How To Make Even Terrible Old World Models Look Good

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0:00 Old World Pricing & Who Is This For?
1:49 Batch Painting My Favorite Way
3:44 One Minute of Highlighting, A Lifetime of Happiness
5:25 What They SHOULD Have Done with these Models
9:21 Can You Really Speed Paint Smooth Blends???
12:08 Create A Painting Bag-O-Tricks
14:14 The Good & The Bad of my Old World Painting Experience

[@HankMoustache]

You had me at "Up until recently they were extremely cheap to pick up on the secondary market". Sorry when have tomb kings EVER been cheap on the secondary market? 😅

[@crann777]

Right? That skeleton sprue was $20 for 5 dudes on eBay just yesterday. Dude has never been on eBay, lol.

[@Anecron1]

I don't think he's been keeping that close of an eye on the Tomb King secondary market. =)

[@judgechan9036]

For real!

[@leeboy007b]

Haha came here to comment the same. They’ve never been cheap on the second hand market. Every kit that wasn’t on gw’s website still under cities or Sigmar had ridiculous prices on eBay, some times like 10x more

[@yaacheese8643]

These old models only were rising in prices every few years, but it's trendy to hate on GW I guess...

[@JayWalshe]

I think that you could get the old skeleton to look more like it came from the same army as the new Tomb King model if you used some of the specific TK bits on it. My TK skeletons have golden arm bands, head dresses, khopeshes, and tower shields that give them that ancient Egyptian look that this poor guy is missing. I also love these old skeletons *because* they are simpler than the modern models. There's fewer fiddly little bits to get my brush to, and fewer paints that I need on my palette. Plus they remind me of the Harryhausen skeletons from Jason and the Argonauts, which is a vibe I really enjoy.

[@timparks9833]

I like the old skeletons. It’s tough to find just a regular old Jason and the Argonauts or Army of Darkness style skellybone anymore.

[@antigrav6004]

Check out wargames Atlantic skeletons for that, they were inspired by Jason and the Argonauts. I used citadel skulls on them.

[@KingdomEnfilade]

There are a number of ranges available now. Oathmark, Wargames Atlantic, Mantic.

[@ExileTwilight]

I was always bothered more by how a box of 16 (I think) came with a sprue that could give like... 2 kopeshes and 10 unique heads? You even had to put freaking potlids on a quarter of your skellies because they re-used the 25 year old VC sculpts, and if you used hand weapons on them you had no choice but to go completely mishmash on this highly organized and regimented unit of soldiers. It's like selling Free Company Militia as State Troops. That and the prices for models that need no work but to make more.. Nah, it upsets me. Don't even get me started on those horrible horses..

[@totallycarbon2106]

People have mentioned wargames Atlantic and oathmark - I've tried both of those but I've ended up using Warlord Game's skeleton warriors with citadel skulls. They are the fiddliest skeletons to build but I found them much easier to convert and kitbash with and the end result is gorgeous.

[@Robman0908]

I love these old models. I’m glad they are coming back. They had character and remind me of the art work in the older GW and D&D products

[@Ilbellapie]

😊

[@sprocket5526]

Problem is not the old molds, its the pricing of them. These are old injection molds was pay off +25 years ago. Its almost free money for GW and they know they can charge what they do for it, don't get me wrong, I'd do the same. why make an effort if you can get whales to throw money at you for little to no effort? if there were half the of the current price, then we are getting near to what I'd call a more reasonable price point for a 30 year old product they spun up to milk whales.

[@sirbobulous]

I really like this style you've been developing and sharing. I've been using it as a way of giving me 'speedpaint+' results, where it's still painted fast with the focus on getting done quick. But getting a result that looks more visually striking than the simplest speedpaint methods.

[@dan_hahn]

no lie--I've been trawling the interwebs for WEEKS to try and find anyone that brings these minis to life given... how old they are lol and your version is head and shoulders the best I've seen. Can't wait to give it a try!

[@GarethHreidmar]

Wow I’ll have to rewatch this a few times to watch your blending. These look amazing and I love the color fades. Your time with Vince and Sam is really pushing you in good ways! Love your work and your videos!

[@xavrikxify]

I personally think there is something wonderfully nostalgic about those big ass skeletons. I love them.

[@RyanSultana]

they ugly

[@embir82]

Believe me, you are not the only one.

[@AlexUCP]

If, at some point, you find the time to make a fully fleshed out tutorial with multiple examples (and maybe multiple levels of difficulty) to showcase this method of painting, that would be a fabulous video. Love your style of painting but kinda scared to apply it on a full army! Great results as always, thank you for your work !

