Finding Motivation to Paint? | Listening to Your Muse

[@shanewalker3427]

The final product looks good. I appreciate sharing details like 'I spent 3 hour on the face' so that we can understand just how much more goes into it than the video shows.

[@FelisMachina]

I agree with this statement. Sometimes I feel I am very slow painter because on youtube you see people painting in under 1 hour with much better results. You never know how much edited it is. It feels kinda good to know that people also spend hours on one element or one miniature. Then no longer it does feel bad that I paint one mini in 10 hours.

[@Daedricsoulslayer]

Yeah this indeed helps a lot

[@statslikejazz]

That comment made me very happy! I am spending less time on full miniature and wondering why I suck XD I need to work on my patience game...

[@AuraSight]

I really appreciate the "Stream of Consciousness" segment - it's honestly very enlightening to hear your thoughts in the moment rather than in hindsight

[@joshp2657]

Yeah, that was the most interesting part of the video for sure!

[@mikemcphil]

Made me so happy to see.

[@Aquateenmitch]

Agreed

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Beautiful video (and paintjob). She's nothing like Clownevere!

[@OmegaDestroyer99]

*ahem* Clownfiesta.

[@dc345601]

I can’t even begin to describe how much I love both your channel, Brent and Scott’s channel. You guys are amazing.

[@raulortiz7402]

that actually made him cooler

[@cabeskywalker4346]

Once I stopped caring about the outcome, I was able to enjoy the process.

[@MomirsLabTech]

To add to this, caring too much about the results too much early on will lead to frustration and burnout. The process should be deliberate, and focusing on learning, but no one starts off as good as Miniac. Even Miniac didn't. So don't be frustrated, and enjoy the process!

[@warmasterraven1447]

This, this is it. You know that question of "what would you tell yourself when you started painting minis?" That is my answer. STOP BEING SO WORRIED ABOUT THE OUTCOME!

[@DaceDzn]

I know this is mentally better for me. But I enjoy having creative ideas and executing them. If I have to do a few iterations of a paintjob, and it's still a complete mess, then it doesnt feel as simple as "just letting it go". How did you stop caring?

[@SteeleTalon]

Honestly, Scott, the interlude/stream-of-consciousness was the best part of the video. It's really cool to see a micro part of your process laid out like that.

[@wanna877]

9:11 flavored by the sun, this is a sign you're eating too much paint, when you can taste light itself.

[@claytonmedic]

Man. This really hit home. I’ve learned over the years that when motivation comes, you drop anything else you could possibly do, and take advantage, because you never know if it will come when it’s convenient. More often than not, it won’t. Motivation is a fickle friend, to be enjoyed on rainy days and at odd hours of the night. Thank you for providing one humility for some of us people who watch KZbin videos of other amazing artists that can sometimes makes us feel terrible about ourselves, because they just make it seem so easy.

[@rhag1394]

That one looks fantastic. I appreciate the honest stream of thpught in the middle. Please do keep challenging the "mold" of minipainting videos.

[@adamtomlinson918]

such a beautiful painting Scott. I would watch content like this every day.

[@Josh24861]

I do

[@andydb8720]

One of your best video’s yet. Really liked Getting a glimpse of what you’re actual painting looks like.

[@hillmath9059]

Totally agree, I love the theme, I love the explanations, and I love the heart to heart in the middle! Awesome work.

[@robinrehlinghaus1944]

*Videos

[@sergioazevedo4267]

More videos like 7:50 - 13:45 please! That natural, unscripted segment was really valuable to watch.

[@dc345601]

This literally inspired me to ride my current motivation wave to clean my workbench in my garage so it can become my new paint station. Thanks again Scott for being a badass motivational speaker.

