Thoughts on Golden Demon - HC 392

In this Hobby Cheating video, I take you through the results of golden demon (I didn't win anything) and why I am done with Golden Demon - and most importantly, why these two things aren't actually related.
#warhammer #goldendemon
0:00 Intro
2:06 Challenges with Golden Demon
15:30 Where am I Going?
17:25 My Favorite Pieces
23:45 Outro
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[@markpatterson766]

15 years ago I thought it would be a no-brainer for gw to sell a thick book of multiple shots of all medallists.

[@em3sis]

I think they would be competing with their own game at that point. They would rather people buy codex's and play the game.

[@dominicparker6124]

Or even just a deluxe white dwarf dedicated to it.

[@em3sis]

@@dominicparker6124 Yeah I like this idea way better. Seems like just free content for them to monetize.

[@SLICK-GLN]

They have done a book like that a thin hard cover over 20 yrs ago.

[@daingore]

A lotta folks don't even play the game but the money generated is just not the same from them

[@briochepanda]

Listening to Vince throughout the weeks commenting on how he just wasn't enjoying painting his entries to GD because it was crushing all the joy out of it was no fun at all. Glad you're casting yourself free of the thing that wasn't bringing joy to your art.

[@NightfallTH]

obviously GD is a trash competition. Where some weak lame a-- boring single Skink brings home the sword. Just laughable.

[@cyclone3711]

You know, when Dirty Steve was the photographer during Games Day when they did Golden Daemon, it didn't matter if it was a clear winner or my complete trash I submitted, I watched as he received each and every model with respect, care, and was careful with each one, no matter what. You could talk to him! He took wonderful photos, and he was part of that team. These were good days, and they (GW) lost their way in this.

[@NightfallTH]

yes, Eff GW. Greedy predatory business

[@thegiantratthatmakesallthe5055]

I loved when they used to show GD stuff in white dwarf, I always dig out my old magazines to look through them, for starters, they had little squares that showed particularly interesting details up close, they also had SEVERAL pages of runner-ups and those were really cool to see. Truly GW has failed the community in this competition.

[@harbl99]

@@thegiantratthatmakesallthe5055 You used to have a couple of issues a year where a dozen or more pages were set aside showcasing all the work in the Top Threes and Honorable Mentions for each category. You could spend hours hashing out with your mates why _this_ and not _that_ deserved First or Second Place in Diorama or Vehicle or Large Monster. It really gave you a sense of what was state-of-the-art in painting and modelling. Last time I saw something like that in WD was a 4 page spread in 2018, and it showcased a total of 7 single figure models.

[@sharlacher8]

If there's one thing that perfectly illustrates your thoughts, it's the clip of you down on your knees talking to that young painter in the beginning of the video. It's hard to put in the work and build up the courage for a painting competition, especially one like golden demon. It should be an event to encourage fellow painters and to continue the passion they have. If you ever decided to organize competitions of your own I'm sure they'd be a big hit if you feel so inclined. I'm sure that kid in the beginning would be thrilled to enter too!

[@gregoryroth5527]

That’s what makes Vince, Vince. Well said.

[@LandoFabrizian]

Vince, Thank you for keeping this Hobby and passion alive. Your dedication and devotion to the Hobby is unmatched and the epitome of selfless service to a community you love. Bravo.

[@xeroxknight]

I always draw some energy/will to paint from watching Vince's videos! :)

[@LandoFabrizian]

@@xeroxknight I also agree:) the journey is almost like a religion 10/10

[@RedGeist]

I'm glad you are able to express yourself so openly and wholeheartedly. I've always looked to you as a mentor and I think you said it in the video, you want to play with and be more bold with light. Last year, that elf bust you painted with multiple light sources; absolutely sensational. I want to see more like that from you, and look forward to you exploring more creative freedom. You can do it!

[@alphap7656]

I can relate. I used to enjoy oil painting on 16 x 20 canvas . But when I started to enter into contest, it just stop being fun altogether. I lost my passion for painting all together. Mini painting has brought back my love for this craft and you have taught me so so much. Glad you have the right perspective on it.

