Inside Siege Studios! Commission painting Warhammer

[@thepaintingphase]

Head to squarespace.com/thepaintingphase to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code thepaintingphase

[@eiszapfenkobold]

uh a big sponsor, nice nice. ;)

[@nickwake5484]

"Art is a big word for 3 letters".... fudge, who knew Geoff was so profound. Thats a keeper.

[@thelonelybolter8245]

I think Sick Patrick should become a recurring character (in additional to Healthy Patrick) just for the add spots. Comedic gold.

[@charliekirkpatrick695]

Patrick, Herald of Nurgle

[@thepaintingphase]

You mean you want more of my country file inspired make a wish adverts? 😂

[@thelonelybolter8245]

@@thepaintingphase came for the podcast, stayed for the random couch and GRAVITAS.

[@forest2304]

@@thepaintingphase Definately! best shoot was the castle, wavy hair shot.

[@ElAhrem]

​@@thepaintingphaseonly missing Robbie Williams' Angels playing over the top in a big swell! 🤣

[@star_wars_miniatures]

Love that quote!! “Art is such a big word for only 3 letters!”

[@richardmacpherson7647]

Geoff, Please Never Stop Telling Army Stories.

[@carlstanford7607]

Pats ad is brilliant and Geoff’s stories are great

[@campfire_minis]

Loved the professionalism of James, it is so obvious to the viewer that he has put his heart and soul into Siege Studios. Great episode gents, hoping that Pat gets well soon!

[@picassawi5578]

Great interview, nice to hear all the caviats of running a painting studio. I've started comission painting full time nearly two years ago (and I'm Peachy's age, well couple months older actually). It was the best decision of my professional life to quit my normal job, but to be honest, it has been a completely different experience then I expected. It's absolutelly impossible to put hobby and comission painting side by side cause those are completely different things. I have had a few things that really surprised me, the biggest one being that during those two years I've only had a few days off, painted hundreds of minis and terain pieces and only a few days ago I received my first GW comission. It's also the hardest job I've ever had, but at the same time the best one. Geoff - a podcast without army and barber shop stories wouldn't be the same ;) Patrick - if I didn't have a website, I would be sold by your add ;) Cheers

[@accountnamewithheld]

Caveat not Caviat. Educate yourself

[@thepaintingphase]

The only person here who needs any education is you, wind your neck in. - Peachy

[@RealJA1904]

Jeff! You hit the nail on the head when it comes to Appointments at the Barbershop. I’ve been trying explaining it to clients for years 😂

[@patriarch7237]

It works for nurseries as well. Take your children out for a week's holiday? They aren't going to fill those places for that week, so you still have to pay full whack.

[@dadnlad40k]

Thought we'd already dropped a comment :/ It's a great episode and Siege has a big place in our hobby hearts with their studio artist Nick very generously painting a miniature for Lad in that testing year of 2020. James clearly has a great mindset for building a nurturing business and it'd be awesome one day to see Miniature Artist Apprenticeships being a thing. Great chat between the 3 of you.

[@adamcooper1644]

Please, please, please do a little video series on learning to airbrush. I bought one a year ago had about 3 attempts at using it. I got so fed up of cleaning it 10 times more than I actually used it for painting that I’ve hardly used it and it’s just sat gathering dust

[@thepaintingphase]

Highly recommended broadsword wargaming, I believe they have one. We'll do one at some stage I'm sure.

[@raviahmad9903]

The discussion on commissions and pricing was so interesting- its similar in the knitting and quilting hobby. People are constantly telling me to do commission knitting and then I explain materials and paying myself minimum wage and they’re amazed by how time intensive it is to produce something beautiful by hand. There’s a lot of self-exploitation in those hobbies where people constantly underpay themselves.

[@minipaintermatt]

Especially when the artists are as skilled as they are at siege. It’s not cheap but you can get truly incredible model from them, from painting to custom models

[@eiszapfenkobold]

And a lot of exploitation from outside putting pressure on young people that they can t hobby for themselves, they have to make profit from hobbies :(

[@grimmriffer]

Peachy thinking 200 minutes is 2 hours probably wouldn't help his hourly rate....