[@Beeercan]

The "nerdy" section in the middle was excellent, as someone new to the hobby explaining why painting decisions were made and explaining what you see and how to correct was really helpful. Fantastic work Scott! Much love from the U.K

[@maximilians1740]

Section where you talk through your process around the 10 minute mark is fantastic. It also shows the length of time required to get to these levels

[@williamcharles7340]

Love the video! My all time favorite quote on motivation (or inspiration in this case) is from Chuck Close: “Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work. If you wait around for the clouds to part and a bolt of lightening to strike you in the brain, you are not going to make an awful lot of work. All the best ideas come out of the process; they come out of the work itself.” I try to say this to myself on days I don't feel like picking up the brush. I have thousands of dollars of models to paint so there is always something to "work" on and soon after starting I usually find myself not needing the motivation to continue.

[@danwoodliff9873]

Diggin the casual, conversational direction of the latest vids! Nice to hear as a noobie that even the very talented doubt themselves throughout the process of painting. 🤘🏻

[@captainweekend5276]

I've always taken the view that motivation is fleeting and discipline is what you need to rely on. I think a lot of the time people believe they don't like what they're working on when actually it's just a particular step they don't want to do because they don't enjoy that part of the process. Sometimes even in hobbies there are bits where we just have to knuckle down and push through if we want to see the results, rather than only doing what we feel like doing.

[@scottcoleman4866]

7:47 to 13:44, the best 6 minutes of all mini painting videos. Thx for the candor.

[@watermelonhelmet6854]

One of the worst things about youtube tutorials is they give the impression that competition-level paint jobs are the norm, and they go out of their way to make it seem like everything is simple, quick and easy. Every video is 'one simple trick'. You never see a videos with titles like "Object source lighting: It's tricky and takes a ton of practice." or "Glazing, it's going to take you a while to get the hang of it". That and they give the impression that you can get an top tier paint job in less than an hour. So, thank you for this, it's really refreshing to see a video that's actually a realistic representation of the painting process.

[@HestiaHearthfire]

The segment explaining what you were doing and why was great. Watching Hobby KZbinrs always leaves the impression y'all know exactly what you're doing, and I'm just like "I kinda just, make it up? With no idea what I'm doing most of the time?" That segment was good reassurance that I can do amazing paintjobs too if I put in the work, and really teaches me how to adapt a technique to a particular model and differing color scheme

[@seanzor21]

Love this video for the more honest outlook. Nice to be reaffirmed in the fact that painting is a messy unrefined process at times which still leads to an excellent refined outcome.

[@LukasWithAZ]

I love the brutal and honesty about motivation, as we know the internet is only what the creator chooses to display and I'm thankful for you Scott and you provide me with even more motivation to one day finsih my unending back catalog aha...oneday :P

[@mindlasher]

Hey Scott. I'm professing my admiration for you as instructed. I have no idea how you can paint minis for a living. I paint them to turn off my brain and to help cope with life stuff. I don't think I could do it if it added stress to my life.

[@savagex466-qt1io]

I like your rabbit. I use to have one when I was a kid. My friend had a " Jack Rabbit " this rabbit was hudge like it would even attack the cat if it got close to it. He use to chew on gum and for some reason he wouldent swallow it as we were kids we never knew any better so we never gave him any more gum incase he started to swallow it or chock on it. Il never forgot that guy. He was so big lol. He lived a long nice life. Fresh everything.

[@MyEnemy]

People always ask me why I'm not an artist for a living, and that's exactly what I say. Art is my escape, it can't become another aggravation.

[@lonewolfsniper1000]

Unfortunately we share the 'tryhard' mindset, but neither of us can probably help it. This is so, so gorgeous: the gemstones in the crown and quiver, the scalemail is immaculate. Honestly my favourite part is the fabric, so suttle and beautiful! Painting it like it soaked up muddy water was suuuuch a good idea. Beautiful base too!

[@ericlang7408]

Really like it, thanks! I like the fact that you gave us an idea of the time you spent on different parts of the model. I really like what you did with her face, the colour scheme is different but works very well on her. The idea of the mud line on her dress is really cool. Thanks for sharing!

