I do the podcast thing. I've got a couple podcasts I love to listen to (It's Probably (Not) Aliens, Well There's Your Problem, Kill James Bond), but I usually make sure to only put them on while I'm painting. That way, whenever I get the urge to listen to it, I'm motivated to fill the paint water jar and get painting. I also find it helps to set a series of little goals. Not just "paint these models", but "do all the Red on these models". That way, there are tiny hits of dopamine in regular intervals, which keep my spirits up. Often, this means a painting session might see me make and then complete a succession of these tasks, so I feel _really_ accomplished at the end. Even if, in the broad sense, I haven't done much at all. This also helps to turn a daunting task into a manageable one. Chipping away at a project, rather than being overwhelmed by it.
My last painting session was a 5 hour block I told myself I'd need to paint 10 models. I told myself they had to go from primed to finished in that 5 hour block. I'm quite happy with how they turned out, and even happier I allowed myself to only think of the models for that block of time. I could have spent another hour or so in highlights and details, but they are FINISHED per my goals. Easily tabletop quality.
My motivation wanes because of the time to set that much time aside. With 3 kids, teaching, coaching, and church responsibilities 5hr+ blocks of time are only available for sleeping.
@@ironjehoshaphat2764 split that 5 hours into chunks of whatever time you do have - whether five 1 hour periods, fifteen 20-minute periods, or even sixty 5-minute moments
I never try to paint more than one unit at a time. Buying an entire army just makes the job look overwhelming, but do it in squad sized chunks means you get regular feelings of reward and satisfaction whenever you finish a unit
my favorite tip ever was when Adam explained 'paint mode' and 'build mode' a long while ago. I always think, 'time to switch to build mode!' whenever I get tired o painting. Thanks!
I agree. The problem is that, for some reason, build mode is way easier for me, so it's all too easy to step into this mode. I think it's because build mode is messier, and therefore "safer", while paint mode is "if I don't do this right, I'll ruin the mini. Also, I'm wasting paint, it's going to dry, I better do this now", etc. Build mode is safer, you can always fix what's broken, add putty, etc. It's also like playing with legos!
i have two hobby motivation tips i give to people: 1. hobby every day. this doesn't mean spend 2 hours every day painting, but touch base every day. this can be just spending 2 minutes painting a base rim, or just clipping one component off of a sprue, or writing an army list, or tidying your hobby station. the key is it keeps your projects in mind, so when you do come to have a "proper" hobby session, you don't spend the 1st 30minutes trying to remember what you were doing, or what you were planning on next, because you're just carrying on from the day before. 2. if you have lost the mojo, and want to get back on the hobby horse, get one random mini that isn't for your current army/project (games workshop stores have the free model each month, so that's a good start if you don't have any spares at home), build it and then give yourself exactly 1 hour to paint it as much as possible. i find this really helps as its something different to what you are used to painting, and you dont "care" if its good or not, but you get the full experience of getting paint on plastic.
There's a major second benefit to your #1 that you didn't mention: Hard-committing to just a little time lowers some mental hurdles towards starting a session, and often you will then find plenty of motivation to keep going beyond that! It's a common tip in ADHD communities, where the initial push to start a task can often be the hardest part.
Listening to audiobooks is my routine. I also tend to paint in the mornings before my kids wake up. The house is quiet and it's the best time. I can paint between 90 minutes to two hours.
I've just started listening to the Terry Pratchet Discworld series while I paint. Before I would put a film on or a series etc. but audio books or music are better I'm finding because I don't get distracted by what ever is on my tablet. I've also found that audio books make me shake less than music, I listen to a lot of heavy metal, I assume that it raises my heart rate which in turn makes my hand shake.
A big one I’ve had to talk myself out of is this “all or nothing” attitude I started, wherein I wouldn’t paint if I didn’t have multiple hours to do so. Which eventually steamrolled into anything less than like 5 hours wasn’t worth it. It’s a vicious cycle!
7:31 - I recently obtained a ridiculous number of 3D printed Battletech mechs. I decided to use a handful of them as robots in my 28mm skirmish games, but didn't know how to approach painting them. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to experiment on one of the mechs, using a dry brush, wash, and panel line accent ink. It ended up being some of the best work I've ever done in my 35 years of hobbying. And I'm beating myself up over it because the model was just an experiment, and not really earmarked for anything in particular. LOL
Most important thing is forgive yourself when it doesn't all go to plan. Its easy to spend way too much time worrying about painting instead of just painting. Life happens,do what you can and don't bear yourself up when you can't.
I started painting during breaks at work. First I made a little traveling kit with a wet pallet and a limited paint range. I suggest to read atomic habits. It really gives good tactical advice to build a streak a habits for anything.
I recently started enjoying painting over many very short sessions. I work from home. Every time I take a break from work I spend 15 mins painting a part. While waiting to for the break I’m mentally planning out the next color or section. And then when it’s time there’s no paralysis. I just grab the brush and go. It’s crazy how much productivity has gone up doing this.
How's your work productivity? Whilst painting the mini for 15mins are you thinking about the next thing you're going to do for work? Genuinely interested. Seems a possibility for a virtuous circle
Great advice, as usual. Here are a couple of things that help me and my friends: 1) a group of my friends meet regularly remotely, and paint together as we discuss the hobby, or anything else in life. COVID19 made this concept possible 2) I have a large piece of terrain (the Original Citidel Fortified Mannor). I only paint that piece, a little at a time, on Mondays. My friends affectionately refer to this as, "Manor Mondays." This way, I do not get bored or overwhelmed with the project, and I can work on other things on other days. 3) Also, my one friend regularly organizes "painting challenges," where we have a schedule of WHAT type of unit/model should be painted during a two week cycle. The challenge usually lasts 3 months. During that time, we post pictures and encourage one another. At the end of the challenge, you will be surprised at just how much you get done.
Another helpful video to keep things rolling in the hobby. I pretty much follow the tips in the video with one small addition. I started a "Modelling Monday" post on my FB page for my family and friends who have shared an interest in my hobby. So Monday is my short term goal to chugg through my pile of shame to finish a small/reasonable project for the week, and post every Monday. Thanks again for the helpful video.
I found writing this stuff down even in a note on my phone helps a lot. Like having a workout routine, seeing exactly what I'm doing for that day - what models, the colors, etc - anything to reduce the executive function load so when it's time I can sit down and just go. It's also motivational to see what I've accomplished in that note just like seeing your workout improvement over time. I also found that keeping a character that I want to do at a higher quality usually not something I'm going to put on the table is a good option for when I'm not feeling up to the army painting.
@@AVS_uk yeah it gives me a reason to paint a single character I think just looks cool that I normally wouldn't have. And because it's just for me to look at on my shelf it's stress free. It became an outlet for more experimentation and trying new techniques. definitely recommend trying it.
One thing that frustrated me at first, was trying painting every guy in series. I would have 16 half finished dudes that I had to come back to when I made a mistake. It felt it had no end. You would have thought they were finished but then you would spot something, a mistake, a part you forgot to paint. Now I do 1 to 3 minis at a time and I known what it needs to be done with each one.
