How I went from painting beginner to competition winner in 8 months

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

Have you seen the coolest nerd wear on the internet? :D teespring.com/stores/squidmarminiatures

[@raggeh063]

This is the only channel that i dont skip the sponsors in the video since they are so funny and creative

[@Verza488]

@@raggeh063 if you like good sponsors you should watch internet historian :D

[@EmjayG129]

Purchased two T shirts for my husband who is a "big" lovable guy 😉 The 4XL size was perfect for him, he loves them both!

[@Rabbit-the-One]

Nurgle is THE army to analyze details. Sigmar, 40k, Blood Bowl, whatever. You'll catch serious detail tips in good Nurgle.

[@ketxyz]

Its cool you show how you progressed :)

[@W.edgewargames]

Between you and so many other miniature painters, I've learned so much stuff in the last 4-5 months, I can't say thank you enough, and to this community for all the support.

[@vanillaicecream2385]

i dont have enough time or models to practice enough to get good

[@W.edgewargames]

@@vanillaicecream2385 one at a time, it's just repeating certain things and working on new things (for me that's NMM), it's all about practice and putting your learned lessons on plastic. Happy painting and smooth paint

[@VinceVenturella]

Thanks for the shoutout brother, all the best and can't wait to see what you can do with the new space. Hope you and the family are well. :)

[@YuzoKoshiroSan]

But I love my Agrax Earthshade!

[@niksterkai4303]

Agrax is a solution to poor mini painters.

[@angelarkcosplay4046]

@@niksterkai4303 im a good painter and i use it. Its how you use

[@tijndoesburg5008]

@@niksterkai4303 welk that’s nice

[@d-emprahexpects]

Agrax is liquid talent. Either you use that or you develop talent. And I love Agrax but its true what he's saying

[@simonm8221]

Tell that to Dana :-D

[@mai2015]

I've been here for almost a year and I can say with my whole heart it's been a genuine delight to learn to paint alongside Emil's videos I started mini painting just over a year ago and discovered this channel from that... Deffo one of the best things I've done because this community is so awesome and full of incredible and supportive people

[@ebbelille]

25+ year veteran grognard here. It's crazy to see how talented young people can pick up and then in a few years master a craft that you have been doing for most of their lifetime. I'm still a beginner compared to Emil and many of you talented people. Still, the most important thing is to have fun and express yourself, not to be "the best". Keep painting and don't forget to play with your minis some time as well.

[@Andy-mj4ru]

Started painting with a wet palette and it almost instantly made my models look better. Such a simple thing makes such a huge difference.

[@andreasbuehler1821]

That sad feeling when the "pleb" mini from the beginning looks better than most of what I've painted in ten years...

[@Barnesy727]

Hey man, completely new to Warhammer but have been glued to your video's all week. Just wanted to say thank you for introducing me to this fantastic hobby and looking forward to purchasing some sets of my own and getting creative.

[@whitecreamymilk8436]

How's it coming

[@billymarroquin5246]

Thanks to Jazza for doing that collab with Emil like a year or so ago I've learned so much from this channel. Your work is such an inspiration Emil, thanks for all the tips and tricks (how'd I go so long without a wet pallete 😣)

[@johnherrera5261]

Watching how good you are at painting just intimidates me when I start thinking about painting my miniatures

[@WizardOfDC]

Can we all acknowledge that there is no one better than Emil at sponsor spots?

[@1die204]

This is the first time I've seen this video. All of these are the same things that helped me go from noob to winner in 12 months. Awesome to see others on the same journey.

[@PicklesBrie]

Think the big issue for me in not being able to improve is not painting regularly due to work/life in general. I get to paint 1 or 2 models every 2 to 3 weeks but I have fun doing it which is all that matters 😊

[@adipsia6154]

Same here! The great thing about the hobby is that the models will be there for you whenever you have time, and there's no rush at all (unless there are tournaments or competitions you've joined or something haha)

[@Ghostly_Shadows]

At least you get that many painted lol, so to the same reason I might paint 2 minis a month.

