Think Your Mini-Painting SUCKS? || 4 Tips To Being A Happier Painter 

Jesus Christ, this channel is a breath of fresh air.

I love this video so much. Sick and tired of being called a pleb, an idiot, a noob etc I don’t need it in my hobby life as well 😅

'I was mostly ranting' hahahaha bless your ginger dreadlocks and your big heart mate. Thanks for the laugh ;)

Best critique of those clickbait titles ever

I actually paint very well, but had to take 5 years off due to becoming a dad twice. Your videos helped me stop over-analyzing and prepping for projects; and just get down to painting.

You're RIGHT, titles SHOULD BE like THIS as it's DEFINITELY not CLICK BAIT. 4 - ways this comment is NOT click bait.

Co-signed to the max! It's tiring to see so many videos calling people a PLEB or a NOOB and it's counter-productive. Not everyone is painting for the sake of painting. Most of us are painting in order to put figures on the table and play games. If that's what you're about, it doesn't matter if you're not the greatest painter. And if you are painting for painting's sake, you still don't need to be the greatest painter. Just have fun doing whatever you can do! Even some of the videos that try to make this very point throw around abusive terms; if your video is called "It Doesn't Matter That You Paint Like a F***ing C**t!", then you've only undermined your own efforts. Thanks for the video Dave and thanks for the positivity!

Massive love for this video, man. It popped up just at the right time for me, as I'm battling a major motivational slump due to the Black Dog on my back. Speaking as a card-carrying blind hedgehog in a bag, I'd just about gotten comfortable with my mini painting and even started enjoying it. But I've been struggling to find the impetus to pick up a brush these last few months. The simple positivity in this vid was just what I needed right now. You're doing the lord's work, my man.

100% agree with point 4, i started to get better as a painter and dealing with my disability while painting when i started to be happy with what i have done within my limitations.

Gotta say tip #2 Really hit home for me, i would often show my models/creations to friends and family that weren't involved in the hobby and would often get rather underwhelming responses for something i've put hours & hours of work into. I feel as if another hobbyist would have a more involved response for the work! Great vid Dave!

The moment you finish a project and are disappointed but BAM you got me bro.

#4 got you entirely. I have been painting a Death Guard army from the kits I got in box sets. So I set a goal not to paint anything else until I completed this army while experimenting with painting techniques and contrast. The biggest trick I have learned is in the use of multiple shades of grey in the undercoat to change the hue of the contrast paint over different parts of the model. I am a gnats nut away from completing enough of them for an Armies on Parade display. The latest are the Bloat Drones which I think look stunning with the under paint shading. Oh happy, happy place.

Man, I love to gobble up your content. You’re a good man 👍🏼😎

So many hobby channels and people seem to be struggling with these down days you a breath of positivity thanks

Ive felt the same about this ''trend'' on youtube with the clickbait/rude titles since it started and im so glad you spoke up about this, we really dont need that type of energy when we want to paint our toy soldiers with nice hats.

I feel ya. I've unsubbed from a few channels after too many clickbait titles. It just grinds my gears. Happy painter is a good painter.

This was exactly what I needed to hear on a cold, grey Monday. Thank you!

Thank you Hobby hippy, i struggle with accepting my own work as good enough.

So true man,I find they like to compare me/us to fresh produce. A cabbage and a potato come to mind, but as triple H once said “don’t hate the player, hate the game”

Yes! Positivity! Community support! Lifting others up! This is what the mini painting community should be all about! I really enjoyed that you mentioned asking questions when you enjoy someone's work! It's a subtle thing but helps facilitate further communication and hopefully the other person reciprocating and showing you their work so you can ask them questions. This further promotes the growth of the community as a whole!

I find the other end of the scale is annoying, too. Seeing a video about a Golden Demon winning diorama and being told it's actually really easy to achieve, all you need is £500 worth of airbrushing gear, some pure sable brushes, 25 years painting experience, huge innate talent and a professional studio. It's not as infuriating as being referred to as a noob repeatedly but it grates a bit. It's like Jimi Hendrix claiming this guitar lark is really easy.

