it would be cooler if the diorama had more dispair, like mangled bodies or the actual aftermath of a war. What if the models are actually standing on fallen comrades. I feel like the dog doesn't add much and it would be cooler if there was a medic attending to a fallen soldier etc. Also stop beating yourself up about not winning, I think you're great
I agree that this would add more drama and cohesion to the piece, it can also be a huge negative against the piece as a whole if it isn't properly executed. If Jon's intention is to have this be a competition piece, he runs the risk of sculpting something that might not be 100% up to the judge's standards. If he has not sculpted anything at all, he would not run the risk for any unnecessary judgement. But hey, maybe he can really pull it off, and it would make it all the better. This is just a concern for competition pieces.
I love the subtle life lessons in here. "I learned from my mistakes, grew, and won't make those mistakes again. Instead, I'll make all new ones!" Perfect summation of life.
i literally started the 'hobby' this weekend and am amused at being at the fartest reaches of the skill spectrum from this but your videos have been instrumental in recent weeks in helping me get set up and prepared to paint! Thank so much and I cant wait to see how this turns out.
This is incredible - you nailed the composition in my opinion. The slow rise of characters up to the Marshall has this heroic posing that lends to the story of what had just occurred in this scene. Love it
Went looking through Epic Basing's offerings but couldn't find the ruined walls you used, maybe I'm just blind! (I did find the ancient temple flooring you used so that's cool!)
I'd like to encourage any and all painters to make scenic bases. The process I found extremely rewarding and liberating. A very nice way to take a step back from a precise and ardous paintjob, and just let loose with a bunch of random stuff. Great video Jon!
Awesome video John! Probably one of my favorite WIP ones you've done. I can't wait to see the rest of the progression! Best of luck this year and this piece is shaping up to be something extremely special!!!
Great job as always. Just as an idea for you, maybe you should add some battle damage to miniatures, like damaged weapons and armore, bandaged body parts and severed limbs, to really sell the look that they have just come out from hard battle. And maybe a couple of corpses here and there, provided you have free space left.)
I really like where you're headed with this project - the way you've set up the minis creates some great negative spaces that are already starting to pop even even without a coat of primer.
omg I love this! You've really inspired me to paint my own CoS box :) Would you consider adding the gargolyians onto the base? They're these cool little critters that hang around cities of sigmar armies.
Honestly the vampire scene was sick! I DO get the composition issues with it, but it also has good... What I can only describe as flow? Movement? The zombies coming up the rear look great
I love this concept! Reminds me of those WWII photos of squads after a battle or something just standing there heroically or with this solemn look after a harrowing battle.
That looks like it’s going to be a fun project. I managed to get some time in painting a model this week and did some pretty solid work painting my first ork
If you can eventually pull off a GD, that would have to be the best improvement in artistry I’ve seen in the hobby. The fact you’re even competing just shows the effort you’ve put in, not just in painting, but in your video quality and scripts. I have a feeling you’re a very competitive person, and I really do appreciate the work you put in on your videos.
This is such an interesting video! I can't wait for more on this diorama, it's looking pretty great already! Also, thanks for sharing all of this journey; I've been painting minis for 4 years and only this year did I get into making dioramas, it's such a unique experience and I absolutely love it. Watching your videos on your previous diorama inspired me a lot on how to think my own projects, and I already have some really cool notes from this video to implement on my own dioramas, so thank you!
I'm a very humble paintenr but i wanna say that this diorama that didn't win is my favorite diorama of all those i've ever seen. The night/day idea is brilliant and very well executed. Don't be too hard on yourself ;)
What an awesome scene! This video just helped with the composition of a diorarma I am working now. Look forward to following this journey and seeing it myself at the Golden Demon. Good luck.
This setup looks amazing. They feel like they are preparing to stand against a greater foe that is charging in. Looks epic and cant wait to see it painted up. Good luck!!
Two other suggestions that might already be in the comments 1) There are other building materials mixed into stone buildings (wood, iron, etc.) that will help provide more of an idea of the settlement that was destroyed. 2) Mix in some amount of evidence of human toll to the scene (ripped banner, charred keepsakes) to sell the story that this is grim determination in the face of overwhelming destructive capacity. Also, bonus third thing check the eyelines on the dude on the left. He is looking a little low and too the left. Awesome work my dude. I am pulling for you to win, but also just want you to be happy with your effort.