[@TheDurabun]

Hey Emil, been following your channel for a while now. Just wanted to stop and say that your vids have helped me push myself to try new techniques and even though I'm not the best I feel like I'm definitely improving. Thanks for all the content!

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

A mastery of light is what makes a miniature look amazing to me... I have so much to learn there.

[@michaeltuite5510]

I just discovered your channel a few days ago, and am just getting into painting....this video gives me such hope. thank you for the inspiration!

[@kiesminis]

Painting almost daily, (pretty much everyday) I have found that I've come on leaps and bounds since I got back into the hobby 11 months ago. Thanks for being one of the catalysts to me getting back into the hobby.

[@leont.3556]

I wanna say you and your videos were a big inspiration for me to start mini painting a year ago! I feel like I got such a headstart with all the tips I learnt from you and those in turn helped me understand tips from other painters as well. So thank you, and great that we are all in this minipainting journey together! What a great community 😁

[@MrJartsgamer]

i don't even collect or do anything related to 40k, but i gotta appreciate this guy. Man he's just flaring up for his hobby and puts so much time and love into all his pieces and videos and it really shines through. He's really giving the 40k community a completely new appeal, and making the hobby cool. i honestly love watching these videos.

[@EvolutionPCGaming]

A valuable asset for understanding volumes, lighting, and colour theory is the Figopedia book. It's fantastic for understanding what you're doing with examples applied to miniatures.

[@shahabaga1371]

Thank you Emil for inspiring us. One of the things I really love about the content you share in your videos are the baby sounds in the background that are unintentional but always make me smile like in 11:54 and to see your reaction to it. Peace and God bless 😁✌️

[@MarcusPoireau]

You inspire me to take up painting again which is probably something you got told a lot but watching you work and your creations have given me such powerful urges to take the brush again that I will have to give in and get back to it all... thanks for being a muse to a lot of artists out there on this great Planet !

[@gp8718]

Emil! Your channel is the best and you are a credit to the miniature painting hobby. Inspired me to get into the hobby and have learnt so much from your videos. Thanks man.

[@alexstout8888]

I swear this is one of the few channels I refuse to skip the sponsorship ads on, always so good 😂

[@danlagerman5301]

Just ordered my first Warhammer Ork box set. Can't wait to set the figures up and attempt to paint them!! I know mine won't be the same quality, but you content helps me feel optimistic that it won't look like crap when I am finished.

[@whitecreamymilk8436]

How'd it go

[@bkromatic5921]

So helpful, thank you again Squidmar!

[@tassiasmith]

It's funny because copying others works as studies is a fundamental learning tool in most other art mediums. It's definitely something I recommend for mini painters as well because learning theory is one thing, attempting to put to practice with a practical example that is a fully realized piece another more skilled artist has created will teach you so, so much about implementation. Someone can tell you why they used what colour where and what technique they used, you can even watch them put each stroke down, but sitting down and doing it yourself and puzzling things out engages critical thinking areas of your brain and will teach you so much more. definitely something that can really level up your own work. But yes, it is incredibly important to give credit where credit is due; the original artist created something original, you need to acknowledge that and celebrate it. :)

[@PrenzlBalla_5000]

@squidmar: apart from the amazing content of your Videos on painting, you are the ONLY PERSON on KZbin who‘s „sponsored by...“ announcements i actually like to see! 😃 (squarespace...so much awesome 🤣)

[@taylord6043]

Awe! Thanks for this one Emil! Your commercials are so funny. Can’t wait for your bust to come in the mail so I can add a bust to my Repertoire. I got a lot of work to do still to get better but your discord helps so much. Oh wow didn’t realize that was a David Soper, thanks I jus started following him because of you. I love how you’ve used previous vids to make this one it’s so cool. I wish one day you’d do commissions for us Canadians cuz I’d love a Squidmar original. But with that said it’s jus rad being part of your community. Cheers.

[@deaconblack8939]

Thanks for what you do, my painting is getting better each time I watch and rewatch your videos!