I've been motivated to paint the last couple of months and really enjoy my time painting my Blitz Bowl and Underworlds warbands. Before that I've had a bit of a dip and wasn't motivated nor enjoying it. Still I painted at least 3 times a week for one or two hours, painting one model at a time. Eventually I finished a few models and finished a project. What also helped, was the regular game nights happening again, game store and game clubs were hosting game nights again, allowing me to play the games I've been painting and buying new models for during the lockdown. Having fun playing the games you've painted also boosts my motivation and enjoyment painting the models.
I've found listening to music as I paint really helpful. And finding something that fits the style really keeps me going. Lately I've been painting AoS Chaos and listening to the Wintersaga album by WindRose. Dwarven metal is a real motivator lol
My hobby motivation things, some of which have been mentioned by others: 1. Touch my brush every day. I don't need to paint a whole mini, it could just be fixing some highlights or doing a layer of glazing. Just doing something helps and often it starts the ball rolling. 2. Organize your unfinished pile! I keep all my primed models in one place, all my kitbash projects in another, all my armor someplace else, all my models that need clearing somewhere, all my models that need assembly... basically, I want to always be able to quickly and efficiently grab a project for whatever aspect of the hobby I'm in the mood for. I don't group projects by "well, I'll finish this entire warband then move on." I focus on whatever my mood is at the moment and that diversity helps me stay motivated. Sometimes, after a day of cleaning moldlines and gluing... you just want to get some painting, ANY painting done. 3. Keep crappy minis around. For me, these are heroclix. They have (Sorry to fans of the line) fucking hideous paint jobs but are very cheap (you can often get 100 for under 20 bucks). I prime over their paint job and just grab one at random and start painting. No focus on being great or making a display model. My goals are simple- A) make it look better than it started out (very easy) and B) have fun. No stress minis to paint are fantastic and great for days when you just want to make something. Having a finished model that looks better than it did an hour ago is the best motivator in the world.
Loved your point about scheduling. Whatever we can do to eliminate hurdles and impediments to actually having brush in hand or clippers ready to go is fruitful. For me, setting up the desk for the next painting session is helpful. As you said, scheduling in my calendar “Thursday 9 to 10 paint” goes a long way. Rotating between large and small projects Pick to learn or improve on one thing at a time Even if I only have 10 minutes, I can use it by organizing, planning, or setting up. 10 minutes feels more rewarding than 0
Routine is something that's helped me with painting, but it's also one of the first things I was suggested by a university counsellor when I was suffering with depression; it's a fix all for some and it really worked for me. Great suggestion!
I think something like #hobbystreak on Twitter is worth a mention. Commit to doing a hobby activity daily and post it with a picture. Some days you may paint one pair of boots on a model... and that's okay! Seeing the hobbystreak number grow helps build a routine as you mention, but not wanting to see the streak die keeps the motivation to do SOMETHING every day!
I personally found #hobbystreak detrimental to my enjoyment of the hobby and just jumped off this train pretty quickly. I also observed people doing that just focus on output, just to get something done... Meh.
All good tips. Well done video. My tip is this: I always try and keep one model going that I am highly motivated to paint to a high (for me) standard. I also keep several models that are "just for the table" on the side. This lets me break from the more stressful work while still working. Asking Her periodically what she thinks also helps keep me focused.
My son struggles with the "goal" part. We both paint miniatures and both have the same amount of time, but I can get a whole team done in the time it takes him to paint one or two minis. He just approaches everything as a major project that has to have EVERY detail painted. He tends to get lost in the project and forgets that he wants the minis for a game. It frustrates him that I'll have a team done that look decent and he's still painting that one ork. But I also schedule things and try to work my hobbies around everything else. Time management is something he's working on.
One thing I do, and it doesn't work for every game system out there obviously, but if I am working on a Warhammer project I will play Warhammer Video games, listen to warhammer books, and do whatever I can to "Fan the flames" of fandom to get me all kinds of pumped to build/paint the things! Thanks for another awesome video Uncle Atom!
I wish I could keep to a routine, that's a fantastic idea, probably the best IMHO. I feel I'm an exception though as I'm disabled, so sometimes my body doesnt allow me to 'hobby'. Making a set routine nigh impossible. But that's just me so I try to replace it with something hobby related. Maybe making terrain, sketching new ideas, hell, even playing around in battlescribe with different lists for 40k. Keeps my love of the hobby alive in spirit, even though I cannot hobby in practice. I would add: Find something that inspires you! Is it content creators like Adam? Is it black library books/audio books? Talking shop with other like-minded hobbyists? (Discord, forums, groups etc). And use that inspiration to fuel your drive to hobby!
I think a good tip is community. If you share your progress with others you tend to get positive feedback, you provide feedback for others and it can generate a positive feedback loop. For me the biggest challenge is other hobbies/interests. I find myself pulled in various directions, and painting feels like it has a bit of a wedge to get over to get going, where as others are less so, and give instant feedback. Usually though the actually motivator for me is getting pissed off at myself for not getting anything done, then doing it :D
I did some repaints recently for X-Wing. Made a couple TIE/fos into cool red TIE/lns and retinted some old ships to look like more recent releases. Having those as small little projects I could complete a batch of in a night or a night and a half really helped me feel like I could make quick progress while hobbying
I simply remind myself that this is part of my enjoyment too. When I feel the frustration that I'm still magnetizing instead of painting I tell myself," I'm getting my money's worth". These things can be expensive so I think it's best to not rush though but enjoy it. Maybe I'm lucky that I enjoy all parts of this wonderful hobby. Still something to be said about being overly profectionistic..hey look at that..new word!))
What I like to do is choose an army or set of terrain, something that I can paint in a month (depending on how the month looks). Then on the first day of the next month I take pictures and post what I finished in a few discord servers. That way I have a goal and it is nice to track my progress month by month.
10:51 Make a list of stuff to paint and check items off as you paint them. That little hit of dopamine is what you want to help train you to paint more.
I like to keep whatever I'm painting on my work desk during the day so I can stay motivated for painting after work. I can also think about colour schemes or other ideas ready for later. My friends on Discord have a painting channel set up so we can all post up progress pics. My wife and I also go to the local GW store every saturday to build and paint and have a chat with everyone else.
Setting Achievable Goals is the big one for me. Instead of looking at the whole mountain of unpainted/primed minis, I'll plan a painting session with an achievable goal, like "Base coat all the belts and boots of this squad" or "Apply highlights to the gloves of this squad". Accomplishing that one little goal will set you up for the next one and keep you motivated to keep pushing through the pile. And I always have to keep reminding myself, "These are game pieces, not masterpieces". If I treat them like masterpieces, my kids will have a whole lot more unpainted minis to sell at an estate sale some day than I am comfortable with.
I love your t-shirt - I have one of those plastic things that go around a license plate that says Miskatonic University Alumni, and get asked about it all the time. I got it online back around 2003 or so. Thanks for the video, by the way- I’m currently in a motivation slump, and this will help. Have a great weekend!
