My father (52) has difficulty seeing the details on the models and isn't the best painter. We make it work by having him assemble and do the broader coats, base and first few layers. Then (as a painter but not a player) I do the fine detail and trickier bits. He's an amazing player and really good with strategy in basically every game, so we make a symbiotic pair at our hobby table.
Don't worry Atom, it gets worse... I'm 62 and now am painting Star Wars Legion. Can't see as well as I did at 48 but my seeing eye dog MAX is learning to paint by mouth.....;)
Hi I am 75 ! And still going strong with my detailed modeling . It DOES take more time , But I Do get the result I want . Although I do tire more readily than Decades ago .. I have a friend who is 79 And He can Perform like he's 25 ! He is an Amazing Modeler !! : )
From someone a few months away from fifty, this was an inspired video. I never thought, when I was a teenager and college aged hobbyist, that I'd still be actively involved long enough for age to affect my abilities. Thanks for surfacing these issues.
I'm fifty in a couple weeks. I have to take my glasses OFF to paint or assemble now. (And if I drop a tiny part... I have to put glasses on to find the part, then take them off again to try to stick pieces together.) I figure in a few years I'll get a pair of glasses with different lenses... for distance vision or magnification. I used to have to vision ranges, but now have three. No glasses: up to about eight-ten inches. Bifocal part of lenses: out to about two feet. Rest of lens: everything else.
Thanks to my optician I now have three sets of glasses - distant for driving (to correct a slight astigmatism), close for reading and even closer for painting model soldiers. She advised the last when I told her what I was doing. Also you have to consider the quality of your light. Some years ago I also discovered 'daylight' balanced light bulbs. These are pale blue and are sold in the UK at art or craft shops or specialist electrical dealers. I have one daylight bulb in a close overhead and lights coming from either side. Quality AND quantity. Finally I mainly paint 15mm figures and have long since learned the value of wooden strips about 6 inches (15 cm) long and about three quarters of an inch to an inch and a bit square, say 20 to 30mm square in metric. I tack glue figures along the strip - say 6 or 8 figures all facing the same way - and then work on them on the strips. The strip is an easy grip in my left hand (where I have carpal tunnel syndrome) and I can work along them easily with my good right hand. I glue them on with a clear glue (UHU) and can pop this off again with a sharp blade when I am finished. Finally... wrist support. I support my left wrist with the edge of the table and this (as Uncle Atom suggests) is of great benefit in stopping shake and wobble. I had not considered the caffeine problem he mentions but then I am on de-caff tea anyway for health reasons. I am 65 and I am still painting. If I can, you can! B
Yes allmost 40, got my first glasses. Also I do use sniper breathing for shacking, exhale and paint. And use a loop lamp. Thank you for your video’s. Greating from The Netherlands
50 years old. Been painting and building models since about age 8, or 9. Eyes started to become an issue a few years ago. I've tried standing mag. lenses, visors, etc., and not been thrilled with any of them. Saw this vid and decided to take a chance on a set from Amazon for $20 (CDN). So glad I did! Comfortable, and easy to use. Doesn't mess with my field of vision and the selection of magnifications was great. Nice case, and an included cleaning cloth. I did not expect much but, I was quite blown away by how well they work. Thanks for posting this vid and pointing me in that direction! (yeah, okay, they DO look a bit goofy but, they WORK!)
I use the same glasses you showed here for magnification. It is pretty good, but point of advice, remove the battery when not in use. There's a design flaw in it that drains the battery even when turned off. Also, I have reached the age that I carry around butterscotch candy to hand out to the younger gamers and reminisce about the past while painting with them at the game store. Like that time in 1998 when the undertaker threw mankind off of hell in a cell onto the Spanish announcer table.
YES an outstanding video! I returned to the hobby last year after a 23 year break, and the first thing I noticed was how my 44 year old eyes were not nearly as flexible as my 21 year old eyes! Magnification and good lighting solved the issue 😀.
I just want to let you know that it is such a relief that you don't want to know about my reverse aging. It's way too involved to explain and, I'm over it. Now, I can just chill and watch your videos in peace. Thank you for your magnifier and desk light recommendations. They are exactly what I need to get........for a friend, of course.
Sound advice. I'm 51 and found that investing in some decent lightning, a magnifier, similar to yours and some gw painting clamps have helped alot. My bulldog jumping up at me, for attention, is is the only real threat to painting, now
I'm 48, long time RPG gamer, but only just now getting into miniatures. Been watching various videos about getting started, and happened across yours... Great suggestions, I especially like the putty pill bottle trick. Thanks!
Interesting comments. First I am a year or two short of 60 and do work for a few of my friends. I have issues with distance sight so wear glasses but still have good close in range. Been wearing a 2X visor for over 30 years painting and it helps a LOT. I also agree with sitting with your arms close and hands together for detail. A comfortable chair, background music (70's to 80's rock for me), and plenty of space also helps (oh yeah, lock out the cats if they like to help). Things to keep in mind for helping you. First have all your priming done, drinks ready, and equipment all in reach. The less you have to get up and go do or get things the better. Second keep a second bottle of all your colors in reserve. This means twice the inventory of paint, but also means you do not stop when you run out of a pigment. Third, 2 or three shorter sessions with time spent doing other things helps reduce stress and avoid issues rather then sticking at it till you are exhausted. Last build up a solid reference library and keep in your painting area. Having color charts, uniform guides, and vehicle painting information in reach can help wonders. Hope this helps.
I turn 56 this year, and have been painting miniatures - off and on- since my 20’s. I don’t profess to be a master painter, but I’m generally pleased with the evolution of my miniature painting skills. My most useful tool has been a desk magnifier lamp. I don’t have to wear a magnifier headset like yours, because my lamp already has a magnifying glass, it’s adjustable to whatever angle I require, and it also lights up my project exactly as you described in your video. I definitely wouldn’t be able to produce detailed work without it.
Super helpful video, Atom. The magnifying/lighted headset seems to be a really good option - one of the folks from my local paint club recommended the exact model a few weeks ago.
@@tabletopminions I took a leap of faith and bought the newer model on Amazon with the rechargeable battery. This turned out to be a good idea because it has a much smaller and lighter rechargeable battery than the AAAs. It looks like a battery pack similar to the one used in my drone. That means less strain from the weight.
Our optometrist must’ve gone to the same school LOL. I’ve just turned 42 and my optometrist I see every few years said “I’ve been expecting you. Your eyes go downhill after 40.” I now have my first pair of reading glasses.I found a good trick is to pick the time of day do you work on things. When your mind can focus best and at night time the light seems to work better.