[@willcannon4626]

Really awesome video. You've worked your ass off and deserve it all!

[@Kieran0410]

I've been floating around your content on and off for the last year. My kids have now started showing an interest so going back through now, and Pleb to "Less Pleb" got such a laugh out of me that I've subscribed. Well done sir!

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

haha thanks mate

[@darktigre2686]

sigdmar being humble is the best ‘’from pleb to less pleb’’ instead of saying pro because we all learn at our speed so dont feel rushed that you are a leonardo or something like that. anyways great stuff keep on the videos and lovely painting

[@opeyboy22]

Best damn painting minis video on youtube!! Thank you for providing these videos i have learnes alot alread

[@0zboz609]

I ordered my first miniatures yesterday and you and Midwinter Minis have helped me understand what I'm going to do and how to do it

[@0zboz609]

That was quick :)

[@ArawnNox]

Thanks for being an inspiration Squidmar. I picked painting minis back up last year when my friend got me in to 40K and I've been really thinking about challenging myself to get better and maybe eventually take that step to put my work out there and maybe even start making videos of my own. You and other painting channels have been a huge help and inspiration along my own painting journey.

[@WilliamMatthewRobertson]

The ditching shade paints tip is huge! I tried it just after watching, and my skin painting improved immediately!

[@mikespaintedminis5100]

I totally agree that sometimes you just have to dive in because it’s always going to be an experience to learn from and sometimes you can surprise yourself which will give a confidence boost

[@StarBoundFables]

Awesome advice, thanks! I'll save this one, & delete the washes from my list of equipment to purchase

[@FrigidBirostrixRay]

IDK how others would use washes, but I personally find them to be extremely useful if I want to create subtle colour changes in a model, or Nurgley stuff. I mean, for the dirty sickly bunch, starting with a light base and then slapping on thinned layers of Seraphim Sepia, Atonian Camoshades, and whatever else not in the methods of washing did wonders. As for literally everything else, I just start with pure-pigmented paints and mix as I go.

[@Cj2329]

i've always used others tutorials ever since i've started painting minis and now i'm learning to highlight thanks to videos like yours and my minis are improving like crazy! thanks for the work you put into teaching us how it's done xD

[@jeffreywarden5704]

Simply Thank u..for all ur hard work. I always enjoy watching.

[@shirahoshi1857]

Thanks so much for this video! It gave me new motivation and possitivity to go further in my miniature painting without as much worries as I was used to. I'm on the right path to become a better painter - you reminded me of that.

[@notnubilous3804]

@1:52 what we will all look like entering a GW store after the pandemic is over

[@RageWraith]

so true XD im dying

[@andersnothzen8145]

What a journey! Such great work and progress! Put in the time and results will come, must apply thisbon my own hobby!

[@docbun]

I'm really liking your #5 + #6 combo here. Have to think about it! Thanks!

[@jaredking380]

wow...... thank you my man... i have always been a bit down on my skills with a brush because of some of the amazing photographed minis out there , but one of the shots you flashed up showed me just how much of what we see is in reality made to look even better by the pictures taken..... i do seriously lack application in colour theory

[@RJAMiniatures]

Needed this video today! Thanks Squidmar!

[@hanswurst7727]

thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. i just bought nuln oil, agrax earthshade and flesh wash and thought i am super cool..

[@mrookeward]

Great video - I'm just starting the journey. I've been collecting wargames minis for 50 years (yes, I'm getting old) - almost all historicals (I like ancient history). I have thousands of unpainted figures in my "to do" pile. I 'hate' painting - partly because I prefer using them than painting them, but also because I'm less than satisfied with my attempts. So I thought, I'll get myself some Warhammer and throw myself at them with a real attempt to learn how to make the most of it (because I don't really care about WH if I mess up, but the sculpts are nice). I figure, if I can get half decent I can then use that in my main interest period and finally make a real dent in the pile of lead I have sitting there. So, I watched a few paint tutorials, I've liked your's, I subscribed, and I'm eager to learn!