No idea whether john reads the comments; But I for one am super happy that he chose to make a video about what is exciting him instead of what will get the most views. It sucks to have to put effort into shit you don't enjoy as much instead of what you are getting enjoyment out of. And as a bonus its way more fun to watch someone talk about shit they are excited for in general. I would love to have more of these kinds of videos to watch while I do my boring job that I get no enjoyment out off ^^
This looks great! Reall inspiring for a CoS diorama im planning right now! Working up a plan currently to do a very similar rag tag last stand type scene.
When I first saw you original piece I thought exactly the same thing (that there is to much empty space and flatness) but I thought to myself "ahh its Jon, he knows what he is doing and I have no idea"... but hearing you figuring out your problems with the piece gave me some validation haha. Really interesting and helpful to see you go back and figuring out "bad" aspects of your older projects and figuring them out on new ones. Btw, I thing this new composition is reallyreally nice!
It looks really good! I also wonder how it would look if the guys on foot were looking up at the mounted leader, and he was looking down, somber after a costly defense of the castle/city. The hope of the soldiers as they look up to their leader contrasting with the melancholy of the leader that knows they have lost too much and may not recover in time for the next attack.
The scene composition looks gorgeous. If you wanted an epic look, you definitely achieved it! Can't wait to see how you paint one of my fav kits recently released, the Freeguild Cavalier-Marshal 🤩
Looking at finished Golden Demon dioramas always feels so intimidating, like completely unapproachable for the average hobbyist, but seeing you go through the whole process in detail, breaking it down even to the pre-thought and sketching stages makes it seem so much more interesting. This video actually inspires me to try out a diorama, maybe to use as a terrain piece or something functional as I’m not a competition level painter. (Side note: finally clicked the button and placed an order from Into the AM! That hoodie finally sold me on checking them out.)
Ryan Neil of Bonsai Mirai is such a strong proponent of asymmetry that it’s fundamental to his compositional philosophy when potting trees. When faced with the question of more or less symmetry, he usually pushes it further afield, towards more dynamism, more demanding composition. Go beyond, NinJon!
It was so funny to see you looking for inspiration with that photo 😂 In fact, it is the castle of "Sant Miquel" in Alta-Riba, in Catalonia, not far from where I live! Thank you for the video, it was very interesting and useful (like all of the others that you make) 🎉🎉
I'm looking forward to seeing several more videos on this project! Before you go to painting, I think you should convert some wind generated motion into all of the minis. The cloak on the right guy certainly but also the others. Just some strings/ bandages could sell the effect for the cloakless minis. What could also be cool is adding that effect into the eventual trees/bushes you'll add.
That mini diorama looks pretty bad ass, I look forward to seeing it in the case this coming year at Adepticon! Thanks for sharing the process.. your videos are always enjoyable and informative!!
DAS clay is an essential part of my terrain/basing. Probably not the best for bricks though, but SUPER good for smoothing out the transition between vertical layers, creating hills/lumps/etc. Really recommend.
I wish I had the time and patience to do those kinds of dioramas. They're always really cool to see. Great job and I can't wait to see the results of the future painting sessions to get it finished.
Looking great, to me this video was way more interesting and entertaining than a normal “paint the mini” video. I’ll be on the look out for the next one in this series.
Sculpting all you want, we all know there is a cork tower under it all. Jokes aside the scene is really interesting. I can imagine little embers floating in the air as the dust is setting from this battle. I’m imagining the scene in Kingdom of Heaven when the wall is breached and the fighting just turns into a mosh pit at the gap.
this is amazing!! Im nowhere near your level, but im having the same feelings about building and painting scenes and bases rather than just the painting the minis!!! Im going to start a scene using the new harbinger model and will use a lot of the things you have said in this video as guidance
13:17 I am slightly worried about the judges nog liking that the spear of the right most fellow is blocking the head of the horse (depending on the angel of course). The silhouette of the Marshal is so good that anyhting blocking it might make the overall composition worse.