Listening to podcasts or audio books keeps me motivated, as well as the other things you pointed out, they are all very valid points you made Uncle Atom, you my friend are the guru of table top gaming 😀
My advice to anyone is always to break down your projects into manageable chunks. I've got the Echoes of Doom set coming next week but if I just dive in head first it will probably take me forever to get finished. I plan to start with the Skaven half and just do 5 Clan Rats to tabletop ready, then do the next 5 then move onto 5 Stormvermin to mix it up a bit, then back to 5 clan rats, then back to 5 Stormvermin, then the last 5 clan rats, then the Screaming Bell (not sure how I'm going to approach that yet) and finally the Deathmaster. It keeps it interesting rather than just building all 32 models, then priming all 32 models, then painting all 32 models as that is when a project can start to get tedious and daunting. I also never start a project with centrepiece or character models as if I do I find I have to force myself finish the units and ultimately end up rushing them and doing a bad job.
I just need models I’m genuinely excited to sit down with. It’s gotten to the point where I find models I like and I search for a game system to throw them into after the fact. Space Weirdos has been great for this!
Some really good thoughts there, Uncle! For me the best motivation was to start using Contrast/Speed paints, and accepting the level of quality they give! Because I can always go back to those minis and touch up. this is really getting my Pile of Shame reduced.
1) I try to make sure I paint at least an hour a day when I come home from work. 2) I have built into my routine the flexibility to miss days. Because I need "rest days" periodically. 3) I make each session working on one aspect. Whether it is the silvers, or the highlights, etc..I do one focused element. 4) I think I try something new with every time I sit down to paint. I also paint different armies or different games so I am not doing the same thing all the time Sisters of Battle are different from Space Wolves, and both are different from House Kurita Otomo from BattleTech 5) I hate deadlines. But, then again, I also make sure there is progress, and, long ago, I learned to say "This is good enough"
I use to have a time when all my friends met up and listened to music and all just built and painted stuff as well as helped each other, miss that and could do with something like that again.
I'm one of those people that paint my models to display quality, although I do the basecoating, shade and a few layering before playing and then paint some more on them afterwards when I don't have any models to assemble.
Thanks for these tips! As for me since I have so much going on and nothing has a deadline I can just pop in and do the table top hobbing when ever I miss it like anything else I am doing.
I like the one colour a day method on a squad or big model. 7 colours or steps is mostly a finished tts model. That's 4 big models or 4 squads in a month.
My biggest thing is check lists. I make a checklist of things I need to get done. If I check off at least 1 thing a day, I'm doing great. Sometimes it's the really simple, baser impulse, the euphoric feeling of checking each thing off the list
I play ASOIAF & it's fantastic to paint & play!!! Im not entering any competitions but im proud of my work. Thank you sir for helping me find the real motivation - paint & play
Yeah getting back into painting has been super hard for me, almost all my friends live a minimum of 2 hours away so up until a week ago i havent painted in over 2 years since i moved in 2020. Now im just trying to get back in that rhythm of at least 1-3 hours every other day or so and ive been enjoying myself quite a lot of with it, but yeah i gotta say the repetition is definitely key
You shirt highlights one my issues in an ironic way. The last four weeks my partner and I have been playing Arkham Horror in the window of time we use to use for painting... started as a one off. Our back log has built up so much now that the thought of starting it, is off putting in itself... not even adding Echoes tomorrow, and Kill Team next week... just more of a hill to climb. What would you recommend with those that have so much to do, that even the goal of making a routine. You just mentioned the "snow ball" lol... what do you recommend with said Snowball?
My son and I paint Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours. If we don’t feel like painting we build. Also we vary the model types so we have a range available from session to session. That way it remains a regular thing without getting stale.
I like to take pictures of projects and send them to a buddy of mine. I also like sharing them on FB groups if its a group for that game. Getting a comment or like from the creator of a game is a cool motivator!
I reward myself..am painting a squad of Flagelants..ok..first 6 - I work out the paintsheme(for skin,belt..and all that) next 6-1st reward - musician..Next 6-2nd reward -standard, next 6-3rd reward - champion.. and there are all of a sudden 24 painted minis on my table..👍 works for me..at least..
having structure definitely helped me in the past, I had 8 hours a week dedicated just for the hobby. I was better back then at it than I am now because I did nothing else during those hours but paint and maybe listen to music. now I paint whenever and when I finish something, its not as good as what I have in the showcase that I painted in the past. despite having a lot of free time these days its mostly spend on discord while my piles of shame grow higher.
My biggest issue (other than being quite badly disabled; the right side of my body is paralysed from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, otherwise known as the suicide syndrome) with motivation for painting is waiting e.g. I'm expecting a phone call from my doctor (happens a lot at the moment as I have throat cancer) and I hate getting everything ready only to have to stop, usually just as I put brush to model the phone will ring (sods law) and I end up on the phone for longer than I'd like so I lose motivation. Then I have very regular cramps and spasms so I have to wait for those to pass before I can paint but I manage to do it and if I can manage it, my hobby brothers and sisters, you can too. Make no excuses (I've got 4 kids between 6 and 18 as well as a wife) to not paint, find excuses TO paint.
I'd be interested to know your process for deciding on a paint scheme. I spend far too long looking at a miniature, trying to work out how I want it to look. I've found that I can knock a model out in a fairly short space of time if I copy the box art but I've I'm creating my own colour scheme apend ages just looking at the model, deciding what colours I think will look good together and then I'll change my mind after I add the base layer and things like that. Any tips you have for that would be a great help.
I've got 2 jobs, full time 8 - 5 and for extra cash I do work in the evenings and sometimes weekend at home also took on allotment for growing own veggies, so hobby time is scarce. i get angry with myself for not painting my back log, when i feel this i bust out my contrast paints pick some models that work well with them i.e. daemon's, orcs and the like. Paint 5 or 10 models to a reasonable standard maybe highlighting a little but not much. This makes me feel better, then next time paint i using normal citadel take a bit longer taking to a higher standard all good in the world.
I don't think I have ever painted a solo miniature. These day I paint mainly historical miniatures, so I paint a unit at a time, infantry is 24-32 models, cavalry is 6-14. Artillery I normally paint multiple gun preferably 4 or 5 guns at a time then all the crew. Leader models I frequently wait til I have at least five to paint.
When I set an end date to complete any hobby project, I feel not really comfortable doing a work. Maybe that's a habit. I figured out that in order to enjoy painting, I have to relax and spend these 10-12 hours with a regular infantry model. Can't say that I have more free time than many other people I know, though it feels much better to be sure that I did a good job, with no hurry.
I repeat this things to my friends....but I should just share this video with them because you explain things more eloquently than I...or they just don't want to listen to me....
I find breaks doing a hobby are also good….I took a long break for going hard on elden ring….now I’m refreshed and ready to paint again (painted some but cut it down to once every couple weeks instead of multiple times a week)
One of things I learned the hard way is, nothing non hobby related goes on the paint bench. I went so far as to build a separate work area for working on terrain.
I've been averaging 3 hours per individual model, lol I think knowing which models are in the new CSM codex and what the new legal weapon loadouts are would help my motivation considerably EDIT: great video, gave me some things to think about
I have a "15 minute rule". I'll tell myself I'm just going to study for 15 minutes, I just going to read this for 15 minutes, I'm just going to build models for 15 minutes, I'm just going to paint for 15 minutes. 15 minutes seems to be my " resting mental inertia". If I can just get myself over that 15 minute starting resting inertia, I usually end up doing a thing for way longer. IF, I'm working and I look at the clock and it's been 15 minutes, and it's a struggle... then I'm done. It's all I've promised myself. Take a break, then maybe, talk yourself into 15 minutes later.