Dave you're a beautiful bugger, thanks for creating this uplifting video. Kinda needed to hear something like this. My mental health has just been resoundingly kicking my butt recently and getting in the way of enjoying the hobby, it's just nice to hear something a little positive for once. Cheers man ;)

Ok, that 75% stuff you know, 25% new stuff really hit home for me. I tend to trying to do EVERYTHING on a model with new techniques. Gonna stop that. BTW, since you asked, the two thing I'm struggling with right now are blending with glazing (specifically the consistence of a glaze), and getting good contrast 'steps' when layering (I don't have the money for lots of paints, so generally have to mix lighter/darker paint for layers)

I was rollin' when you were talking about thumbnails. Thanks for keeping it real. Gives me hope.

😂😂😂 those dub-step cuts. YES!

See, that is where I mess up, I cry to early in the process. Thanks for the smiles and outlook you bring!

I hope this kind of trend gains power. Share knowledge, lift others.

AH relatable on so many levels! I'm not a miniature painter but I do make sculptures which need painting so this is definitely helpful. Thanks!

I've been bitten by the miniature bug, two weeks ago i was a bored lettuce festering in my garden, green, not very conscious, wilting in dog piss, now I'm trying to build an 11" mech, from wire, sculpey and hope. As seen as your the most positive, logical and sarcastic human on RU-vid, your who i have to haunt for knowledge like a crack riddled succubus with a single word name. I really need to learn to paint -- from the beginning up, also I'll be getting my goods from mirfield miniatures, I'm in Manchester so its useful. Spiffing and thanks. ✌🏻🥬🤘🏻

I’ve had a lack of motivation the last couple months… or as I call it, “painters block”. I entered 3 of my models into a lighthearted painting contest this last weekend for Shadows of Brimstone (best game ever). The 3 models were for 3 different categories and I got 3rd place with one and the other 2 both got honorable mentions. I’m in shock really and completely honored to get recognized with so many amazing entries submitted. I just want to push myself now!

I've been painting for just under a year, how have I only just found your channel?!

Yep. Everything about this video spoke to me. Can totally relate. The only issue I have is finding time to get all my hobby stuff done. So I've been trying to be more efficient with my time management.

I fill satisfied and think ill continue my life as a better man now, thank you so much.

I get the same videos pop as well and it annoys the hell out of me. Good positive tips highlighted here. As a patreon member, I can highly recommend joining, full of friendly welcoming people happy to give positive advice/help.

I was planning to make an episode about RU-vid thumbnails... I don't need to now. This is a good thing.

The moment you pulled that 'thumbnail face', this video got a like. I'm not even half way through, it deserved the like just for that.

thank you for this video. as a sufferer of severe depression i find it hard to get the ball rolling. and the things you have said are all great things for people to do. hell i found back in the day that it wasnt all about "magic blends" and was more about practace and learning how to push your limitations in a way that you learn. so glad someone still runs with the old ways of doing things with persaverance and self love of the hobby they do.

Thank you, I have just started miniature painting and has been hard as I am self learning, I don’t live in or near a city or town with a hobby shop or have money to take a art class so RU-vid is only class room I have. This means I watch all these amazing painters doing amazing works and then try to be happy with my finished model which looks nothing like the model I saw on the video. But I have to keep reminding myself I just stated, I have barely even scratched the surface of what I can do or will do if I keep trying. I am going to watch your video a few more times to remind myself to just keep trying and have fun doing it. Great video, great positive message so thank you. Liked and subscribed.

Can I say this is possibly one of the best things I have seen around motivational painting. I work with a young chap who sometimes struggles to find his painting "mojo" and I think I might show him this as an example that you paint models to have fun and not as some kind of infinite arms race. Keep up the good work sir.

Interesting ideas here. It has taken me almost a year to put some paint on my models because I was so scared of f-ing them up, which is stupid. But now I have started I've really enjoyed doing it, and obviously they look a bit crap compared to all those tutorials you referenced but they are mine so who cares. BTW your videos are awesome.

Thanks for the reality check, you're highlighting some important points that I feel are important for the community and gaining a healthy mindset. Keep it up, my friend!

Hahahaha! Oh wow! This was so fun but also filled with some golden nuggets! Thank you so much! 👍💙💛💙

🤣 "no not after that kick in the nuts, i fucking don't" 🤣 always enjoy your content pal.