[@sirbobulous]

I cannot *fathom* why they don't have a full, multipicture gallery of every commended/etc. entry for every year. Having a massive backlog of gorgeous art to display on their website, showing the best of their products, the diversity and variety of their hobbyists and creators is...just...madness. That would be SUCH an asset for marketing!

[@sapphon]

Not just a marketing standpoint, But a respect to the artists that carry their hobby and inspire a large group of us to buy and paint there miniatures! it's a shame... To be clear Participation trophies are super lame. But having your hard work showcased to the broader audience. absolutely without a doubt should be happening... NEVER trust the judges! You're awesome man, Keep doing you! @Vince Venturella

[@firesotormlizard01]

Must just be time. I imagine it would take a heap of time and effort to photograph all the entries to a decent level, rather than just the one shot from the one angle. I agree with you, they should pump out the pics for months. But it would just be time and money preventing them

[@sapphon]

Having a small photobooth setup to snapshot each piece as they turn in there pieces and paying a couple people to do it is more then affordable for GW and easily plausible.@@firesotormlizard01

[@erih2934]

I especially don't understand it as the costs to do such photos and the costs of putting them on a website would probably be nothing compared to the costs of the event. I won't go to an event just to see the Golden Demon submissions thus I will never have a chance to see what actually happens there - so for who is GW even bother doing such an event? They don't take full advantage of it, they don't give the artists taking part in it neither exposure nor feedback and we fans also don't see the actual exceptional and inspiring work that was displayed there. So much is wasted from these events it makes no sense when it actually could be improved with such a minor additional investment.

[@FadedRevelation]

I totally agree, they literally sell paint, they'd sell more of that too, and more models to paint with different/custom chapters. Also they could have a field and recognize category entries by hours committed (Tabletop Ready/Parade/Display) and give customers realistic expectations, and also an idea of what's possible and how it was achieved with the artists story.

[@LegionaireSiggi]

I love hearing about what you want out of a contest and I was really happy to see the part of the video we're you were encouraging the young painter and how you were doing it (on their eye level). Thanks for being the hobby hero this community needs.

[@tonylusardi5767]

The great Trovarian Miniatures released a video recently on his own thoughts with competitive miniature painting. It makes a great companion video to this.

[@trovarion]

Hi mum!

[@VinceVenturella]

Trovarions video was indeed awesome. Watched both that and the full stream.

[@tonylusardi5767]

@@trovarion Love all your videos. They always inspire me in my own painting.

[@trovarion]

@@VinceVenturella supporting everyone, even watching stuff he already saw a second time, just to get the watchtime in on both ❤

[@trovarion]

@@tonylusardi5767 thanks bud!

[@maddogmadden23]

You're not the only painter that I've seen express these issues this year. I love your content on KZbin, and my favorite videos of yours are the ones you're passionate about. I can't wait to see more of that content and I'm excited to watch and join in with models and projects that you really enjoy.

[@skimnsurf72]

Wish there was a trophy for your contribution to the hobby and community, if so you'd take home the Slayer Sword. Thank you for helping us all better enjoy the hobby and becoming better painters with each HC video. Also glad you are doing what you love. Hopefully more work like your amazing collaboration with creature caster. Ninjon had similar thoughts, maybe you can create a better competition.

[@S.A.S.H.]

This should be a pinned comment!

[@rockstrongo831]

Thank you for writing this so i dont have to.

[@terrystanley2989]

OH NO......... They'd have to create a brand new trophy........" The Mage's Hand,"

[@derekgarcia3069]

Thank you for your thoughts on the competition. I've heard similar comments from a few people, but not with as much explanation and thought as to how it could be better. There are SO many amazing pieces in that competition every time. I'm not sure I'll ever get to the point I want to do a competition, but I know that many of those rules would definitely leave me feeling a bit down on the whole thing. All that said, it's great to see you so pumped for what comes next, and I know we're all excited to see it come to the channel!

[@michaelsmith3478]

Nicely said Vince. Looking forward to seeing more of your wonderful work. Would love to see a behind the scenes of you judging at another painting Competition.