I was a strength and conditioning coach for yeeeeeears and I unapologetically stole some great advice from Terry Crews for maintaining a fitness routine. Even if you dont feel like working out, go to the gym. Its ok if you dont work out. Read a magazine, scroll instagram, watch youtube. Whatever. Just go to the gym. Be there when you said you'd be there, even if you arent gonna do the thing you said you'd do. Because chances are, you'll sit there for a few minutes thinking "man i dont have it in me to work out today" but after a while you'll be like "well, im here. might as well like... walk on the treadmill while I read this book" and BAM! youre working out. The same goes for building/painting. Even if you dont feel like it, go sit in your hobbying space. Sit at your painting table and watch a movie or read a book or whatever. Chances are, after a few minutes, you'll be putting paint on a model or clipping bits from sprues or at least organizing the space. All of that helps maintain the routine.
I paint for commission and this year; it's just been so rough. Not on the commission front but the mental front. These past 2 years, I lost 4 beloved cats and buried 3 kittens. Yesterday was the two year anniversary of one of the kittens passing as May 1st last year saw my late dads beloved cat pass and this January, our much beloved Abby passed so suddenly. The hurt has been rough and the cold winter and an erratic schedule and my brother wanting a puppy that he no longer cares for so it falls onto me and moving work locations has seen a very significant reduction in productivity. But mostly; it has been the hurt.
Dude - that sucks. Sounds like you need to talk things through with a close friend. They don't need to fix everything, but they can empathize without feeling burdened by you, or even give helpful advice. Seriously, just talking things through can help massively. Feeling like other people's responsibilities are falling onto you is a warning sign that the stress you are under is becoming overwhelming. That can only go on for so long before it knocks you down in ways you cannot imagine. I've been there. That being said, as long as you actively do something about it, and take time to grieve, things will eventually get better. It won't be overnight, but eventually. Be thankful you got to care for those animals for the short time they were here, and you made that time the best you could for them. They appreciated that, and I'm sure your Dad would too. Good luck with everything, and as a great man once said, "If you're going through hell, keep going."
for me its just getting started, so many times i will put off the painting i have planned for weeks at an end and then ill just sit down and start 30 minutes in and i am thinking... why the hell have i not been doing this, its fun AF so for me its been a little easier to get that motivation luckily, its stupidly hey... just sit down and do it
i know what my problem is, i intend to paint to a tabletop standard, and i keep getting sucked into making them to a parade standard, which really is a drain when doing an imperial guard army with so many small infantry. so when i hit a wall with them i paint something else (i am also working on Black Templars) until i hit a wall there, then bounce back. it's a vicious cycle, truly.
Honestly I'm just confused about people struggling to be motivated to hobby. If you don't want to do it then don't,it's a hobby,not a job. It's supposed to be something you do for fun and relaxation,this is the absolute last thing that should cause you stress and burnout. You can take however long of a break you want,come back whenever or just quit forever if you just never feel like painting.
My problem is not motivation. My problem is being subscribed to so many miniature painting channels that I spend most of my free time watching painting guides so I barely have time to paint. Wait what? Try to find some way to combine the two?? 🤔
This might be an advanced motivational technique, but sometimes when I am having a hard time getting the motivation to start, I will quickly and deliberately do something WRONG to the piece. Then I have to fix it because I have to. And then once you're working on it, you're in.
I started walking 3.9km per day at the end of December and I can vouch for routine being a great thing. Also I find I am a numbers guy so Tracking the progress in a spreadsheet has been very helpful.
I walk 10x 390m loops of my street every day 1 loop at each break during work days and 2 loops after work in the AM and then 5 loops in the evening. I allow myself to borrow loops as it were if I for example Miss my coffee break loop I will walk 3 after work in the AM I only don't allow borrowing across days. Since November 30th I have walked 725.52 KM and have only ever missed 3 days in that time period. Here is a text version of the output from my tracking spreadsheet (with some added explanations in brackets) SCOREBOARD Current Streak: (Empty as I haven't finished today's walk) Longest Streak: 5 Months 1 Days Total Loops: 1510 Normal Work Days Walked: 101 Normal Off Days Walked: 66 Special Days Walked: 8 (All Stat Holidays, Household birthdays, and my Wedding anniversary are Special Days) Days Not Walked 4 (3 Non walked days plus today as today is yet to be finished) Maximum Days Distance (Km): 15.6 Total Non Loop Distance (Km): 136.62 Total Distance(Km): 725.52 Winter Spring Summer Fall (Dec-Feb) (Mar-May) (Jun-Aug) (Sep-Nov) 334 389.57 0 1.95 Loop Exempt days: 7 (Days when I was not at home or did another purpose built walk other than my 10x loops) Total Time if at 5km/h (hours): 145.104 Average Time if at 5km/h (minutes): 49.74994286 You could have walked to Prince George from home taking major highways. You are 54.48 Kilometers away from Vanderhoof Total Cities Visited: 44 Familially Important Cities Visited: 6 NHL Home Cities Visited: 3/32 Provincial and Territorial Capitals Visited: 1/13 I may at some point add in the 50 US State capitals. I had thought of doing that but at present the only non Canadian Cities in the list are the US NHL Cities and Alexandria Virginia where my Brother and his wife now live.
sometimes a change of project helps, tired of painting vanguard vets for carcharodons? assemble and paint a blood angels Venerable Treadnougt. the change in pallets and perspectives refreshes your drive. change the subject matter, or tired of painting minis, try and build terrain. dont stay stuck
I do the podcast thing. I've got a couple podcasts I love to listen to (It's Probably (Not) Aliens, Well There's Your Problem, Kill James Bond), but I usually make sure to only put them on while I'm painting. That way, whenever I get the urge to listen to it, I'm motivated to fill the paint water jar and get painting.
I also find it helps to set a series of little goals. Not just "paint these models", but "do all the Red on these models". That way, there are tiny hits of dopamine in regular intervals, which keep my spirits up. Often, this means a painting session might see me make and then complete a succession of these tasks, so I feel _really_ accomplished at the end. Even if, in the broad sense, I haven't done much at all.
This also helps to turn a daunting task into a manageable one. Chipping away at a project, rather than being overwhelmed by it.
My last painting session was a 5 hour block I told myself I'd need to paint 10 models. I told myself they had to go from primed to finished in that 5 hour block. I'm quite happy with how they turned out, and even happier I allowed myself to only think of the models for that block of time. I could have spent another hour or so in highlights and details, but they are FINISHED per my goals. Easily tabletop quality.
My motivation wanes because of the time to set that much time aside. With 3 kids, teaching, coaching, and church responsibilities 5hr+ blocks of time are only available for sleeping.
@@ironjehoshaphat2764 split that 5 hours into chunks of whatever time you do have - whether five 1 hour periods, fifteen 20-minute periods, or even sixty 5-minute moments
Takes me 2 days to paint one Space Marine 🤣 in my defense, I've only got one arm that works.
