9 Mistakes miniature painters will make in 2024 - and how to fix them

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This week we'll show you 9 of the most common mistakes Warhammer and miniature painters will make in 2023 - to help you become a better painter and have more fun painting.
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Emil On
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Painting miniatures for your warhammer & d&d games. Age of sigmar and warhammer 40k. Blood angels, Slaanesh, Death Guard, Space Marines, Space Wolves, Stormcast Eternals, painting scale models, miniature busts! How to paint NMM. How to paint warhammer, how to paint d&D figures.

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

We got our own brushes and unique miniatures, you can find them here and support us at the same time: www.squidmar.com/latepledge

[@clubskitzhardstyle]

can you try doing a silver metallic and going over it with a copic marker it honestly has amazing results i absolutely love doing this for like metalic teal colours

[@PerfectionHunter]

Would have liked to see more side-by-side picture examples comparing the bad way vs the right way. Some of these tips i had to watch again before i understood what you meant.

[@benn1181]

This was the Squarry Squarespace episode we all have been waiting for. Really exciting. The painting PSA was a bit long though, could have done without that and just gotten to the action. ❤ Squarry.

[@Weenerneenerchickendinner]

#1: paying full price for GW products.

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

#1: not smashing the like button

[@The808andrew808]

Hahahahahaha

[@viciousyeen6644]

*buying GW products

[@zramirez5471]

@@viciousyeen6644 if only people would only buy in to the lore but use better rules and scratchbash

[@daswookie79]

I’m happy to pay full price to help support my local game store.

[@paddya3304]

Having recently got back into painting miniatures after a twenty something year hiatus, I can’t thank squidmar enough for videos like this. Great advice delivered with enthusiasm and brilliant pacing. Great stuff (just wish my hands were less shakey and miniatures cost less but can’t have everything)

[@cloraformsgood5340]

Iv recently returned to painting minis after 10+ years. I assumed I would pick up from where I left off and muscle memory would kick in . I was sooo wrong, add my clearly worsened eyesight and it's almost as if I'm starting from scratch.

[@paddya3304]

@@cloraformsgood5340 I know what you mean. I definitely had a wee bit of a shock when expectation met reality. All I can say is, it gets a bit easier with practice and I've (re) learned not to get too disappointed when nothing turns out remotely like I'd planned it. Best of luck!

[@cloraformsgood5340]

@@paddya3304 Thankyou 👍 I watched a squidmar video and he said to try to paint at least an hour every day and to try one new thing every mini. Iv been doing that ,I'm slowly improving but at the same time having fun and relaxing while I'm doing it .

[@Banester74]

Thank you for giving me a new hobby I’m about to get my first miniature set, paint set, and brushes for the first time. I’ve always hated painting but your tutorials have helped me learn before I even get started.

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

Hurryay, welcome to the hobby!

[@massivedong]

Ever since getting into war gaming about 7 years ago I feel like painting advice is a super saturated ‘market’ but not all of that info is valuable, however Squiddy mate, I’ve gotta say you’re nailing it. I finally feel confident in my painting ability now, so big thanks

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

[@ameliedavis5940]

That opening is painfully relatable.

[@Sergiocalvominiatures]

Great video, I laughed a lot when I saw the concept of connecting the muscles and other concepts that I explain in my tutorials to students, you failed to explain why I convey that concept so abstract. For a next video :D Keep creating these great videos

[@the.nikkoman]

What helped me when starting with lighting is actually just casting a lamp or light over my miniature after priming with a dark color. And then i just memorize as best as i can, or take a picture to know where the light actually lands. And then i do zenithal priming afterwards before actually painting.

[@samsellner4486]

Wow! I can't believe they got Daniel Radcliffe to do an add spot!

[@paddya3304]

He’s a wizard..

[@S1RVicTOR]

Great video, super specific and helpful tips. The one that interests me the most is 6, highlights on inner and outer folds of a cloak/cape. I hadn't considered the amount of light actually hitting the surfaces, so I'll have to do a deeper dive into that myself. Thanks Emil!

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

Wop wop, happy to help! :)

[@Ascalante80]

@@SquidmarMiniatures As a beginner I would love to see an example done the right way

[@TheShelbyTheShelby]

@@Ascalante80 I was hoping to see a good example of that I'm this video like how most of the other points had an example or three.

[@baptistebois5467]

@@SquidmarMiniatures Yes, would love to see an example of it too, I still struggle a bit to visualize it.

[@gtbaba123]

Which color he is using. Acrylics?

[@x.davidwilliams83]

Huzzah, you'all are so kind for helping out the hobbyists. Thank you thank you.

[@Deviated88]

This is such a great video, I have my first miniatures on deck after I’m done with my semester. As someone just diving into this hobby, I greatly appreciate these videos. Keep up the fantastic work fellas!

