Our Miniature Hobby Lifestyle
Did you know that a hair dryer is the most under-appreciated tool in the miniature painting hobby? The dry, hot air from a hair dryer will accelerate paint dry time, increasing productivity, and will improve the quality of your final layers of paint and varnish. As miniature painters, we all need good brushes, glue, and great […]
3 Reasons You Need a Hair Dryer for Miniature Painting Read More »
I’ve been painting 40k and Warmachine models for a few friends. And for kicks, I’ve been trying my hand (and eye) at painting non-metallic metal (NMM). For the less well versed, NMM is the method for painting metallic surfaces without using metallic-containing paints. In this article, I share my experience trying to learn how to
Practicing Non-Metallic Metal (NMM) Read More »
Are you looking for the best miniature painting lamp or light? Every hobby at modeling scale requires your ability to see and work with small details. Good contrast and correct color temperature are essential for consistent, high-quality output at any scale. The best light for hobbies are those that provide daylight neutral white light at
13 Best Lights for Miniature Painting and Hobbies Read More »
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are here to stay. Whether it is ChatGPT, AI image generators, or other emerging AI tools that seemingly create something from nothing (a misnomer, by the way), they are becoming more accessible and easier to use. Of course, in my career and artistic pursuits, I’ve often found myself relying on these
How AI Tools Stifle My Creativity and What I Learned Read More »
Miniature painting is an intricate art that requires patience, focus, and attention to detail. As with any creative endeavor, it’s easy to get lost in the process and become overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that need to be completed. That’s where the concept of triage comes in. Triage is the practice of prioritizing
Strategic Triage: Prioritizing Your Creative Concepts Read More »
Creativity may not be what comes to mind when you think of a mental illness, but it’s worth considering that many creative people are also often diagnosed with anxiety disorders. In fact, creativity is a common trait among those who suffer from anxiety disorders. Yet, it’s not well-known what causes this link or what to
Creativity and Anxiety: A Tentative Link Read More »
Are you looking for a wireless, portable LED ring light with enough power to create high-quality images and video? I’ve reviewed many lights and lamps over the years, so I was excited to try out the SANDMARC Wireless LED Ring Light. In this article, I’ll break down the features of this light and provide a
Better Photography, Creative Content? SANDMARC Wireless LED Ring Light Review Read More »
In the world of miniature gaming, safely and efficiently transporting your painted army is a universal need. Like an armored troop carrier, a magnetized army carrying and storage case will help you get to the frontlines ready for battle. After reviewing a number of foam tray systems for taking your models on the go, I’ve
Best Budget Magnetic Miniature Carrying Case? A Review Read More »
The most important step of any miniature paint job is priming. A primer or undercoat is a preparatory coating placed on the surface of a miniature before painting. The use a primer ensures that paint adheres to the surface and helps paint durability. This is especially important if you’re using the miniature or model for
Vallejo Surface Primer for Miniatures (Review and Tips) Read More »
I love miniatures because they simplify a complex world. You can hold a piece of your imagination in your hand. You can interact with it. I’m not surprised that Warhammer 40k takes center stage whenever it comes to popular wargame culture. The lore and property has endeared itself to a community who find the grimdark
Do your hands or fingers hurt painting miniatures? Have you accidentally touched a miniature that had wet paint? Each Citadel Paint Handle is a sturdy plastic tool with a spring-loaded clamp that holds the base of your models securely while you paint or glue them. At a price of $10-20, these miniature painting handles are
Citadel Painting Handle Review: Is It Worth It? Read More »
I got lost for a while back there. Not lost in the sense of not knowing where I am, but lost in the sense of feeling disoriented and confused. And, it is often “stopping” to smell the roses that helped me find my way again. Here, it was a road trip. At these moments which
It’s Okay to Be Like a Child Read More »
Want to paint your miniature army fast without sacrificing quality? Speed painting miniatures is something I’ve used in competition, as well as in some commission miniature paint jobs I’ve done. When you want to reach tabletop quality miniature paint jobs, getting your models battle-ready for example, then the slap chop approach using a zenithal underpainting
Zenithal Dry Brushing to “SlapChop” Paint Miniatures Read More »
Are you looking for the best magnifying lamps for painting miniatures and models? You need to see details clearly to paint and craft scale models and miniatures. If you’re a scale modeler, especially you, a lamp that combines both good light and built-in magnification can make your work a lot more comfortable. Good light and
10 Best Magnifying Lamps for Painting Miniatures and Models (Review) Read More »
So, you’ve spent hours painting miniatures. Now, you want to protect your work with a varnish. What is the best varnish for painted miniatures, e.g., Warhammer and military scale models? If you’re a gamer, this is especially important since your models will have to endure a lot of handling. To protect your minis, you need
Recommended Varnishes for Miniatures (Best Practice and Use) Read More »