Sculpting every Historical Miniature EVER: Chatting to Paul Hicks

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

8:23 When I was doing my Squad Leader training (GW Store Manager) in 2000-2001 it was widely acknowledged that the number one selling army in many stores was the same one the manager painted.

[@tjv2446]

I’ve noticed as well that the least popular factions are more widely accepted in stores where managers or staff actually collect the models. I’m looking at you T’au (glares at 3000 points of unpainted T’au on my work bench).

[@WoodImp]

Always the highlight of the week these

[@Natura1Wyrm]

Worked with Paul at the Plaza. As great a sculptor as Paul is, he's an even better bloke.

[@jimuxb1985]

Paul! He was the manager of the GW store I went to as a youngun! Top manager plenty of advice given by him during his time there. So glad he is doing well! His painting was an inspiration.

[@alexhamilton6188]

The guy is a legend, I think.I met him at Kingston gaming club in 1999 but were temporarily in Richmond. If its him had a stunning Dogs of War army and complimented me on my Bretonnians for their closeness to a 100 year historical army. He suggested I should take up historicals, I did and Im still doing the 24 years later. Been buying his scuplts for years now without knowing it was him until I put two and two together from this video. On the other hand it might be my now ropey memory 😂 So thank you Paul!

[@Nemy26]

Unexpectedly deeper interview than i expected and also unexpected crossover with the We have ways podcast! Thank you for tackling a tricky subject with your usual humour and warmth guys. Far better than some other KZbinrs imho.😊

[@stevesandford1437]

I was once at 'SALUTE' where it was advertised that Paul Hicks was doing a sculpting demo... Seeing him sitting at a desk with this Italian gentleman, I sat in... I asked loads of questions and chatted away... For an hour... Paul had supplied the Italian Chap with an armature, sculpting putty and various tools as he demonstrated his technique... (It TURNED OUT that he WAS INDEED doing a sculpting demo, but it was a 'One on One' thing where you had to actually pay a fee for an hour's exclusive tuition!!!) Both Paul and his customer/client were too polite to tell me to 'bugger off'!!!! At the end of the hour, (during which time the Italian gent had made a pretty good stab at crafting a 28mm Medieval Bowman) the Italian chappie shook Paul's hand and left. I stayed... Paul Hicks rather awkwardly explained that he had another PAYING customer/client due and that he preferred to work with one person at a time and that I SHOULD PROBABLY PISS OFF!!!! He was really nice about it!!! (I was fucking mortified...) xx SF

[@paulhicks8238]

Always got time for you Flashy. 😂

[@stevesandford1437]

@@paulhicks8238 I remember this vividly because I was about 40 Minutes In before I realised that this was a 'personal tutorial' that this Italian chap, (his wife, as I remember!!!) had bought as a gift for him... (The clues were all there... The other chap was sculpting and I WASN'T!!!!) BY THEN I was already chatting happily with both men and IT WOULD HAVE BEEN RUDE to simply get up and leave... (As I say, both were too polite to tell me to bugger off!!!!!) It was only after the other chap left the table that Paul Hicks gently explained what the deal was!!!! (I was genuinely embarrassed...) On quite another (less funny!!!) level it was amazing to watch Paul work and teach. 'SEEING IT DONE' right in front of you is a real 'eye opener'... (There are basic techniques HOWEVER it takes A REAL ARTIST to create the kind of minis Paul routinely produces...) Detail, Character, Animation, Extensive Research and a real 'feel' for the 'look' of the subject... I've been painting/collecting 28mm for over 40 years but Paul's creations are among my favourite ranges ever... (IWI, SCW, Indochina/Viet Nam, Victorian Afghan Wars, WWII and others...) Again, it's about character... He seems to be able to capture 'THE LOOK AND FEEL' of actual serving soldiery in a specific campaign or historical setting... (They look the part...) Amazing talent... xx SF

[@ianbailey459]

What a genuinely decent bloke! His WW1, WW2 and Vietnam sculpts for Empress Miniatures are just superb! 👍

[@BecauseOfDragons]

Paul Hicks is a legend - absolutely love the sculpts he has done for various companies over the years. His work on The Barons' War range is just brilliant. Great to see him on the show :)

[@JakeStaines]

From what I recall, Geoff was probably thinking of the battle of Crécy (under Edward III), right near the beginning of the Hundred Years' War; often considered the battle that signalled the "death of chivalry" as the English used dishonourable tactics like "taking a position of advantage", "letting the enemy do stupid stuff", "trying to kill the people on the other side" and other such underhanded behaviour. This was the battle where some aging blind king strapped himself to his mates' horses so he could take part in the fight only to actually get dragged to the floor and impertinently murdered! Like a peasant!