[@astonio7399]

Recently started miniature painting and quite often find my highlighted areas seem a bit dry/chalky. Wondering if not moistening my brush enough is contributing to that? I initially thought that thinning paints with plenty of water means I wouldn’t need to moisten the brush. Love your videos, super helpful for a noob!

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

Might be that your paint is dry or not pigmented enough, its so tough to know when we don't see you paint

[@xanderhuskie5172]

Oh! this video actually made me aware of a few mistakes I’ve been doing in my own painting that I didn’t even realize I was making, it should help quite a bit now that I’m aware! Many many thanks!

[@plague12346]

Your in video ad for squarespace is the only one I don't skip

[@FigureFortress]

Fantastic video. I do some of these so it was so helpful to get me better at painting and start thinking about things I wasn't. ❤️

[@jecaba97]

I think yours is the only channel where I like the video when I see the ad, love how you manage to still keep it creative after a gazilillion squarespace promos

[@jorgealarcon2704]

Came for the painting tips, stayed for the Squarry Plotter micro film.

[@CFTim]

Shakira: "Lucky that my breasts are small and humble, so you don't confuse them with mountains" Squidmar: "Just fix your highlight placement"

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

LOL

[@Apathetically_stable]

Recently have gotten into miniature painting through first time DM'ing as I wanted a few pieces that my players could actually see as "theater of the mind" isn't applicable to all. I have found an immense satisfaction and joy that this hobby brings and I'm glad I got to stumble across your page, super informative!

[@CameronPenner]

I thought I had a pretty good grasp of lighting, but your tips for not recess shading robes, and for highlighting the whole surface definitely exposed some silly things I've been doing. Videos like this one make me a better painter, Thank you!

[@Tzolar]

Hey squid! I love your videos amd u have helped me so much in this hobby, and your videos are so inspirational and awesome! I hope to see more artwork, videos and content in the new year from you! - Loki

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

Hey mate, thanks! I really appreciate it :)

[@CaptainSpalding23]

Great video. Love how you smile through the whole video!

[@frenzyman402]

Thank you Squidmar for the tips 👍🤩

[@tomhayes2035]

Really good video especially about how to paint muscles. Love your painting tutorials.

[@xEzekielx1]

The idea of having to use an air humidifier is hilarious to me. Living in a valley in central New Zealand, its a constant battle to keep the house dry and we have dehumidifiers running constantly to stop mould from setting in

[@Slouworker]

Live in frost long enough and you'll pray to every made up god imaginable for a drop of moisture, everything just freezes out of the air

[@nickbourgade8473]

The best solution for me to fix how I highlight has been Zenithal Priming. You can actually see where "light" would hit a mini and use that as a guide.

[@DarkGodrik]

The best squarespace ad to date😂😂😂

[@andreyp2810]

This adv integration was something :D Thank you, guys! )

[@geoffhayward7421]

Thank you for that excellent video!

[@AlmostCoolTho]

Tips I cannot wait to use, and entertaining as hell!

[@jordivermeulen2519]

One of the only channels where I watch the sponsor bits. Hilarious!

[@RuthlessMojo]

Rewetting your tip between strokes to keep it moist. Sounds legitimate to me. 😂😀😜

[@luciocouto]

Amazing tips, ty so much.

[@trydodgingthis]

Thank you Emil :)

[@benstephenson8988]

some really good advice, thank you.

[@grimbourne]

Omg loved the ad-read in this!

[@rudolfnv6666]

interestingly here in the Uk we have the opposite problem with humidity: its tooooo much. I often have to have a dehumidifier running just to reduce moulding, let alone for painting. like drying times are horrendous.

[@mattbaxter688]

As an amateur I love watching these videos and learning all these amazing techniques and theories, then just soaking my whole model in wash anyway

[@doomedpaints]

I decided to re-watch this video and you got to the part about beating GW and you are only 86k Subs away! Hope 2024 attains this goal!

[@PhantomAlucard]

The Tim and Eric style editing of this video is incredible. Great job!

[@an_average_minipainter]

Another great vid, very informative and a lot of simple stuff which I should have known, but obviously needed spelling out. Never stop making great content 👏👍 you've helped me a tonne since I got back in to the hobbie.

[@MriInterocitor]

So many things are obvious...once explained. :)

[@ShatteredBrush]

Awesome info squidmar thanks for the clear examples and suggestions. Your amazing and super talented, wish I had 1/10 of your talent

[@KosmitPL]

As much as I enjoy your epic projects, simple video advice like this is always welcome. Gimme more, please.