[@gnometroll1717]

We definitely NEED a tour once the new studio is ready. :D

[@timothyh7005]

This was incredibly helpful (as is many of your videos), thank you!!

[@MrStatistx]

I haven't kicked washes for EVERYTHING, but skin or marine armor for example I don't do washes anymore. I still use them for stuff like leather for variety, or bases and weathering.

[@thegrimnok]

Hi, I am getting back into painting after 15 years. Yes, 40k 4th edition. I hope your tipps will help me a bit in getting the results i want

[@whitecreamymilk8436]

How's the paintjobs coming

[@Reqqles]

Watching your vids only fuels my excitement for getting to paint my Tau army soon

[@MrDevilFlash]

My biggest problem: forcing myself to paint everyday. Too much procrastination :(

[@theresalwayssomethingtobui944]

I try to paint something every day, no matter if it's 2d or 3d. I can't get out my colours and brushes and stuff out every day. but, I can get my alcohol markers and shade on paper for 15 minutes in a break. I learn stuff about shades and volumes, but I don't go through the hassle of all the supplies. Maybe this helps you too.

[@badfelix007]

I don't paint, but a good trick that helps to build habits is to start small. If you give yourself the objective of painting for 10min you are more likely to do it and usually you will end up painting for more than only ten minutes. If you associate painting with an 1h task/job it will be harder to find the time. This is a concept covered in the book "Atomic Habits" from James Clear.

[@lategain3588]

Relax.

[@flyinglobster9552]

It expensive to paint everyday think how much you would have to spend on miniatures in a month

[@uriance88]

Emil's video about looking at other painters is what got me to go onto Instagram and follow painters - which has definitely helped my understanding of concepts of light and volume. Thanks to the FLGS 'wall of Reaper minis' I have lots of low cost choice so I can pick ones that will require a technique I want to try and copy (Emil's red orc armour for example) or a technique that I want to challenge me (skin, sheer clothing, OSL). (and some of the 'classic' white reaper minis have 'soft' enough details to present their own challenge)

[@gingerlyza]

Great tips. I'm ready to level up my painting.

[@jonasols]

I loved the Squidspace ad!

[@Dazron]

Awesome video sir. I’m on a similar journey myself. Painted when I was a kid, returned to it this year. Hope I’m somewhere near as good in six months as you were!

[@robsonribeiro7552]

Super inspiring video, thanks once again!

[@tassosmoukas5247]

This video is a bliss! GJ Emil!

[@viracocha03]

Your videos have helped me step up my game from the exact same thing. I base coat, maybe wash, dry brush. Now I have been working on my shading and mixing techniques, watering down my paints some, and so on. My fist small set of 8 orcs I have been working on since I got back Into painting are looking great so far but I feel like it's taking me way to much time, about 2 hours just to do skinper orc, mind you they are orc savages I believe and they are mostly naked, but I still just feel like I'm taking way to long.. Anyways, you and Geek Gaming Scenics are my 2 favorite channel. Thank you for all your help.

[@WozWozEre]

That's the biggest downside to painting amazing looking minis, it can take HOURS per mini, often days. It's why contrast paints are so popular, they give super fast results.

[@unaskedforcritic3812]

Nice! Thanks for the great content. Always nice to see your work!

[@daecazu]

im just here for your crazy sponsor segments hahaha, good job Emil thx for sharing your journey.

[@xxelaxela333]

I'm surprised you didn't mention your shovel knight! It's one of the cleanest, best-looking paint jobs I've ever seen from a mini painting youtuber, without exaggeration. The blue just looks so good! I have a print of it with my hobby stuff for the day I decide I really want to tackle NMM and stop batch painting table quality chaff.

[@maximus0928]

Really really great vid thanks for sharing. I will say that is a lot of hours of practicing your craft and you have kids too which is inspiring to us who do as well. I like what you said about getting rid of your washes for more control. Mainly b/c miniatures are expensive so want to do them right as much as possible.

