Miniature painting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it’s easy to get discouraged if you’re not seeing the results you want. I hope you find these miniature painting motivation tips helpful and that they give you some ideas to try in your own work!
In this article, I share my curated ideas and tips I’ve gathered from miniature painting forums, blogs, and my personal work over the years. You can check out some of my finished projects in my gallery (updated on a regular basis).
In a Hurry? Check Out the Editor’s 3 Best Miniature Painting Books 🏆
- Painting Miniatures from A to Z Angel Giraldez Masterclass (Volume 1) – One of our favorites with a focus on airbrush use
- Painting Wargaming Figures – A “principle-driven” miniature painting guide
- Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist (Volume 1) – A must-read for any scale modeling hobbyist in the fantasy genre. Not specifically about miniatures, but reveals insights into creating realism and compelling work in any artwork. This is the “foundational”, “insightful”, and “inspirational” book you’re looking for.
READ MORE: BEST 21 BOOKS ABOUT PAINTING MINIATURES AND MODELS, SO FAR….
Read to see my favorite 100 tips, tricks, and ideas to help you stay motivated and continue your miniature painting adventure!
100 Tips and Easy Things to Help Improve Your Miniature Painting Motivation
By finding a group or online community to share your progress with, you’ll be able to get feedback from other miniature painters and learn from their experiences. This can help you to stay motivated and continue working on improving your skills.
2. Set yourself small goals to achieve each session, rather than thinking about the big picture all at once.
Miniature painting motivation can be improved by setting yourself small goals to achieve each session. This will help keep you focused and motivated, and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. Maybe set a half hour time block to get work done. A new project may require multiple sessions; why not break them up?
3. Make a plan for each painting session before you start, so you know what you need to accomplished and don’t get sidetracked.
By setting yourself small goals to achieve each miniature painting session, you will be more motivated to get started and see the progress you make. This can also help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. Having a plan for each session can also help keep you on track and avoid getting sidetracked.
4. Take breaks when you need to, but try to stay focused on your painting for at least 30 minutes to an hour at a time.
Taking breaks when needed is important, but staying focused on your painting for at least 30 minutes to an hour at a time will help you progress more quickly.
5. Use a timer to keep track of your progress and break up your painting sessions into manageable chunks of time.
By ensuring that you are making progress and not becoming overwhelmed with the painting process you’ll find your workflow smooths out. Breaking up your painting sessions into smaller chunks of time can also help to keep you focused and motivated.
6. Experiment with different techniques and mediums to find what you enjoy painting with the most.
When it comes to miniature painting, it can be helpful to experiment with different techniques and mediums to find what you enjoy working with the most. This way, you’ll be able to produce better results and have more fun while painting your miniatures. Some of the different techniques and mediums you can try include wet-blending, glazing, dry-brushing, and using different types of paints (acrylics, oils, etc.). Take some time to experiment and find what works best for you.
7. Take reference photos or find inspiration images online to help you plan your miniature paintings.
When starting a miniature painting, it can be helpful to have some reference photos or inspiration images to help you plan out the colors and composition. This can be especially useful if you’re new to miniature painting and want to try something more complicated. There are tons of online resources for finding miniature painting inspiration, so do a quick Google search and get started!
8. Use a sketchbook to brainstorm ideas and work out the details of your paintings before you start painting on your miniature.
Sometimes it can be helpful to have a more detailed plan for your miniature paintings before you start painting. This can include sketching out ideas for the composition and colors, as well as figuring out the smaller details. You can do this by using a sketchbook, which is a great way to brainstorm and work out the kinks before you start painting on your miniature.
9. Paint something that you’re passionate about or that has personal meaning to you.
Miniature painting can be a very rewarding and satisfying activity. It can also be a great way to relax and relieve stress. However, the best paintings often come from a place of passion or personal meaning. So, try painting something that you’re passionate about or that has personal meaning to you. This could be a favorite scene from a movie or book, a memory from your childhood, or anything else that resonates with you on a personal level.