Awesome! I hope you'll be able to work in dramatic lighting like you did in the undead scene. Maybe dusk or dawn to fit the battle aftermath atmosphere. Can't wait for the next video!
Where I'm from every kid used to play with DAS clay in elementary school, once you get to know the material you can do some very small and precise details.
That is already looking very interesting. I particularly noted how you have the figures all looking at only 2 different reference points outside of the diorama. Great work incorporating all of your learnings!
Looks very cool. Like a character creation splash page out of a roleplaying book. I'm thinking a smoldering fire pit between the pikeman and the shield guy would be a neat touch and a chance for some interesting source lighting.
I’d love to see a analysis of what you would do with last year’s entry. Given what you learned, I’d love to see how you would redo it. Not a full repaint/redo of course, but seeing a rough sketch of your ideas would be cool.
The scene looks amazing. I like to have the option to have the characters be able to move freely for a D&D adventure. I suppose one could build the scene and make room for the baseplate characters. Thanks for the video!
You have a great opportunity to add wind into the scene. I think it would add a lot to the feeling of the scene, really bring it to life you know? Also making it look like the base has been lifted from real life by making some small cavities, roots and hollows would be cool.
I love those ruined castle wall bits. I looked on Epic Basing to get some for myself, but I didn't see anything like them on their website. Am I missing something???
This composition is amazing, Jon! It compressed everything down to the necessary bits of telling the story! Cant wait for the finished product and i have to say its already big step up. Maaaaaybe jus maaaaybe you want to carefully remove the figures of last years piece and rebuild the scenery, as i think the idea was amazing. Could be a future project, but then again you could always leave it like it is to see how much improved. I always like to compare myself with older work i did
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it would be cooler if the diorama had more dispair, like mangled bodies or the actual aftermath of a war. What if the models are actually standing on fallen comrades. I feel like the dog doesn't add much and it would be cooler if there was a medic attending to a fallen soldier etc. Also stop beating yourself up about not winning, I think you're great
Maybe resculpt the cloak on the rightmost soldier? It is just hanging right now while the hero's is flying in the wind along with the banner.
I second this it'll make the whole thing look that much more heroic. Makes everyone there look like heroes instead of a hero and his entourage
Was about to comment for this but it seems I just have to upvote yours! Can't agree more, the rest looks great.
Was thinking the same thing. Same with the one on the left, although that's less jarring.
Yeah, that heavy wind from the main mini should be reflected somehow on to the rest of the diorama...
I agree that this would add more drama and cohesion to the piece, it can also be a huge negative against the piece as a whole if it isn't properly executed.
If Jon's intention is to have this be a competition piece, he runs the risk of sculpting something that might not be 100% up to the judge's standards. If he has not sculpted anything at all, he would not run the risk for any unnecessary judgement.
But hey, maybe he can really pull it off, and it would make it all the better. This is just a concern for competition pieces.
I love the subtle life lessons in here. "I learned from my mistakes, grew, and won't make those mistakes again. Instead, I'll make all new ones!" Perfect summation of life.
Man this thing is going to be sick! Can’t wait to see it painted.
i literally started the 'hobby' this weekend and am amused at being at the fartest reaches of the skill spectrum from this but your videos have been instrumental in recent weeks in helping me get set up and prepared to paint! Thank so much and I cant wait to see how this turns out.
The fact that the blurred silhouette in the thumbnail looks visually interesting is a good sign for the finished product.
The vampire scene was amazing. This one looks to be even better.
Didnt like it so much. This one started way better
13:33 Slay the Gray young man. Slay the Gray.
13:42 100% will. These are my favorite video John!
It’s a good day when we get a new Ninjon upload!
This is incredible - you nailed the composition in my opinion. The slow rise of characters up to the Marshall has this heroic posing that lends to the story of what had just occurred in this scene. Love it
Went looking through Epic Basing's offerings but couldn't find the ruined walls you used, maybe I'm just blind! (I did find the ancient temple flooring you used so that's cool!)
Did you manage to find what the ruined walls were? Im looking currently!