Atom, I ordered a pair of your "spaceshippy things" (jeweler's glasses) from your amazon shop. I've had them for two weeks, and they're FANTASTIC! I don't paint without them. For less than $20, they are absolutely worth it. I'm 49 and have had lasik, and in recent years I've been having difficulty focusing at a close distance. These things make a HUGE difference. Thanks for the video, and keep up the great work!
I just started up playing again after 20 years off. I've found a great clamp light with a magnifying glass in the center of it is really helping. The light is adjustable and it gives me the magnification I need. It was nice to see this video and not feel like the only one who needs it.
I am a model railroader and mini painter in my early 40s. Many of my peers in the model railroading hobby (and historical wargaming of course!) are nearing twice my age, and still manage amazing work. You can keep painting and playing for a looong time if you wish!
I have those magnifiers, and they are a godsend for my 52 year old eyes. They're high quality, and having the multiple magnification lenses available allows for varying arm-lengths. Love it. Very recommended.
Yet another informative and helpful video from our Uncle Atom. Thank you! Like Atom, I have a number of lamps that shine on my hobby area, but I also purchased a magnifying lamp (it has a larger magnifying lens with an LED ring around the lens, that has three or four brightness intensity levels. I usually crank it all the way up). It works quite well, but as Uncle Atom said, when you lock everything (limbs, hands, fingers, etc.) down, you tend to be pretty close to your face and the magnifying glass might get in the way of your brush handle. Long story short, the magnifying glasses feature in the video seem like a great alternative. Thanks Uncle Atom! You’re a scholar and a gentleman!
I’m 53 and just started painting/playing last spring (Star Wars Legion) - Ott Light, big, chunky brushes, and 5x reading glasses are what I do to paint my minis. I also started knitting this week to fight back against the arthritis, memory issues, and high blood pressure.
Started painting this summer at 36, going for holidays tomorrow with my second project finished. First thing on the to do list when arriving to my moms will be to snatch the desk magnifier I gift her last Christmas..
Another option is a ring light with a magnifying lens in the centre so you can have the light inbetween you and the model and have the magnification while just needing to clamp the arm to a table. Just bought one of those head wearable ones, seems like a good alternative so far.
There's also some desk-mount magnifiers that have ring lights built in. It's nice if you're working with a camera because you can position it so that where you can best see the model is also where the camera's focused, so you naturally keep your hands in frame (or near in-frame). But even in general, you're getting unobtrusive light where you're staring.
Some very useful tips here. 1 thing I would add: actually mention the fact that you hobby paint the next time you have an eye examination. "Off the shelf" magnifiers work to a certain extent, but they not specifically catered to each user (example being if somebody has a slight difference in prescription power between both eyes, or if they have uncorrected astigmatism). A specific pair of prescription hobby specs can be accurately produced and could also incorporate prism (which helps ease strain from doing fine detailed tasks at close range). Above all..... Make sure you get plenty of light! That's a great tip, in terms of having as much light as possible from different directions.
I have that same set of magnifying glasses. They’re a godsend! I think my biggest challenge for hobbying as I get older is time. More demands on my time means less time for hobbies.
YEP I AM 61 AND HAVING FUN SINCE 1963 ...BEEN DOING LITTLE SOLDERS ....GRANDMA TOOK ME TO DISNEYLAND WENT THUR THE CASTLE LEFT SIDE STORE GLASS CASE BRITISH SOLDERS PAINTED THE GREAT RED I DID NOT EVEN KNOW THEY COULD LOOK LIKE THAT .....WELL JUST SOLD MY 1 72 COLLECTION 7000 ON E BAY .....BUT I HAVE MY 28MM AND STILL PAINTING BUILDING EVER DAY ....WHY I LOVE TO LEARN A NEW STYLE LIKE LUKES AND TERRAIN GUY AND BLACK MAGIC GUY THAT DOES FOAm into gold .... yep glasses at 51 0 well 1 dollar glasses ...lol
Because of this video, I picked up the head magnifier and i'm amazed. I've been painting since around 1980 - got hooked with Dungeon Dwellers. Honestly I knew my vision was getting worse, but I had no idea how much detail I was missing - and how difficult I was making this hobby for myself.
I'm using a magnifying glass lap with LEDs around the magnifying glass. You can get those at some hobby shops or places that sell model building supplies. It makes the whole painting process so much easier, especially if you're painting very fine details. Plus I don't get any headaches from squinting my eyes all the time. And it makes me keep my back straight because I'm not bending over the table all the time. Big recommendation from me.
100% on everything good sir. I'm 45 and just took up mini painting and (mostly) terrain crafting about a year ago. I also have bifocals that are good enough for most things but not for minis or for reading my tiny writing on my character sheets in our friend's dim living room. (hazards of playing with primarily graduate students) I went with a dedicated pair of magnifying reading glasses, I have terrible astigmatism so I had to get them from my eye doctor.. but she helped me get exactly the right strength, and higher quality lenses than I could have gotten at the drug store. Take a mini into the exam with you, it really helps to dial in exactly what you need.
I’m exactly your age. I don’t think I could function without coffee (one less brew beforehand perhaps). Fortunately for me, I don’t shake and have excellent dexterity in my hands. Eyesight and low back issues not so much. I have an Optivisor, good lighting, and a fairly decent office chair with pad. I try to get up periodically and stretch for a while, possibly go for a walk. Winter makes that a challenge. Getting old sucks, it exploits all the little injuries that you once had and gives you these little reminders now and again. Cheers, love your channel!
Great advice as always. I'm 52 and two years ago I developed some massive "floaters". Sadly I've had to start getting my painting fix in 54mm because the 25s I'd enjoyed for decades are just unrealistic now. At least I can still see the dice! :)
Many years ago, I personally knew a retired naval ex-serviceman in his 70s, who made extremely complex and detailed wooden ships. He had won many contests throughout his life. He had pretty bad eyesight and used all kinds of lens and magnifying glasses. Besides, he had a very bad pulse in his right hand. But even so, nobody made those models better than him. When he passed away, all of his models were donated to the naval museum. Age may take things away from you, but not experience and expertise.
I'll be 22 in a few days and I'm already feeling the effects of strain and fatigue weigh in the more and more I hobby. I'm currently juggling three hobbies and I'm constantly having to take breaks every 45 mins when I used to be able to strap down for 4+ hours per session. Not only is age a factor but health is as well. Don't forget to go outside once in a while everyone and eat healthy regularly!
