Our Miniature Hobby Lifestyle
Published editorials with think-piece articles that express opinions related to the miniature painting hobby, wargaming, model building, and tabletop games. The opinions expressed in these articles are those of their individual writers.
Maybe I don’t seem to remember what I dream at night because I dream a lot when I’m awake? There is such a thing as ‘overthinking’. Really. Sometimes when I’m tired my mind will ramble about the silly things…crazy things… Ever wonder how thin the walls of a house are that separate you from the
Did You Say, “Miracle”? Read More »
Do you play tabletop games? Board games? As I drove home from work I thought about why I enjoy games so much. Role playing games, like Dungeon & Dragons, or board games, or the more elaborate tabletop warfare of the Warhammer Universe; it doesn’t matter: I am enthralled by gameplay. In this article, I jot
Why Do We Love Tabletop Gaming? Gamification and Life Read More »
Over the years, I’ve developed a joy for taking photos. Of the images I’ve created with my camera, I’m still drawn to black and white photography. There is a simplicity in black and white photography: a timelessness. Without color, a photograph feels ageless. I suppose that is the beauty of photography: discovering things that were
Black and White Photography: 40 Images with my 40mm Lens Read More »
“Everyone makes mistakes.” Isn’t this what you hear when something goes badly? The problem with mistakes is oftentimes they don’t go away. You can fix certain choices you made with more action. You have to live with the consequences of your error. In this post, I write about my thoughts regarding those mistakes you probably
Living With Mistakes (My Take) Read More »
I was doodling, drawing at the dinner table in the kitchen at 1 o’ clock in the morning. I’m on night watch for our twin baby sons, when my wife wakes up and walks by me to get a drink of water. If we are all hard-wired to think a certain way, can we change
“Drawing” Me Out of My Skull Read More »
Do you get bored? Is the daily routine becoming too “easy”? Everyone needs adventure in their life. There is a need to embrace meaning in life. Adventure is a way to see beyond the present into a hopeful, exciting future. Embracing hope for tomorrow is a key to happiness. But, it is a fight. Embracing
Do You Day Dream? Doodling Visions, Ideas, and Tips! Read More »
I’ve been trying to teach myself how to draw again. But, I don’t want to just “draw” anymore like I did when I was younger. I want to express abstract concepts and ideas. Unlike writing poetry or stories (or blog posts), drawing and doodling images have the power to HIT YOU IN THE FACE. Okay,
Learning to Draw, Again: Doodling and Discovery (5 Tips) Read More »
If you’re looking for something to draw, science has a ton of easy subjects you can try. Scientific drawings of plants were my early favorites. The organic structure of trees and flowers made them easy for me to replicate on paper. My favorite subjects when I was a kid were bare trees in winter. I
Sketching for Science: Neurons in Fountain Pen Ink Read More »
Hero Forge has been letting hobbyists design and 3D print custom miniatures since 2015, and the material lineup has expanded a great deal since I first painted this piece. Standard Plastic, Premium Plastic, Color-Printed Plastic, Ultra HD Color Plastic, and Bronze are now all available, each suited to different painting goals. This guide covers Premium
8 Simple Steps for Painting a Hero Forge Miniature: 3D Printed Painting Read More »
Do you wonder why people love to still write with fountain pens? Did you know that fountain pens are a way to help the environment? The best fountain pens are made of high quality materials that last forever! The most expensive pens have gold or platinum nibs and even carbon fiber barrels. But, even the
Save the Planet: Why Write with a Fountain Pen? Read More »
Can’t sleep? Insomnia troubling you? I have trouble sleeping (and this was before I had kids). As someone who paints miniatures at horrendous hours of the night (between 11-3am), sleep has always evaded me. And, little did I know my trouble sleeping was killing me, and my miniature hobbies were a part of this problem.
Trouble Sleeping? Your Miniature Hobby May Be Killing You Read More »
Are you looking to hire a miniature painter? Maybe you’re looking to hire a painting service, but don’t know where to start. Well, then you already know that miniature hobbies are much more fun and exciting when the models are fully painted. Painted miniatures make your games and the entire hobby come alive. If you’re
How to Hire the Best Miniature Painting Service Read More »
It was 2:40pm on a bright sunny day. We were at the local playground. My daughter wanted to play in the sandbox. It was crowded with other parents and children mingling about. But, we did find a shaded spot in the sand away from the ‘traffic’. This was a last minute trip, hoping to take
Grit: More Than Sand Read More »
Simply amazing! 3D printing has come a long way. The technology has invaded the hobby space, bolstering independent designers and makers, and has even raised ethical controversy in gaming communities (see here). 3D printing has changed how we perceive and craft unique pieces of work. Quite simply, 3D printing has begun to change the fundamental
Painting a HeroForge 3D Printed Miniature: A Gun Mage (Review) Read More »
As some of you know, I write a lot with a real typewriter. I own several vintage typewriters that I bought at various antique shops and outdoor fairs. I’ve always loved toying with the odd doodad. I’m fidgety. The kid in me still kicks and screams for something, anything to do. Why do we enjoy
A Case Study: Why Write with a Real Typewriter? Read More »