[@hickdead6188]

Someone who runs a business where they care for the well being of the people they work with, can we have more of these, pleeeeeeeeease

[@terminator572]

Amen, we need more of those everywhere

[@CrimsonTusk]

I'm self employed team of 1, and my boss is a right arsehole 😂

[@cantabrian1009]

@@CrimsonTusk 🤣

[@robert2pkt0]

@Geoff - Please never stop to tell your army stories ❤

[@joshuaboyle7585]

Agreed

[@joejones3387]

Probably missed this from an earlier podcast but what regiment did you serve with - coming from an ex soldier just curious

[@mattevarnish7455]

So this whole video/conversation was amazing, but that ad spot though 👨🏻‍🍳💋

[@charliekirkpatrick695]

Cracking episode as always, very insightful (missed you though Pat!). Also can attest to how much of a nice and professional guy James is., top man 👍

[@TomCatchesides]

Great interview, I love finding out how things work behind the scenes. Congratulations to James for building Siege Studios!

[@SiegeStudios]

Thanks a lot Tom, I really appreciate the kind words!

[@khromas5392]

Great conversation as always gentlemen. Definately want to shout out Patrick for the Squarespace ad, that was beautiful footage sir!

[@richardthomas5134]

I went on a air brushing course with James last year, it was excellent

[@rugbymeat]

A great video, really enjoying seeing a businessman come on and talk about his side of the industry.

[@Nigelius]

I can’t stop thinking about Pat astral projecting his way around Britain, maybe he’s in the room with me right now?! I wish.

[@thepaintingphase]

International travel next!

[@tomgauntley]

ngl that was best square space sponser vid I've ever seen 🤣 respect

[@SiegeStudios]

I was gutted he was ill for the interview but seeing the advert it paid off haha!

[@thepaintingphase]

Country file ain't got nothing on me!

[@ComradeBozzey]

Absolute amazing podcast fellas. What a credit to the hobby community and business world James is. So grounded and realistic in his approach to both while being fair and ambitious. Fantastic insight into commission painting as well. Top episode !

[@huwtindall7096]

My god the squarespace ad was amazing. I don't have anything to sell and don't need a website but I'm still tempted.

[@PhilipTosh]

I’ve been saying for years “you can be absolutely lovely, while being awful at your job, and be amazing at your job but still be a knob” so nice to hear Peachy has a similar view

[@INK_addict]

oooh those sprinkled cookies look good! Nice Episode as always Guys. James seems to be a really cool Guy!

[@joshuaboyle7585]

Geoff, I never served in the military but I still love your army stories. I would love an episode of just you telling army stories. 🤘

[@eiszapfenkobold]

oh yes while painting some oldschool military miniatures.

[@richardmacpherson7647]

I'd throw my hat in to that ring

[@timothykittelstad]

This is such a good interview. Thank you so much for this guys. I have a business and sales background and stumbled into this hobby 2 years ago and almost immediately got asked to do commissions and they haven’t stopped since. So hearing this conversation has really helped me learn this “niche of a niche” a little more!

[@Mr_Stuey]

Excellent chat. Really interesting and a very likeable guy. Agree 100%, it is a trade and should never feel bad about charging for your time when your time as a skilled professional is a valuable commodity, I worked for myself for years as a gas engineer before being on the other side of the desk now and the labour I charged was because I offered a specialist service and am skilled in what I do. Really impressed in creating a happy place to work and wanted the right personalities for the job over just skill. Good luck for the future, sounds like you're flying!

[@wokehammer40k]

Really nice hearing James' perspective on commission painting and mini painting as a whole. Big fan of Siege's stuff.

[@TinBearStudios]

I attended an Essentials Master Course by Siege Studios last year and it was such a good experience, the guys are so knowledgable (shout out to Ed and Matt!) and I learned so much over the 2 days which has served me since. Really cool hearing from James and how things started.

[@thepaintingphase]

Jealous, that sounds excellent.

[@josephbradshaw2825]

@@thepaintingphase I'm really wanting to attend one of these. Have a friend going to one in July. Just can't spare the cash for the stockport one currently :)

[@SiegeStudios]

Great to have you on a class, Ed & MAtt said it was a great one so a big thanks for the super humbling and kind words! Glad you took a lot from it and it helped with your painting!