[@toomanyhobbies116]

I've been painting since the start of lockdown, painted 2 armies in GW Eavy Metal style before I finally found out how to push CONTRAST. Now I'm considering re-painting my death Guard, because the difference is astonishing. In 2023 I'll be falling down the rabbit hole of light theory

[@durgamugen5004]

Always good for a refresh of skills

[@DatOtterZombie1978]

Dear gods! Lucas looks so much like Harry Potter and I never noticed. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Daveyboywalton1]

I'm literally coming here for the adds at this point, the hobby stuff is a bonus :D

[@andrewjeffries8721]

The Square Space ad was hilarious! But it was effective. Good job!

[@perezjm21]

Came for painting advice, stayed for the improv commerical.

[@Flippmed]

For volumetric highlights i normally spray a brighter base colout from the ipotetical light source to help me visualize where I have to highlights after... it helps me a lot

[@Glamerth]

I've done that with my brush cleaning water just recently!!

[@Bonesawisready926]

Can definitely relate to the dry brush. I live in a Desert in the US.

[@AnubisVolga]

Ooh, the video is really satisfying, as I am just getting into the hobby, and I am waiting for my tools and paints to start in that wonderful world, thank you very much for sharing the tips, may the god emperor bless you !

[@joecole5545]

Emil, you and Lucas are Epic!

[@johnfarscape]

I use hair conditioner on my brushes when they are getting badly worn, it seems to really help them.

[@greysins190]

Tipped brush really had me on my first miniature this week and yeah i started with armored skeletons so it was hard lol

[@Benry87]

"Give yourself an easy win, don't start with an overly complex mini for NMM" My stupid ass starting with Guilliman, then doing a Custodes combat patrol - . . . Well shit

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

Haha been there

[@horizonsforge]

Oh yeah. I will be making every one of these mistakes. But that's how I learn! (that's what I keep telling myself at least)

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

I do too ;)

[@thesykoward8188]

Best SquareSpace ad ever!!! Lmao!!!!

[@brucehemming9749]

Great video thanks for sharing 👍🍻

[@alejandroballesteroshernan1678]

jesus that squarespace ad got me offguard that was so good

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

[@studiofoureightnine]

Deal out those academy awards NOW!

[@GonthorianDX]

I am clearly improving with every paintjob but faces remain the most difficult thing for me by far. My 00 brush lost the perfect tip too... It dries almost instantly

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

00 is too small for faces :) a 0 should be fine no?

[@GonthorianDX]

@@SquidmarMiniatures sure I'll try a 0 next time!

[@MadsRosenlund-ym5kp]

I love your videos

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

Thanks Mads!

[@Miniac]

5:41 someone gif that for....reasons...

[@ROMANLAPPATMINIATUREART]

Nice video with interesting tips and truely funny. Loved the bodybuilder. One day I hope to meet you guys at a hands on painting workshop I teach. I bet you and your way of explaining different aspects would greatly benefit from didactic teaching insights. Lovely content again. Keep on happy painting everyone!

[@ROMANLAPPATMINIATUREART]

After some minutes I realise that my comment might sound rude. Sorry, I am always so impulsive. There is no offense in my words. I was watching the video while cookies and cookies is a skill that is okish, so I was on tension. I really like the content, just think it could be better structured to make it easier to apporach ... next time I might Sound rude again, you know I am cooking :D

[@ROMANLAPPATMINIATUREART]

- Roman

[@rKarhu]

Would love to attend this workshop 😄

[@ROMANLAPPATMINIATUREART]

*cooking

[@Snacklord_Dennis]

Paint me like you paint your mini's 👀

[@paddya3304]

‘No-one knows what it means but it’s provocative’

[@leonpeters-malone3054]

This reminds me why I want to work up to a particular project. I got the 2-Up New York class Battleship from the Dropfleet Commander game. I want to paint a terminator line down the ship lengthwise. Half the ship in light, half the ship in darkness. Get that terminator line showing just how liquid, flowing, it can be. Got a lot of practise before I'm there. Got some projects to gain back the skills though.

[@Lunkules]

You should do a video where you coach one of your more beginner Patreon peeps. Like pull from a hat someone random and coach them up a bit

[@conradmynett7037]

Given point 8 I now know where you stand on colour modulation :)

[@GazpachoTabletop]

Your first piece of advice is TWO THIN COATS? I think we got that covered mate lol

[@SelectRoadkill]

That sqarespace plug lmao. Was gonna skip, but couldn't 😂😂

[@EonsOfBattle]

how did you guys get Daniel Radcliffe to appear in the Squarespace ad!?!?!

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

You gotta have the right contacts😉

[@destructivepanda5226]

I can’t wait to mess up by doing all of these mistakes

[@4hedgesfamily]

That was the best in-video ad I've ever seen!!! On the other hand, I'll never be able to watch Harry Potter with a straight face again. :)

[@themvp2996]

yeah... picking easy minis for learning... and then there´s me picking a bust and trying to paint it like good old Kirill Kanaev... anyway 3 years into it, and i´m reaching the finish line. Looking good, learned much :D would do it again.