[@MrLanzac]

Kahas vehicle entry blew me away literally blew my mind…her entries literally re-inspired me to get better at painting and concentrate on finding my own style rather than trying to paint like someone else

[@corytokay9787]

Very well thought out commentary. Looking forward to seeing what pieces your quest for more fun in the hobby brings to the channel :)

[@avery5116]

Nova was my first competition last year, and going out of it I felt nothing but excitement about getting started with my piece for this year. This competition did so well to show me what I was doing well while challenging me to improve. I’ve been very happy to recommend Nova to friends as a way to try out competition painting and challenge themselves to improve. Thank you for your part in that, Vince

[@VinceVenturella]

That is awesome!

[@wittlegoblin]

Glad to see you doing what's doing what feels best for you and I'm happy to hear how excited you are for the future. Getting to see all the entries in person was inspiring, pictures can't do them justice!

[@kingtone3734]

Vince, you receive my GD from me. The joy and love I see in your face when you discuss your love of this hobby and your ability to touch others, including myself, brings tears to my eyes. The closest success I've had with visual arts would be from my elementary paint days at school. While I'm sure my mother and father thought they were fantastic, I never thought much of them. However, today, my painting journey started and will remain to continue with you. You have given me the confidence to believe in myself with I approach painting. I am thankful to be able to leave something so small like a comment on your videos and feel so special to receive something so large as your time to either 'like' my comment, and or even spend a few minutes of your time to answer my beginner's questions. You are truly a joy and I really appreciate all the content you've shared with me. I hope everyday when you look at yourself in the mirror, you take just a second to look at yourself and say, "I make people happy". Thank you for everything.

[@powerfrompaint782]

I found your channel 4 years ago, one year into my hobby return and the amount of Motivation and fun in learning you provide is just incredible, you definitely won my golden teacher competition my man, love your take on this and big shoutout to All your students and painters out there, Grab that brush and go AT it ❤

[@patzuk3463]

A lack of transparency and consistency in a competition undermines its validity. Your models were amazing btw, thanks for making your videos - they have been inspirational and instructive in helping me to develop my skills. Thank you and I can't wait to see what you will be doing!

[@ka5141]

Great video, thanks. It's amazing how in the last few months so many content creators I admire have done a "ok, not just GW anymore" video.

[@DaronSchmit]

Hey Vince! I ran into you at the Mini Hobby Events competition at Gen Con last year, which was super cool! I think that competition is the standard for me as far as mini painting growth is concerned. Thanks for the video! This was a great watch!

[@the_sigil4340]

As a pure spectator of such competition, I am always thrilled to see beautiful minis (even though I rely more on creators themselves on IG and youtube rather than GW own website…) but if the actual process and contest suck so much, I fully understand why one would stop participating ! As long as we still see your work here on this channel, it’s fine :-)

[@catherinekrzan6605]

I was lucky to have Alex paint Jaghatai for me. I agree. A 360 degree photo would have shown the incredible work on the cape. You are a wonderful teacher. One of the best on KZbin.

[@galatician8063]

Their loss & our gain! Looking forward to all that you are now free to explore and enjoy. And yes, as so many others have said, as always, love your passion and sincerity. Thanks for all the joy, knowledge, and wisdom you bring to us. Keep calm and keep on painting minis!!!

[@iOfSauron]

I think that it's great that you are doing what brings you the most joy and I really look forward to learning more from you in the future.

[@xthetenth]

One of the coolest things I've noticed since coming back into the hobby after about ten years away from it is that the hobby as a whole has progressed and the overall level of excellence is, well, excellent. It's great being in a friend group where everyone has stuff they can be proud of and you're excited and impressed by everyone's style. I've painted models light years beyond what I did when I was a teenager, and I get to see and draw inspiration from a bunch of other people executing their own interesting styles and techniques similarly well. I'd love to see a contest that's a celebration of the community's excellence as a whole, because the level of excellence is outstanding. As far as contributing to that, a friend was asking for resources on painting techniques, and you were the first one linked.

[@MetawolfTV]

Glad that you gave us your honest feedback on the competition as a whole. You are a great teacher.