[@TinBearStudios]

@@thepaintingphase Was a lot of fun 😊

[@TinBearStudios]

@@SiegeStudios It was great 😊

[@hongkongphooey1388]

Another great show, thank you, gents, and very interesting with how many points raised from all perspectives of siege and painting.Pat advert was hilarious, especially after realising he wasn't in a model village 😅

[@mikespaintedminis5100]

ive only just started the video but i have never seen anything from siege studios that didnt blow my mind, their artists are incredible

[@Bunyip_Studios]

great show with James, 200% agree with him about treating mini painting as a proper job, I've been fighting the same fight for years as well, will also be applying shortly

[@alanshroue7]

James always comes across really well, hes a great ambassador for the hobby and painting.

[@matthewmorgan1779]

I was playing a game whilst watching this, but I think I physically watched the most during the Squarespace ad just because it was so good haha.

[@danspencer1281]

I painted a couple of Blood Bowl teans for a freind as a present. I was satisfied with the end result ( i am a proudly medicre painter) and they were very happy with them but i did not enjoy it at all. I felt so much more pressure than painting for myself. So all credit to you for being able to do it professionally.

[@bigsmiles768]

lmao that is the best ad I have ever seen for squarespace and it was just a quick slot you made while doing other things. Absolute artist.

[@GermanNightmare1976]

Get well soon, Patrick, even if it means losing the gravelly voice. As for the rest of you chaps, another delightful interview, can't believe how time flew. You've got something going there, and I'm always happy to hang out with y'all!

[@Stuweatherman]

It's funny listening to the comments on time. Reminded me a lot of the value when i was djing. Most people only saw the value of the hours you were playing not the many extra hours in prep leading up to that couple of hours. Having a good skill takes time to develop.

[@mikee6301]

Another solid show and yet again another amazing guest. Loving the format and the banter!

[@AubLambe]

Great episode! Got a lot out of this talk, and it was cool to hear from Siege.

[@Lfcsweden-n5m]

The quality of the videos and the guest makes this the absolute best warhammer content out there. Awsome synergies between the hosts and also they get the guests involved in such a professional way, awsome work and top entertainment 😍

[@volkarve]

James touched on an interesting concept regarding picking up miniatures. I also have a personal rule that I always ask permission before picking up someone else's work.

[@patriarch7237]

Likewise, i think it's the polite thing to do. And I agree with the point that its often hard to pick up a GW model by its base.

[@dukecoull9016]

Great video, like the focus on the business side of things, it’s people’s hard work at the end of the day. Will add, gone through Siege Studios for a purchase, can say that the customer service was fantastic and James is a gent, much appreciated, definitely recommend 🤟

[@silverfoxracing1124]

I think this is my favourite video yet (apart from the god that is Bob Naismith)…this is so so informative and just a bloody fascinating look at an aspect of war gaming that is still quite new - keep up the great work all 😊

[@WePaintMinis]

Great to see another metalhead.

[@Gilhooly40k]

Greatest add ever! Loved seeing it was a nice break from the normal ones 😍😍 a great episode lads!!

[@BigBlueLuke85]

Thoroughly enjoyed that convo. I feel like I learnt a lot from it and it’s nice to put a name to the company too. Siege’s work is incredible. Off to practice my brush stroke pressure management now 😂👍 Great work lads. Also Pat, absolutely love those shots that’s a fantastic square space ad

[@teessidetyrants1989]

Another great video. Great to hear James's story. Very inspirational, making a company from nothing and making it into a success. Tip of the hat to you sir.

[@defdaz]

James is such a professional. Top man.

[@peterosullivan2669]

Great Episode and Guest :)

[@akohgrey]

This is rapidly becoming one of my main 'background painting listens', awesome work and excellent interview, with some great insights.

[@joepeat01]

Great interview as always with a top quality guest. I cant recommend the The Siege Studios group training courses enough. Whatever level painter you are, you will learn loads on this course and I would guarantee your painting will improve as a result, five stars!

