355]

Emperor protect us! Vile Tzeentch possessed uncle Atom's soul!

[@BanditoStu]

This was a great video! I really do feel like I’m one of the people that’s forcing myself to play AoS just because my hobby group I’m with mainly does. I really would like to play more WarCry. Which I have been trying to get other friends into it, but it’s a slow process.

[@JPWestmas]

Beautifully said!

[@Nethezbet]

Good video, well said. I really liked your statement about people in their ruts; SO many people 40k people they fall into a sunk cost fallacy, IMO. If you love it, great, but I think many people are just afraid to change. This wraps your topic up nicely, especially given as we all do it to some degree as a part of the human condition.

[@michaeltrivette1728]

I don' know where I first heard this , but I give this advice all the time. "If you do what you always do, you will get what you always got."

[@ericjome7284]

New venue a nice touch. Trying something different can be a shift or a jump. If one doesn't work, try the other.

[@timothyyoung2962]

I've never been unhappy with my painting or terrain building. I've gotten better over the years as I keep painting and building and as I watch content creators like yourself who provide me with loads of helpful shortcuts and interesting methods to try. When it came to actual GAMES is where I was unhappy. And that has lead me to leave GW behind for the most part and play other games. I still buy their models on occasion, but even that is becoming less and less as other manufacturers create really nice, and AFFORDABLE, models. Plus, there are lost of good games out there from small publishers that I just find way more enjoyable then 40K and the like (Zona Alfa, Space Station Zero, Reign In Hell, Space Weirdos, Forbidden Psalm: The Last War, This Is Not A Test, etc.). I was unhappy with the gaming aspect of the hobby, so I just started playing different games. And that solved the problem. Now my new problem is focusing on one game sine I've discovered so many that I enjoy playing.

[@leesweeney8879]

40k is not a good game. GW does not want a good game, because they could not change it every 4 years.

[@nobodyimportant5417]

"It sounds like I'm throwing shade..." no, it doesn't. Sounds like you're throwing shadow. Thanks, I'll be here all week!

[@Antheraws]

So asking friends. People online. This is kind of a great plug for a Patreon for a channel you like. Because honestly I have seen many people on those discords and group chats who post their work or I post my work asking for feedback or how did you do that and get a lot of great results because of it. Those groups also are great for picking up gear and deals in the hobby too because people announce that as well.

[@Schalazarro]

Thank you uncle!

[@AkelisRain]

Intervention w/ Uncle Atom BTW switching to OILS made me love the hobby more. I nearly quit, and accidentally came across James Wappel on Twitch.

[@lorricspencer4731]

Watching this while putting together some models for Warcry and couldn't agree more. For ages I was trying and struggling with 40K, AoS was a bit better but starting the smaller skirmishes like Warcry and Kill Team with a friend has me feeling like I'm finally playing a game I can really roll with well.

[@Kometrion]

Crowded street it is the one you llive on.....anyway XD...Great shpiel as always. I sort of found myself in the situation few times and my will of playing something else has always been muted by the sheer absence or unavailability of something else. Although recently I have found a nice community that helped me more with the problem and now I too can express my love for skirmish games more. Sometimes though that feeling of wanting to quit playing altogether is inevitable not because you don t have the will to play something else but it s due to lack of community.

[@mortongaming1090]

This video has brought up an idea in my head I've been holding onto for a while now. I want to get into 3D printing, not just because it opens the door to many new options for what to paint, but I believe it will allow me to be more experimental with my painting on a financial level. I am afraid to experiment with my 10 space marines for $50 or $60. On the contrary I can print 3D models with a resin printer for like less than a dollar pop just with an initial investment for the supplies.

[@cormacfitzgeoffrey2734]

The confidence to experiment and potentially 'ruin' an expensive model can be challenging; I've been experimenting with Grim Dark styles for something new and it can be tough! As with much change, one needs to commit fully - a little bit of change won't help much, but going all in can be a deep breath moment! Thanks for another great video - none of us are too old to try something new 🙂

[@Diddydar1]

Another great video Uncle A! 👍🏻

[@DrMcCoy]

The "this is the THE game, right?" isn't just a thing in tabletop wargaming, but also in tabletop roleplaying. Namely, the big dog there is, of course, D&D (and, to a lesser extent, in the German-speaking parts, DSA). But there's so much else out there, so many other games. Even in the d20-verse, if you want to stray not too far, there's Pathfinder.