[@MiniatureRealms]

Excellent stuff, lovely to see historical miniatures covered.

[@NickMeredith]

Excellent session. Fascinating to hear from one of my favourite historical miniature designers/ sculptours.

[@sumpworks5122]

We had our flooring done in our kitchen recently and one of the flooring company's former employees had a similar story to Paul's. Hes now one of the 'eavy metal painting team at GW after the flooring company basically said "follow your dreams"!

[@kscott2655]

One thing I love about Reaper Miniatures. The sculpter is always credited on their retail packaging and on their website listings.

[@brickinitLego]

11:14 When Paul and I started work on the Battle Honours WW1 figures I soon realised that he was cut out for the work and I really wasn't! Paul is a machine and when he sits down to sculpt he just knocks it out of the park. I needed hours of prep, visualization and inspiration and all Paul needed was to know what the job was. The sheer number of ranges that feature his models shows how dedicated he is. Nice to hear from you Paul!

[@paulhicks8238]

Cheers mate! You were the one who came up with all the techniques. It was a great coupe of years working side by side.

[@GermanNightmare1976]

When it comes to historical wargaming, I always think of the skit regarding the army adorned with skulls. "Hans, are *we* the baddies?" 😂

[@MrZnood]

I always feel we should see Pat in the intro. More Pat!

[@thepaintingphase]

Can't afford another camera, hopefully getting an office soon where I might be on camera more/be able to fit another chair in the room! - Pat

[@garyjenson1326]

We don't need much Pat. Maybe just random still photos of you on vacation, 12 year old Pat on his birthday, ect whenever you speak.

[@hickdead6188]

​@@thepaintingphaseYou could do a Painting Phase competition, were you take a larger model and all paint separate parts, without seeing what the other are doing, before cluing it all together. Once this uniquely painted model is complete, you could auction it off to the community for camera cash 😁

[@charlesfe]

Years ago I picked up some models at a HMGS event (Cold Wars) in the US at the flea market. The seller told me they were from a company called Footsore Miniatures. My goodness they were fantastic sculpts! I have, since then, I think, acquired a cast of pretty much every single model Footsore has created - from all of the sculptors to include Paul, plus all of the Baron's War lines. Hicks' models, even the ones I have in metal, in 2023 (who is gluing together models in metal in 2023?!), are amongst my favorite. I will make two exceptions for metal models these days: Sean Sutter's Relicblade and Paul Hick's Barons War lines. Most of everything else I 3D print.

[@stupidfrog2205]

Just wanted to say thanks Downloading this to listen to tomorrow while at work; your podcast is one of my most listened to youtube channels (probably THE MOST these last few weeks) Favourite one has been Bob's 2 appearances Cheers guys. I would be a member but changing job this week after sinking financially like a stone.

[@thepaintingphase]

We love Bob, he's literally a living legend. Came into workshop, dropped the mic and made space marines, left. F'ing hero.

[@wildgophers91]

Maybe it's asking for a lot but I'd really love if there were images of what artists make as they talked about them. I don't know what a lot of this stuff is and it'd be nice if there was an image showing them. It'd probably add a TON of work I know :(

[@torros1839]

Paul Hicks is just a company name with 130 people working for it...Its the only way to explain the figure output

[@the_arcanum]

Come on Paul ! Show us the basement where the goblins are working now ! Don't be shy !

[@Unaidedfoot]

Paul was a stellar guest and I’m hoping one day to try bolt action. Keep up the good work everyone.

[@pietrogigliotti8365]

Even if I'm not into historical, it's always great to see and listen to experiences and knowledge from a well know sculptor. Kudos as always!

[@churchoftheairbrush1533]

Made respect and appreciation for Paul. Great inspiration. Thank you for sharing this.

[@tonydotnottingham]

A really interesting interview, thanks Paul!

[@tjv2446]

On Historical war gaming, plenty of FPS video games place you in a random nation aligned with either Axis or Allies when playing on multiplayer. No-one complains about playing Nazis or Japanese Empire soldiers at those times. It's only when they have the intentional financial decision to buy models that people think twice about it.

[@oldKonk]

The legend himself, adore Paul Hicks work.