Thanks so much for posting this video! I'm 55, and had come up with similar solutions. I tried a loop lamp with a built in magnifier, but found I'd end up getting paint all over it as I lost depth perception. The wearable magnifier is much better I've found. Locking down elbows and hands is essential. Apparently your colour preferences will change through aging, away from blue, and towards green and red. Time to repaint any ultramarines into salamanders! Oh and a pro-tip: If you do overdose on caffeine, use the shakes as a great way to agitate your paint pots! :)
70 and doing fine. Last year I painted about 365 models. I'm lucky to have steady hands and good eyesight. I use a magnifying lamp at my workspace. I rarely look through the magnifier while painting since it throws your depth perception off, but it is helpful when you want to inspect your model and it gives you good light in your painting area. I do find that I need more light when playing Magic and trying to read the small print on cards, but I've noticed my 20 and 30 year old friends do too. Take breaks every half hour or so to rest your eyes from the strain and go play some guitar.
Reading specs AND a big mag-lamp for me. Locking up, being "tight" and resting hands on a foam block and elbows on the painting chair are also good as you say. I use wine corks with blu-tak on the end to hold the figures. Excellent advice for all us aging painters. I would also say...takes more regular breaks when painting to rest up and shake out the ache in the fingers.
I'm getting close to 50 myself. All good advice here and things I mostly do. I have found in the last couple of years that I need to take breaks more often and kind of give my eyes a rest. No more marathon painting sessions.
Great advice! Another top tip is to try paint your mini without hunching over /your chin against your chest. Had to go to the doc due to neck pain and it was bad posture that was the cause. Had to stop painting for a month. 😬. Try keep your back straight and head up and paint at eye level.
I am 43 and I've been using those exact same glasses. I highly recommend them they solved my detail issues over night. I would also recommend a standing hobby desk. Keep your spine straight and head up. I shake a lot less when I can rest my elbows and wrists at near eye level. It's also healthier to be standing vs. sitting.
I just hit 50 (groan) and can't recommend your advice strongly enough. My vision has always been poor (very nearsighted) so I'm constantly taking my glasses on and off to paint. I have the same magnifying visor you showed here and it's a great help. And your thoughts on light are spot on. You just can't have too much of it. My grandparents were always telling me I needed more light when I could see perfectly fine. Youth is indeed wasted on the young, no?
What a great subject that effects or will effect most of us, as we soldier (no pun intended) on. From a 58 year young enthusiast, firstly the painting and your great tips are more than welcome thanks. I've just changed from vari focals to two separate pairs of reading and long distant spectacles, as I was squinting badly and my eyes were getting really and I mean REALLY sore, but now my eyes are starting to settle down, so although I hear you about the magnifying headset, I tried that about a year ago and got major stressed at not feeling in control. Instead, as well as wearing my reading glasses, I also use a table lamp with built in magnifying glass and because it’s about a 5” diameter, I find that I can handle the stress part much better. Many thanks for your time creating this really helpful video, much appreciated.
Thank you. This has been helpful. When I was younger, I used to be so proud of my 20/10 vision. But after 40, I started needing reading glasses and it made painting (and much else ) more difficult. Great suggestions.
@@deathguarddavegoogley2022 luckily I've got more unpainted models then I'll ever paint. There must be so many immortal players out there. Dude whip out your sword because : "there can be only ONE!".
44 and diagnosed with carpal tunnel. You just learn to adapt as you get older. I use a quality desk magnification lamp, my desk is well placed for daytime light and an organised working area so I know where everything is. Sure I've some clumsy accidents with my carpal tunnel but I just accept it and my paint style has changed to accommodate it.
Just started the painting side of the hobby at the age o 71, bracing the painting hand on the hand holding the mini works, even if it is only one finger. Yes I do wear glasses trifocals. The magifiers that Atom showed (with the led light) work great.
To add to the tips of what you said, learning to calm your body down and relax helps a lot to. I paint sitting on the floor and use a coffee table to paint on and I will not only rest the min on the table but my hands as well to get more grounded.
Something I noticed that caused me a lot of hand shaking was that I was holding the brush and mini too tightly. I was really clamping down on it. I loosened my grip a bit and the shaking went away.
Just started making models and painting miniatures again after 50 years & not being able to focus has really got me frustrated. Thanks for your hints & I have just ordered one of the headsets so I await being able to actually see what I'm painting once more. (I see from other comments that the headsets have been a real success).
Headset arrived today....it looks great. Looked at some of my unpainted minis & I think it will do the job fine. Sadly I can no longer excuse my poor eyesight for my lack of painting skill :( Ah well, you can't have all your own way.
Been hobbying for roughly 45 years, I have found the most useful thing ever is a really good light! I use plastic shot glasses from the cheap store to mount things on to paint, and a few good handles for special figures. I have recently discovered that using magnifiers is really good, I have a head mounted one and one on the light. And I have tri-focals. So lets see - yep on everything you mentioned :) I have shakes, but they are neurological so nothing I can do, except for a lot of cleanups :)
Just getting back into the Hobby after 20 years, only turned 28 this year, but my eyes aren't the best. I also needed some brushes to learn with and ruin, and a nice desk lamp too. Perfect shopping list :D
I liked the advise you gave, so here’s another suggestion towel rails and foam pipe insulation attached to the edge of your desk as a rest for your arms. Oh and for those of us with “Santa” physiques a curved front desk is very beneficial. 👍🏼
There's another reason for using good light. Like a camera, with a bright light you need a lower aperture on your eyeball. The center of the lens is geometrically better than the outer part and gives a better depth of field. Therefore the reduction in the ability of your eye lens to adjust with age is less of a problem. I use a LED lamp with a long head and bring that right down, close to the figure. I'm fortunate. I was always short sighted and now, at 64, I'm less so but can still paint 28mm figures. I just take my glasses off. I do have magnifying lenses like Uncle Atom's but usually only use them for 6mm figures. Something else I do is to clamp a block of wood to the edge of my desk and rest my hands on it. That not only increases stability but also means I can get close to the figures without bending down too much so it improves my posture. I mount my figures on chunks of dowel with blu-tack (poster putty) (I got the idea from one of these videos). I know some people find that doesn't stick firmly enough, I don't have a problem. Don't use too much, a pea sized ball is about right. Squeeze it down to a fairly thin layer.
As someone getting old (than you, I’m afraid), I totally appreciate this video. I may need to get that lens gear. I also throw in that if you wear contacts, try switching to glasses for painting time. Contacts lock you vision away from close distances if you are near sighted, and that makes it hard.