Glad I found you, such breath of fresh air among community. Easy sit down and paint with someone like you around without feeling like I don't belong. Ask question or show my work, feel get good feedback and even help.

I found you through the secret santa videos, and I have to say that you are amazing! Not only are you talented and kind, but you are funny as well. I need that right now! Thanks so much.

This video is incredibly correct, it makes you question the love that some of the channels have for the hobby space as opposed to them getting hits from the big boy algorithm, I dont need to be called a dickhead when I'm simply trying to find a useful video on painting x model or if someone has done something creative. It's youtubes very own version of; *Generic Company* hates him/one weirdtrick.

Awesome video Dave. So glad Luke from Geek Gaming turned me onto your channel. Let the haters hate, craft on with a smile.

Hey man. Long time lurker. This video hit a cord. It's very easy to get caught up in the algorithm game and forget to do stuff for fun too. Especially when it's so easy for others who don't create content to criticise your work. But I try and make sure I enjoy what I do because you can't please everyone 😆 Big loves! 🤘😎🔥

Dude, you are awesome- so just keep on being you! You are a really nice, genuine guy and of course very talented artist- take all the snotty comments as validation for being good! I pity the fools who waste their energy putting negativity out into the world.

Cracking video but a personal highlight was the clip from Scrooged. Well underrated film.

this is the third video you actually say EXACTLY what I'm thinking now. Great insight!!! Thanks so much! Also, the cut-scenes are 5 stars. No 6! ^^

Funnily enough, I was watching this Vid following a youtube recommendation, and I loved the content

Was sent here by Luke from Geek Gaming Scenics. Really appreciate your candor and positivity! Need more of this on RU-vid. Cheers!

Totally agree, with all the points very refreshing. It's tiring seeing either videos you've mentioned and the ones with negativity towards a certain company 🥱

Found out about your channel through seeing you on Luke's last vid. Primo stuff- you are a new hero for me.

Remembering to enjoy your hobby is something that not only bears repeating as much as possible, it is also a thought worth considering as more than just a token gesture of "Remember to have fun, kids". Specifically, the idea of how you enjoy your hobby and how you are investing your time into the hobby. Especially with something like Warhammer, a multimedia franchise that spans many mediums and which is enjoyed in a variety of ways from reading to playing to painting, it's important to actually evaluate which parts of that whole you enjoy over others and how much you want to put yourself into the parts you aren't as interested in. It can be a dangerous game to end of in the line of thinking that just because you enjoy something, you must appreciate every aspect of it, because nothing kills the passion for something quite like spending a considerable amount of time and effort trying to convince yourself you are having a good time rather than actually having said good time. This is an especially important rule to remember in our currect online culture. However you decide to enjoy something, there will be people that are ready to contest your enjoyment of the series. "You don't get it". "You're focusing on the entirely wrong thing". "You literally like the worst part of this series". Those are rather common sentiments you hear being thrown around and these can end up creating resentment in the thing you're supposed to be enjoying your time with. Feeling like you *need* to put copious amounts of effort into painting minis for a war-game, because it's "the real fun of the game" instead of the actually playing you were instead interested in for instance can end you up hating the game itself, because you've been gang-pressed into thinking you need to care about this thing you have no interest in and you get frustrated at it. That's why it's sometimes important to remind yourself what you are here for and why. Using the Warhammer example, I for example am fairly certain of where I stand with the series. My gateway into the franchise was through it's lore, being exposed to it's insanity and over-the-top edge through sources like Luetin09 chiefly, so that has a huge weight for my enjoyment. On top of this, I am just generally a very big fan of gaming as a whole, from the social interactions on the tabletop to even thinking about game design on a conceptual level. At the end of the day, I haven't gotten many chances to properly play 40k, but I'm sure a big part of my enjoyment with the game are gonna come from casual, high concept scenario-games with alot of thematic objectives, cinematic elements like environmental hazzards and maybe even a loose story-campaign tying fights together. The painting however? I could take or leave that part of it. It's not like I don't get occasionally excited about how I paint and craft my armies. With my chosen starting faction of Necrons, I was immediately drawn to the idea of colouring them not with their trademark dull, rusted steel colour coupled with sickly green glows, but rather a more polished, glossy finish with bright red highlighting, becuase the idea of making Necrons into Terminators was really cool to me. As well, I want to eventually make a separate kit-bashed Kill Team of Necrons by turning them into pirates, because "Space Pirate Necrons" honestly just sounds friggin' metal to me. That all said, I know I have both a limited skillset for this kind of stuff and a lack of patience to properly learn it. Because of this, I'm making sure my priority is to just make somehting fundamental. No need to compare myself to the fancy stuff I see online, because it's better to leave having the headaches over things that I actually care about rather than burn my interest in playing, because I was getting too caught up in the painting I didn't even have that much investment in to begin with.