[@RobbieB2606]

Such a great chat all round. Completing agree on the discussion around detail and posing - I definitely think GW poses now are too dynamic/action-heavy, and more neutral poses actually look a lot better on the battlefield. Also, the knightly order in black with a white cross are the Knights Hospitaller :)

[@curtcleancut]

Was a great video. I didn’t realize who Paul was until I saw this - I’ll keep an eye out for his sculpts! Also very much enjoyed the conversation toward the end around the sort of “ethics” being assigned to historical wargaming as of late. Please keep up with the content and dialogue guys!

[@wokehammer40k]

Glad you got this guy on! Big fan of his work! Love the natural poses that have become his signature!

[@WaylandersWandering]

Spot on... I sold Vampire Counts by the boatload and Thousand Sons themed chaos after I picked both up

[@metaljamminis]

i'm addicted to this show now! keep up the great work guys!

[@thepaintingphase]

We’ll do our best. Two more excellent interviews on the way soon.

[@ChargeBlog]

Great to see Paul Hicks on camera - his WW2 Brits for Empress are unmatched. Also interesting to hear you discuss Ultramoderns for even a tiny amount. It's my main era of wargaming and collecting and I've been writing about it since 2014 - I agree, it's definitely an era which needs a careful touch. I'm actually in the process of working with Flytrap Digital to release a new range called Gunslinger of digitally sculpted for the Ultramodern present/near future, would love to provide more info about them and the genre if you guys were interested!

[@dnorman1717]

That diorama at the army museum is trully special. The room its in has a load of great exhibits from the battle such as the skeleton of napoleons horse and the coat wellington wore on the day. The whole museum is great tbf and free aswell!

[@SgtMaj22]

He introduced himself as a "Miniature Sculptor" but in all fairness he didn't look that small to me....I will show myself out...All Hail the KZbin Algorithm gods!

[@thepaintingphase]

Hahaha! Brilliant

[@brenthartman502]

@@thepaintingphase All depends on your angle LOL 😃😂

[@Granite-ny8up]

Another great interview - thanks Paul

[@nilsvisser4383]

I've studied Jack Churchill's longbow, got to hold it and all. Technically speaking, I was the last man wounded by him, cause when they said, "careful the arrowheads are still sharp" I naturally just had to run a finger along an edge and managed to cut meself, drawing blood.

[@scottnewman9828]

These are the highlight of my week keep them coming guys great work 👍

[@Kuriousape]

Always listen to people wearing a Blue Harvest T..... a sign of a quality mind.

[@minishaw280]

Baby cheesus! Legit laughed so hard I think I damaged my lungs

[@josephspeak6366]

Confrontation was one of my favourite miniature ranges. Never played a game but painted a ton of the stuff. The big wolf men, goblins and the Mid-Nor (I think?) Dwarves were right up my alley

[@martinjrgensen8234]

The Wulfen! Some absolutely fantastic minis

[@hibernate44]

God I love learning the deep lore

[@hickdead6188]

Woohoo! I finally got something printed, after a supports nightmare. Can't wait to listen to this and get it clued and paint 🥳 Its sacled wrong! 😂 Got to reprint it, still gonna paint the first one as i need the practice 🙄

[@johnbruce4004]

Really good interview. Hope that I'll meet you at a stand one day. Baron's War is really neat.

[@Jack-vg7su]

Sat up soothing a 5 day old love your videos always interesting keep me awake and your guests are always awesome

[@UnfocusedHobbie]

That video they are talking about was disingenuous and was virtue signaling... You guys are awesome and i think its amazing how you guys can talk about it like adults and be open and honest with your opinions, keep up the GREAT work ladz!

[@JoeyC777]

Great video and a lovely chap to hear from

[@bora773]

I really missed you guys showing the models he sculpted. You are talking about them, why not take a sec to google it.

[@thepaintingphase]

Sadly it takes a lot longer than a sec to edit it into a video. Sorry. We do, do it, where possible.

[@bumblegoose2463]

Great watch as always - I need more!

[@magaz]

57:24 “baby cheesus” is a nickname I give to my son… although I cross it with ODB’s “big any Jesus” to call him “Big Baby Cheesus”

[@Smilomaniac]

I'm not big into historical minis, but his sculpts are a treat.

[@ziggystardust1798]

To answer Pat's questions about Roman helmets. This is an excellent video on their evolution. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2TVeJ1upZyShZY In summary - there was considerable change in the Roman army throughout their history.

[@thepaintingphase]

I'll take a look at this before general Skywalker arrives!

[@Nigelius]

Speaking about likenesses. Peachy is like the default avatar without any customisation and Geoff and Pat are versions where someone decided to get crazy with the hair options.