Yep 49 in a couple of months. I've been out of the hobby since the early 90s and wasn't sure I could pick it up again due to eyesight and tremors. But as Mr Atom says, light and locking down really help... plus a kick ass magnifier. Even after just two months my painting is way better than it was back then... I think I have more patience now :-) ... Probably the only thing that bugs me is my thumbs are shot with RSI so sometimes I have to quit due to pain. Maybe a sacrifice to Korne would help?
Thanks for this. I remember once you claimed that a wet palate was the single most significant way to improve your painting. I nearly posted at the time to disagree - the magnifying headset was definately the best for me - took 20 years off my painting and I am painting faces, eyes and other detail I could never do before. I also find it funny when people show 'old' miniatures that I think of as really new - I have miniatures that Games Workshop have forgotten they ever made including the first ever ogre on an elephant and the first lizard man rider. However to know that I am older than Uncle Atom does make me feel old.
Another excellent video, thank you. Especially on this topic. I have worn glasses all my life (shortsighted with astigmatism) and in my 40s I bought a number of vision enhancers only to find that with age (for reasons as you describe very well) my sight improved for close up work! So no glasses for painting ☺👍 The other tips regarding bracing your hands, elbows etc I remember my friend and painting Guru telling me about 30 years ago and it's absolutely true.
Another great video, Adam, and further proof we're living in the Matrix. A profile gauge randomly popped up in my Facebook feed a few weeks ago, and I ordered it. The thing arrived in the post during the week, and that night on my TH-cam homepage, was a video from about a month ago by my favourite carpentry TH-camr, Finish Capentry TV, raving about his profile gauge. And here, a few days later, I literally picked up my new painting glasses yesterday (In other news, I will now be re-doing the faces on my ASOIAF minis I've painted over the last few months) and here you are talking about painting and glasses. I knew there was a reason they were doing away with payphones...
Honestly, I think the matrix is a little broken. I expected to hear that you saw the videos about the products and *then* Facebook and Amazon started advertising the products to you, not the other way around. Thanks for watching!
Huge gratitude to you for pointing out those magnifying glasses. I’d been stung when I previously bought a similar product that was unusable junk. Your video encouraged me to track the ones you use down and buy them. They’re amazing! Im using the medium magnifying lens set and it has ample magnification. Painting just got more fun. Thanks again.
Great summary of "old person" info! Luckily, I'm nearsighted so I just take off my contacts/glasses and hold the mini right in my face, underneath my magnified work light. I find this works better than the head-mounted magnifier.
This is a timely video - its been an issue for me since I started getting back into painting minis a few years ago. Bracing your arms and hands, and using your hands to support each other really helps. Just started using the citadel fig holder, and it really helps. Also, get a bunch of magnifiers esp one with a light built in - ill be picking up this one. Thanks for the video - I feel slightly less old now lol
Another point about steadying yourself - make sure your workbench isn't too low or your seat too high. Mine is higher than the average table and my chair is the desk sort with a height-adjusting lever so I can have it scrunched down low. I can rest my forearms against the edge of the bench without hunching over, keeping nice and steady with no backache.
Very helpful tips! Like the idea of the portable light. I only have a small space to paint and having some extra lighting would helpful. I'll also need to keep those space loops in mind. My dad used to wear a giant goggle sized magnifiers and I vowed never to wear something like that when I got older!
Got those glasses about a year ago. They were.a game changer. Even got 6 people at local store to use them. I also got a daylight brand travel lamp which seemed a lot brighter even when not plugged. I think it was like $35 usd but worth the extra money I have 2 of that brand lamps in home studio and they have lasted like 4 years with no issues. Be careful on cheap electronics remember most of the time u get what u pay for. A little hack for keeping those portable lights bright and not having to be near an outlet is to get a rechargeable power block (you know the ones u all bought to play Pokémon go, but don’t want to admit that’s why u got it). They are great cause still allows u to paint anywhere Great advise! Pretty much cant paint with out either. Makes painting much faster and les frustrating cause ur able to paint with less mistakes which means less touch ups in the end. And if ur mini looks great when seen through a magnifier it will look 50 times better when looked at arms length with the naked eye!
Nearly 57 here. I use an Amazalab x3 x6 LED magnifier. The lights circle the lens and this provides really good shadow elimination (I also have two other lights to each side). It is mounted on a sturdy and adjustable gooseneck. The price for this has doubled since I bought mine 3 years ago but there are other ones on the market that are more affordable unless you have £90 lying around, in which case for a non-spectacle user, I highly recommend one.
A couple of years past that half century mark. It is the vision that has become my major problem. I definitely enjoy painting the larger models these days. My husband is having the shaking. I am going to show him this video when he gets home from work.
Incredibly timely video as I just bought into Warcry (back after 15+ years) and I was having a hell of a time trying to glue these new style of minis together.
Will be hitting 56 later this year, and suffered a stroke 2 years ago. just getting back into painting miniatures despite having left side problems as a consequence.
Ticking of a lot of boxes... Thanks for making me feel my age :) Especially with the coffee shakes. Also, a good idea is to not over indulging in adult beverages the day before planed hobby time... Anyhow, thanks for the video, regardless of my previous comment I actually like to feel my age and that there is a hobby related youtube channel that takes "old" people into account.
My father (52) has difficulty seeing the details on the models and isn't the best painter. We make it work by having him assemble and do the broader coats, base and first few layers. Then (as a painter but not a player) I do the fine detail and trickier bits. He's an amazing player and really good with strategy in basically every game, so we make a symbiotic pair at our hobby table.
You're a good kid for taking care of your dad
This is what it's all about.
This is the cutest thing I've read in a while c: definitely made my day!
thanks i love it
Who run hobby town? MASTER BLASTER
Don't worry Atom, it gets worse... I'm 62 and now am painting Star Wars Legion. Can't see as well as I did at 48 but my seeing eye dog MAX is learning to paint by mouth.....;)
dip his tail in paint and make him wag it over your minis. basecoat done. B-)
Hi I am 75 ! And still going strong with my detailed modeling . It DOES take more time , But I Do get the result I want . Although I do tire more readily than Decades ago .. I have a friend who is 79 And He can Perform like he's 25 ! He is an Amazing Modeler !! : )
Come over to the terrain side mate, we have bigger brushes! ;-)
So that's why I love terrain so much now!!!
Lol Mel!
TheTerrainTutor compensating for something?
Failing eye sight lol
From someone a few months away from fifty, this was an inspired video. I never thought, when I was a teenager and college aged hobbyist, that I'd still be actively involved long enough for age to affect my abilities. Thanks for surfacing these issues.