[@helenmck3357]

Love this, thank you, really helpful tips. Starting painting in March, so if I don't win a competition in November I'm gonna get real sulky now 😂

[@vyren2030]

Something that excites me, but I have never seen it before and maybe could help you too - have you ever dealt with the "Mothercolor"? Thanks to you, I learned a lot and started painting again. Thanks!

[@AngmarCaptain]

Tips on painting without washes when Ive learned mostly that way? Over time I have gotten better to be more conservative and use the washes with more care than I used to but I don't think I have a single model painted without one.

[@flawlessvic]

Any progress on this? Find something on YT which helped?

[@Jose-cf6zo]

what is that creature with a lor of horns in min 10:52 called?? also how do i get started in painting this things?? or what do you recomend i should do first?

[@KabinMiniatures]

Great analysis! My goal is to be brave and do more blending/feathering/glazing and maybe even do blends with oil paints. Like others have said, time constraints are also hard when you try to develop...

[@TheGamingLoft22]

Another great video, thanks Emil! Please can anyone tell me what the female GW figure is at 11:00?

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

Morathi

[@TheGamingLoft22]

@@SquidmarMiniatures Thanks 🙂

[@nicolasannawn5715]

I think my main issue is to want to upgrade the oldest minis of my skaven army. But I improve thanks to one of your advice, used every mini with something new to try. I'm proud to have recently painted some new stuff better than I used to. Next step is to improve in painting worn out tmm! Thanks for your videos

[@KelvinEP24]

Really love your explanation! Really helpful! I hope you could make a tutorial for basic color picking and mixing? How to make lighter and darker color with limited color? And what's the "essential" Color to have for a beginner?

[@nilohernandez4167]

The music on your videos rules out here, love it, as your videos

[@13Robzilla]

Very insightful video, thank you for sharing and please stay safe.

[@RichardGardnerUK]

This advice was great, I waited way too long before mixing paints and need to be more bold in my transitions and experiments. I also need to get away from thinking about armies as this for sure bogs my mind down. I literally just stripped a squad of Space Marines as I wasn't happen... I just wasted time. I should have painted each one an individual and build my army when I'm more confident in my skills.

[@badfelix007]

Thanks for sharing, your approach can be applied to a lot of other skills!

[@rhino5419]

Hi Emile. I agree with all these tips but i would like to put more weight on the last one. Commisions. I had reached a level that people recognised my style and wanted me to paint their figures. I was very flattered so found it hard or impossible to refuse jobs. I worked hard doing 15 hour days but the back log still built up. I got more and more customers and was happy. After a year or so i was invited to one of the biggest competitions and exhibitions of the time but realised i had nothing of my own to show. My own figures were over a year old and were not at all competition standard. Also i was painting pieces that didn't please ME. After that i got bored and it was no longer a pleasure to paint. I stopped taking new commisions finished most of the stock gave some back to the owners unstarted and gave up. I no longer paint and of course the level of my last efforts are now way below what is considered good nowadays. So be careful, limit your commisions to a number that you can complete. Give yourself time to do something for yourself occaisionaly. Work hard but not so hard that you have time for nothing else. Evaluate what your time is really worth, count all materials used even if it is minor. Do not undervalue your talent. And most of all know when to refuse. Too big a job with to many pieces, or something that you know you will hate painting, (one or two is ok but not when you dislike all the pieces) In short, think long and be careful. Like all jobs, it is a commitement. Can you do this all day every day without losing the pleasure, i thought i could. If you are sure, go for it, it can bring enormous rewards. Give yourself time off to do something else and don't bury yourself away at your workstation to the exclusion of all else. Most of all, have fun. I dont want to discourage here but make people aware of what can happen. All the best to all who manage to read this to the end.

[@sqrl6451]

squarespace should give u some extra money your ads are so enjoyable to watch XD

[@SoloBoardGamingKnight]

I just started trying to paint my minis for the first time and I had some terrible things happen. First, the Primer got grainy. Then, I was using a paint that I had to dilute and I either added too much water or too little. I was terrified! I’m starting to get the hang of it (how much paint to put on the brush and how much pressure to use). I still have such a long way to go but I’m trying.