[@ChandlerCollins]

@AlexUCP he’s got 2 that I would say focus entirely on this method! The first was a Space Dwarf video titled something like “This will change how you paint Warhammer FOREVER” and the other is an alien titled something like “SMASH CHOP! Like Slap Chop but good” 😊 Hope you like them because they are some of my favorite videos- I’m also a huge Craftworld Studios fan

[@lkyuvsad]

You can’t make a fully fleshed out tutorial when you’re painting a skeleton army

[@danroberts007]

@@lkyuvsadba-dum-tissshhhh. 😂

[@Crivicus]

I got the TK box. It was almost perfect for me to complete my old tomb kings army I had from back in the day - would I have liked new sculpts? sure, but the ascetic would be different especially if I mixed the models in a unit. I might pick up another army if they continue with the old world enough and actually bring out new minis for it. I hope they do it but it will depend upon how well the launch has gone I guess.

[@PerfectionHunter]

LoL not a single Temu product was used...

[@ThirdAndOnly]

I will not hear a word against these beatiful chonkers how dare you call them terrible. Joking asside great stuff man! Though these models really werent cheap on the second hand market. 30 pounds kits were regularly going for 100.

[@fallingfreelyart]

I LOVE the Craftworld inspired style you've been using. It adds so much vibrancy so any piece. Gorgeous work!

[@user-rs3ir7zt7t]

It is so awesome watching your journey through the underpainting style I’m also staring to miss your actual army painting videos. Those were great too

[@yuliydubovyk3080]

Love the honesty at the beginning of the segmet. I wish more youtubers did this. Great video!

[@themrmanguy7912]

I’m gonna try this on a couple of Necrons. I think it’ll look cool with the right base.

[@johnbrennan6321]

Love the wet blending contrast paints going to give it a go. Thanks

[@SnowTroIl]

Very excited to return to Old World. Interesting tips in this video, something to think about if I ever get the urge to start a new army.

[@morganw.4711]

This under painting technique is SO HELPFUL! I think I might be able to paint my super colorful harlequins now, thank you so much!

[@goona1993]

I’ve watched loads of Ninjon videos and it’s really helped improve my painting. This is another level though. Can’t wait to try it out

[@nikimizi3696]

Oh my! Jon, your Tomb King painting is mindblowing, I didn't believe it could turn out that amazing!

[@FyreTitan]

Really excited to pick these up. It's also really cool to see you show the contrast transitions. I have always loved Craftworld Studios and this makes it seam very approachable

[@antoinelucchini658]

Wow I think you totally nailed it on this one! It’s great to have another take on the “craftworld” style I love so much, thanks a million

[@donaldxavier2056]

This video blew my mind. Thanks for posting. I am going to experiment with this technique.

[@Mechx66]

I absolutely love your style of painting on this one! Terrified to even consider trying it but this is gorgeous, well done !!

[@GameDelay]

Really appreciate the look at crazy under-painting you're doing recently. Makes painting fun.

[@fedemotta3]

I may be alone in this, but I really like and even prefer oldhammer. This is a box I would pick up before most new GW releases. Some of us exist I guess

[@Rigo_S]

Completely agree this style (which can be applied in many different ways) is the way forward!

[@Panjax]

As soon as I found CraftWorldStudio I've loved that style too. Looking forward to getting to try it out as you've made it easier to understand where to start from, thanks!

[@bakamaru3867]

Definitely going to try this out!

[@goforitpainting]

Cool as always🖌

[@Ryuondo]

That was a really cool method for under painting! I have to play with this!

[@ryanivy7024]

He casually paints something better, faster, than anything I’ve ever painted in my life. 😂😂

[@HellhoundNL]

I really hope you make tutorials of your paint jobs I just started with the same technique of speedpainting. I love your vids!

[@lenrundblad]

I never really thought about using multiple contrast paints and undercoats for some extra flair, the final result is lovely! Great stuff Joninja

[@redrooster7371]

This is a really good speedpainting technique. I'll definitely give it a try.

[@_marduk]

Another great video thank you!

[@brenthartman502]

Awesome video mate, thanks again. Always impresses me how you make things look so good - Even our OLD Motorbike helmet headed Skeletons .. . Cheers 👍👍

[@andrewbakescakes9684]

Awesome tutorial, and agree on the derpy mismatch of the cool new models and the goofy pre-7th edition models.