I never try to paint more than one unit at a time. Buying an entire army just makes the job look overwhelming, but do it in squad sized chunks means you get regular feelings of reward and satisfaction whenever you finish a unit
Lol, I really need to get better at doing this. Being overwhelmed with projects defiantly contributes to me not getting as much done as I want to.
my favorite tip ever was when Adam explained 'paint mode' and 'build mode' a long while ago. I always think, 'time to switch to build mode!' whenever I get tired o painting. Thanks!
I agree. The problem is that, for some reason, build mode is way easier for me, so it's all too easy to step into this mode. I think it's because build mode is messier, and therefore "safer", while paint mode is "if I don't do this right, I'll ruin the mini. Also, I'm wasting paint, it's going to dry, I better do this now", etc. Build mode is safer, you can always fix what's broken, add putty, etc. It's also like playing with legos!
i have two hobby motivation tips i give to people:
1. hobby every day. this doesn't mean spend 2 hours every day painting, but touch base every day. this can be just spending 2 minutes painting a base rim, or just clipping one component off of a sprue, or writing an army list, or tidying your hobby station. the key is it keeps your projects in mind, so when you do come to have a "proper" hobby session, you don't spend the 1st 30minutes trying to remember what you were doing, or what you were planning on next, because you're just carrying on from the day before.
2. if you have lost the mojo, and want to get back on the hobby horse, get one random mini that isn't for your current army/project (games workshop stores have the free model each month, so that's a good start if you don't have any spares at home), build it and then give yourself exactly 1 hour to paint it as much as possible. i find this really helps as its something different to what you are used to painting, and you dont "care" if its good or not, but you get the full experience of getting paint on plastic.
Hold the phone. What is this free model every month? Which country?
Great advice for me it's looking at my collection, moving it around and taking pictures... That is how I stay in touch with the hobby.
@@AVS_uk Every country, but only in official gw stores, just check your store social media
Excellent mindset 👏
There's a major second benefit to your #1 that you didn't mention:
Hard-committing to just a little time lowers some mental hurdles towards starting a session, and often you will then find plenty of motivation to keep going beyond that!
It's a common tip in ADHD communities, where the initial push to start a task can often be the hardest part.
Listening to audiobooks is my routine. I also tend to paint in the mornings before my kids wake up. The house is quiet and it's the best time. I can paint between 90 minutes to two hours.
I've just started listening to the Terry Pratchet Discworld series while I paint. Before I would put a film on or a series etc. but audio books or music are better I'm finding because I don't get distracted by what ever is on my tablet. I've also found that audio books make me shake less than music, I listen to a lot of heavy metal, I assume that it raises my heart rate which in turn makes my hand shake.
A big one I’ve had to talk myself out of is this “all or nothing” attitude I started, wherein I wouldn’t paint if I didn’t have multiple hours to do so. Which eventually steamrolled into anything less than like 5 hours wasn’t worth it. It’s a vicious cycle!
7:31 - I recently obtained a ridiculous number of 3D printed Battletech mechs. I decided to use a handful of them as robots in my 28mm skirmish games, but didn't know how to approach painting them.
A couple of weeks ago, I decided to experiment on one of the mechs, using a dry brush, wash, and panel line accent ink. It ended up being some of the best work I've ever done in my 35 years of hobbying. And I'm beating myself up over it because the model was just an experiment, and not really earmarked for anything in particular. LOL
Most important thing is forgive yourself when it doesn't all go to plan. Its easy to spend way too much time worrying about painting instead of just painting. Life happens,do what you can and don't bear yourself up when you can't.
So true
I started painting during breaks at work. First I made a little traveling kit with a wet pallet and a limited paint range.
I suggest to read atomic habits. It really gives good tactical advice to build a streak a habits for anything.
My tip - paint with friends! I do weekly hobby hangouts with a friend, and we've both been amazed at how good it is for motivation :)
I recently started enjoying painting over many very short sessions. I work from home. Every time I take a break from work I spend 15 mins painting a part. While waiting to for the break I’m mentally planning out the next color or section. And then when it’s time there’s no paralysis. I just grab the brush and go. It’s crazy how much productivity has gone up doing this.
How's your work productivity? Whilst painting the mini for 15mins are you thinking about the next thing you're going to do for work? Genuinely interested. Seems a possibility for a virtuous circle
@@AVS_uk well, fortunately my job doesn’t require major brain power.
Great advice, as usual. Here are a couple of things that help me and my friends:
1) a group of my friends meet regularly remotely, and paint together as we discuss the hobby, or anything else in life. COVID19 made this concept possible
2) I have a large piece of terrain (the Original Citidel Fortified Mannor). I only paint that piece, a little at a time, on Mondays. My friends affectionately refer to this as, "Manor Mondays." This way, I do not get bored or overwhelmed with the project, and I can work on other things on other days.
3) Also, my one friend regularly organizes "painting challenges," where we have a schedule of WHAT type of unit/model should be painted during a two week cycle. The challenge usually lasts 3 months. During that time, we post pictures and encourage one another. At the end of the challenge, you will be surprised at just how much you get done.
Another helpful video to keep things rolling in the hobby. I pretty much follow the tips in the video with one small addition. I started a "Modelling Monday" post on my FB page for my family and friends who have shared an interest in my hobby. So Monday is my short term goal to chugg through my pile of shame to finish a small/reasonable project for the week, and post every Monday. Thanks again for the helpful video.
I found writing this stuff down even in a note on my phone helps a lot. Like having a workout routine, seeing exactly what I'm doing for that day - what models, the colors, etc - anything to reduce the executive function load so when it's time I can sit down and just go. It's also motivational to see what I've accomplished in that note just like seeing your workout improvement over time. I also found that keeping a character that I want to do at a higher quality usually not something I'm going to put on the table is a good option for when I'm not feeling up to the army painting.
I like the idea of the side character on the desk, always being worked on and improved whenever the main project isn't motivating
@@AVS_uk yeah it gives me a reason to paint a single character I think just looks cool that I normally wouldn't have. And because it's just for me to look at on my shelf it's stress free. It became an outlet for more experimentation and trying new techniques. definitely recommend trying it.
Been your fan for many years now and always loved your psychology / motivation - type videos. Keep up the good work!
As someone who just struggled to break a 2-week hobby un-streak last night, This is exactly what I needed to see today. Thanks Uncle Atom!
One thing that frustrated me at first, was trying painting every guy in series. I would have 16 half finished dudes that I had to come back to when I made a mistake. It felt it had no end. You would have thought they were finished but then you would spot something, a mistake, a part you forgot to paint. Now I do 1 to 3 minis at a time and I known what it needs to be done with each one.
I've been motivated to paint the last couple of months and really enjoy my time painting my Blitz Bowl and Underworlds warbands. Before that I've had a bit of a dip and wasn't motivated nor enjoying it. Still I painted at least 3 times a week for one or two hours, painting one model at a time. Eventually I finished a few models and finished a project. What also helped, was the regular game nights happening again, game store and game clubs were hosting game nights again, allowing me to play the games I've been painting and buying new models for during the lockdown. Having fun playing the games you've painted also boosts my motivation and enjoyment painting the models.
I've found listening to music as I paint really helpful. And finding something that fits the style really keeps me going. Lately I've been painting AoS Chaos and listening to the Wintersaga album by WindRose. Dwarven metal is a real motivator lol
Music definitely helps and even better when it matches the theme of the model - I’m listening to doom soundtracks whilst painting my chaos daemons lol
My hobby motivation things, some of which have been mentioned by others:
1. Touch my brush every day. I don't need to paint a whole mini, it could just be fixing some highlights or doing a layer of glazing. Just doing something helps and often it starts the ball rolling.