[@VinceVenturella]

I try :)

[@gonzaloornelasjr3432]

Love love your openness about such an event your honesty does not go unnoticed!!!! Keep up your amazing work and teaching I have learned so much watching you and some of the other creators hope our views and continue s views help you understand that your channel and add ins do make a difference in the community!!! Thx homie

[@VinceVenturella]

I appreciate that!

[@docbun]

Hi Vince. I'm actually happy you are choosing this path. I consider that you are a person who tries to shine light around him, and this seems like a very coherent choice. I wish you the best with your steps on the path of the miniature art. I know I'll be watching.

[@ionminiatures]

So many amazing pieces. I can only dream of participating, never mind winning any kind of recognition at all. Have so much work to do to get better. Thank you for sharing, your own pieces were bloody awesome!

[@ScaleCreep]

Hey Vince, It was a absolute Amazing thing to get to meet you and Jon at Adepticon this year. Both of you are big inspirations to me in the hobby. Thank you for taking the time to geek out with a , admittedly, very over-hyped fan. To your point about Contests and certain styles of contests. I am a Military Armor Modeler ( as well Minis and NASA work) and found that I too was not enjoying building entries for contests. Building and painting to someone elses standard sucked all the joy from the project. Its been many years since I have entered a contest for anything. I do this for relaxation, for the joy of creation, for the rush when I improve . Not for the accolades. There are those that do, and I applaud their efforts. Like you , that mode is not for me. Thank you for giving voice to a concern some of us have been feeling. Carry on sir. I will be watching .

[@IzzysIssues]

As always your insight is appreciated Vince. It really inspires me to finally start entering painting competitions. Time to take a stab at Capital Palette! Also wanted to shout out how thrilled I am that hometown hero Oscar Lars placed silver with his Necromunda diorama!

[@qualiarob5951]

Good nugget of wisdom from Mr. S. Lenz and great bucket loads of insight and wisdom from you my good gentlemen, Vincey V. Thank you for your great videos and work and I look forward to whatever you decide to do.

[@kevinhayes517]

Your true love of the hobby shines thru in each one of your videos, and this is no exception. I agree with all your points which you explain clearly and with equanimity……and I will hope that GW listens to your suggestions and implants them. In the meantime, I will find contests that encourage everyone by measuring the entries against a given level of expertise and that encourage judges to provide comments and feedback to the entrants. I have found those 2 processes to be the best positive approaches for what I want in a contest. I hope you’ll be feeling better soon - and thanks again for your insights and suggestions. Looking forward to your upcoming videos!

[@bopaintsminis]

A very mature and insightful argument. Thanks. I agree that painting should be a wholesome and uplifting experience. Thanks for sharing, especially regarding the apparent flaws in judging.

[@Drachenblutt]

Great video! I'm very excited to see the next step in the channel with other brands and scales. I'm always here for the knowledge and not for the GW stuff.

[@Scaran1982]

I can’t even start to understand how you feel about all of this. I was painting last night and was frustrated with my progress from the smallest things. You’re an amazing person and painter, I take great joy knowing I learned a lot from you although sucking at it 😢

[@Veles343]

These are incredible, I don't even know how you'd even begin to paint something like these, just jaw dropping.

[@cosmoceratops]

Life is a series of these sorts of recognitions and the steps taken to address them. Looking forward to what you have planned and hope you feel better.

[@mikebanks4195]

I'll always be on your side... I recently got back into painting miniatures and you tutorial videos, along with other have helped me to find the joy I once had.... Keep it up... All you stuff to me deserves a Golden Desmond award.... Sometimes it's the small flaws that make a piece special anyway special

[@Kay_Drechsler]

It's remarkable how your feedback of the Golden Demon procedure goes hand in hand with the feedback of other fellow youtubers like Ninjon. Please always keep in mind that your work in the miniature painting world goes way beyond the Golden Demon trophy. Your work was one of my main drivers to start painting miniatures again after a 25 year hiatus 3 years ago. To me you are one of the (if not _the_) main tutors to learn from. Your work ethos has a huge impact on my work and how to set up realistic expectations to myself. Your videos help me on countless occasions to push my skill to the next level because you have the gift of explaining complicated painting patterns in easy to understand words.