[@matteoezrasmith]

Man, I would love to watch the full hour of you coloring the face. I learn so much from watching you and it also reinforces the skills I've picked up already. I just really enjoy your content and admire you as an artist and a teacher.

[@e1miniatures584]

Your comment on reactionary painting and having someone I respect vocalizing that same feeling "pretending till it doesn't look crap" is incredibly comforting, especially considering your phenomenal body of work

[@HuronBH]

Bravo. Your insight at around 8 minutes is exactly right. It can take a painter years to learn this lesson and not try to follow a given recipe. Thank you for sharing your insights.

[@tobias.k.oyarzabal]

Watching your videos has managed to reignite my motivation to do the hobby so many times when it starts to fall to the wayside. It’s easy to get busy with life and forget how enjoyable this hobby can be (and how important having something like it is). I’m just glad to have content like your videos to watch and get inspired.

[@caiohcoutinho]

Awesome when you just show us what you're thinking during the paintjob. One thing that really bothers me right now is knowing where do I want to go, but not knowing how to get there. You said that sometimes you're just don't know if what you're trying is going to work. That just made a huge difference to me. Thank you. Love your work Scott. And of course, if it wasn't clear: I love you. S2

[@juzzapm3252]

I love all the miniature painting channels equally but your channel is always something special. The risks you take and the interesting segments you have such as the stream of consciousness bit are always so fresh and engaging and every video you post feels like an adventure in of its self. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@L3GHO5T]

My advice to stay motivated literally with anything on you’re daily life weather it’s painting minis, to working out (opposite ends of the spectrum) the main thing is just start doing it. You have a much much greater chance to do something you’ve set out to do if you’ve started doing it but if you don’t just get up and start, you’ll put it off and it won’t even get started

[@codelicious6590]

8:20- amazing insight and very heartening and relatable! Super cool.

[@brokenheroics8223]

The nerdy thought about 'perfect' painting and knowing what your doing was much appreciated. I basically talk to myself when I paint, even as far as asking my cats what they think. Lol. I'm improving but not the best. I get commission work because ai can speed paint units to above table ready standards. I was asked to stream a session, and I feel like I would talk the entire time, which it seems is good from your comment. I prefer not teaching but just doing and see how it comes out. Keep up the awesome dope crispy vids.

[@demoniclemon5052]

Genuinely my favourite video in the mini painting community. you taught me something truly unique and I will cherish that, thank you

[@OldManRogers]

I always like hearing the thoughts of excellent painters like yourself as then it helps me learn and understand why you're doing what you're doing as opposed to seeming purely prescribed.

[@hrossman7272]

U r absolutely right about painting content. No matter if i try to do exactly what they do sometimes it just doesnt work out and not a lot of other creators teach u how to fix those mistakes.

[@TheMrmikelwall]

So much undying love for you Scotty. You are MY muse, honestly I get so much motivation from your videos. Because not only are your paint jobs stunning, you are honest and transparent about your process, which takes so much pressure off a pleeb like me, who sometimes gets overwhelmed by videos of miniature painters with amazing paint jobs.

[@LoreLunatic]

A single phrase that really helped me with motivation for really anything. "Motivation comes from doing the task, not before" Begin the task even when you do not want to and you WILL find the motivation along the way

[@johnvanzelm2307]

My local gaming group demands playing with fully painted models. We encourage one another and even get out the paints and teach one another techniques or touch a few things up. That group motivation is huge in getting things done. I set aside painting time and do not miss it, but I come equipped with podcasts, audio books and music that I want to enjoy while painting. Now my problem isn't getting started painting, it's telling myself when to stop.

[@tony_ellis]

So helpful for us beginners to hear - see - and understand the mistakes - this is where the learning IS - absolutely include this kind of stream of consciousness audio -its like gold dust Keep up the outstanding work Scott and thanks for all your videos so far

[@aaronverdeja9855]

This is me dropping a comment confessing my undying love for you. Great video and right on the head about motivation, its a fickle emotion. Thanks for the honesty, one of the reasons I love your videos.