2. Organize your unfinished pile! I keep all my primed models in one place, all my kitbash projects in another, all my armor someplace else, all my models that need clearing somewhere, all my models that need assembly... basically, I want to always be able to quickly and efficiently grab a project for whatever aspect of the hobby I'm in the mood for. I don't group projects by "well, I'll finish this entire warband then move on." I focus on whatever my mood is at the moment and that diversity helps me stay motivated. Sometimes, after a day of cleaning moldlines and gluing... you just want to get some painting, ANY painting done.
3. Keep crappy minis around. For me, these are heroclix. They have (Sorry to fans of the line) fucking hideous paint jobs but are very cheap (you can often get 100 for under 20 bucks). I prime over their paint job and just grab one at random and start painting. No focus on being great or making a display model. My goals are simple- A) make it look better than it started out (very easy) and B) have fun. No stress minis to paint are fantastic and great for days when you just want to make something. Having a finished model that looks better than it did an hour ago is the best motivator in the world.
Loved your point about scheduling. Whatever we can do to eliminate hurdles and impediments to actually having brush in hand or clippers ready to go is fruitful.
For me, setting up the desk for the next painting session is helpful. As you said, scheduling in my calendar “Thursday 9 to 10 paint” goes a long way.
Rotating between large and small projects
Pick to learn or improve on one thing at a time
Even if I only have 10 minutes, I can use it by organizing, planning, or setting up. 10 minutes feels more rewarding than 0
What's the phrase: "Perfect is the enemy of done"
Accepting that really helped for me.
Routine is something that's helped me with painting, but it's also one of the first things I was suggested by a university counsellor when I was suffering with depression; it's a fix all for some and it really worked for me. Great suggestion!
I think something like #hobbystreak on Twitter is worth a mention. Commit to doing a hobby activity daily and post it with a picture. Some days you may paint one pair of boots on a model... and that's okay! Seeing the hobbystreak number grow helps build a routine as you mention, but not wanting to see the streak die keeps the motivation to do SOMETHING every day!
I personally found #hobbystreak detrimental to my enjoyment of the hobby and just jumped off this train pretty quickly. I also observed people doing that just focus on output, just to get something done... Meh.
All good tips. Well done video.
My tip is this: I always try and keep one model going that I am highly motivated to paint to a high (for me) standard. I also keep several models that are "just for the table" on the side. This lets me break from the more stressful work while still working.
Asking Her periodically what she thinks also helps keep me focused.
My son struggles with the "goal" part. We both paint miniatures and both have the same amount of time, but I can get a whole team done in the time it takes him to paint one or two minis. He just approaches everything as a major project that has to have EVERY detail painted. He tends to get lost in the project and forgets that he wants the minis for a game. It frustrates him that I'll have a team done that look decent and he's still painting that one ork. But I also schedule things and try to work my hobbies around everything else. Time management is something he's working on.
One thing I do, and it doesn't work for every game system out there obviously, but if I am working on a Warhammer project I will play Warhammer Video games, listen to warhammer books, and do whatever I can to "Fan the flames" of fandom to get me all kinds of pumped to build/paint the things! Thanks for another awesome video Uncle Atom!
I wish I could keep to a routine, that's a fantastic idea, probably the best IMHO.
I feel I'm an exception though as I'm disabled, so sometimes my body doesnt allow me to 'hobby'. Making a set routine nigh impossible. But that's just me so I try to replace it with something hobby related. Maybe making terrain, sketching new ideas, hell, even playing around in battlescribe with different lists for 40k. Keeps my love of the hobby alive in spirit, even though I cannot hobby in practice.
I would add: Find something that inspires you! Is it content creators like Adam? Is it black library books/audio books? Talking shop with other like-minded hobbyists? (Discord, forums, groups etc). And use that inspiration to fuel your drive to hobby!
I think a good tip is community.
If you share your progress with others you tend to get positive feedback, you provide feedback for others and it can generate a positive feedback loop.
For me the biggest challenge is other hobbies/interests. I find myself pulled in various directions, and painting feels like it has a bit of a wedge to get over to get going, where as others are less so, and give instant feedback.
Usually though the actually motivator for me is getting pissed off at myself for not getting anything done, then doing it :D
Great video as always! Can't wait for TMX next weekend
Nice video. Keep up the good work. Making it a habit and planning are very important. Keep up the good work.
I did some repaints recently for X-Wing. Made a couple TIE/fos into cool red TIE/lns and retinted some old ships to look like more recent releases. Having those as small little projects I could complete a batch of in a night or a night and a half really helped me feel like I could make quick progress while hobbying
I simply remind myself that this is part of my enjoyment too. When I feel the frustration that I'm still magnetizing instead of painting I tell myself," I'm getting my money's worth". These things can be expensive so I think it's best to not rush though but enjoy it. Maybe I'm lucky that I enjoy all parts of this wonderful hobby. Still something to be said about being overly profectionistic..hey look at that..new word!))
What I like to do is choose an army or set of terrain, something that I can paint in a month (depending on how the month looks). Then on the first day of the next month I take pictures and post what I finished in a few discord servers. That way I have a goal and it is nice to track my progress month by month.
10:51 Make a list of stuff to paint and check items off as you paint them. That little hit of dopamine is what you want to help train you to paint more.
I like to keep whatever I'm painting on my work desk during the day so I can stay motivated for painting after work. I can also think about colour schemes or other ideas ready for later. My friends on Discord have a painting channel set up so we can all post up progress pics. My wife and I also go to the local GW store every saturday to build and paint and have a chat with everyone else.
Setting Achievable Goals is the big one for me. Instead of looking at the whole mountain of unpainted/primed minis, I'll plan a painting session with an achievable goal, like "Base coat all the belts and boots of this squad" or "Apply highlights to the gloves of this squad". Accomplishing that one little goal will set you up for the next one and keep you motivated to keep pushing through the pile. And I always have to keep reminding myself, "These are game pieces, not masterpieces". If I treat them like masterpieces, my kids will have a whole lot more unpainted minis to sell at an estate sale some day than I am comfortable with.
I love your t-shirt - I have one of those plastic things that go around a license plate that says Miskatonic University Alumni, and get asked about it all the time. I got it online back around 2003 or so. Thanks for the video, by the way- I’m currently in a motivation slump, and this will help. Have a great weekend!
Listening to podcasts or audio books keeps me motivated, as well as the other things you pointed out, they are all very valid points you made Uncle Atom, you my friend are the guru of table top gaming 😀
My advice to anyone is always to break down your projects into manageable chunks. I've got the Echoes of Doom set coming next week but if I just dive in head first it will probably take me forever to get finished. I plan to start with the Skaven half and just do 5 Clan Rats to tabletop ready, then do the next 5 then move onto 5 Stormvermin to mix it up a bit, then back to 5 clan rats, then back to 5 Stormvermin, then the last 5 clan rats, then the Screaming Bell (not sure how I'm going to approach that yet) and finally the Deathmaster. It keeps it interesting rather than just building all 32 models, then priming all 32 models, then painting all 32 models as that is when a project can start to get tedious and daunting. I also never start a project with centrepiece or character models as if I do I find I have to force myself finish the units and ultimately end up rushing them and doing a bad job.