10. Take your time and don’t rush your miniature paintings. The goal is to enjoy the process and create something you’re proud of, not to finish as quickly as possible.
It’s important not to rush the process. When you’re in a hurry, you’re more likely to make mistakes and not take the time to enjoy the creative process. By slowing down, you’ll be able to produce better results and have more fun in the process. Also, I’ll note that staying motivated requires more than just painting your armies with fun techniques. It is also a lot easier to have a life, too, that isn’t all about miniatures. Start with one model. Maybe hobby time is when you chill out instead of listening to all those voices that pressure you to achieve things.
11. Set up your work space in a way that is comfortable and conducive to painting. Make sure you have good lighting and all the supplies you need within reach.
When setting up your work space, it’s important to make sure that you are comfortable. This will help you to be more productive and painting miniatures can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be frustrating if you don’t have the right supplies or aren’t set up in the right way. Here are a few tips to make sure you have a good experience:
- Make sure you have good lighting. This will help you to see what you’re doing and avoid making mistakes.
- Make sure you have all the supplies you need within reach. This includes paints, brushes, and other tools.
- Take breaks when you need to. Painting can be taxing on your eyes and hands, so make sure to take breaks every so often.
- Listen to music or podcasts while you paint. This can help you relax and stay focused.
- Find a comfortable position. You may need to experiment to find the best position for you, but it’s important to be comfortable while you’re painting.
12. Find a comfortable position to sit or stand in while you paint, and make sure your miniature is at a level where you can easily reach it.
Make sure you are in a comfortable position before you start painting your miniature. This will help to keep you motivated and ensure that the painting process is enjoyable. A dedicated painting table work wonders for keeping your creative juices flowing. Additionally, make sure that your miniature is at a level where you can easily reach it, so that you don’t have to strain your neck or back while you paint. Try using a hobby model holder or painting handle.
13. Use an ergonomic brush grip or hold your brush in a way that is comfortable for you and doesn’t strain your hand or wrist.
When it comes to miniature painting, it’s important to find a grip and holding method that is comfortable for you. This will help to prevent any hand or wrist strain, and allow you to focus on your painting. Some tips to try include using an ergonomic brush grip, holding your brush like a pencil, or using a tripod grip.
14. Invest in high quality painting supplies that will make your miniature painting experience more enjoyable.
If you’re looking to get into miniature painting, it’s important to invest in quality supplies that will make the experience more enjoyable. This includes paints, brushes, and other materials that will help you create beautiful miniature masterpieces. By investing in quality supplies, you’ll be able to produce better results and have a lot more fun while painting miniatures.
15. Make sure your miniature is clean and free of dust before you start painting. Staying organized and neat helps overcome the painting “blahs”.
Miniature painting can be a lot of fun, but it can also be frustrating if your miniature isn’t clean and free of dust. Make sure to take the time to clean your miniature before you start painting, and stay organized and neat while you work. This will help you overcome any painting “blahs” you might experience and make the process more enjoyable.
16. Use a primer or undercoat on your miniature to create a smooth painting surface and help your paint colors pop. Great results are motivational!
Primers and undercoats can be very helpful when miniature painting, as they create a smooth surface for painting and help your colors pop. This can be very motivating, as it results in a beautiful miniature that you can be proud of.
17. Choose your paint colors carefully, and don’t be afraid to mix and match different shades to get the perfect hue.
One of the most important things to consider when miniature painting is your color selection. Choosing the right colors can make or break your miniature, so take your time and mix different shades until you find the perfect hue. Discovery serves to drive a lot of motivational cues, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
18. Paint in thin layers, building up the color gradually until you achieve the desired effect.
When it comes to miniature painting, it’s important to take your time and to be patient. If you try to rush the process, you’re likely to end up with a sloppy finish. By painting in thin layers, you’ll achieve a much better result, and you’ll also be less likely to make mistakes.