[@S-Mags]

Stream of Consciousness was a really great addition. Very relatable.

[@brandonsaffell4100]

10/10 wisdom on the nature of motivation, and how to be kind to yourself. I've left the undersides and back of many mini's less detailed, for many many reasons.

[@FictionDiction]

Hey Scott. This is an amazing video. Please don't feel like you have to submit to the algorithm. Because you are one of the few that can stand on personality. You! That's right just you're force of personality will shine through. You are the KZbin Miniature King of Edutainment in the mini painting field. Don't you forget it! I know that it can be hard to feel that motivation but just know that I am always waiting for the next video!

[@cameronblight]

I really found the stream of conciseness as you painted to be one of the most helpful ways this has been taught. I felt like I was thinking with you and I could understand what you were doing because I was hearing the why as you thought about it. This was super helpful thankyou

[@gager73]

That was the best piece of miniature painting advice I've heard admitted to, that you're reacting to the paint. Makes me feel better about not knowing exactly how the paint is going to apply. Thanx.

[@Blottingpaper]

The part about persevering after motivation leaves is the discipline side and that's the hard part especially when "painting for pleasure". It's nice to hear your thoughts while you're painting and seeing that it takes time to achieve nice results is also something that one needs to consider especially when I'm still learning how to paint. Thanks for the vid.

[@brianroma2042]

Love the stream of consciousness segment. Super helpful to hear your decision making, how you adjust while battling paint consistency etc

[@greys_plastic]

I like the new, "paint with me" section you did. Very chilled out.

[@jamescorbett8291]

My first comment in like 100 views. Your honesty on the... reaction to your paint job almost... evolving as you do it... that was real. And this is why I keep watching.

[@tosteson1]

I love the actual education portion. Brings it down to reality.

[@romainschoemaeker6998]

Nice video Scott. I think you touched a very interesting part of « display » miniature painting, is to let mishaps, happening, first strokes or even current mood guide you, and adapt to it. Most of my pieces ended up far astray from my original idea, and therefore initial motivation … it’s as rewarding as it’s counter intuitive, but letting the piece guide you somewhere, while you sit in the back seat is also how you make things interesting and deeply personal. And the more layers and redo, the more artistic depth you give to your creation and it always shows. Motivation is a powerful fuel, but painting for the fun of painting is ultimately what carries me forward, working on commissions with deadline make me get things done, but always with and aftertaste of sorts … and retrospectively my best piece are the one for which I set myself no expectations, no barrier and no limits … except enjoying each moment in and out of the bench. Keep it up ! And good luck for your KS !!

[@MegaBigsarge]

I love the more personal touch to this subject. I'm trying to get thru this right now! This was truly needed by myself.

[@chrisblack8205]

This one really caught my eye because I loved the scale. It's true what you say about motivation (at least for me). There's no point chasing it around the swamp with a bow; might as well catch it when it comes to drink from your hand.

[@DFloyd84]

Three hours on just the skin. Puts these finished videos into perspective. I need to keep that in mind so I don't drive myself nuts trying to reach this skill level.

[@gregmccormack5709]

Honestly your take on motivation/follow through for painting sums up exactly how I feel most of the time as well. Great video

[@MattHechtVideos]

I’ve been watching you for years and this is one of my favorite videos you’ve done. PLEASE do more videos in this fashion.

[@jakedixon7643]

LOVED the stream of conscience! It gives a real account about the effort put in. And time!

[@Fadeing]

Flavored by the sun! Such flavorful commentary. Great section of have getting to hear your thinking process as you're doing it. Really liked how the variations in the scale mail turned out.