I'm 50 next year and need glasses to paint now and also have arthritis. This advice is superb.
Age doesn't matter, several guys in my local are 50-65
I'm fifty in a couple weeks. I have to take my glasses OFF to paint or assemble now. (And if I drop a tiny part... I have to put glasses on to find the part, then take them off again to try to stick pieces together.) I figure in a few years I'll get a pair of glasses with different lenses... for distance vision or magnification. I used to have to vision ranges, but now have three.
No glasses: up to about eight-ten inches.
Bifocal part of lenses: out to about two feet.
Rest of lens: everything else.
Rich Weissler this is me every time!
I'm 29 years old and often play people between the ages of 16-23, older gens my age and plus are rare veterans 😁🤣
Thanks to my optician I now have three sets of glasses - distant for driving (to correct a slight astigmatism), close for reading and even closer for painting model soldiers. She advised the last when I told her what I was doing.
Also you have to consider the quality of your light. Some years ago I also discovered 'daylight' balanced light bulbs. These are pale blue and are sold in the UK at art or craft shops or specialist electrical dealers. I have one daylight bulb in a close overhead and lights coming from either side. Quality AND quantity.
Finally I mainly paint 15mm figures and have long since learned the value of wooden strips about 6 inches (15 cm) long and about three quarters of an inch to an inch and a bit square, say 20 to 30mm square in metric. I tack glue figures along the strip - say 6 or 8 figures all facing the same way - and then work on them on the strips. The strip is an easy grip in my left hand (where I have carpal tunnel syndrome) and I can work along them easily with my good right hand. I glue them on with a clear glue (UHU) and can pop this off again with a sharp blade when I am finished.
Finally... wrist support. I support my left wrist with the edge of the table and this (as Uncle Atom suggests) is of great benefit in stopping shake and wobble. I had not considered the caffeine problem he mentions but then I am on de-caff tea anyway for health reasons.
I am 65 and I am still painting. If I can, you can!
B
At 71 returning to the hobby I can attest to everything you point out. Thanks for all your videos.
Yes allmost 40, got my first glasses. Also I do use sniper breathing for shacking, exhale and paint. And use a loop lamp. Thank you for your video’s. Greating from The Netherlands
Sniper breathing! Lol! Me too!
@@Anjohl me too, great word for that, hah hah, sometimes I get dizzy because I forget to inhale again :-D
@@timjacobs9543 So I'm not the only one! LOL!
Going for stronger glasses in few days. Also almost 40. Greetings from Ukraine :)
Yep, I do too when I'm painting fine details. It helps but I still can't paint a straight line for the life of me! LOL
Took up painting at 38, this is a great video! Thank you sir.
Plastic miniatures are immortal! When I kick the bucket my minis will patiently wait for a worthy young painter to continue the process.
50 years old. Been painting and building models since about age 8, or 9. Eyes started to become an issue a few years ago. I've tried standing mag. lenses, visors, etc., and not been thrilled with any of them. Saw this vid and decided to take a chance on a set from Amazon for $20 (CDN). So glad I did! Comfortable, and easy to use. Doesn't mess with my field of vision and the selection of magnifications was great. Nice case, and an included cleaning cloth. I did not expect much but, I was quite blown away by how well they work. Thanks for posting this vid and pointing me in that direction! (yeah, okay, they DO look a bit goofy but, they WORK!)
As a person who has just started to notice that my vision is starting to change this was a very insightful video.
I use the same glasses you showed here for magnification. It is pretty good, but point of advice, remove the battery when not in use. There's a design flaw in it that drains the battery even when turned off.
Also, I have reached the age that I carry around butterscotch candy to hand out to the younger gamers and reminisce about the past while painting with them at the game store. Like that time in 1998 when the undertaker threw mankind off of hell in a cell onto the Spanish announcer table.
Shiv speaks the truth and only the truth. He also hands out the strawberry candies as well!
@@jaysekzeller9016 speaks the truth and only the truth. I also hand the cheesecake candies as well!
YES an outstanding video! I returned to the hobby last year after a 23 year break, and the first thing I noticed was how my 44 year old eyes were not nearly as flexible as my 21 year old eyes! Magnification and good lighting solved the issue 😀.
Long live 'daylight bulbs'! LOL
I just want to let you know that it is such a relief that you don't want to know about my reverse aging. It's way too involved to explain and, I'm over it. Now, I can just chill and watch your videos in peace. Thank you for your magnifier and desk light recommendations. They are exactly what I need to get........for a friend, of course.
Sound advice. I'm 51 and found that investing in some decent lightning, a magnifier, similar to yours and some gw painting clamps have helped alot. My bulldog jumping up at me, for attention, is is the only real threat to painting, now
I'm 48, long time RPG gamer, but only just now getting into miniatures. Been watching various videos about getting started, and happened across yours... Great suggestions, I especially like the putty pill bottle trick. Thanks!
As someone who crossed that half a century a couple years ago and gave it the double finger, i appreciate a video like this. Thanks
Interesting comments. First I am a year or two short of 60 and do work for a few of my friends. I have issues with distance sight so wear glasses but still have good close in range. Been wearing a 2X visor for over 30 years painting and it helps a LOT. I also agree with sitting with your arms close and hands together for detail. A comfortable chair, background music (70's to 80's rock for me), and plenty of space also helps (oh yeah, lock out the cats if they like to help). Things to keep in mind for helping you. First have all your priming done, drinks ready, and equipment all in reach. The less you have to get up and go do or get things the better. Second keep a second bottle of all your colors in reserve. This means twice the inventory of paint, but also means you do not stop when you run out of a pigment. Third, 2 or three shorter sessions with time spent doing other things helps reduce stress and avoid issues rather then sticking at it till you are exhausted. Last build up a solid reference library and keep in your painting area. Having color charts, uniform guides, and vehicle painting information in reach can help wonders.
Hope this helps.
I turn 56 this year, and have been painting miniatures - off and on- since my 20’s. I don’t profess to be a master painter, but I’m generally pleased with the evolution of my miniature painting skills. My most useful tool has been a desk magnifier lamp. I don’t have to wear a magnifier headset like yours, because my lamp already has a magnifying glass, it’s adjustable to whatever angle I require, and it also lights up my project exactly as you described in your video. I definitely wouldn’t be able to produce detailed work without it.
Super helpful video, Atom. The magnifying/lighted headset seems to be a really good option - one of the folks from my local paint club recommended the exact model a few weeks ago.
I’m really surprised how much it helped me, especially for how cheap it is. Thanks for watching!
Lighted headsets are a godsend.