[@thepaintingphase]

Best thing I’ve heard today! - Geoff

[@ravenniwolvarious8801]

Great work guys. Could be wrong but think black Tabard white cross was hospitillar.

[@lesliebeilby-tipping6854]

Great to see and hear Paul Hicks and his take on gaming.

[@cantabrian1009]

Instagram informs me that it was Peachy's birthday recently, so belated happy birthday wishes Peachy! Another great chat fellas👍

[@thepaintingphase]

Aww thank you 😍👍

[@banhammer7243]

If Paul was at Harrow in 95 there is a very high chance I met him, used to be there every Saturday. (was also there on the grand opening day with the guys dressed in American football gear.)

[@vincentkilroy1805]

Guys your Videos are class and sweeten up my Monday every week but there is one question When will you touch on the best system GW offers ? Where is that Sweet MESBG content ? Keep up the good work

[@anxiousandworrying1]

I think the subtext that everyone kinda missed about that MWM vid is that he was actively trying to resolve a concern he felt his audience would have by talking about it. And then everyone responded to the par for the course clickbait thumbnail and rather than his much more level headed and positive content of the video.

[@porter-831]

What irked me about it personally was that they kind of applied two different standards to historical vs. sci-fi/fantasy. The Imperium of Man in 40k is super fascist and totalitarian by any current measure but that was basically entirely dismissed "because it's not real" (not saying 40k players are fascist, I enjoy both 40k and historicals myself). But then with historicals suddenly you have to justify the potential political implications of your choice of army? I think they made it a bit too easy for themselves there. And I generally like the content of Midwinter Minis, but it was apparent that they were somewhat out of their depth regarding the topic and historical context in general, especially if you have actually studied history to some degree.

[@thecasualpainter9697]

Best comment of the video. 'Shh baby cheese' 😂😂😂 Geoff is my hero.

[@andrewjamieson7178]

Excellent video, wasn't familiar with Paul's work.

[@brenthartman502]

Great show lads. Aussie show the Sullivans referred to as "Neighbours The war years" LOL Brilliant 😄🤣

[@thepaintingphase]

My only reference for a Aussie soap is neighbours, it's like how the whole of star wars is around the battle of yavin.

[@brenthartman502]

@@thepaintingphase Hang on ... isnt it?? LOL cheers 😃😄

[@brenthartman502]

@@thepaintingphase Isnt it mate ? LOL

[@turtletaub-f9t]

Avatars of War -the Spanish company they were looking?

[@gozewstuffnthings5837]

Having worked for GW retail after leaving the Army ... I wish I didn't leave the army. Some weird protocols.

[@gozewstuffnthings5837]

Also, I left in 2016 (combat medic), i'd still play games based on afghan.

[@DarkerDaysRadio]

Geoff - the alchemical faction was Dirz. I have a whole load of them.

[@GeoffSavory]

They are an awesome faction. Thanks for the reminder.

[@robbyv101]

I want to work in wood flooring! Paul seems like a top bloke.

[@porter-831]

I'm a bit into Roman reenactment, so regarding the Roman discussion around 1:02:40, in the wargaming world Romans miniatures are kind of roughly divided into three main timeframes: Republican (roughly Punic Wars to Caesar/Fall of the Republic), Imperial (1st-2nd century AD) and Late Roman (sort of Migration era). But in reality the change in fashion and equipment was a lot more nuanced and gradual and there are a lot of things that I wish were represented in miniatures, but aren't. It varies a bit from timeframe to timeframe, since we don't have an equal amount of archeological finds and depictions for all timeframes, but many cases we can nail down the typical style of equipment to within a couple decades or the reign of a specific Emperor. Though there is often some spill-over of slightly older equipment still being in use as well. And Geoff is correct, some units (especially auxiliary troops) would very much be equipped according to their local fashion and fighting style. The Romans also weren't quite as uniform as is often thought. Within the same unit the equipment was more or less the same in function, but beyond a certain baseline each soldier could purchase his own equipment and it was often decorated according to personal taste and wealth. It is also theorized for example, that shield decorations may have been specific to individual units for identification. There is at least one passage of writing from, I believe, Caesar's Civil Wars that supports this. So yeah, it basically is very much a similar situation to Clone Troopers with different variants for different times and also a lot of individual customization being plausible, just over a thousand years or so instead of three. Sorry for the slight rant, but I'm very much into the topic. 😄

[@thepaintingphase]

Rant away! We love it and it’s super informative so thanks.