19. Pay attention to the direction of your brush strokes and try to paint in the same direction whenever possible.
When you’re painting miniature, it’s important to pay attention to the direction of your brush strokes. If you paint in the same direction whenever possible, it will make your miniature painting look neater and more professional. Some people work in assembly line fashion. Keeping a consistent batch method will help you with routine and undergird tangible progress.
20. Use a variety of brushes to create different effects, but don’t feel like you need to have every size and type of brush. A few good quality brushes will do the trick.
A good quality brush will help you create the miniature painting effect that you’re going for. With a variety of brushes at your disposal, you can experiment and find the look that you’re going for. Trying out other things and new tools also makes the process more fun! Note that more stuff doesn’t equate to better quality outcomes.
21. Dip your brush in water before adding paint to help keep the paint from drying out on your brush. Slowing down because paint dries, sucks the wind out of you!
One way to help keep your motivation high when miniature painting is to keep your brush wet. This will help the paint stay on your brush and avoid any delays in your progress. I’m not one who likes to wait and want to stay busy. But, if you’re a methodical painter and a tad slow, playing around with quickly drying paint isn’t fun at all.
22. Try using a wet palette to mix your paints and keep them from drying out while you’re painting.
When it comes to miniature painting, having the right tools can make all the difference. A wet palette is a great example of this – it helps to mix your paints and keep them from drying out while you’re painting. This means you can spend less time dispensing fresh paint from a bottle or pot, and more time doing the fun part – painting!
23. Use a small amount of paint on your brush so that you don’t overload it and make a mess.
Using less paint reduces the risk for making a mess and also makes miniature painting go faster. Faster painting helps you stay on track and focused! Lost momentum because you’re stuck? Just paint faster! Try speed painting to get past those boring parts and play with color by slapping it on your model.
24. Wipe off excess paint from your brush on a paper towel before painting on your miniature.
If you wipe off the excess paint from your brush before painting on your miniature, it will help to prevent the paint from dripping and make your miniature look neater. This minimizes your aggravation.
25. Try not to touch your painted areas while they’re still wet, or you may smudge the paint.
Looking for painting motivation? Model painted should have time to rest. Avoid touching your models too soon. Use patience when you can and you’ll have a much easier time with your work. Sometimes going slower will actually make you more productive!
26. Allow each layer of paint to dry completely before adding another layer on top.
Some miniature painters like to work very quickly, adding layer after layer of paint in quick succession. However, this often leads to paint strokes that are visible in the final product, and it can also be difficult to blend colors effectively this way. If you want your miniature painting to look its best, take the time to allow each layer of paint to dry completely before adding another one on top. This will give you the best results and help your miniature painting look its absolute best.
27. Use a slow drying paint medium or additive so you have more time to work with it, especially if you’re new to painting miniatures.
One way to help increase your motivation while miniature painting is to use slow drying paint additives. This will give you more time to work on your miniature, which can be especially helpful if you’re new to the process.
28. Pick one area of focus to work on at a time, and don’t move on until that area is complete.
Focusing on one area of your miniature at a time can help you stay motivated as you won’t feel overwhelmed by the entire project. Once you complete that section, you can move on to the next until the miniature is finished. Working on similar models at a time can help you with this approach, too.
29. Add the finishing touches last, such as highlights, shadows, and details.
Adding the finishing touches to your miniature can help you feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in your work. These final steps will also make your miniature stick out from the rest.
30. Allow your miniature painting to dry completely before moving it or varnishing it.
Giving your miniature painting time to dry completely will help ensure that it is protected from smudging or other damage. This will also give you a chance to step back and admire your work before moving on to the next project.
31. Varnish your miniature painting to protect the paint and give it a nice professional finish.
Varnishing your miniature painting will help protect it from scratches and other damage. It will also give the paint a nice even finish that will make your miniature pop. A good matte varnish will also help hide a few flaws in your technique due to how it smooths out sudden changes in contrast or disguises brushstrokes. Looking for grim darkness in your work? A matte top coat will help!