@@tabletopminions I took a leap of faith and bought the newer model on Amazon with the rechargeable battery. This turned out to be a good idea because it has a much smaller and lighter rechargeable battery than the AAAs. It looks like a battery pack similar to the one used in my drone.
That means less strain from the weight.
Our optometrist must’ve gone to the same school LOL. I’ve just turned 42 and my optometrist I see every few years said “I’ve been expecting you. Your eyes go downhill after 40.” I now have my first pair of reading glasses.I found a good trick is to pick the time of day do you work on things. When your mind can focus best and at night time the light seems to work better.
at 54, 2 shots of Knob hill helps... and I also had both lenses replaced with plastic last year (AcrySof IQ)
Atom,
I ordered a pair of your "spaceshippy things" (jeweler's glasses) from your amazon shop. I've had them for two weeks, and they're FANTASTIC! I don't paint without them. For less than $20, they are absolutely worth it. I'm 49 and have had lasik, and in recent years I've been having difficulty focusing at a close distance. These things make a HUGE difference. Thanks for the video, and keep up the great work!
I just started up playing again after 20 years off. I've found a great clamp light with a magnifying glass in the center of it is really helping. The light is adjustable and it gives me the magnification I need. It was nice to see this video and not feel like the only one who needs it.
I am a model railroader and mini painter in my early 40s. Many of my peers in the model railroading hobby (and historical wargaming of course!) are nearing twice my age, and still manage amazing work. You can keep painting and playing for a looong time if you wish!
I have those magnifiers, and they are a godsend for my 52 year old eyes. They're high quality, and having the multiple magnification lenses available allows for varying arm-lengths. Love it. Very recommended.
Yet another informative and helpful video from our Uncle Atom. Thank you! Like Atom, I have a number of lamps that shine on my hobby area, but I also purchased a magnifying lamp (it has a larger magnifying lens with an LED ring around the lens, that has three or four brightness intensity levels. I usually crank it all the way up). It works quite well, but as Uncle Atom said, when you lock everything (limbs, hands, fingers, etc.) down, you tend to be pretty close to your face and the magnifying glass might get in the way of your brush handle. Long story short, the magnifying glasses feature in the video seem like a great alternative. Thanks Uncle Atom! You’re a scholar and a gentleman!
I’m 53 and just started painting/playing last spring (Star Wars Legion) - Ott Light, big, chunky brushes, and 5x reading glasses are what I do to paint my minis. I also started knitting this week to fight back against the arthritis, memory issues, and high blood pressure.
Thank so much I'm 54 and been having problems and u helped so much. You rock.
“It gives me a little tickle”, I spit out my coffee laughing:)
Great advice dude:)
Emily Yaceczko Hahah... Emily... as always..
Started painting this summer at 36, going for holidays tomorrow with my second project finished.
First thing on the to do list when arriving to my moms will be to snatch the desk magnifier I gift her last Christmas..
Another option is a ring light with a magnifying lens in the centre so you can have the light inbetween you and the model and have the magnification while just needing to clamp the arm to a table. Just bought one of those head wearable ones, seems like a good alternative so far.
having arthritis in my hands, the triangular handles of army painter brushes really help to keep a steady grip and reduce shaking.
Those handles on the Army Painter brushes really are great. I find them comfortable. Thanks for watching!
I recommend the revell painta luxus range if you like the army painter stuff. Still have a set from 03 and the hold points really nicely still
There's also some desk-mount magnifiers that have ring lights built in. It's nice if you're working with a camera because you can position it so that where you can best see the model is also where the camera's focused, so you naturally keep your hands in frame (or near in-frame). But even in general, you're getting unobtrusive light where you're staring.
Some very useful tips here.
1 thing I would add: actually mention the fact that you hobby paint the next time you have an eye examination.
"Off the shelf" magnifiers work to a certain extent, but they not specifically catered to each user (example being if somebody has a slight difference in prescription power between both eyes, or if they have uncorrected astigmatism).
A specific pair of prescription hobby specs can be accurately produced and could also incorporate prism (which helps ease strain from doing fine detailed tasks at close range).
Above all..... Make sure you get plenty of light! That's a great tip, in terms of having as much light as possible from different directions.
Same age as you, been doing ALL of this for years! Great tips!
I have that same set of magnifying glasses. They’re a godsend! I think my biggest challenge for hobbying as I get older is time. More demands on my time means less time for hobbies.
YEP I AM 61 AND HAVING FUN SINCE 1963 ...BEEN DOING LITTLE SOLDERS ....GRANDMA TOOK ME TO DISNEYLAND WENT THUR THE CASTLE LEFT SIDE STORE GLASS CASE BRITISH SOLDERS PAINTED THE GREAT RED I DID NOT EVEN KNOW THEY COULD LOOK LIKE THAT .....WELL JUST SOLD MY 1 72 COLLECTION 7000 ON E BAY .....BUT I HAVE MY 28MM AND STILL PAINTING BUILDING EVER DAY ....WHY I LOVE TO LEARN A NEW STYLE LIKE LUKES AND TERRAIN GUY AND BLACK MAGIC GUY THAT DOES FOAm into gold .... yep glasses at 51 0 well 1 dollar glasses ...lol
Why do you type like an 8 year old?
@@Bacxaber SORRY I AM BLIND OK BUT I WILL TRY BETTER WISH I WAS 8 AGAIN LOL
@@Bacxaber turn your edgelord setting down a notch.
The fuck are you talking about, Gabe?
I love your enthusiasm sir!
Keep on keeping on.
So true, Adam. I didn't even notice that I lock down my arms in place to get a good foundation. That's what gets the good detail
Because of this video, I picked up the head magnifier and i'm amazed. I've been painting since around 1980 - got hooked with Dungeon Dwellers. Honestly I knew my vision was getting worse, but I had no idea how much detail I was missing - and how difficult I was making this hobby for myself.
I'm using a magnifying glass lap with LEDs around the magnifying glass. You can get those at some hobby shops or places that sell model building supplies. It makes the whole painting process so much easier, especially if you're painting very fine details. Plus I don't get any headaches from squinting my eyes all the time. And it makes me keep my back straight because I'm not bending over the table all the time. Big recommendation from me.
At 52 in a couple of weeks .. this one was really good :) ...
You don't stop playing because you get old, you get old because you stop playing ;-)
thats from the film tag??
@@roscoemarshall7307 George Bernard Shaw: www.brainyquote.com/quotes/george_bernard_shaw_120971
"old lens, eye juice, retina" :D Yep mine are like that now
I’m glad someone finally recognized my quick illustration. Thanks for watching!