[@danielkearney1815]

It’s a rare person who can look at their Hobby and be brutally honest with themselves when something isn’t right. Kudos to you for stepping away from something that doesn’t “spark joy”, really looking forward seeing where your path takes you moving forward.

[@Failerist]

You are one the people that have inspired and made other people wanna improve their painting, their hobbying as very very few others. You are a literal hobby hero for so many of us. Sad that you did not enjoy it but you did take the knowledge you needed ir from it as you said. It’s just isn’t for you and that’s completely fine. Can’t wait more of your painting tutorials and learn even more stuff !

[@OlafKievit]

Quite the speech, Vince, thanks for sharing - I understand where you're coming from. Both the process and the contest have to be fun, regardless of whether you win or not. I'm thrilled with the Commendeds I've managed to win at top shows, but the main reasons to attend are to have fun, and to learn, and be energised.

[@clinodev]

Bless. Thank you for being a big part of my painting journey.

[@kevinkelly6524]

This was one of the best hobby videos I’ve watched. Good for you for having the courage to say this. We are having a debate/revolt in the scale modeling world right now between 1,2,3 judging vs. Gold, Silver Bronze judging where each model is judged against itself and whether it makes a standard. Love to hear this

[@traiantulbure3819]

Many valid reasons to not want to partake any more, explained in a well reasoned and respectful way. Thank you for the content you produce. Your painting blows my mind and your videos have motivated me to explore new techniques, and push my painting more than anyone else’s. Ps it would be great to see some pics of your entries, where can one do so?

[@VinceVenturella]

My video just a few weeks back showed all of my entries. :)

[@Rhone007]

I love this video. So well reasoned, thought out & beautifully spoken. Excellent Vince!😃👍

[@ROMANLAPPATMINIATUREART]

Roman: Well, said, Vince!

[@asuranshadow9491]

Look forward to seeing what new things you create. Very well spoken, and very valid points.

[@VinceVenturella]

Much appreciated!

[@AlexanderGiraldez]

Well put points. It’s easy to see your passion for the hobby and community when you speak. Would love to see your take on a circuit.

[@shaunkrogulski9619]

You are an amazing artist I understand all of your critiques. I hope they make changes that allow you to come back. As you prepare for other painting competitions I look forward to you highlighting them and why you are participating and what their road map is.

[@LPP_YT]

Sad to hear we won’t see your work at GD going forward, but totally understand where you’re coming from. In general, st least for me, painting specifically for competition just isn’t fun, or at least diminishes it. I was lucky to pick up a silver last year for a piece a really enjoyed doing an had no notion of competing with. On the other hand, the piece I tailored to GD and really pushed with was a chore towards the end. I learnt to just paint what you love and have passion for, good things will come.

[@multiple_oranges]

All of the models you showed at the end were so incredible, and that Horus diorama made me gasp out loud!! Wow. Unreal talent here. Totally understand your decision not to continue with GD, and thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's got to be about what brings us joy!

[@alancook1053]

Thank you for you Honesty and everything you said. Thank you for the privileged of being on your Patreon!! Don’t know if I will ever paint for a GW store competition. My store experience was horrible. I received no feedback and there was no showing of why the winners won and how the final scores were tabulated. I believe it is the corporate intervention system. Your feedback to me has always been helpful and positive. Thank you!!

[@AndreasPeahc]

Looking forward to see and learn from your new projects.

[@CrazyTom34]

great video vince and excellent points, and those pieces you highlighted were fantastic. I though Cult of Paint's teclis was fantastic, fun to see that in person and also there was a neferata i thought was stunning that got nothing

[@ssreeser95]

Vince, you're one of the people I look up to most in this hobby. I am very excited to see what you have planned next!

[@bunionsandcabbage6764]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Vince! Good insights and can't wait to see your new work.