32. Display your miniature painting proudly so you can enjoy looking at it and feel motivated to keep painting!
Putting your miniature painting on display is a great way to show it off to others and feel motivated to keep painting. You can also use it as inspiration for future projects. A fully painted wargame army or a small collection will make you want to finish projects more often. I’ve seen some amazing Age of Sigmar and Necromunda Gang displays that weren’t too difficult to complete. Games Workshop even has official events around displays of fully painted Warhammer armies.
33. Take progress photos of your miniature painting as you work on it so you can see your progress and stay motivated.
Taking progress photos of your miniature painting can help you stay motivated as you can see the progress you’re making. All your hard work takes time. Record it! This can also be a great way to document your work and track your progress.
34. Join a miniature painting group or community online to connect with other miniature painters and get inspired.
There are many online communities dedicated to miniature painting. This is a great way to connect with other miniature painters, get inspired, and stay motivated. Not everyone likes working alone and certainly it can feel like a job without some social interaction.
Social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on what other miniature painters are doing. You can also get new ideas and inspiration for your own work. I heard that a different approach with social media is to also use it as a way to celebrate your miniature painting milestones. So instead of just posting pictures of the final product, post pictures of each step along the way!
36. Check out miniature painting tutorials online or on YouTube to learn new painting techniques.
There are many miniature painting tutorials available online. Watching these can help you learn new techniques and improve your skills. This also help gather some background context for where you fit in your current skillset, which can make you want to paint more. I’ve always found contextual information from others helpful for understanding how to better set personal goals.
37. Experiment with different painting mediums, such as watercolors, acrylics, or oils.
There are many different types of paints you can use for miniature painting. Experimenting with different mediums can help you find the one that works best for you. Maybe your next model will be painted with oils or even with water color. Check out a quick guide for using oil paints on miniatures and models.
38. Use a variety of painting surfaces, such as paper, canvas, wood, or fabric.
Yes, really! Trying out other mediums and substrates can boost creativity and get inspired juices flowing! If your goal was to get models painted, but you’re a bit bored with painting on plastic, resin, or metal models, try picking up an inexpensive wooden carving or other non-conventional surface to practice on. I’ve tried re-painting ceramic garden terrain, e.g., fairy houses, as a way to break up the inevitable monotony of just working on scale models and wargame miniature kits.
39. Get creative with your miniature paintings and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Do you have a day job? Why make another? I’m sure some of you know the feeling of getting sick of painting 40K space marines (Games Workshop). You’ve fallen into using the same formula for painting those models, haven’t you. There are no rules when it comes to miniature painting. Be creative and experiment with new ideas. You may be surprised at what you come up with!
40. Use reference photos or images to help you plan out your miniature painting.
Reference photos can be a great way to plan out your miniature painting. They can help you decide on the colors, composition, and overall look of your painting.
41. Sketch out your design on paper before you start painting to help you plan the composition.
Sketching out your design on paper can be a great way to plan the composition of your miniature painting. This can help you decide on the placement of the elements in your painting and make sure everything is proportionate. Hobby motivation can often come from early outlining of what you want to do.
42. Try a different color scheme or palette for your miniature painting to mix things up.
Using a different color scheme can help you create a whole new look for your miniature painting. This can be a great way to experiment with different colors and find new combinations that you love. Painted armies come in all sorts of colors, which means you don’t need to follow the studio schemes. Try a new look!
43. Incorporate unique elements into your miniature painting, such as special effects paints or illuminating paint.
There are many unique elements that you can incorporate into your miniature painting. Special effects paints, like glow-in-the-dark or metallic paints, can add an extra bit of interest to your painting. Illuminating paint can also be used to create amazing effects.
44. Take a break from traditional miniature painting and try painting on a canvas or a flat medium instead.
Painting on a flat surface, like a canvas or a piece of paper, can be a refreshing change from traditional miniature painting on 3D sculpts, figurines, or scale models. This can help you experiment with new techniques and mediums.
45. 3D printed miniatures offer endless possibilities for miniature painting designs, so get creative!