[@Frantik33]

I was waiting for this. Jame's blood angels for HH was my inspiration when i got my age of darkness box

[@SiegeStudios]

Thanks matey! Glad you like my Angels and it's super humbling knowing you based yours on mine! Would love to see some photos! James / Siege

[@BlackBearThirtyFive]

This podcast is really good. Thank you.

[@JC.Denton.]

Finally we see the face behind the voice of siegestudios. Top lad

[@pandaemoniumminiatures]

A lovely interview :)

[@simonarnold3252]

I think commission painting, be it simple army's or high end pieces is really undervalued. I've no experience of doing it myself but I do know the time, effort and skill it takes to paint my own miniatures let alone the ability professional painters have. When I saw peaches commission video where he was aiming to make roughly ten quid an hour I couldn't help but feel the rate was too low for someone of his talent and it was a real eye opener with regards to the challenges of being a pro commission painter. Fair play to you guys in the profession making it work!

[@simonarnold3252]

Forgot to mention, I'm a massive fan of siege studios work. Top notch!

[@ArnieD3]

Another fantastic show with a great guest. Loved this interview - it was fascinating to listen to James talk about his craft.

[@GabeSwart]

"the problem with art is its such an enormously big word for only 3 letters" BRAIN EXPLOSION!!! :O Well said!!!

[@tonydiep6415]

Haha. Hair grows out and “looks like Saturn” feel you my bro. 😢😂 Fantastic interview

[@thepaintingphase]

🧑‍🦲👍

[@LakeyWargames]

Fantastic show guys!! Been following the beautiful models that come out of Siege Studios for sometime now and it's been awesome to have a little peak and insight into what it takes behind the curtain and hearing of it's growth and views on the industry from the inside! :)

[@simonpark843]

Excellent video. It's good to get an insight into the details of the industry itself.

[@BecauseOfDragons]

I thought your discussion on criticism was pretty fascinating in particular (the whole vid was a good chat). I always come from the point of view of being nice to someone who has spent the time painting a miniature, regardless of whether or not it's of a high standard or not. If they've gone "hey I thought this was cool" then I am all onboard for going "yeah dude, this is excellent and I like this and this" and focus on the positives. Obviously, as you say - if someone wants meaningful criticism, I'll give it, but usually someone has put a LOT of time into something and I always like trying to celebrate that :)

[@warbossd]

Great video. Like most older hobbyists I've dabbled with commission work but like many dropped it due to unrealistic client expectations.

[@Patrollo93]

incredible ad read Pat

[@MiniatureRealms]

This was great. I’ve been a commission painter for a number of years, and it’s really good to hear it being talked about this way.

[@PictishMiniPainting]

Came to watch the boss on telly, stayed for the amazing squarespace ad! haha

[@vaderkoshpaints]

Outstanding as always gents. Very much a pleasure to learn and watch. And Peachy, Legion is best 😅. Need to see you paint up Ewoks when they come out later this year!

[@stargazingkiwi]

Patrick, I usually skip ads, but your tour of the English countryside with the cinematography of the Great British Bake Off was unmissable. Squarespace you sly dogs!

[@thepaintingphase]

Cumbria is my homeland, it's lovely. Every shot was taken in a 10 minute drive from my mum's, mental!!

[@gperson3788]

My mate told me a quote he got for a rank and file model at gold standered, from siege studios. The quote he got was about 5 years ago. I was, shocked by how high it was. Dread to think how much it would be now! 😂 😂

[@thesigmaritepainter7803]

Wonderful video! Learned alot.

[@walt_man]

Some really good tips in here about painting, brush control and practice and feedback. Will commission someday!

[@conanlucas6183]

Really appreciated the insight, as a commission painter myself it's always good to hear from other painters

[@almost_zab]

Fine arts, that's what good miniature painting is. Trouble is people don't want to pay for it. They go well your price is too high, no my price is based on my skill and experience and time, not your perception of what it's worth. Some one can do it cheaper, good hire them, see what you get. I can't be a commission painter cause I won't "paint down" and I would lose money. I really respect the ones who can paint to a brief and stick to it. It's a discipline.