I'd like to encourage any and all painters to make scenic bases. The process I found extremely rewarding and liberating. A very nice way to take a step back from a precise and ardous paintjob, and just let loose with a bunch of random stuff. Great video Jon!
2:15 I tend to have a lot of tabs open in my browser, but this is next level John!
Looks AWESOME! Thanks for sharing your thought process and techniques. Looking forward to the next step.
Awesome video John! Probably one of my favorite WIP ones you've done. I can't wait to see the rest of the progression! Best of luck this year and this piece is shaping up to be something extremely special!!!
@Ninjon - this looks awesome! A big improvement and much more epic. Really looking forward to seeing this painted.
YYYYEEEEAAAAAHHHH!!!!!
I know nothing about composition, but this year's diorama is already much more exciting!
Great job as always. Just as an idea for you, maybe you should add some battle damage to miniatures, like damaged weapons and armore, bandaged body parts and severed limbs, to really sell the look that they have just come out from hard battle. And maybe a couple of corpses here and there, provided you have free space left.)
I really like where you're headed with this project - the way you've set up the minis creates some great negative spaces that are already starting to pop even even without a coat of primer.
omg I love this! You've really inspired me to paint my own CoS box :)
Would you consider adding the gargolyians onto the base? They're these cool little critters that hang around cities of sigmar armies.
Love the video, amazing to see you embark on that adventure again. Love the diorama!
Honestly the vampire scene was sick! I DO get the composition issues with it, but it also has good... What I can only describe as flow? Movement? The zombies coming up the rear look great
I love this concept! Reminds me of those WWII photos of squads after a battle or something just standing there heroically or with this solemn look after a harrowing battle.
Just saw the Golden Demon update. Congrats on taking home an award. Looked like the competition was steep.
That looks like it’s going to be a fun project. I managed to get some time in painting a model this week and did some pretty solid work painting my first ork
If you can eventually pull off a GD, that would have to be the best improvement in artistry I’ve seen in the hobby. The fact you’re even competing just shows the effort you’ve put in, not just in painting, but in your video quality and scripts. I have a feeling you’re a very competitive person, and I really do appreciate the work you put in on your videos.
Fantastic job Jon, composition really pops, and love the parallel lines of power directing the eye
Amazing stuff Jon, like you said composition already feels exciting and dramatic, and focused. Keep it up and truly hope you get placed in the top 3!
Love the composition on this one. Looking forward to seeing it painted!
I absolutely love this! This has inspired me to create small sized dioramas for models and i absolutely love the process, keep up the great work
This is such an interesting video! I can't wait for more on this diorama, it's looking pretty great already! Also, thanks for sharing all of this journey; I've been painting minis for 4 years and only this year did I get into making dioramas, it's such a unique experience and I absolutely love it. Watching your videos on your previous diorama inspired me a lot on how to think my own projects, and I already have some really cool notes from this video to implement on my own dioramas, so thank you!
I'm a very humble paintenr but i wanna say that this diorama that didn't win is my favorite diorama of all those i've ever seen. The night/day idea is brilliant and very well executed. Don't be too hard on yourself ;)
What an awesome scene! This video just helped with the composition of a diorarma I am working now.
Look forward to following this journey and seeing it myself at the Golden Demon. Good luck.
Wow! That is going to be a great model. Look forward to seeing it finished.
Looking forward to seeing more of this piece. It looks awesome so far. I have a feeling you will do good this time
That looks great, my dude! I can't wait to see it painted. You'll win for sure.
This setup looks amazing. They feel like they are preparing to stand against a greater foe that is charging in. Looks epic and cant wait to see it painted up. Good luck!!
Love this. Looking forward to seeing more videos in the future showing further progress on this project.
Two other suggestions that might already be in the comments
1) There are other building materials mixed into stone buildings (wood, iron, etc.) that will help provide more of an idea of the settlement that was destroyed.
2) Mix in some amount of evidence of human toll to the scene (ripped banner, charred keepsakes) to sell the story that this is grim determination in the face of overwhelming destructive capacity.
Also, bonus third thing check the eyelines on the dude on the left. He is looking a little low and too the left.