3D printed miniatures offer a whole new world of possibilities for miniature painting. You can really let your imagination run wild when painting these unique pieces.
46. Use a projector to project an image onto your painting surface to use as a guide for your painting.
A unique idea I read about, but never tried myself. Apparently, you can use a projector to project an image onto your model painting surface. This can be a great way to create a detailed and accurate painting, such as free-handing a design on an open surface on your model. You’ll have to find a projector like these.
47. Try freehand painting without any references or sketches to see what you come up with!
This is a great way to push your miniature painting skills and see what you’re capable of. Freehand painting can be tricky, but it’s a great way to improve your skills and painting confidence.
48. Take on a miniature painting challenge, such as painting one miniature per day or week.
A miniature painting challenge is a great way to push yourself to improve your skills. It can be helpful to set a goal, such as painting one miniature per day or week. For your next model, you could also try something like painting only with washes or without an airbrush (if you’ve relied on one). A painting challenge that you share with other painters could also help you stay on track.
49. Participate in miniature painting contests or competitions to challenge yourself and see what others are doing.
Joining a miniature painting contest or competition is a great way to push yourself and see what other miniature painters are doing. This can be a great way to find new inspiration and ideas. Other painters are always an inspiration for my work.
50. Set up a miniature painting booth at a local art fair or market to sell your paintings.
This is a great way to earn some extra money and get your miniature paintings out there. Setting up a booth at a local art fair or market is a great way to get started. I’ve seen a few of these pop-up shops in Disney World, if you can believe that!
51. Use your miniature paintings as holiday or birthday gifts for friends and family.
Miniature paintings make great gifts! They’re personal, unique, and can be made to fit anyone’s taste. If you’re looking for a thoughtful and heartfelt gift, miniature paintings of cute, scary, or custom sculpts are a great option (e.g., wargaming heroes or RPG characters are popular).
52. Paint miniature figurines of pets or people and give them as gifts or keep them as cute mementos.
You can find custom 3D modelers, sculptors, and 3D printers to help you get these unique figures. This can be a great way to show your loved ones how much you care. What’s more motivational than love?
53. Create a miniature sculpt of a special place, such as a childhood home, for a sentimental gift and paint it.
Another great gift idea! You can miniature paint a sentimental place. In this case, it would be a diorama, a terrain feature, or other “space” in the world. This is another beautiful and personal way to show someone you care.
54. Have a professional photographer take photos of your miniature paintings to use for marketing or promotion.
If you’re looking to take your miniature painting business to the next level, consider hiring a professional photographer to take photos of your paintings. This is a great way to showcase your work and attract attention to your hard work. Maybe this isn’t a good idea for everyone. But, some if it helps you stay on target with your goals, why not?
55. “Frame” your miniature paintings to display them in your home or studio. Literally, place your painted minis in a box frame or display case.
Showing your work and collection always help motivate to do more! If you’re looking for a way to display your fully painted army and miniature paintings, consider “framing” them. You can do this by placing your painted minis in a box frame or display case. This is a great way to show off your work and keep it safe from damage.
56. Organize your miniature paintings in a group, a series, perhaps in a narrative composition, to create a miniature art gallery for yourself.
Organizing your miniature paintings into a group, series, or narrative composition is a great way to create a miniature art gallery for yourself. This is a great way to showcasing your work, progress, and skills. Plus, it’s just really satisfying to see all of your hard work in one place.
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, consider scanning your miniature paintings and selling them as digital artwork. Maybe there are other games with models that you could paint. You could use these images of your work and sell them as NFTs (cryptocurrency).
58. Create merchandise with your miniature paintings (well, the images of them), such as phone cases, tote bags, or notebooks.
Selling miniature painting merchandise is a great way to make some extra money and get your work out there. You can create all sorts of things, like phone, cases, tote bags, notebooks, and more. Money is certainly a motivational factor to produce more miniature painting work!