I just need models I’m genuinely excited to sit down with. It’s gotten to the point where I find models I like and I search for a game system to throw them into after the fact. Space Weirdos has been great for this!
Some really good thoughts there, Uncle! For me the best motivation was to start using Contrast/Speed paints, and accepting the level of quality they give! Because I can always go back to those minis and touch up. this is really getting my Pile of Shame reduced.
1) I try to make sure I paint at least an hour a day when I come home from work.
2) I have built into my routine the flexibility to miss days. Because I need "rest days" periodically.
3) I make each session working on one aspect. Whether it is the silvers, or the highlights, etc..I do one focused element.
4) I think I try something new with every time I sit down to paint. I also paint different armies or different games so I am not doing the same thing all the time Sisters of Battle are different from Space Wolves, and both are different from House Kurita Otomo from BattleTech
5) I hate deadlines. But, then again, I also make sure there is progress, and, long ago, I learned to say "This is good enough"
I use to have a time when all my friends met up and listened to music and all just built and painted stuff as well as helped each other, miss that and could do with something like that again.
A big one for me is realizing many popular mini painting TH-camrs are actually trained artists with degrees etc.
I'm one of those people that paint my models to display quality, although I do the basecoating, shade and a few layering before playing and then paint some more on them afterwards when I don't have any models to assemble.
Thanks for these tips! As for me since I have so much going on and nothing has a deadline I can just pop in and do the table top hobbing when ever I miss it like anything else I am doing.
Thanks Uncle Adam. You always know what I need.
Thank you. The routine and timing tip REALLY struck a cord with me!
If/when I'll ever make that schedule is another matter!
Ironic!
I like the one colour a day method on a squad or big model. 7 colours or steps is mostly a finished tts model.
That's 4 big models or 4 squads in a month.
Sage advice. Your presentation was most helpful.
Thank you.
I took a tip from one of your old videos to heart. I do one small thing every night and sometimes it snowballs into a long section.
My biggest thing is check lists. I make a checklist of things I need to get done. If I check off at least 1 thing a day, I'm doing great. Sometimes it's the really simple, baser impulse, the euphoric feeling of checking each thing off the list
Yup, I put 'drag yourself out of bed you lazy so and so' at the top of every list and most days i get to tick at least one thing off
Sir the greatest motivation for painting was your encouragement. Paint to make me satisfied & get to playing with them
I play ASOIAF & it's fantastic to paint & play!!!
Im not entering any competitions but im proud of my work.
Thank you sir for helping me find the real motivation - paint & play
A deadline is always my best motivator.
1.00 you got one family... maybe you got two families... it´s a bad idea" I had to stop the video. LoL I need a minute...
Yeah getting back into painting has been super hard for me, almost all my friends live a minimum of 2 hours away so up until a week ago i havent painted in over 2 years since i moved in 2020. Now im just trying to get back in that rhythm of at least 1-3 hours every other day or so and ive been enjoying myself quite a lot of with it, but yeah i gotta say the repetition is definitely key
You shirt highlights one my issues in an ironic way. The last four weeks my partner and I have been playing Arkham Horror in the window of time we use to use for painting... started as a one off.
Our back log has built up so much now that the thought of starting it, is off putting in itself... not even adding Echoes tomorrow, and Kill Team next week... just more of a hill to climb.
What would you recommend with those that have so much to do, that even the goal of making a routine. You just mentioned the "snow ball" lol... what do you recommend with said Snowball?
My son and I paint Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours. If we don’t feel like painting we build. Also we vary the model types so we have a range available from session to session. That way it remains a regular thing without getting stale.
Wonderful shirt.
I have all the time I could want... I need the motivation, looking forward to utilizing these tips.
I like to take pictures of projects and send them to a buddy of mine. I also like sharing them on FB groups if its a group for that game. Getting a comment or like from the creator of a game is a cool motivator!
needed this as I am struggling to get through these Tzeentch Arcanites and Enlightened. So many colors and surfaces...
I reward myself..am painting a squad of Flagelants..ok..first 6 - I work out the paintsheme(for skin,belt..and all that) next 6-1st reward - musician..Next 6-2nd reward -standard, next 6-3rd reward - champion.. and there are all of a sudden 24 painted minis on my table..👍 works for me..at least..
having structure definitely helped me in the past, I had 8 hours a week dedicated just for the hobby.
I was better back then at it than I am now because I did nothing else during those hours but paint and maybe listen to music.
now I paint whenever and when I finish something, its not as good as what I have in the showcase that I painted in the past.
despite having a lot of free time these days its mostly spend on discord while my piles of shame grow higher.
My biggest issue (other than being quite badly disabled; the right side of my body is paralysed from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, otherwise known as the suicide syndrome) with motivation for painting is waiting e.g. I'm expecting a phone call from my doctor (happens a lot at the moment as I have throat cancer) and I hate getting everything ready only to have to stop, usually just as I put brush to model the phone will ring (sods law) and I end up on the phone for longer than I'd like so I lose motivation. Then I have very regular cramps and spasms so I have to wait for those to pass before I can paint but I manage to do it and if I can manage it, my hobby brothers and sisters, you can too.
Make no excuses (I've got 4 kids between 6 and 18 as well as a wife) to not paint, find excuses TO paint.
This video came at the perfect time in my life. Thank you.
Working on my Tunguska for infinity very cool models.
I need to remember my focus is tabletop, game quality. I want gaming pieces. It’s just hard to remember that sometimes.
I'd be interested to know your process for deciding on a paint scheme. I spend far too long looking at a miniature, trying to work out how I want it to look. I've found that I can knock a model out in a fairly short space of time if I copy the box art but I've I'm creating my own colour scheme apend ages just looking at the model, deciding what colours I think will look good together and then I'll change my mind after I add the base layer and things like that. Any tips you have for that would be a great help.
Cheers for the vid. Just what I was needing.
I do need to set a date and time for painting. Liked the video and subscribed. Really like your content.
I've got 2 jobs, full time 8 - 5 and for extra cash I do work in the evenings and sometimes weekend at home also took on allotment for growing own veggies, so hobby time is scarce. i get angry with myself for not painting my back log, when i feel this i bust out my contrast paints pick some models that work well with them i.e. daemon's, orcs and the like. Paint 5 or 10 models to a reasonable standard maybe highlighting a little but not much. This makes me feel better, then next time paint i using normal citadel take a bit longer taking to a higher standard all good in the world.
Great timing, thanks Atom
I don't think I have ever painted a solo miniature. These day I paint mainly historical miniatures, so I paint a unit at a time, infantry is 24-32 models, cavalry is 6-14. Artillery I normally paint multiple gun preferably 4 or 5 guns at a time then all the crew. Leader models I frequently wait til I have at least five to paint.
When I set an end date to complete any hobby project, I feel not really comfortable doing a work. Maybe that's a habit. I figured out that in order to enjoy painting, I have to relax and spend these 10-12 hours with a regular infantry model. Can't say that I have more free time than many other people I know, though it feels much better to be sure that I did a good job, with no hurry.