Awesome work my dude. I am pulling for you to win, but also just want you to be happy with your effort.
No idea whether john reads the comments; But I for one am super happy that he chose to make a video about what is exciting him instead of what will get the most views. It sucks to have to put effort into shit you don't enjoy as much instead of what you are getting enjoyment out of. And as a bonus its way more fun to watch someone talk about shit they are excited for in general. I would love to have more of these kinds of videos to watch while I do my boring job that I get no enjoyment out off ^^
I did read this comment, and I appreciate you taking the time to write it! I try to keep a healthy balance
I use DAS for my Emperor's Children bases. But I mix it with PVA glue to make it less brittle when it dries. Then use textured rollers over them.
This looks great! Reall inspiring for a CoS diorama im planning right now! Working up a plan currently to do a very similar rag tag last stand type scene.
Awesome video, awesome project….just all-around awesome. The composition and setting looks great (also awesome)!
When I first saw you original piece I thought exactly the same thing (that there is to much empty space and flatness) but I thought to myself "ahh its Jon, he knows what he is doing and I have no idea"... but hearing you figuring out your problems with the piece gave me some validation haha. Really interesting and helpful to see you go back and figuring out "bad" aspects of your older projects and figuring them out on new ones. Btw, I thing this new composition is reallyreally nice!
Always enjoy these videos - thanks!
Looks great, looking forward to the painting stage
Looks great already! I love this project of yours.
Dude, I love your videos. Can't wait to see this painted up.
It looks really good! I also wonder how it would look if the guys on foot were looking up at the mounted leader, and he was looking down, somber after a costly defense of the castle/city. The hope of the soldiers as they look up to their leader contrasting with the melancholy of the leader that knows they have lost too much and may not recover in time for the next attack.
I came back to this video after watching the podcast and its great to see you made changes.
The scene composition looks gorgeous. If you wanted an epic look, you definitely achieved it!
Can't wait to see how you paint one of my fav kits recently released, the Freeguild Cavalier-Marshal 🤩
Looking at finished Golden Demon dioramas always feels so intimidating, like completely unapproachable for the average hobbyist, but seeing you go through the whole process in detail, breaking it down even to the pre-thought and sketching stages makes it seem so much more interesting. This video actually inspires me to try out a diorama, maybe to use as a terrain piece or something functional as I’m not a competition level painter.
(Side note: finally clicked the button and placed an order from Into the AM! That hoodie finally sold me on checking them out.)
Ryan Neil of Bonsai Mirai is such a strong proponent of asymmetry that it’s fundamental to his compositional philosophy when potting trees. When faced with the question of more or less symmetry, he usually pushes it further afield, towards more dynamism, more demanding composition. Go beyond, NinJon!
It was so funny to see you looking for inspiration with that photo 😂
In fact, it is the castle of "Sant Miquel" in Alta-Riba, in Catalonia, not far from where I live!
Thank you for the video, it was very interesting and useful (like all of the others that you make) 🎉🎉
I'm looking forward to seeing several more videos on this project!
Before you go to painting, I think you should convert some wind generated motion into all of the minis. The cloak on the right guy certainly but also the others. Just some strings/ bandages could sell the effect for the cloakless minis.
What could also be cool is adding that effect into the eventual trees/bushes you'll add.
The composition is so great, looks like those old Renaissance portraits or photos of soldiers of the world wars.
Looks pretty cool, can't wait to see how you go painting it.
That mini diorama looks pretty bad ass, I look forward to seeing it in the case this coming year at Adepticon! Thanks for sharing the process.. your videos are always enjoyable and informative!!
It's not often I bookmark a video, but I think this one is going to be a valuable reference for me in the not too distant future.
Someone NEEDS to say it:
What the hell is going on with the tabs on your browser on 2:18 ?
Great video, though
Go Go Go Ninjon, I'll be cheering for you...
DAS clay is an essential part of my terrain/basing. Probably not the best for bricks though, but SUPER good for smoothing out the transition between vertical layers, creating hills/lumps/etc. Really recommend.
looking forward to seeing this painted
I really like this piece! I Can't wait for it to be painted!
Dayum that really looks sick! Love it already.
