hobby articles

How AI Tools Stifle My Creativity and What I Learned

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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 …

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Best Budget Magnetic Miniature Carrying Case? A Review

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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 …

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Zenithal Dry Brushing to “SlapChop” Paint Miniatures

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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 …

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Elevate Your Tabletop Gaming Experience with a Board Game Dining Room Table (Editorial)

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Tabletop gaming has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, captivating both kids and adults alike. The thrill of strategizing, making the correct guess, and outwitting opponents is an exhilarating experience. Creating the perfect gaming atmosphere is important to fully immerse yourself in board games. Enter the board game dining room table — a …

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AI Enhanced Wargaming and Tabletop RPGs (Tips and Uses)

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The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought a tidal wave of potential applications across a vast range of fields, from healthcare to finance, education to entertainment. One area that is ripe for exploration is the intersection of AI and gaming; specifically, wargaming and tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons (DND). In this …

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My Favorite Citadel Technical Paint and How to Use Astrogranite Debris (Review)

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The US Moon landing in 1969 first gave us a real view of what Warhammer 40k xenomorphs may have seen as they prepared for the invasion of Terra. Whether by human eye or bio-electrical organs, the visible otherworldly landscape is often where battles wage for many tabletop wargames. How do you create this “look” in …

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JMBricklayer Botanical Garden Plastic Brick Set (Review)

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Do you enjoy LEGOS? Everyone knows LEGO bricks, as they’ve been around for ages. I grew up with these construction small construction bricks. The precursor to Minecraft, the emergent gameplay from Lego bricks is almost limitless. Of course, since their inception, other companies have risen to fill this market. JMBricklayer is one such brand, creating …

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How to Be Different in Your Miniature Painting and Art

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So you want to be different? As an artist and miniature painter, I find myself driven to find out how I can differentiate myself from the crowd. With digital media’s escape velocity connecting us globally, embracing individuality becomes increasingly important to me. And, as such, I’ve continually searched for ways to change how I do …

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Running a Successful Hobby Gaming Convention: The Hidden Magic and Mayhem Behind CaptainCon

CaptainCon is an annual 3-day gaming event taking place in Warwick, Rhode Island. It is held every year in early February (usually the first weekend) at the Crowne Plaza Convention Center. CaptainCon is a celebration of all things gaming, featuring board games, organized events, and more. Attendees can expect to have a great time playing …

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The Power of “No”: Are You a Distracted Hobbyist?

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Distractions are everywhere. You’re trying to get work done, but your mind keeps wandering off to think about that new gossipy thing you heard about your co-worker, or that reality show you can’t miss tonight. Even when we’re trying to focus on a task, it’s hard to resist the pull of a distraction. When it …

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Carnage & Glory II: Must-Play Historical Tabletop Wargame? (Review)

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Are you looking for a software-managed, accessible historical miniature wargame? Carnage and Glory II (C&G) is a historical tabletop wargaming system that allows you to engage in simulated armed conflict during the European gunpowder era (early-1600’s to late-1800’s). Carnage & Glory II is unique among other tabletop wargames in that it is computer-mediated with strong …

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30 Miniature and Model Assembly Tips for Hobbyists

30 Miniature and Model Assembly Tips: How to Assemble Wargaming and Tabletop Game Models

Do you enjoy assembling miniatures? Many scale models arrive in boxed kits that require assembly. Miniatures are often plastic, resin, or metal. Each kind of material and model kit requires a different assembly approach to achieve the best results. Tabletop games such Warhammer 40k, Age of Sigmar, Infinity the Game, Guild Ball, and many others …

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