[@komma8203]

Kimera is doing a kickstarter now, and in that kickstarter is the kimera wetpallet, and it is supposed to be the biggest on the marked, it also got vents to let air in if you want when its closed, worth checking out, also there is 12 new colors, and the 12 new colors from last time is also available, they are not retail yet

[@CadiasFinest]

I used to watch a commission painter called "BuyPainted" , a really talented painter with a thick Eastern European accent. I love his imperial guard videos. He last uploaded in 2015. Cruxterminatus" is also really good

[@MrGilmo88]

James and his team are amazing! They deserve all to charge whatever they deem correct. Their work is beautiful art. I'm just too poor with the exchange rate and my Aussie Dollary-doos to get any hahaha

[@gaminginmymomsbasement]

Commission painting is 100% Skilled labor. I am so glad he said he considered it a trade. I've done some commissions and i always feel like i have to justify my prices. You cant get the time you spend back. Amazing episode gents.

[@Winter420]

almost spit my coffee out at the 'looks like saturn' comment

[@larrywagner1432]

Fantastic interview! But can we talk about the cinematics of the ad? Cheers! 🖌

[@thepaintingphase]

What do you want to know? 😂 - Pat

[@jordanknapp7757]

As a spark I class really nice work as art, you see 50 cables run and terminated perfectly and it’s hit the same notes as a really nice model for me

[@jaqssmith1666]

grey-green is the patrician choice for base rims. specifically Vallejo's "Heavy Grey".

[@shorelessskies]

James' old band is called Tides of Virtue if anyone is curious.

[@serdna96]

I was looking for this, thank you!

[@TheHobbyCorner]

great show once again. tons to take away. especially as I find myself lacking in motivation to get things done. If I treated my channel as a business with a fraction of this dude's professionalism the sky would be the limit! BTW sick Pat gets an A* for that production. It was like a BBC documentary lol 🤘😎🔥

[@scottnewman9828]

Great show guys. Great to learn more about starting commission painting.

[@ATOMTAYLOR]

I really enjoyed this, so much info. Thanks chaps. ;)

[@LukeGeaney]

This was an awesome video and a much appreciated follow up to that commission painting one! Was Peachy really making £10 an hour at GW? The UK living wage is £10.42 XD

[@NunnanAgda]

Shokran - Supreme Truth is a great... i dont know maybe technical, melodic, deat and or metalcore band with egyptian theme music. So freaking good!

[@PatrickCharliePrice]

Never have I wanted to see more adverts - emotional and beautiful Patrick

[@Bhaalg0rn]

let me just chip in and say that, instead of a Tupperware, I found large ferrerro rochet boxes to do amazing wet pallets (caveat emptor: they are not airtight of course (but I never had an issue with paint going bad ))

[@Evilminiature]

Love this interview, and I would love to work for a person like James. Seems superchill and focusing on making siege a good workplace. Just two issues, no GD level painter and living in Sweden xd

[@Xafilah33B]

Interesting discussion about professionalising (?) miniature painting. Lots of trades offer vocational qualifications where they demonstrate their skills - I wonder if GW could (would?) support a 16+ qualification at a Nottingham College in miniature sculpting and painting? My daughter is doing a GCSE equiv Engineering course which covers design of ‘things’ as well as building ‘things’

[@jinofthesheep]

Omg the advert!!!!

[@wardaddyminiatures]

Really interesting chat 👍

[@Dagenham_Swish]

Non hobby related item that I absolutely swear by is rizlas, they are perfect for excess glue cleaning as they don't leave fluff like kitchen roll does

[@ashmac3362]

The answer to me technique question was brilliant and something i never even thought about so thank you

[@kevinsheppard507]

Thank you for this video. A little over 2 years ago I started doing commission work for gamers in my local game store. Over this time frame my client count continues to keep growing. I started it as a means to pay for my hobby while I get more experience. Now my full-time job is becoming something that I dread going to and am considering going full-time with my painting. I have had my concerns about increasing my prices since it will be my primary source of income. However, talking to most of my clients they seem willing to pay whatever I choose to charge. If I had one question to ask for James or Peachy, how did you find the transition to full-time artist go for you?

[@Grithertime]

Miniature paint is a trade, as much as any craftsman is making something, Quilt, wooden chair etc.