[@gutssubz8232]

I almost shed a tear when I look at Alexandre Dos Santos' piece. I want to see the back of that cloak sooooo much. Apparently it's done in a Mongolia/Japanese/Chinese type style. I really thought his and Andy Wardle's Glutos were the best pieces but pictures only tell us 40% of the reality of these pieces of art. I'm happy for you that this is your last one and you're at peace with that. You offer so much more than having a GD on your shelf. You're a teacher to many of us and you've kept us in the hobby and allowed us to progress and keep it going. A big thank you.

[@aslbaron1]

That was an amazing miniature! I took a bunch of pics of that one! The detail on the cloak was just unbelievable!

[@spilbobaggins]

Check out his instagram for shots of the cloak… it’s worth it!

[@gutssubz8232]

@@spilbobaggins I just looked now. Amazing. I'm even more surprised that it didn't get gold. The one thing about them not showing more pictures or not showing other peoples pieces seems like a way to stop criticism against their decisions on who won gold etc.

[@Nallenbot]

Vince, thanks for this. I have always found the lack of rubric very odd but it sucks that the judge feedback was removed as well. You could do a video shouting out the comps that you enjoy/think do it well/plan to enter in the future!

[@questgivercyradis8462]

Feel better soon, VV! I hope you keep posting your paintings for competitions that are more fun and bring more joy to the hobby. Thanks for all the tutorials and discussion you bring :) From the pics, I pretty much adore all of Sergio Calvo's pieces. I think some is his style, and some is choice in figures. I'm not much a GW fan based on the style of their figures, which are great for their purpose (tabletop - deep cuts to make easy shading with washes, things like that). Sergio picked goblins and squigs, which are more universal fantasy style than just GW. His pieces reminded me of the jungles in Warcraft! The characters and the scenes had great detail and life to them, and could be placed in any number of fantasy worlds, which really appealed to me.

[@DwightOfTheDead]

Excited to see what’s next on your journey. Cheers.

[@christopherwiggins1705]

Vince the level of emotional intelligence you routinely display is amazing. You have been my guide over the hobby journey for nearly a decade. Your ability of self analysis is something I really look up to. Feel better man. We have more steps ahead of us.

[@2Tough]

Pausing at 8:50 to say: You came on and paint judged a competition that I had on my channel some time ago. Immediately I noticed the difference between you and the Judges I've met at events... you offered help, direction and encouragement. For the longest time I said I'd never do a painting contest.... but really I just want to do yours :) loving the chat, buddy :)

[@VinceVenturella]

Thank you sir, it was an honor to judge and I'm sorry I missed you at ADepticon.

[@JustinPivinski-cm2rh]

I completely get your sentiments about golden daemon. Can't wait to see what you bring out in the future.

[@trovarion]

Vince my man ❤

[@simonethomson2871]

Thank you, Vince, for sharing this. Find and fulfill your painting joy!

[@bocetet]

Ivan here. Thanks for the kind words, and the advice and support I got working on that knight. The sweat and tears turned out to be worth it and I'm very proud. I feel the same way about many things you said. The incentives laid by top-3-or-nothing, plus the focus on pedantry, lead to imagination and bravery being punished unless they're executed to 11/10 levels. That doesn't feel right to me. As an observer, I want to see and enjoy imagination and bravery on display, and see it rewarded, not nitpick over imperfect blends or brushstrokes. Vince knows this, but while working on that knight, I originally wanted to do more, tell slightly different stories with additional elements, but no. It was the wrong choice for this competition. I needed to enter a knight that does knight stuff, painted like a knight would be, stay in the lane as far as color choices go; and so I did just that, turned up to 11 on execution and attention to detail. I don't know how to be part of the solution. Participating in smaller competitions, bringing attention to them, is a necessary step for sure. But I like my warhammers, and many of the smaller competitions (at least at Adepticon) are also company or IP locked. I hope Monte, Nova and others get more prestigious than GD (I'd argue Monte is already at a higher painting standard) and I wish there were a painter's choice competition at Adepticon that's not tied to a brand or style.

[@VinceVenturella]

I know all the choices you made weren't your original vision, but your piece was absolutely exceptional and you earned that win my friend. Just stellar work and you should be proud for sure.

[@JokeeGA5]

I think the feedback loop in competitions is super important. You can't grow unless someone tells you what you could do differently, or better, or what made them select/not select you to win or place.