The hobby brings me joy when the work day may have been less than optimal. There is always new things to learn and growth. Positivity is key and the great thing about miniatures is that they are a record of that progress. I strongly suggest writing the date in the bottom of the base of the miniature when done. There is some measure of satisfaction there. Being kind to those starting out only makes sense, you want others to see the merit in what you like. Find the nice knowledgeable folk and repay them with spreading the word. Take care!

I love how you went after all the Tubers who post clickbait titles... **cough** Squidmar **cough**

Absolutely love this! And applicable to so much more than just painting minis!! Time is such a precious commodity, while passion is a life enhancer. Utilising both at the same time is great way to live!

Several years late on this one, but honestly thank you so much for this video. It’s easy as a beginner in this hobby to be overwhelmed and discouraged by all of the expert videos out there. This is a good reminder for myself that this is something I’ve gotten into because I find it fun, and I don’t need to measure up to the professionals I see on social media ❤

So happy I found your page I have a similar situation to you I have cerebral palsy and finally could afford to do this hobby but was super afraid to put paint on plastic for fear of what it looks like but watching your videos and get the mindset you talk about and just pure practice I’ve improved so much not only in my hobby life but day to day also so thank you

Your videos are a blessing mate! I've deffinetly struggled with motivation after trying something new for the first time and it not turning out how I wanted (even though when does that ever happen? 😂), always a good reminder to focus on learning & enjoying rather than some abstract expectation of results.

I just need to hang out with MS Paints, that will improve my hobby.

You are a good man, thank you for not being click-bait lol.

Are you saying I'm not happy enough? 😅 Honestly though, awesome advice man. I've shared it in a group or two.

Best hobby video on youtube so far

1.Dude your lumienth are beautiful 2. Love the premise of the video 3, post more videos man your stuffs great

Hands down best hobby vid ever. And I haven't even reached the tips part yet!

I really want to thank you for this video, because some legitimate positive talk. I think another point that a lot of people miss is that many of these painting channels are about doing single display pieces, which is great but not applicable to people who are trying to paint large forces of figures. In any case, keep up the good work, because this is the kind of actually positive and that is incredibly refreshing.

At last a brutally honest video! I've just come back into the hobby after many years and there are so many demotivating videos out there blinding viewers with painting science.. Thanks for the motivation!! keep it up!!

I don’t usually comment on YT videos but I very much enjoyed this one. Thanks

Great video. As someone who seems to struggle with building, painting, basing, I have found this a huge incentive to just enjoy myself!!!! Thanks.

My favorite philosopher who is also a great modeler and painter.

Being someone who suffers from depression easily, almost to the point of going towards dark places not from just struggling to enjoy a hobby I have NO skill in, but it really puts a needle in the skin when you watch some of the "helpful" insight videos on the net and though they are informative, the title and lingo is all "you need to do this, you need to be doing that" of which I try and still produce trash. I have so much piled up plastic shame I honestly been thinking of just handing it all to someone who is more in the league. Most times I try and compare myself to others I feel like why am I even bothering to do this when no one ever looks at them, or even have enough basic knowledge to put out something decent. I am glad I finally found this video that talks to me like a HUMAN and not as some hopeless rook. Time will tell but hopefully this will spark me into trying again. Granted I have a few completed projects I could possibly salvage and some that will need to be replaced. I love this hobby or at the least I want to, but it gets expensive and the skill need really kills it for me to even continue at times, especially seeing the works of the snob professionals. It's been three years now on and off and I want to at least have fun with it.

Appericate the video. (Yea I'm a new comer). I am new to minature painting and the one thing I fall down on more often that not is knowing which technique to apply and what situation - recess shading, edge highlights, dry brushing, washes, wet blending etc.