100% on everything good sir. I'm 45 and just took up mini painting and (mostly) terrain crafting about a year ago. I also have bifocals that are good enough for most things but not for minis or for reading my tiny writing on my character sheets in our friend's dim living room. (hazards of playing with primarily graduate students) I went with a dedicated pair of magnifying reading glasses, I have terrible astigmatism so I had to get them from my eye doctor.. but she helped me get exactly the right strength, and higher quality lenses than I could have gotten at the drug store. Take a mini into the exam with you, it really helps to dial in exactly what you need.
I’m exactly your age. I don’t think I could function without coffee (one less brew beforehand perhaps). Fortunately for me, I don’t shake and have excellent dexterity in my hands. Eyesight and low back issues not so much. I have an Optivisor, good lighting, and a fairly decent office chair with pad. I try to get up periodically and stretch for a while, possibly go for a walk. Winter makes that a challenge. Getting old sucks, it exploits all the little injuries that you once had and gives you these little reminders now and again. Cheers, love your channel!
Great advice as always. I'm 52 and two years ago I developed some massive "floaters". Sadly I've had to start getting my painting fix in 54mm because the 25s I'd enjoyed for decades are just unrealistic now. At least I can still see the dice! :)
Many years ago, I personally knew a retired naval ex-serviceman in his 70s, who made extremely complex and detailed wooden ships. He had won many contests throughout his life. He had pretty bad eyesight and used all kinds of lens and magnifying glasses. Besides, he had a very bad pulse in his right hand. But even so, nobody made those models better than him. When he passed away, all of his models were donated to the naval museum. Age may take things away from you, but not experience and expertise.
I'll be 22 in a few days and I'm already feeling the effects of strain and fatigue weigh in the more and more I hobby. I'm currently juggling three hobbies and I'm constantly having to take breaks every 45 mins when I used to be able to strap down for 4+ hours per session. Not only is age a factor but health is as well. Don't forget to go outside once in a while everyone and eat healthy regularly!
Being healthy is important for all kinds of things. Thanks for watching!
Thanks so much for posting this video! I'm 55, and had come up with similar solutions. I tried a loop lamp with a built in magnifier, but found I'd end up getting paint all over it as I lost depth perception. The wearable magnifier is much better I've found. Locking down elbows and hands is essential. Apparently your colour preferences will change through aging, away from blue, and towards green and red. Time to repaint any ultramarines into salamanders! Oh and a pro-tip: If you do overdose on caffeine, use the shakes as a great way to agitate your paint pots! :)
70 and doing fine. Last year I painted about 365 models. I'm lucky to have steady hands and good eyesight. I use a magnifying lamp at my workspace. I rarely look through the magnifier while painting since it throws your depth perception off, but it is helpful when you want to inspect your model and it gives you good light in your painting area. I do find that I need more light when playing Magic and trying to read the small print on cards, but I've noticed my 20 and 30 year old friends do too. Take breaks every half hour or so to rest your eyes from the strain and go play some guitar.
I didn't even start the hobby until last November at the tender age of 41. So, thanks for this.
Reading specs AND a big mag-lamp for me. Locking up, being "tight" and resting hands on a foam block and elbows on the painting chair are also good as you say. I use wine corks with blu-tak on the end to hold the figures. Excellent advice for all us aging painters. I would also say...takes more regular breaks when painting to rest up and shake out the ache in the fingers.
I'm getting close to 50 myself. All good advice here and things I mostly do. I have found in the last couple of years that I need to take breaks more often and kind of give my eyes a rest. No more marathon painting sessions.
I do all of this. Hand locking is key. Also a strong lamp light and listening to relaxing music helps.
Great advice! Another top tip is to try paint your mini without hunching over /your chin against your chest. Had to go to the doc due to neck pain and it was bad posture that was the cause. Had to stop painting for a month. 😬.
Try keep your back straight and head up and paint at eye level.
I am 43 and I've been using those exact same glasses. I highly recommend them they solved my detail issues over night. I would also recommend a standing hobby desk. Keep your spine straight and head up. I shake a lot less when I can rest my elbows and wrists at near eye level. It's also healthier to be standing vs. sitting.
I just hit 50 (groan) and can't recommend your advice strongly enough. My vision has always been poor (very nearsighted) so I'm constantly taking my glasses on and off to paint. I have the same magnifying visor you showed here and it's a great help. And your thoughts on light are spot on. You just can't have too much of it. My grandparents were always telling me I needed more light when I could see perfectly fine.
Youth is indeed wasted on the young, no?
What a great subject that effects or will effect most of us, as we soldier (no pun intended) on.
From a 58 year young enthusiast, firstly the painting and your great tips are more than welcome thanks. I've just changed from vari focals to two separate pairs of reading and long distant spectacles, as I was squinting badly and my eyes were getting really and I mean REALLY sore, but now my eyes are starting to settle down, so although I hear you about the magnifying headset, I tried that about a year ago and got major stressed at not feeling in control.
Instead, as well as wearing my reading glasses, I also use a table lamp with built in magnifying glass and because it’s about a 5” diameter, I find that I can handle the stress part much better.
Many thanks for your time creating this really helpful video, much appreciated.
Thank you. This has been helpful. When I was younger, I used to be so proud of my 20/10 vision. But after 40, I started needing reading glasses and it made painting (and much else ) more difficult. Great suggestions.
Time is fleeting, better start painting those minis I've been postponing since a few weeks ago
Xanthippus not too quickly though, we all know that when you finish painting the last miniature you own, you die! (At this rate I’ll be immortal) ;)
Carpe Plasticmanium :)
Download Amazon audible and listen to audio books whilst you paint.. bypasses the tome quickly
@@deathguarddavegoogley2022 luckily I've got more unpainted models then I'll ever paint. There must be so many immortal players out there. Dude whip out your sword because : "there can be only ONE!".
nacho libre. In the immortal words of the Kurgan: it’s better to burn out than fade away. When I go, it’ll be with a brush in each hand...
That was a kick ass video.
I just started in this hobby - I'm 44. All of these tips were really, really helpful. thank you!
44 and diagnosed with carpal tunnel. You just learn to adapt as you get older.
I use a quality desk magnification lamp, my desk is well placed for daytime light and an organised working area so I know where everything is.
Sure I've some clumsy accidents with my carpal tunnel but I just accept it and my paint style has changed to accommodate it.
Just started the painting side of the hobby at the age o 71, bracing the painting hand on the hand holding the mini works, even if it is only one finger. Yes I do wear glasses trifocals. The magifiers that Atom showed (with the led light) work great.