[@coreyeatsdetroit9733]

I know you're a warkammer guy but would you be willing to paint some wizkids d&d minis in a video? I really enjoy your videos and it would be nice to see what someone like you could do with wiz kids minis. I think the Warhammer miniatures are a bit better quality but im not sure. Either way, God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@andreas5563]

Hello fellow Squidmarians, I have been watchin a lot of Emils videos lately and it has inspired me to think about starting painting myself. I am not planning at all to play with these minis, I just want to paint ones I find interesting and maybe make cool bases or dioramas. Is there any factions I should stay away from that are considered more advanced than others? So far the ones I like the look of the most are: Stormcast Eternals (i think they were called), the undead army, Sylvaneth and from 40k: Necrons and Custodes. Here in Norway it seems difficult to find anything other than games workshop minis as I dont have a 3d printer and ordering from abroad costs a fortune. I was also wondering if anyone could tell me very specifically what tools I would neeed? So far from what Ive seen I should get: a decent brush, a big brush for drybrushing, an assortment of paints, glue, a sharp knife, can of black and/or white paint? I dont have a lot of money to spend so I was also wondering if its better to buy big boxes with many smaller figures for more practice to begin with, or buy less but more interesting figures that I am more inspired by?

[@romeo.3472]

You did your boy a dirty there. 🤣 Also was that Master of Puppets I could hear?

[@noops9220]

6:10 you know there’s a name for chest hills…

[@kevinpatrickcarey3741]

tiny mountains

[@elisabetracing]

Ok you are probably one of the most skilled miniature painter I have seen on youtube but you are allso the reason I dont touch my miniature with paint cause I am to scared

[@timcawley1632]

This was helpful, what would have been nice was a single example of each point with a side by side of a thing done wrong with it done correctly beside it, preferably on the same miniature. (or a before/after fixing the mistake) Saw a bit of this in the first example, would have been nice to see more.

[@lanty693]

love ya

[@clubskitzhardstyle]

im not a good painter at all im just getting into it but i can say when doing highlights to point for the first point his making starting with a darker tone, then adding a lighter source into it blending it and slowly doing that up until you get to white or near white is how you make a good blend so deep blue then add touch of white adding grading effect of blue then add more as it goes to the lighter source then adding more and more or what ever colour you are blending it with

[@manosslt965]

and Harry potter in the role of Squarry Squarespace! love it.

[@billdefranza4927]

Hey, that square space and got me thinking... Lucas has a strong resemblance to Weird Al.

[@SquidmarMiniatures]

A little short hair

[@daniellogue8365]

You do the best ads on the Internet

[@autumnridge5541]

How would you go about solving the cape issue? Highlighting all the segments which look at the light the same?

[@lagoondragoon]

Such good stuff here, took NMM monochrome challenge on 4 minis with some of the easiest of colors, Yellow, Pink, Teal and Purple - not very easy as it turns out - with myriad liminal surfaces stacked upon stacks, well that took ages to get to look like anything so yeah could have taken something easier and have less masochism fun at it? I think I lost my point somewhere in that sentence. Anyhow currently practicing the chop methods to get some real fast wins on some speed paint designed boardgame minis but that discourages you to higlight as the speedpaint kinda does it already, its more like selectively shadowing to not make everything so flat

[@iBeKev]

Hey Squidmar, I really like your channel and all your videos. I am starting into warhammer and you've been a great resource. One thing I've noticed is that you regularly spraypaint indoors without any masks on. I'm assuming either your room is well ventilated or some other reason it's safe? Can you elaborate? Thanks!

[@NathanTerrell-dj9jm]

I’ve drank the wrong mug countless times💀

[@MrShidimaOne]

Damn, Lucas is ribbed! :D

[@jasoncoleman1499]

“Your reign has…” say that three times fast

[@Illyclone]

I really enjoyed this video. I think the title was a bit misleading to the actual kinda guiding content you gave. I don't mean that it was a bad title, but others have done stuff like this with this kind of title and the content of their "Mistakes" was bad. You gave real problems people have and solutions, Idk. This video feels more impactful than the title suggests.

[@torn.blue.sky101]

Totally worth watching to see Emil touch himself up in public. Top content!

[@capawalk655]

Really great video I’m painting a kommando ork kill team soon and I’ll be rewatching this for tips. Also resubed I don’t know why but KZbin likes to unsubscribe you from a channel if you haven’t watched in a long time so I would remind your viewers because they’ll still get your videos in their feed without being subscribed.

[@OldManRogers]

5:43 Emil is just rubbing himself...

[@donald9377]

A mistake i see in some models that want a grim and dark feel type of model in a battle scene. having too much extra pain( IE red for blood) on the model and nuln oil being spread thicker on the model and not evenly for the desired effect. You can have the battle scene of a marine in dirty armor but you need to know what paint's work well for the desired effect .