59. License your miniature painting photograph to be used as stock photos or for other commercial purposes.
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, consider licensing your miniature painting photographs to be used as stock photos or for other commercial purposes. This is a great way to get your work out there and make some passive income. Remember that sometimes “money and motivation” go together.
60. Donate your miniature paintings to a local charity auction or art sale to support a good cause.
Donating your new model paint job to a local charity auction or art sale is a great way to support a good cause. Not only will you be helping others, but you’ll also be spreading the joy of miniature painting. It’s a win-win!
Writing about your miniature painting experiences or journey is a great way to connect with other miniature painters and promote your work. You can do this on your blog, social media channels, or even on forums. Who knows, you might even inspire someone to start miniature painting! I hope you’re enjoying our site so far!
59. Publish a picture book of your miniature paintings or create a PDF e-book to sell online. Or, simply give it away for fun!
Publishing a picture book of your miniature paintings or creating a PDF e-book is a great way to share your work with the world. You can sell it online or simply give it away for free. Either way, it’s a great way to get your work out there and enjoy the process of miniature painting.
Teaching miniature painting classes or workshops is a great way to share your knowledge with others. This is a great way to connect with other miniature painters and help them improve their skills. Plus, it’s a great way to make some extra money!
61. Collaborate with other miniature painters to create a miniature painting project or series.
Collaborating with other miniature painters is a great way to create something unique and special. You can create a miniature painting project or series together. This is a great way to connect with other miniature painters and create something engaging, beautiful, personal, or simply memorable.
62. Have an art show or exhibition of your miniature paintings in a local gallery or space. Display your model army collection!
Having an art show or exhibition of your miniature paintings is a great way to get your work out there. You can do this in a local gallery or space. This is a great way to connect with other miniature painters and promote your work.
63. Get your miniature paintings into a high-end art print collection or shop to reach new audiences. Oh, this could be a interesting challenge!
Getting your miniature paintings into a high-end art print collection or shop is a great way to reach new audiences. This is a great way to connect with other miniature painters and promote your work.
64. Apply for miniature painting grants or residencies to help fund your miniature painting projects.
Do these exist? I’m sure they do if you search hard enough. Get involved with building up the community.
Making a miniature painting video or tutorial is a great way to share your knowledge with others. You can do this on YouTube or another social media platform. This is a great way to connect with other miniature painters and promote your work.
Collaborating with a miniature painter on Instagram or another social media platform is a great way to cross-promote each other’s work. I’ve done this in various places and it’s fun, and you can build a friendly connection with others in your hobby. I’ve made a lot of friends across the globe through the miniature painting hobby.
67. Give talks or presentations about your miniature painting practice at local schools or community events.
Giving talks or presentations about your miniature painting practice is a great way to share your knowledge with others. You can do this at local schools or community events. I’ve done this at a few local events. It’s an interesting way to show what you do in your free time and also gives you an opportunity to bring new people into the hobby.
68. Write an article or blog post about miniature painting for a website or publication.
Writing an article or blog post about miniature painting is a great way to share your knowledge with others. You can do this for a website or publication. In fact, you’re reading something written for this purpose after all.
69. Be interviewed about miniature painting on a podcast or radio show. Oh, the options here are endless!
Being interviewed about miniature painting is a great way to share your knowledge with others. You can do this on a podcast or radio show. I’d like to do this more as I enjoy chatting and talking with people about shared interests.
70. Have someone film you while you paint a miniature and create a miniature painting time-lapse video.
Having someone film you while you paint a miniature is a great way to create a miniature painting time-lapse video. Use a moving camera, rather than your typical static viewpoint you see on most YouTube painting tutorials. This tip falls into the idea of using experimentation and discovery to drive you to keep working through the ruts of productivity.
71. Create a miniature painting-themed piece of music or song and release it online. Yes, do this!
Creating a miniature painting-themed piece of music or song is a great way to share your love of miniature painting with the world. You can release it online for others to enjoy. I’m a HUGE fan of film scores, so this is a great way to get some miniature painting inspiration while you work.