[@JasonPoley]

I entered my first comp a month or two back in Melb, and if I hadn't had the chance to talk to the three judges afterwards, and they hadn't been so generous with their time and thoughtful feedback, I would of walked away to never enter another again. But instead I know how I need to improve and am excited to see what I can do for next year. Thanks for these thoughts, great video

[@Dire-Sky]

I appreciate your take on this and think it really sheds light on the errors of how golden demon is run. Very respectfully put.

[@hephestus15]

I can say that I have the utmost respect for you putting this out. These feelings and opinions ring true in many ways, and I look forward to nothing but excellent painting and information in the future ^^

[@VinceVenturella]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrZauberelefant]

Just listening to you and your reasons for why and what you are doing earned you a subscription. I am going to check out your back catalogue, you are an inspirational man, Vincent. Thank you!

[@VinceVenturella]

Welcome aboard! Glda to have you on the hobby journey.

[@TheSickness]

Excited to see and learn soo much more from you, there are much more things to paint out there, not just GW.

[@whofreakincares1000]

Was worried for a second, thinking you felt defeated. So glad you recognize your own value and humbly remark on what is the true reason your done with GD. Want to say your banelash has been a huge inspiration for my custom emperors children I hope one day to share with you

[@saltfreegamer]

Hey Vince, sorry to hear about your COVID exposure, hope you and your family and friends and community are ok. Stay safe, looking forward to seeing where you go next on your painting journey.

[@JStruggers]

Thanks for the video. I have always looked at GD and thought it just looks too much. I don't have the time to invest into the competition, looking at the top threes I know my painting is no where near that level and I just dont want to waste my hobby time getting involved. Love seeing the winners and other awesome pictures, good for the people that compete, more power to you.

[@brainpinker282]

You are the best teacher in general there is on youtube. Your videos have opened my eyes to many things. I can say with absolute certainty you make many people happy just by sharing your knowledge. Golden Demon Level is by and large uninteresting for many of us. I'm glad you're doing what makes you happy again. Stay as you are.

[@bodotrenaud7441]

At the end, golden demon is marketing event disguised as painting competition organized by a giant gaming company. And it feels that the root cause. At unrelated, do you think it would be better if those “meta” comment be separated from other hobby cheating video ? This kind of video do not age so well compare since the subject is fixed in time. So it feels strange

[@Wijkert]

I hope you still make video(s) about GD with stuff like you did at the end of this one, highlighting your favorite pieces. Would love that kind of content on other painting competition as well. Maybe highlighting pieces that didn't place, but you found exceptional.

[@madnessbydesign1415]

When one door closes, another opens. I'm glad you found a positive result from a negative situation. Thank you for helping us to elevate our craft, and our fun! :)

[@VinceVenturella]

You are welcome :)

[@Tykepaints]

This is a very measured and balanced response that rings so true, so thanks for this. The heart of what drives me to continue grow in this hobby is the passion and joy that people such as yourself Vince bring to it and the infectious nature of this on the rest of us. It’s not found in coveting a block of resin. So happy to hear you’re no longer risking your own joy and drive in pursuit of this, I can’t wait to see where you’re own considerable style and abilities grow to now that you’re free of such shackles 👍🏻

[@benj7312]

The feedback point is so valid. I put pics of a mini on a Facebook page that you reviewed, and the feedback still sticks with me. My TMM are better now than they were before. I look back at metalics I painted before that feedback and I'm so tempted to strip the entire mini and redo, it's hard to resist. Thank you for your feedback!

[@codemon1352]

OMG was my first thought seeing KaHa's giant piece, honestly couldn't tell if it was a mini or a fine sketch with pencil. So many things to take away from all the amazing artists techniques, it's going to be fun trying to apply. Thanks for inspiration Vince

[@VinceVenturella]

I totally agree!

[@TheGeppywizard]

I'm excited to see what you do next, as always. As someone just getting started into competition painting, I'd also really be interested to hear which contests are your favorites and why.

[@VinceVenturella]

More to come!