[@Spec0psGrunt]

To practice one off minis are great, things like Reaper, 3d prints, stuff that wont be in an army gives you a lot of freedom to experiment and not worry about how different the finished models will look from the rest of your army.

[@changer_of_ways_999]

Change, my favorite

[@leesweeney8879]

Great Video! When making a change it needs to be large enough to really see the change. Then you can back step it. At least a 50% change to start with. I tell folks all the time get some army men bag of models, learn to prime them, try stuff on them to get a feel of it. As GW models are high priced and folks are worried about messing them up.

[@davidmilne6259]

Hey man, I love your videos. They're so informative and seem to always be relevant in terms of my personal hobby journey. I've just made the jump to Grimdark Future after getting bored of the craziness of 40k 9th edition. Cheers

[@ronnielaw9318]

As this currently applies to me in my hobbying, contrast paints. I stupidly bought a bunch of contrast paints without ever having tried them, and I just hate them. Don't get me wrong, I've learned a really neat candied metallic technique that is pretty spiffy, but the bottom line is, I hate contrast paints. For me, they're garbage. Maybe in the future I'll learn to use them properly or whatever, but they just aren't doing what I want them to do, and I keep dipping the brush in that bottle and trying to get the result I want. Contrast paints don't do what I want. I just need to stop using them. So I went and got a non-contrast paint, thinned it way down and now it's looking great. I'm too anal retentive for slap chop or whatever to ever work for me, and I don't mind putting hours into a single mini. Knowing which standards and expectations you're happy with and which deficiencies you're happy with is key to actually getting an acceptable result. Having said that, the whole debacle has taught me to prime better because I want to be able to strip it down and start over. Props to your video about stripping paint, it was an integral video in that process for me.

[@BB-pn2qv]

Great definition between this

[@LouieLovesMinis]

And speaking of quotable quotes 9:30 has got just that. Nice topic, Uncle!

[@markgnepper5636]

Great stuff friend 👏 👍

[@taylorsackett2556]

Game dad with another life advice banger

[@billdefranza4927]

9:29 in all seriousness, that there is a deep, wise truth.

[@LEGIOXIII13]

Dude, i primed my apothecary white..... not a good idea. So i support this statement.

[@seankavanagh3742]

Find your method, find your level, the price of perfection is prohibitive 👍

[@richardellis4583]

I used to feel bad when I experimenting with painting and felt like I've ruined a model when it didn't work out. But now I try to enjoy it. Even trying to new things with a scheme I already painted an army in. I will probably go back to what I was doing, but it's good to try something different even if just to get the idea out my head. I just had to buy a spare Cadian Command Squad as even though I got a 2k army in my matching Starship Troopers theme and a zenithal, I wanted to try drybrushing it instead. Did it work? Nope lol! But I now know the results haha! And luckily could get a replacement model on ebay for a couple quid lol!

[@hoshi314]

my problem is a bit of the opposite actually, i enjoy the voyage but i want to try many things at once in a fast speed, i'm not talking about slapchop and stuff like that is just that one day i wanna try hand brush the next day i wanna airbrush. like i keep jumping in and out of hobbies because of this

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on the channel keep up the goods vid s you do thanks lee

[@nerdfatha]

good advice!

[@thyroid99]

This is good life advice, not just for hobbies. Apply it broadly people.

[@ada_please]

trying out color pencils on a mini and this video comes up in the autoplay, nice

[@Phsstpok]

this feels similar to what was engraved on a plate next to the door of the counsler of my former research institute: "if you always do what you always have done and you always get what you always have gotten and you never get what you want then... for f*$% sake! .. do something else!"

[@robertclassicconstructiona1830]

Hey Uncle Atom , just joined the irregulars and got a copy of Reign in Hell coming in the next couple weeks. I've been painting for over a year but I've never played a game or thought about it until watching your videos......anyway looking forward to reading the book. I've got a bunch of extra hobby tools I thought you might appreciate and if your interested I'd like to send them to you to support the channel. If that's something your comfortable with let me know , thanks for the videos , learning alot ......