I repeat this things to my friends....but I should just share this video with them because you explain things more eloquently than I...or they just don't want to listen to me....
I find breaks doing a hobby are also good….I took a long break for going hard on elden ring….now I’m refreshed and ready to paint again (painted some but cut it down to once every couple weeks instead of multiple times a week)
One of things I learned the hard way is, nothing non hobby related goes on the paint bench. I went so far as to build a separate work area for working on terrain.
I've been averaging 3 hours per individual model, lol
I think knowing which models are in the new CSM codex and what the new legal weapon loadouts are would help my motivation considerably
EDIT: great video, gave me some things to think about
I have a "15 minute rule". I'll tell myself I'm just going to study for 15 minutes, I just going to read this for 15 minutes, I'm just going to build models for 15 minutes, I'm just going to paint for 15 minutes. 15 minutes seems to be my " resting mental inertia". If I can just get myself over that 15 minute starting resting inertia, I usually end up doing a thing for way longer. IF, I'm working and I look at the clock and it's been 15 minutes, and it's a struggle... then I'm done. It's all I've promised myself. Take a break, then maybe, talk yourself into 15 minutes later.
I have to finish painting this army for my upcoming date , hah , yer right
I was a strength and conditioning coach for yeeeeeears and I unapologetically stole some great advice from Terry Crews for maintaining a fitness routine. Even if you dont feel like working out, go to the gym. Its ok if you dont work out. Read a magazine, scroll instagram, watch youtube. Whatever. Just go to the gym. Be there when you said you'd be there, even if you arent gonna do the thing you said you'd do. Because chances are, you'll sit there for a few minutes thinking "man i dont have it in me to work out today" but after a while you'll be like "well, im here. might as well like... walk on the treadmill while I read this book" and BAM! youre working out.
The same goes for building/painting. Even if you dont feel like it, go sit in your hobbying space. Sit at your painting table and watch a movie or read a book or whatever. Chances are, after a few minutes, you'll be putting paint on a model or clipping bits from sprues or at least organizing the space. All of that helps maintain the routine.
I paint for commission and this year; it's just been so rough. Not on the commission front but the mental front. These past 2 years, I lost 4 beloved cats and buried 3 kittens. Yesterday was the two year anniversary of one of the kittens passing as May 1st last year saw my late dads beloved cat pass and this January, our much beloved Abby passed so suddenly.
The hurt has been rough and the cold winter and an erratic schedule and my brother wanting a puppy that he no longer cares for so it falls onto me and moving work locations has seen a very significant reduction in productivity. But mostly; it has been the hurt.
Dude - that sucks. Sounds like you need to talk things through with a close friend. They don't need to fix everything, but they can empathize without feeling burdened by you, or even give helpful advice. Seriously, just talking things through can help massively. Feeling like other people's responsibilities are falling onto you is a warning sign that the stress you are under is becoming overwhelming. That can only go on for so long before it knocks you down in ways you cannot imagine. I've been there.
That being said, as long as you actively do something about it, and take time to grieve, things will eventually get better. It won't be overnight, but eventually. Be thankful you got to care for those animals for the short time they were here, and you made that time the best you could for them. They appreciated that, and I'm sure your Dad would too.
Good luck with everything, and as a great man once said, "If you're going through hell, keep going."
for me its just getting started, so many times i will put off the painting i have planned for weeks at an end and then ill just sit down and start
30 minutes in and i am thinking... why the hell have i not been doing this, its fun AF
so for me its been a little easier to get that motivation luckily, its stupidly hey... just sit down and do it
i know what my problem is, i intend to paint to a tabletop standard, and i keep getting sucked into making them to a parade standard, which really is a drain when doing an imperial guard army with so many small infantry. so when i hit a wall with them i paint something else (i am also working on Black Templars) until i hit a wall there, then bounce back. it's a vicious cycle, truly.
Honestly I'm just confused about people struggling to be motivated to hobby. If you don't want to do it then don't,it's a hobby,not a job. It's supposed to be something you do for fun and relaxation,this is the absolute last thing that should cause you stress and burnout.
You can take however long of a break you want,come back whenever or just quit forever if you just never feel like painting.
can you talk about your thought for the usb charging air brush is good for rookie to entry ?Thank you
Ah yes, I have a date coming up and she wants me to finish my minis otherwise she will not go out with me :')
My problem is not motivation. My problem is being subscribed to so many miniature painting channels that I spend most of my free time watching painting guides so I barely have time to paint. Wait what? Try to find some way to combine the two?? 🤔
This might be an advanced motivational technique, but sometimes when I am having a hard time getting the motivation to start, I will quickly and deliberately do something WRONG to the piece. Then I have to fix it because I have to. And then once you're working on it, you're in.
Thanks man. I really needed this. :)
I often struggle with finding time to allow for painting. It’s nothing unique - I have that trouble with other activities too.
Love the shirt!
Keeping the pace is easier than actually starting! I still can't find the detonator to start
Great video!
I started walking 3.9km per day at the end of December and I can vouch for routine being a great thing. Also I find I am a numbers guy so Tracking the progress in a spreadsheet has been very helpful.
I walk 10x 390m loops of my street every day 1 loop at each break during work days and 2 loops after work in the AM and then 5 loops in the evening. I allow myself to borrow loops as it were if I for example Miss my coffee break loop I will walk 3 after work in the AM I only don't allow borrowing across days.
Since November 30th I have walked 725.52 KM and have only ever missed 3 days in that time period.
Here is a text version of the output from my tracking spreadsheet (with some added explanations in brackets)
SCOREBOARD
Current Streak: (Empty as I haven't finished today's walk)
Longest Streak: 5 Months 1 Days
Total Loops: 1510
Normal Work Days Walked: 101
Normal Off Days Walked: 66
Special Days Walked: 8 (All Stat Holidays, Household birthdays, and my Wedding anniversary are Special Days)
Days Not Walked 4 (3 Non walked days plus today as today is yet to be finished)
Maximum Days Distance (Km): 15.6
Total Non Loop Distance (Km): 136.62
Total Distance(Km): 725.52
Winter Spring Summer Fall
(Dec-Feb) (Mar-May) (Jun-Aug) (Sep-Nov)
334 389.57 0 1.95
Loop Exempt days: 7 (Days when I was not at home or did another purpose built walk other than my 10x loops)
Total Time if at 5km/h (hours): 145.104
Average Time if at 5km/h (minutes): 49.74994286
You could have walked to Prince George from home taking major highways.
You are 54.48 Kilometers away from Vanderhoof
Total Cities Visited: 44
Familially Important Cities Visited: 6
NHL Home Cities Visited: 3/32
Provincial and Territorial Capitals Visited: 1/13
I may at some point add in the 50 US State capitals. I had thought of doing that but at present the only non Canadian Cities in the list are the US NHL Cities and Alexandria Virginia where my Brother and his wife now live.
Goodness Indeed!
sometimes a change of project helps, tired of painting vanguard vets for carcharodons? assemble and paint a blood angels Venerable Treadnougt. the change in pallets and perspectives refreshes your drive. change the subject matter, or tired of painting minis, try and build terrain. dont stay stuck
I need to redevelop a routine. I just have too many things I want to be doing