[@graemepotter3487]

This method looks so fun, cant wait to give it a try. I’d love to see how you could use this technique on a model with black focus (black tenplars ect)

[@paulvernon2956]

I love that they are bringing back the old models. Get to pick up stuff I missed as a kid. Nostalgia is worth a lot apparently.

[@jaylonreidhead157]

Wonderful video as always man. Thank you! I too feel like I haven't fallen into my own "style" of miniature painting because I'm constantly trying someting new. With that said, I wouldn't have it any other way :)

[@jostonpowell1346]

This hold a certain place in my heart along with VC armies in the late 90s. I grew up with my uncles playing D&D and loved the old 70s and 80s metal sculpts still

[@StevenQBarnes]

I loved warhammer back in the day, but didn't have any minis since I grew up. This box was PERFECT for me.

[@stevefredericks1645]

Maaaan that bit about figuring out your own style really hit home for me. Really love your adaptation of Craftworld, looks great and is something I'm definitely gonna try.

[@jacobdobrowski3166]

Honestly, I am exited for Old World releases. Maybe not Old World itself, but seeing GW attempt to bring back old models really excites me. Out of curiosity one day, I looked up some fantasy army showcases, mostly retro stuff, and now I am hooked on the idea of a fantasy army. One video in particular had a chaos army with almost no repeat models, all different even if in the same unit. Army showcases are dangerous inspiration.

[@joshuabraddy6264]

Super keen to be playing Old World! Its the most excited I've been for a games workshop product in decades.

[@optomix3988]

Great Video. This set really has 90s vibes to it.

[@carlstanford7607]

The thing about these old skeletons over new ones is how easy they are to paint. Not a lot of detail and simple paint schemes

[@JorenMathews]

They could make a simple skeleton in the new style and it would look amazing.

[@ZeeLobby]

And when you gotta paint 100 of them it's a real plus

[@ZeeLobby]

​@@JorenMathewsdef true. I wouldn't mind that. Honestly I don't think today's GW modelers can help adding 80 bits and bobs to a monopose model tho

[@hansyolo8277]

Fair. But then why are they the same price, or more expensive, than the current modern models?

[@ZeeLobby]

@@hansyolo8277 have they dropped prices for them yet? Just curious. I mean they're in the big box but like, there's a ton of stuff in there.

[@Blacknight8850]

I'm gonna be honest, I love these old skeletons - they're much better as a blank canvas IMO and you can better use them for basing materials and conversions of other minis, as opposed to modern skeletons which are covered in clothing and bits of armour & are made to go together in only one way.

[@Mensch777]

Comment I was looking for. While new minis looks absolutely stunning, they are not modular at all. Also while usually the "nostalgia" argument is weak, here it is the point of the whole thing.

[@shamusbeardsmore3462]

This is a great way to paint and love the final look, is there any videos you can recommend where to see more on this technique:) ty

[@lolaldanee2743]

Some excellent and inspiring painting right there i have to say

[@Svengar]

I’ve picked up a copy of this TK box. Thankfully I still think they look great. I would have liked a revamp on some stuff like the horses of course but they do still look good overall. I love the paint job on your character model. The infantry guy might have looked even better if you had used the unique TK bits since otherwise the skellies look just like VC infantry which isn’t a surprise since they are the same kit

[@alecryan5962]

Speaking of trying new things, have you tried Golden Open paints? They're a slow drying acrylic paint that feel like working with oils, but can be thinned with water and mixed with other water based acrylics. I picked up a set and have been using them to paint base layers on some models with smooth blends and they've worked great for me so far

[@TheGameMate]

im glad ninjon is back to making good vids again :)

[@MP-xk6sc]

bro just wet blends these exuberant gradients in like it's nothing.

[@hanshans387]

I am so hyped for the old world!

[@oleww50]

15:04 glad you addressed the elephant, widely differing aesthetics between the sculpts!

[@christopherharrington1031]

I’m not going to pick up one of these boxes but I am going to pick up a box of skeletons when they come out. I couldn’t afford old minis back in the 90s so I’m looking forward to going back and painting an old mini with new paints. It’s defo a nostalgia thing for me.