[@tabletopminions]

I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the videos and that they’re helping you! If you’re interested in sending anything, my mailing address is in the ‘About’ tab on my KZbin channel. Thanks for watching!

[@crystalclearchaos5387]

“Did I ever tell you what the definition of insanity is? Insanity is doing the exact same fucking thing over and over again, expecting shit to change. That is crazy” -vass montengro

[@DanteMac26]

Man, I keep getting distracted by that luscious wood trim on the doorway and windows. Please tell me you have dark hardwood floors too?! And while dark mustard is a bold color choice, damn if it doesn't work!

[@nathanthom8176]

I must admit that I am really not trying to get better at the moment, I just want my army painted to a minimum level and at a speed that won't drive me crazy. As such I for my Blood Angels I zenithal over German Red Brown primer and then use Speed Paint Blood Red, I then Matt Varnish (and will untill Army Painter fix the line) and then layer other areas and do details (as well as my shaky hands let me) and finally wash stuff that needs it. I don't do highlights as I find that for the most part I don't like the way they look on small models (the thickness of a highlight on something apparently nine feet should be much thinner than traditional highlighting techniques and my hand is too shaky to do them thinner. I have painted models for DnD or just for fun using glazing or layering methods but it slows my painting down so much.

[@NielsMulvad]

"I have been painting the spacemarines the same for years, and I am just not happy with the result"... that is 100% due to them though, the process is due to the person. Don't sugarcoat it, they are choosing to try the same thing over and over, when they are not happy with it. Deciding on a new process is also up to them. I returned to the hobby at covid, after about 8 years away, I spent a good year (perhaps a year and a half) on just painting and getting better at it, until I was satisfied and was "ready" to attempt Azhag. People suck, we all suck, we try new things ,we get better.

[@TerrierHalo]

“I’m pretty happy with my hobby but I’m trying to get better.” - Mark Twain

[@Thedagda801]

Sage advice Uncle Adam.

[@jubb1984]

But what if you are a Chaos player... Isn't madness the point? 🤔 Good tips tho, thanks for the vid 😉

[@Miginath]

Any news on why there isn't an Every Other Sunday Show this weekend ?

[@tabletopminions]

I’m in Ohio at Vince Venturella’s house along with Sam Lenz, Miniac, and Ninjon. Also, two weeks from today is Xmas so I moved it to next week. I posted on Facebook and Twitter about it this morning. I’ll see you next week, and thanks for watching!

[@Miginath]

@@tabletopminions glad to hear it. I was worried something had happened. I suspect you mentioned it in the last livestream but I had to jump off early.

[@keikan300]

"Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over and expecting different results" -Einstein- Quote from his theory of Quantum Mechanics.

[@karomiooo]

Its not madness but insanity

[@nicovideotube]

"Quotes can technically be made up, can't they, I think so." ~Adam

[@christiancouture2194]

This all so true. So many people (as was I once upon a time) are salty about GW for example for whatever reason, fairly or not. Every company will do what they will, it's just up to us to gravitate towards what works for us instead of staying and crying murder all the while! There are too many options available to us to be unhappy. I found my own happy place with Marvel Crisis Protocol and am having a blast 😁

[@Gumlass1]

I literally don't know how you got that texture ... Would work well for Turnip28

[@tabletopminions]

I think it was too much Citadel paint over bad primer. Thanks for watching!

[@alexthegr92]

"Quotes can technically be made up" - Atom Smasher, 2022

[@motoshudenyamanato921]

Thank you, I looking with my 3D printer making a 40k tiny game.

[@bogatyr2473]

Personally I just don't care for the super contrasty, edge highlighted, "standard" mini look. It looks good, I love a good mini in that style, but I didn't like it on my Tau and mechs. So I stopped and changed, went back to my model making roots and instantly fell back in love with what I was painting.

[@JerrodHansen]

Doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results is literally the definition of practice.

[@TarnaxTheBarbarian]

Honestly, my biggest problem is that I just hate edge highlighting

[@ashley-r-pollard]

The quote originates from Freud.