[@Fallen_BDPS]

Vince, your outlook on life and the hobby is a so refreshing. Couldn't agree more with a lot of what you said, keep on uplifting my friend!

[@charlyrivers906]

Wish you a speedy recovery Vince!

[@loralexander950]

I can’t be the only one who’s seeing this as a win for Vince and for the community. That’s hundreds of hours he gets to spend on passion projects which he will, in his ever generous way, share with us. Love you Vince!

[@davidcollins2648]

Vince, your channel is more important than ANY contest ever could be. Fine Art competitions are absolutely brutal. One open show my work was rejected and the reason the judge gave it "didn't fit in with the "feel" of the show". These things are always arbitrary. What I love about your channel is your ability to demonstrate technique and inspire others to do their best work. What could be more important ? You are a treasure sir and everything else pales in comparison to the work you do right here.

[@bobbystickel5107]

I love the commentary, and it honestly feels like we need a new competition to add to the mix of others, that has a completely different set of values and criteria. Basically, a competition for everyone else.

[@shaunscott4773]

Mate, this is wonderful to hear, I absolutely love hearing people take charge of what they enjoy! You do you man, thanks for all the quality content!

[@VinceVenturella]

My pleasure!

[@gdcanada2005]

You are and always will be the one and only rare gifted individuals that I treasure and absolutely covet as the highest raise I could possibly ever Receive from a mentor and a best friend. ;) your the one that matters to me . You have done more in Yiur mini painting journey that we can all hope to aspire to. You’re a gemstone and a master of miniature artistry . If anyone matters ti me and my psyche it’s Vincent venrurella. Thank you Vincent . Your brilliant. I’m every role you have play. Father,friend, brother, family man, extremely gifted and blessed miniature painting maestro. Your what we call a pinnacle Painter. The top of the tip. It gets no higher. Thank you for all the videos . The help , the feedback, the pointers, the explanations and everything rise over the last 9 years that I’ve been lucky enough to know you as a brother. I speak for all when I say thank you for the astounding contributions you have made to this community .

[@vmhntrd]

You're a bigger inspiration to the hobby than Golden Demon. You're accessible and you communicate and you spread every bit of your learning publicly. The growth in this hobby is directly thanks to creators like yourself and few else in the tabletop industry.

[@rogthepirate4593]

16:30 I really love to hear this. My own mini painting journey didn't start with GW (it actually started with me buying a 3D printer and paints because I wanted to up my D&D DM game, and while my players loved it, I loved the new hobby I found myself with a lot more still. Not that I don't already have plenty of expensive hobbies, but then, what else am I gonna burn my money on?), and there is SO MUCH incredible stuff out there beyond GW models and scales. Personally I'm starting to get into painting busts and 75mm scale figures right now. My Photon Mono X is running double shifts as we speak haha Anyway, I'm really looking forward to seeing where you go from here.

[@AlexanderMharcei]

I hope you're feeling better, Vince. Really good video. I'm not in the same realm of skill as you (I've won some LSG RTT best painted's), but your words ring true. If you're going to paint for hours and hours, it needs to be a good feeling. Capping off the experience with dismissal isn't healthy for anyone. Hopefully, GW hears that and considers where they fit in the hobby community as a company. If not, well, at least the community takes care of its own. Keep painting, Vince. Your channel is A+ and you're an inspiration. Your Eldar video with the orange and teal scheme still sticks in my head. Can't wait for the upcoming videos and how you view "breaking the rules."

[@Mordraqq]

Mr. Venturella, to be honst ,... You are the reason, why I Improved my painting skills, ( my absolute favorite ,the Crimson Fist in oils ) you clearly elevated my painting life. Thanks to you I got deeper in to oils and found James Wappel and so on ,... Im in a state, where no single Golden Demon would bring me. I mean their judgings arent anything worth, to me ,and as long as there are human beeings who will judge , it will always be the overall "Dictatorship of Art" anyways. I dont need to be a good painter or do I have a clue about it ,I can always have my opinion,but Golden Demon is a Lottery. Keep up the good work and take more people on a happy painter journey !

[@boskvonlivingdreams4269]

Great thoughts! Well thought out and well presented. Thank you!