[@user-nu7wx5dp8i]

Hey Jon! Love your videos and have been watching since the start. I have a bit of a question/thought here though. You mention you like this approach of using the contrast over zenithal to essentially "skip" the tedious basecoating phase which I agree is a nice way to go about things. However I think you need to mention that this approach does rely on some serious brush control in those later stages which not everyone may have. In previous videos you are quick to shit on the classic Citadel, layer wash layer method because once you hit that basecoat with a wash it is difficult to fix a mistake. That is also true for this method here. If you mentioned this and I totally missed it then nevermind! Dismiss me as an idiot lol

[@RyanEdwardsVA]

Looks like the Tacticus code isn't working, at least not from the settings menu in-game.

[@stevenwalsh6179]

Same, says link is invalid

[@calvindasilva813]

Absolutely lost it at squishing the bug 😂😂😂

[@JamieDaggers]

So many of my good results come from focusing on rapid painting. Sometimes you can really lean on muscle memory and avoid overthinking your choices by reducing the element of time. I’ve been experimenting a lot with underpainting too! This video rules Jon. Can’t wait to see ya at Adepticon! 😊

[@MaskedRiderChris]

Your words about moving past your comfort zone ring true with me, especially with the notion of NMM. Frankly, I suck at NMM. But a little something in the back of my head keeps telling me "Hey, you can do this," so I keep trying it. My current WIP is actually off to a good start for once because of this. This is a neat little idea for me to try some time, what is outlined in this video!

[@KanzRedDusk]

Great tutorial and showcase of a very interesting technique. However, it's hard to agree with the sentiment that these two models don't look like they're from the same army when you didn't build the poor skelly with any Tomb Kings bits at all, like their headdress, jewels and specially the shield. You didn't have literally anything to put the army scheme colors in to help tie them together. I might try painting my old metal Queen Khalida in this new painting scheme you show and she how well she keeps up with times.

[@Pyromanemac]

Jon did such a good job with the Tomb King. Craftworld Studios is my biggest inspiration for mini painting, I love their style. Alas, I have failed miserably EVERY time I've tried to do the vibrant underpainting. Mrrp. One day.

[@dennisfranks1510]

Love the underpainting will definitely try; I love how it changes the atmosphere. In regards to old world, I started in 8th edition fantasy and it was what opened my eyes to wargaming. I wish they had better deals on box sets to Jumpstart the game. As a previous player, I will not buy another fantasy army from GW. I'll give my money to other artists for their sculpts/3d files. But I'm hesitant to start because I'll need to see how it catches in my local area. I'm not investing that kind of money for a game if people won't play it again.

[@rickj6348]

Jon killing bugs. THIS is the content that I came here for! 🤣

[@bdags1996]

You really mashed the hell out of that bug...I like your style 😂

[@Alan-pn8nu]

I really like this style of painting and I'm inspired to try it out at some point. I'm curious if it would work well with metallics, perhaps not because of the lack of transparency in metallic paints?

[@Kourosmenis]

You should do a video of your top 5 painting techniques you’ve been using and why we should try them out!

[@andrewrockwell1282]

I have a preorder of that Tomb King box. I played a little 5th and 6th ed back in the day with my lizardmen. So now I want to get back into it. I am a dad with disposable income and I am excited to try painting again after 20 years.

[@joshuatungate8130]

I lost it when you used the box as a bug crusher. Literally threw my phone 😂

[@garethdown3721]

I love that Underpainting style, would love a vid explaining that in more detail

[@errata2412]

Love the paint job, I think my biggest struggle with the vibrant undercoat is I have no idea how to select the midtones to use

[@alwoodsmodellingmayhem]

That Liche Priest (?) looks so cool, nice work Jon. 👏👏👏👏I have to confess I was ready to buy all things Old Warhammer (for the nostalgia) but as you say the new figure alongside teh old just looks wrong. Thanks for the video.👍👍😉

[@DoggoCantSitStill]

❤ The box/bug part

[@akhil090579]

Hey can you do an in depth discussion about how you use golden so flat, thinning, using flow improver, mixing and best practise because i have switched and love the fact they are all the same consistency, which my miniature paints didn't have which was annoying. I love them but would love some of your thoughts...

[@RyanEdwardsVA]

Seeing that old skeleton next to the new model all painted up, it really is night and day. Like you say, they don't even look like they belong in the same army. If a year ago someone told me these came in the same box set as part of the same model line, I'd have laughed in their face.

[@markgnepper5636]

Great stuff friend 👏 👍

[@mevl4822]

Great video, just used the ninjon dice tray to play cyborg.

[@Beardmire]

Been experimenting with this techinque a bit with some Tzaangors, figured the vibrant shadows would look really good on daemons. Would love to see you do it with some daemons too, as I'm currently failing at it haha

[@odharrison23]

I agree with you 💯!!! The old models are out there. That army would look amazing updated!!