Recording an audio version of your favorite miniature painting book is a great way to share your love of miniature painting with the world. You can release it online for others to enjoy. Be aware of copyright regulations in your country before you do this. Or, avoid that issue altogether and write your own scripts for audio production.
73. Pair your miniature paintings with poems or short stories and create a miniature painting zine or chapbook.
Pairing your miniature paintings with poems or short stories is a great way to create a miniature painting zine or chapbook. While unique and unconventional, why not? It’s your art and you can do whatever you’d like with it.
74. Organize a miniature painting-themed event, such as an art fair, in your community.
Organizing a miniature painting-themed event is a great way to bring the miniature painting community together and show off your skills. Maybe you could host a painting clinic or lecture at the event.
75. Create a miniature painting-based board game or card game and release it online or at local game shops.
Creating a miniature painting-based board game or card game is a great way to share your love of miniature painting with the world. I’m not a game designer and this sounds like a big challenge, but it would be really neat to see someone take on this task and create something special.
76. 3D scan your finished miniature paintings to create three-dimensional, digital versions of your work: A 3D photocopy!
3D scanning your miniature paintings is a great way to create three-dimensional, digital versions of your work. This can be used as a portfolio or for marketing purposes. It’s also a fun way to view your work from a different perspective and see the miniature painting in a whole new light.
77. Design miniature painting-inspired merchandise, such as t-shirts, enamel pins, or tote bags, and sell them online or at local craft fairs.
Designing miniature painting-inspired merchandise is a great way to share your love of miniature painting with the world. You can sell them online or at local craft fairs. This is a great way to get your name and artwork out there, as well as make a little bit of extra money. Yes! I literally mean have products you create with photos/images of your miniature paintings printed/engraved on them.
78. Have someone professionally photograph your miniature paintings for use in marketing materials or on your website.
Similar to point #54, hiring a professional photographer to take pictures of your miniature paintings is a great way to get high-quality images of your work. This is especially important if you plan on selling your miniature paintings or using them in to promote other products, e.g., paints, hobby supplies, your face, whatever. 😅
Social media is a great way to reach a large audience and miniature painting images are a great way to grab attention. You can use them in ads to promote your work or business. This is a great way to reach potential customers (if you have some type of business that you’re trying to expand) and get your name out there.
80. Develop a miniature painting mobile app or computer game and release it on digital app stores.
Creating a miniature painting mobile app or computer game is a great way to share your love of miniature painting with the world. There are quite a few apps you can draw inspiration from. While, I’m not sure how this would directly help you stay motivated with actually painting miniatures, this could be a fun project to work on in your spare time.
81. Create a miniature painting-themed piece of software, such as a plugin for Photoshop, and make it available for free or for sale online.
Creating a miniature painting-themed piece of software, such as a plugin for Photoshop, is a great way to share your love of miniature painting. Maybe a set of Lightroom presets that speed up your post-processing workflow after you take photos of your models.
If you’re looking to get into the miniature painting business, offering consulting services is a great way to start. You can offer your services to clients who need help with art direction or project management. This is a great way to use your knowledge and skills to make some extra money. Indeed, I’m not sure how you would do this and why this would be motivational for painting minis, but it’s a cool idea?
83. Develop a miniature painting workshop or retreat and host it at a local venue or rental property.
Miniature painting workshop or retreat is a great way to share your love of miniature painting with others. You can host it at a local venue or rental property. This is a great way to get your name out there and meet new people who share your interest in miniature painting.
84. Create a miniature painting-themed line of physical products, such as stationery or home decor items, and sell them online or in brick-and-mortar stores.
I’ve seen this done before. Although, I’m not sure how popular this would be in my area, it could find traction in other miniature painting circles. Creating a miniature painting-themed line of physical products could push you to paint more and try out new things. You can sell these products on Etsy!
85. Write a miniature painting-themed book and self-publish it through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or a similar platform.