[@bartonfarm4627]

This is a really exceptional video, it's nice to see someone go through the rigamaroll of painting a model instead of 100% perfect shots HOWEVER "Flavoured by the sun" might just be my new favourite saying

[@seanbranney5486]

Really enjoyed this. The steam of consciousness part in particular was great, as other folk have said. Its great to see the thought process of someone who actually knows what they're doing...

[@maxlundeen3933]

Sweet paint job!! Just wanna say thanks for the in-depth feedback you provided me during the r/minipainting contest, I really appreciate the time you took on that and the other entries. It was great criticism ❤️ (I placed 3rd in Intermediate with my desert-y sci fi biker)

[@ghostfaceknuts]

Love this style of video. This is the kind of content that drew my to the Miniac channel in the first place. Just really speaks to the challenges and rewards of mini painting as a hobby.

[@RichardGardnerUK]

The final result is incredible. I much prefer starting at a low value and working up, it makes tighter spots much easier as you have usually already painted them with the lowest value. I feel the biggest lesson I learned is patience, I think people assume that getting good at painting means you suddenly can paint something of this quality in a few hours, when people don't achieve that they assume they suck. The comment you made on the face is perfect, it looks great, because you spent 4 hours on it. There are fundamental's to learn in paint thickness, brush control and hand placement, but the biggest blocker to quality to many painters, in my opinion, is patience and understanding results take a long time. A random comment, a personal one, are you ok? I remember you had a family member pass a fair few months ago and there is just something off with your videos since then. I hope you are ok dude, keep on grinding and know your content is amazing.

[@markuswierer1755]

That face looks insane! And the one on the model is beautifully painted. Really nice job on the whole thing!

[@emilydowd-arrow3751]

I definitely appreciated the process segment. That is what I show up for!

[@13Robzilla]

This peek into your mindset is so good. Easily one of your best and that is no simple feat as you have had some really great ones.

[@utgar131]

I appreciate your candidacy in how you paint and it definitely helps me learn more about the theory behind doing certain steps.

[@jamiegorley4307]

I have watched most of your videos. I think this is my favourite so far. Great presentation and the showing what's going on in your head is a great addition. Always a pleasure to watch, but a more mature miniac showing through. AAA video.

[@DrDeepspace]

'Reacting to the paint on the model' is part of my process, and I have always felt that it made me a noob or beginner and not at all an accomplished artist. Thank you for your statement here on that reality of your process - it makes me feel much more...confident? secure? ...about my painting. I am usually happy with my result despite our usual penchant for self-critique, and hearing that from you really gives me a boost of self-assuredness. You are a favorite sub for me and I really admire your work and technique. Thank you for taking a moment to step aside to discuss your mental process.

[@Daniel-mz5ek]

Hey Scott, Really love the paint job, fav part is the effect on the scalemail but the whole model looks stunning. Really liked the honesty of your stopping and showing you working the paint effect with the explanations of what you are thinking - pls do more of those! Your videos are always so well edited and paced. I've been thinking for a few months that I really want to get a larger scale model to have a go at painting more detail (something larger than 40k!) and trying some new (to me) effects. Watching this has I think caused that motivational wave to build!

[@EthanHeathen]

Just what I was needing. Actually very inspirational! I may not have found my muse, but at least my motivation is kindled. And I learnt stuff too! Thank you.

[@sahara_moon]

Love the stream of consciousness narration! Wish more painters did this more often, thank you!

[@OvantheWise]

I didn’t have a chance to watch this when it first came out but I really love; and appreciate the transparency you provided when you paused everything and gave us the break down of what was going on in your head. I had never felt like you act as though you know everything, but getting to hear you talk things threw… Realizing I have a similar thought process helps me to know I’m on the right track when it comes to how I approach my own painting. I’ve followed you sens backyard effects and you’ve always done a great job of explaining things.

[@vbeier112]

Beautiful model, and the video was great. The motivation to paint can be hard to come by, and needs to be used when present.