After the week I've had (both with hobby and RL crap) I needed this video. Thanks Dave

One of my old friends used to win any painting trophy he entered at tournaments from Throne of Skulls to international events. but over the years I realised we used the same techniques/brushes/paints but the difference was that what I would do in 2 steps, he did in 10. He took 3 years to paint a dwarf army spending 8-10 hours per model and at the point I realised I was happy for him to do that and win all the prizes but I wouldn't be willing to do the same. I played more games with different armies so our hobbies were just different. its the whole 10k hours thing. His armies were amazing and great to look at but I will take my 5 armies and we can both have fun on the table.

I know this video is a couple of months old, but thank you for posting it. I’m a new follower to your channel and to the hobby. Great mix of humour and helpful information!

Well said, sir ♥️

Welp, I searched "painting minis get over idea suck" and this was one of the first results, thanks for the advice ^_^. In my case, I started painting under the guide of a friend who paints minis for a living, so I'd say I'm reasonably good on the technical side when I'm receiving specific instructions. Recently, however, I started painting minis on my own, and I found out that making decisions on color, techniques, etc. yourself is a whooole new game. Still enjoying it, but it'll be a while before I feel confident on my own painting skills, vs what I can do when following instructions :)

Solid message. And I couldn't agree more. We need less negative attention grabbing titles and messages in general in the world.

I've been following you for a while, and I've "Thumbs Up"ped your Videos before - having friends who regularly beat themselves up over their painting. I wish I could give this Video 10,000 Thumbs Up! Top Stuff!

I keep getting bogged-down in the detail stage of painting. In fact, I've abandoned more projects than I care to remember at the highlighting stage, just because I can't bring myself to do it. Lately I've also become fixated on using different tones of the same colour to differentiate materials and surfaces on the model, despite it being something most wouldn't care about. The funny thing is, a lot of my favorite paintjobs are really basic ones; bold colours, simple highlighting and shading. They look fantastic on the table as well. But for some reason I can't bring myself to cut-out steps to make my life easier and get things finished.

You're a Legend Dave. PS- I'm the guy you offered to show me your monkey a week ago (in person). Was a pleasure meeting you 😄

Some of us have just started a social group where we meet every Sunday or two and do a little hobbying and talk about what we have painted and created . I am hosting at my house tomorrow :) I'm super excited and hoping this will help boost me to do more in the hobby and the same for the others

Im just starting out. Every model is a big project. Im loving every second and everything you said is spot on. Im fully behind #2. Real people are so important. Im lucky to have a friend who is very raw with feedback so I get what counts. I dont always trust comments on my sm posts because my camera may not be 100% true to life

I needed this video right now.

Guitar playing youtube universe can get clickbaity and patronizing in a way that you described. Though the audience, and community is significantly larger so there are many more options. Anyway, a great bass player once told me that while I may not like what I had recorded, it was merely a reflection of where I was at during that point in time on the learning curve. That sentiment is why I think mini painters should keep their less than stellar paint jobs, rather than scrub them down to the plastic. I apply that mentality to anything I'm doing. There's no reason to be ashamed of the place you are currently at in the learning process.

i love your videos so much you don't put in the title that we want to stop to be pleb because you don't think we are bad you think we just need to improve

thank you so much, needed to hear this :)

Great video, something worth talking about too. Hopefully the mini painting community can pull some inspiration from art videos and less from reactionary gamer thumbnail titles. This hobby should be about fun and enjoying ourselves, not getting upset about pedantic nonsense no one will give a fuck about in 6 months. Would be nice to have less videos in my feed that are all "this is shit, I hate it" too. Good thing you're here!

I love your videos mate, I enjoy the positive vibes.

Love this, happy painting

Everything in this video is so true ! cheers mate

Bro just found your channel, although I have seen a fair few other peoples videos while trying to learn this hobby I found what you have said to be on point. So thanks for being real!

One of the best vids on the topic. And defo one of my fav channels to listen to. A+ Mate. 💚 And I was affraid you are going to say something about spilling nuln oil or transfering citadel paints into dropper bottles or other completely useless advice. Nah. Straight to the point, with the pinch of humor I identify with. Well done 💚🔥

Love your channel mate

Love it, great vid. Thank you for sharing.

Great video mate