[@davidstromberg1628]

So jon, i have been a subscriber since you started, and i have just bought a big army of infinity hassassin and would love to see your take on a semi speedpaint of an army like that! Ps, love u and miniac!

[@ksheehank]

I'm genuinely baffled they make a new unit of infantry for brets but leave the hideous old skeletons alone. Those things alone made me skip TK despite loving skeletons.

[@KneeCapHill]

What unit would the new one be?

[@groke144]

@@KneeCapHill Knights on foot. They are not released yet.

[@photonfartsqueeze6694]

They show their age, but I think they are charming. Classic period pieces.

[@groke144]

My guess is that they had 2 reasons: 1. Bretonia lacked harder infantry in they army, so they had to make new kit to give it to them. 2. They are working on a game as a whole, and they have limited time to redo all the armies/kits, so they fill the slots with what's needed the most: lacking units (see point 1) and units that had molds destroyed beyond repair, and had to have new ones made anyway. Skeletons for Tomb Kings are ok. Mostly, because when you build them properly, as Tomb King skeleton, they are covered by shields, so you don't see most of their flaws (In my oppinion Ninjon REALLY cherypicked this example by not using single Tomb Kings bit on a skeleton) and they still look good as a unit.

[@cameronfateweaver2206]

Well, it's because it was meant to appease the cloying, whiny, babies desperately clinging onto the past.

[@mangoman9290]

The base undead skeleton sprue came out around '98, the TK skellies just added another sprue to it

[@KelRiever]

Wonderful video. I think the best comment on the figs was that they don't seem to be in the same army, same game, etc. Myself I have some old school Halloween skeletons, I do have a nostalgia for them, I couldn't be bothered upgrading to new fancy skeletons as much as I love them for VC (I don't have Tomb Kings, but same thing). And they also go with my old school, fugly metal grave guards etc. Where I might disagree was that GW has to judge the interest, and I also believe GW wants to release this to stick it to Conquest, KoW, and GoT. Now, if there is enough interest (and the hype 'round here is there is a high amazing amount of interest), I imagine they will kick in more commitment and say these skeletons were simply standby until they could get better (whether true or not true). I do expect them to either release new, good models, or start including their square bases in truly messed up sizes into current kits so us Old World people buy them.

[@disasterpiece8868]

Acknowledge the shitty sponosrhips you're taking without a thought Jon @Ninjon

[@cerealfordinnerx]

Are you using the Golden High-Flow for the white zenithal? I picked up the Titan Buff color and have been loving it, but the white I had tried out from the range was far to glossy so I'm wondering if this is something else. Thanks in advance.

[@Perudo]

Was thinking on getting the Tomb King box but decided not. Price was a tad much (in my opinion) for what you get (as many mentioned, really old skeleton sculpts). Only like semi intrested in the character on dragon (which is some what odd choice for a Tomb King mount imo). But really tempted to start an TK army because I really like the Sphinxes, Ushabties and bone giant.

[@Frai-ll3es]

That painting style is amazing! Would eat a series with different models like Tyranid, Space Marine and classical fantasy knights up!

[@steclark598]

I ordered the tomb kings boxed army despite the skeletons. But I have a load of spare skulls from the GW box of skulls I'll be swapping for the kit ones where I can and the ones from the skeletons will be going on bases. But I do like this idea of painting, just not of Rank and file models. For 40K and AOS then yeah, go for it. Half of most of the minis won't be seen when they're all blocked up in their ranks anyway.

[@matchstick-man]

What's the humidity level in your room like? I feel like I never have that much time with contrast paints to blend. Thinking I need to get a humidifier.

[@shannybug666]

Oddly the tacticus code doesn't work.

[@Mon22king]

Dude that tomb king model blend is amazing!

[@chriss427]

what brushes did you use in this video? the blue and the red ones? looking to move up from GW brushes

[@PfalzD3]

Damn man. Well done.

[@alancook1053]

great job with old sprue!!!!

[@CodyRPierce]

Is that the "hoid for president" shirt!? I now need to see you paint some cosmere models

[@PaintHandDan]

11:54 this is very well-said; our skills begin to feel stagnant when we sit and dwell in our comfort zone - no fear, go big and fall hard - you WILL rise again & climb higher EVERY time. 👏👏👏Another Banger Ninjon!!! LOL goddamn house-centipedes are awful.