Looks awesome Jon, really think you've got a winner there, excited to see it realized.
I wish I had the time and patience to do those kinds of dioramas. They're always really cool to see. Great job and I can't wait to see the results of the future painting sessions to get it finished.
Looking forward to this series! Excellent video inspired me to work on a diorama.
The number of tabs open when you were scrolling through the composition website caused me psychic damage.
Looking great, to me this video was way more interesting and entertaining than a normal “paint the mini” video. I’ll be on the look out for the next one in this series.
Make it steeper! And have the tired troops Look up at their grim commander. But already looks great!
Sculpting all you want, we all know there is a cork tower under it all.
Jokes aside the scene is really interesting. I can imagine little embers floating in the air as the dust is setting from this battle. I’m imagining the scene in Kingdom of Heaven when the wall is breached and the fighting just turns into a mosh pit at the gap.
Super excited to see how this goes!
I can hardly wait to see what it looks like with paint on it!
Friendly tip with cutting bricks out of air-drying clay is to use a pizza cutter. :) Can't wait to see how this project turns out! It looks awesome!
Yeah this base is looking on point, cant wait to see it get some colour.
this is amazing!! Im nowhere near your level, but im having the same feelings about building and painting scenes and bases rather than just the painting the minis!!! Im going to start a scene using the new harbinger model and will use a lot of the things you have said in this video as guidance
13:17 I am slightly worried about the judges nog liking that the spear of the right most fellow is blocking the head of the horse (depending on the angel of course). The silhouette of the Marshal is so good that anyhting blocking it might make the overall composition worse.
Thanks Ninjon. Great video. Nice to see your transparent process worts and all. You are a great instructor.
Cant wait to see you slap some paint on this bad boy mate! Great great video as always!
Such a fun and dynamic piece, I can't wait to see it painted!!
Awesome! I hope you'll be able to work in dramatic lighting like you did in the undead scene. Maybe dusk or dawn to fit the battle aftermath atmosphere. Can't wait for the next video!
Where I'm from every kid used to play with DAS clay in elementary school, once you get to know the material you can do some very small and precise details.
The sculpt of the marshal has the wind blowing from left to right. Would be awesome if that is reflected in other parts of the diorama as well.
Love your vids!
Looking forward to the next one mate!
That is already looking very interesting. I particularly noted how you have the figures all looking at only 2 different reference points outside of the diorama. Great work incorporating all of your learnings!
I can't wait to follow your progress with this!
Looks very cool. Like a character creation splash page out of a roleplaying book. I'm thinking a smoldering fire pit between the pikeman and the shield guy would be a neat touch and a chance for some interesting source lighting.
Damn! It`s already lookin great! Cant wait for the progress!
I’d love to see a analysis of what you would do with last year’s entry. Given what you learned, I’d love to see how you would redo it.
Not a full repaint/redo of course, but seeing a rough sketch of your ideas would be cool.
The amount of icons at the tops of the browser at 2:20 gives me an anxiety that I cannot out fully into words 😅
The scene looks amazing. I like to have the option to have the characters be able to move freely for a D&D adventure. I suppose one could build the scene and make room for the baseplate characters. Thanks for the video!
Love the new diorama. Can’t wait to see it painted
You have a great opportunity to add wind into the scene. I think it would add a lot to the feeling of the scene, really bring it to life you know? Also making it look like the base has been lifted from real life by making some small cavities, roots and hollows would be cool.
I love those ruined castle wall bits. I looked on Epic Basing to get some for myself, but I didn't see anything like them on their website. Am I missing something???
This is looking great, looking forward to seeing it painted! 🤘🤘
looks great! amazing how a simple change in composition can make such a big difference 👍
This composition is amazing, Jon! It compressed everything down to the necessary bits of telling the story! Cant wait for the finished product and i have to say its already big step up. Maaaaaybe jus maaaaybe you want to carefully remove the figures of last years piece and rebuild the scenery, as i think the idea was amazing. Could be a future project, but then again you could always leave it like it is to see how much improved. I always like to compare myself with older work i did
I'm really happy that you're giving golden demon another go. This looks like you're going in a great direction.