[@justadarnminute474]

Thank you for this. It's an excellent reminder that the drop in motivation mid-model is normal. Guinny is still gorgeously done, and it's a testament to her toughness that she can tolerate that wet dress on her legs... The stream of consciousness bit in the middle was great also. Again, this vid was greatly appreciated.

[@nickrogers3111]

amazing paint job scott 👏, thanks for the video. You, Goobs, Ninjon, Casey, all of your videos is my hobby inspiration and motivation. I watch painting videos for an hour or so and I'm wanting to click on my light and open my pallete. so thanks

[@alexbaker4009]

I really needed to hear this. Thanks Scott.

[@woodyrobinson9628]

So glad to hear about your new love with ASOIAF &hoping you show some of your paintings of the miniatures but if not I understand it's just for you

[@enveritas4948]

I find there is a fine line between motivation and guilt trip. It takes time to find the right balance for yourself.

[@Monkeyman12534]

Scott, I highly reccomend Dr. K for information on motivation ect. Hes great and is trying to do good for our communities

[@chuck-n-debtaylor7553]

First listen during my commute home from work, second while mounting a resin print early on the weekend. I’ll actually watch it a third time when I will really watch and write down some choice take-aways. Thanks for many hours of great learning through my first 2 noob painting years! 🍻

[@Chaoslizard]

Good video! I really liked the interlude with stream of thought Scott telling us what he's thinking. Really nice to have a mixture of real, in the trenches painting and high level thinky-ness.

[@RavenMinis]

Really enjoying your new content Scott, you can tell how passionate you are about the hobby since you started making fewer videos

[@Mistwind91]

Thank you for the video and insights on your struggles. it's always a plus to see that everyone suffers the same fate but we all have different ways to deal with it.

[@MrSupertrooper1]

That stream of consciousness was so insightful and really helpful. Thanks for that

[@Rhoadspc]

Dude I’ve missed the last few videos and am I ever glad I thought to check in. What an incredible video. The honesty , skill and humour here is so great, I wish you the best man and keep doing what you do. The more true you the channel becomes the better the content gets. ! 🤘

[@matthewrumpke1125]

Love your honesty, the stream on consciousness section was really appreciated!

[@chrislee7704]

Scott you're a genius. You capture and articulate so much of what people actually go through while creating. It's beautiful dude. And hell yeah the green knight was 🤘

[@tinaprice4948]

You have such a steady hand its beautiful to watch. you let us only watch a minute of the face, i could sit and watch the whole time :D

[@thepreacher88]

Hey man I like that you were honest enough to admit that you don't always know exactly how a paint job works out and just go with what ever feels right I find myself thinking alot on if a paint I'm using is the right one for what I want to achieve great work man looking forward to similar projects/content

[@valkyriewings4615]

She's beautiful! Thank you for the nerd section, it added clarity to an often misty point of the painting process.

[@Azaraii]

Man watching you paint fills me with so much Inspiration and drive to keep going. This one specifically, just wow on that metal. Definitely keeping me going on this grave lord army nmm.

[@Z3usWr4th]

I took a break from painting for a while but recently got back into it, and I haven't felt this excited about painting before. Also those posters are incredible!

[@slipandspillgamer6037]

Thank you. For a great video and by informing the truth behind painting minis. Many young painters may keep hope due to this. Keep up the great work!

[@zackstall]

Damn dude, I love the more philosophical and 'meta of painting culture' style your videos have taken on. Love seeing some of the behind the scenes of your process as well, very much appreciate knowing that taking 2 hours for a single panel on a power weapon isn't unusual :) Thanks for the great vids even when you don't have any motivation left!

[@scottmcgrath4685]

Man I love how honest this video is!

[@tryops123]

Amazing paint job, I love that scale mail so much! Also think the ~2min of reaction painting was fun to hear what the painter thinks

[@jason9710]

One of my more favorite ones of yours. Really enjoyed the flow of consciousness.