[@MonstrousPigments]

You guys mentioned 'The Sullivans' and now I've got flashbacks to my mum watching that and 'Sons & Daughters' in the late 80s/early 90s. What a weird memory to get triggered!

[@nathandbeal]

Great interview chaps, at kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYeTcmeDmNVlg7M it was the Falx - big choppy curved blade on a stick kinda thing. Peachy was fairly close with falchion (not the same at all, but similar shape and sound so i totally get why he thought that and corrected himself)

[@Bunyip_Studios]

When I was in the TA, Queens/PWWRR, we had a guy that when we was in camp he'd put everything in the one dish, dinner, pudding the lot! And scoff the lot. Disgusting!!

[@thepaintingphase]

Horrific!

[@Michael_479]

Hi guys great interview, I think kathy millatt would be a great guest to get on the show as well.

[@conanlucas6183]

saw historical thought you'd got the Perry's lol. this is still awesome though love his work. napoleonics always :)

[@BecauseOfDragons]

Also nice nuanced response to the historical wargaming discussion towards the end. Think it hit the nail on the head. Good show chaps.

[@MijMike]

Honestly awesome stuff as always guys

[@SDavies2010]

Great episode guys 😊 I have a non related question. Do you have any plans to cover varnishing models? I can’t seem to find a good video.

[@OldNightTavern]

I get it’s a harder subject for peachy to want engage with in regards to him being friends with the girl from MWM but I’m glad Paul brought up the video about playing as ze Germans

[@spacewolfdazzel4279]

Harrow gw was the first store I went to

[@torros1839]

Mediveal knights were ransomed for huge fortunes if captured. Many nobles bankrupted the families paying to be released. It's why King John of France died in the Tower of London after being captured at Poitiers

[@totalyruben]

I think theres something to be said about making a miniature by hand ive tried using software before and it was so frustrating to use but with that its so easy to just trim this or push that bit add this or draw this out, Id love to make my own mini from using green stuff

[@Domstar75]

Double break made me laugh 🤣🤣🤣 Legend.

[@peterfiser]

24:00 they are talking about this: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantograph

[@torros1839]

When Paul mentions Cry Havoc did he mean the old Standard Games boardgame?

[@TonyStrongman]

Excellent!

[@dougpridgen9682]

You should interview Warhipster!

[@mrogface]

I might have spent a tonne on the barons war stuff during watching this interview. Great characterful sculpts.

[@thepaintingphase]

Yeah they are fantastic, I need to get on and paint mine

[@mrogface]

@@thepaintingphase Yea, i picked up the robin hood fellas and a mix of other stuff. Going to be lots of browns and greens i guess

[@optimaximal]

Blue Harvest Represent!

[@duncanmurray3625]

Should try hot buttered crumpits , spred green or red pesto and topped with cheese

[@abcdodd]

Dacian Falx, but I expect you may also mean the Rhomphaia; 2-handed long...."scythe shaped blade" or "reverse sabre"

[@popcorngenerator1925]

Never had marmite, but a thin spread of vegimite on hot buttered toast is 👌

[@StephHudson-s9w]

Not Templar but maybe Hospitaller? The cross thing you were on about...

[@thepaintingphase]

Yeah that sounds right, cheers

[@donutbarbell]

Why you not putting this on Spotify (or similar) yet? It’s super simple to upload

[@thepaintingphase]

Well we usually put both Spotify and apple play, probs Pat hasn’t had chance yet 👍

[@simonb7711]

Pot noodle sandwich….meal Of champions

[@nathanbuxton3271]

Love the podcast

[@nathanbuxton3271]

I like the sound of Paul’s orcs as well. Cool to have design principals led by a concept like the one he described.

[@tjv2446]

I'm still salty about my 2000 points of Beastmen and 3000 points of Wood Elves being discontinued for no reason.

[@anxiousandworrying1]

if you lads have a rifleman peach the people demand a real Sharpe style melodrama as a batrep.

[@edwindrood2816]

Nice guy

[@Ksennie]

"Just because I paint Orcs doesn't mean I want to see the world of men burn" - to be fair, you did not clarify that you DON"T want to see the world of men burn, either, Mr. Peach!

[@thepaintingphase]

Boom, sir, we got him 😎

[@bubbadoom1837]

Churchill was awesome.

[@hickdead6188]

Paul is adorable

[@ernstbergerbrent]

So is this flooring company hiring? I'm willing to relocate. Lol

[@garyjenson1326]

This, very British civil war, sounds great.