Writing a miniature painting-themed book is a great way to share a passion for miniature painting with the world. Even if you don’t feel like painting much anymore, you could write about it and help others through your experience. You can self-publish your manuscripts through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or a similar platform. This is a great way to get your name out there and reach a wide audience.
If you’re looking to take your work with minis to another level, investing in miniature painting-related technology is a great way to start. You can offer services to other miniature painters, such as a high-end camera or 3D printer. Does another hobbyist want a sculpt printed? Offer up your 3D printer operation as a service.
As with point #85, write a how-to book and publish it. This could be a miniature painting-related book or guide. You can self-publish your work online or through a print-on-demand service.
88. Create a miniature painting video course and sell it online or through a learning platform, such as Udemy.
If you’re looking to share your knowledge of miniature painting with others, creating a video course is a great way to do it. You can sell your course online or through a learning platform, such as Udemy. While you may not feel like painting miniatures on any regular basis, you could spend your extra time crafting the best miniature painting course for new or experienced painters.
89. Develop an online miniature painting community or forum for miniature painters to connect and collaborate.
If you’re looking to connect with other miniature painters, developing an online community or forum is a great way to do it. You can use this platform to collaborate with other miniature painters and share resources. This is a great way to build a network of miniature painters and get some good feedback on your work.
You can offer commission painting or art classes through an online marketplace, such as Fiverr or Upwork.
Joining or creating a miniature painting-themed Facebook group is a great way to connect with other miniature painters. You can share your progress, tips, and tricks with other miniature painters in the group.
Use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, to miniature painting-related content and connect with other miniature painters. Draw inspiration from others. Share your work. Miniature painters want to see what you’re up to and may give you some great feedback to help push you forward.
If you’re a fan of Pinterest (here’s my page), consider making a miniature painting-related board. You can share it with other miniature painters and craftspeople. This is a great way to get some miniature painting inspiration and find new ideas for your own work.
Set some goals for yourself if you’re stuck! If you’re looking to get your miniature painting work published, consider writing articles for online publications and websites (submit your ideas, topics to us!). You can pitch your article ideas to miniature painting-related publications and websites. This is a great way to get your work seen and build your miniature painting portfolio.
95. Leave miniature painting-themed comments on other miniature painters’ blogs and websites.
If you’re looking to connect with other miniature painters, leaving comments on their blogs and websites is a great way to do it. You can share your thoughts and feedback on their work. This is another great way to start a dialogue and build relationships with other miniature painters.
You can send miniature painting-related e-cards to friends and family on special occasions. This is a great way to stay connected with your hobby as well as your loved ones.
97. Participate in miniature painting Twitter chats and connect with other miniature painters from around the world.
If you’re on Twitter, consider participating in miniature painting-related Twitter chats. Sometimes when I’m stuck, I’ll reach out and try to look for inspirational posts with photos like that of Pascal Blanche. This is a great way to connect with miniature painters from around the world and get some inspiration for your work.
You can answer miniature painting-related questions on Quora or Reddit and help out other miniature painters who are looking for advice. This is a great way to give back to the miniature painting community and help others who are struggling with their work.
99. Leave miniature painting-themed reviews on Amazon for miniature painting products that you’ve used and liked.
If you’ve purchased miniature painting products on Amazon, leave a review! This is a great way to help other miniature painters who are looking for new products to try.
100. Spread the miniature painting love by sharing this article with other miniature painters who might need some motivation!
And last but not least, spread the miniature painting love by sharing this article with other miniature painters who might need some motivation! We all need a little inspiration from time to time.
Final Thoughts
I hope these tips and tricks have helped you and that you find success in your miniature painting journey. Miniature painting can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it can also be challenging. In this article, I’ve shared 100 tips and tricks to help you stay motivated and inspired while miniature painting.
From developing a personal miniature painting style to creating a supportive miniature painting community, there are plenty of ways to keep your miniature painting journey interesting and exciting.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and that you’ll find some miniature painting motivation of your own! Thanks for reading!
Questions, feedback? Leave me a comment!
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