[@maxbrooks5468]

This was a really helpful video!

[@tifauk]

I think we forget about the ultimate factor. Time. It's easy to practice day in day out when you have time, but not everybody has that luxury. That being said, your tutorials are amazing to follow. Learnt a lot even working through Lockdown.

[@king_khroxas]

Man.. skin scares the shit out of me. Am going to step up and tackle some figures with more exposed skin. Love your content man. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.

[@jlrojasdegalvez]

First of all I apologize for my English. Thank you very much for your great tutorials and your contributions to the Hobby. I am very interested in the secret his painting for the red armor of the orcs, they are wonderful. Thank you very much again from Spain

[@HolyMith]

"It's completely free" *games workshop has entered the chat*

[@MiSiOtH]

Amazing advice. One thing I would like to arque with is to change things as a general rule. It is a way to improve but what makes armies work on most cases is concistancy. It might slow your skill progress but makes armies looks better. I usually improve between projects. Army X is done in a specific way then I move to a need one and improve It. But I keep the scheme.

[@adamtomlinson918]

this is awesome! keep up this kind of content. id love more videos about analyzing miniatures and identifying light falling

[@youadiabatic]

Thank you for your videos! They are very inspiring and useful.

[@TheRhyx]

@Squidmar Hey, could you maybe do a video on your paint station set up? I'm curious to see how you keep everything organized. Or maybe throw a link in your description of the storage area setup you have on the table behind you?

[@jnoyes9986]

This inspired me to really commit to painting every single day.

[@kjnash4149]

It’s because of you and zumikito miniatures I started painting! Hopefully one day I can enter competitions like you did! Would love to pick your brain more 😅 thanks for all the content you post 🙂

[@JayAndNightASMR]

I agree with washes, they're beat used for lining and doing select areas rather than putting all over

[@FrigidBirostrixRay]

I like using them for glazing tbh, especially if I need a light hue shift, or I need to change something up.

[@AndrzejKarpiuKarpinski]

Army Painting yet it was a chore. I had lots of them and it took me a lot of time and effort to complete but batch painting was a skill I learned there. Usually it took me aroung 3 Months a such a commishon to do a 2000 army that started like a total trainwreck of minis. This included stripping, putting together, basing and painting.

[@handlechar568]

Recommended methods for shading without washes?

[@etiennesoubrie2360]

Start each part with another color, darker than the one you intend to (example: for blue, start with a prussian blue instead of an ultramarine blue) then paint the main color over it on the parts where shadows aren't supposed to be, then apply your highlight color. Try to glaze and blend the colors as much as possible, with apparent strokes where light shines the brightest and where shadows are the darkest.

[@handlechar568]

@@etiennesoubrie2360 Thanks, very well explained! I'll give it a try.

[@etiennesoubrie2360]

@@handlechar568 No problem. Don't hesitate to come back and answer on this thread if you have anymore questions. I'll be happy to answer them to the best of my ability :)

[@flawlessvic]

@@etiennesoubrie2360 I'm not the OP on this. Any YT vids which I can see example of your recommendation?

[@metallicadead]

@@flawlessvic Hey, sorry for the late answer, i would recommend you to watch people like Angel GiraldeZ or Sergio Calvo miniatures. Our good man Emil right there also has an excellent video on volumetric painting which i find to be an excellent basis for all the "higher grade" techniques i use. but overall it is a lot of trial and error. Pick up a sprue or even cheap toy soldiers like some green army men and whatnot, and practice, practice, practice.

[@jeffreymezuranijhoff9675]

I get why you would not use washes and just use regular colors to create shadows where you want then to be. But how would you apply this to metal parts? Or do you only paint NMM?

[@_i_m_]

What would you recommend to read about light and shadow and volume?

[@danielpheasant4778]

Superb advice as ever. Thank you :)

[@charlieh6768]

Hey Squidmar where do you get good busts have been looking for one and can’t find any