To add to the tips of what you said, learning to calm your body down and relax helps a lot to. I paint sitting on the floor and use a coffee table to paint on and I will not only rest the min on the table but my hands as well to get more grounded.
Something I noticed that caused me a lot of hand shaking was that I was holding the brush and mini too tightly. I was really clamping down on it. I loosened my grip a bit and the shaking went away.
I’m where you are in terms of age. All great advice of which I already follow. Thanks!
Just started making models and painting miniatures again after 50 years & not being able to focus has really got me frustrated. Thanks for your hints & I have just ordered one of the headsets so I await being able to actually see what I'm painting once more. (I see from other comments that the headsets have been a real success).
Headset arrived today....it looks great. Looked at some of my unpainted minis & I think it will do the job fine. Sadly I can no longer excuse my poor eyesight for my lack of painting skill :( Ah well, you can't have all your own way.
Been hobbying for roughly 45 years, I have found the most useful thing ever is a really good light! I use plastic shot glasses from the cheap store to mount things on to paint, and a few good handles for special figures. I have recently discovered that using magnifiers is really good, I have a head mounted one and one on the light. And I have tri-focals. So lets see - yep on everything you mentioned :) I have shakes, but they are neurological so nothing I can do, except for a lot of cleanups :)
Just getting back into the Hobby after 20 years, only turned 28 this year, but my eyes aren't the best. I also needed some brushes to learn with and ruin, and a nice desk lamp too. Perfect shopping list :D
I liked the advise you gave, so here’s another suggestion towel rails and foam pipe insulation attached to the edge of your desk as a rest for your arms.
Oh and for those of us with “Santa” physiques a curved front desk is very beneficial. 👍🏼
I'm 55 and love building and painting my Tyranids! I utilize all of these tools when needed. I have no intention of quitting any time soon!
There's another reason for using good light. Like a camera, with a bright light you need a lower aperture on your eyeball. The center of the lens is geometrically better than the outer part and gives a better depth of field. Therefore the reduction in the ability of your eye lens to adjust with age is less of a problem. I use a LED lamp with a long head and bring that right down, close to the figure.
I'm fortunate. I was always short sighted and now, at 64, I'm less so but can still paint 28mm figures. I just take my glasses off. I do have magnifying lenses like Uncle Atom's but usually only use them for 6mm figures.
Something else I do is to clamp a block of wood to the edge of my desk and rest my hands on it. That not only increases stability but also means I can get close to the figures without bending down too much so it improves my posture.
I mount my figures on chunks of dowel with blu-tack (poster putty) (I got the idea from one of these videos). I know some people find that doesn't stick firmly enough, I don't have a problem. Don't use too much, a pea sized ball is about right. Squeeze it down to a fairly thin layer.
As someone getting old (than you, I’m afraid), I totally appreciate this video. I may need to get that lens gear. I also throw in that if you wear contacts, try switching to glasses for painting time. Contacts lock you vision away from close distances if you are near sighted, and that makes it hard.
Yep 49 in a couple of months. I've been out of the hobby since the early 90s and wasn't sure I could pick it up again due to eyesight and tremors. But as Mr Atom says, light and locking down really help... plus a kick ass magnifier. Even after just two months my painting is way better than it was back then... I think I have more patience now :-) ... Probably the only thing that bugs me is my thumbs are shot with RSI so sometimes I have to quit due to pain. Maybe a sacrifice to Korne would help?
Bang on, just hit the 40 mark and this video is everything. Nice work!
I’m 41 and just got my first prescription for bifocals. This video was very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks for this. I remember once you claimed that a wet palate was the single most significant way to improve your painting. I nearly posted at the time to disagree - the magnifying headset was definately the best for me - took 20 years off my painting and I am painting faces, eyes and other detail I could never do before. I also find it funny when people show 'old' miniatures that I think of as really new - I have miniatures that Games Workshop have forgotten they ever made including the first ever ogre on an elephant and the first lizard man rider. However to know that I am older than Uncle Atom does make me feel old.
Another excellent video, thank you. Especially on this topic. I have worn glasses all my life (shortsighted with astigmatism) and in my 40s I bought a number of vision enhancers only to find that with age (for reasons as you describe very well) my sight improved for close up work! So no glasses for painting ☺👍
The other tips regarding bracing your hands, elbows etc I remember my friend and painting Guru telling me about 30 years ago and it's absolutely true.
I started using some of those magnifying goggles a couple months ago. I don't know how I ever painted without them. They are fantastic!
Great video Adam. I just got my first eye exam last Friday and need bi-focals. 46 years and I got away without them, now it is time.
Another great video, Adam, and further proof we're living in the Matrix.
A profile gauge randomly popped up in my Facebook feed a few weeks ago, and I ordered it. The thing arrived in the post during the week, and that night on my TH-cam homepage, was a video from about a month ago by my favourite carpentry TH-camr, Finish Capentry TV, raving about his profile gauge.
And here, a few days later, I literally picked up my new painting glasses yesterday (In other news, I will now be re-doing the faces on my ASOIAF minis I've painted over the last few months) and here you are talking about painting and glasses.
I knew there was a reason they were doing away with payphones...
Honestly, I think the matrix is a little broken. I expected to hear that you saw the videos about the products and *then* Facebook and Amazon started advertising the products to you, not the other way around. Thanks for watching!
Huge gratitude to you for pointing out those magnifying glasses. I’d been stung when I previously bought a similar product that was unusable junk. Your video encouraged me to track the ones you use down and buy them. They’re amazing! Im using the medium magnifying lens set and it has ample magnification. Painting just got more fun. Thanks again.
Super helpful, and more and more relevant every day! Thanks Adam!
Thanks for the video I’m 50 I started into the hobby because of watching your videos I was struggle with my eyes well done
Great summary of "old person" info! Luckily, I'm nearsighted so I just take off my contacts/glasses and hold the mini right in my face, underneath my magnified work light. I find this works better than the head-mounted magnifier.
Same here! It is one of reasons I never got lasik. When my doctor suggested the procedure, I questioned how would I paint my miniatures?
This is a timely video - its been an issue for me since I started getting back into painting minis a few years ago. Bracing your arms and hands, and using your hands to support each other really helps. Just started using the citadel fig holder, and it really helps. Also, get a bunch of magnifiers esp one with a light built in - ill be picking up this one. Thanks for the video - I feel slightly less old now lol
Another point about steadying yourself - make sure your workbench isn't too low or your seat too high. Mine is higher than the average table and my chair is the desk sort with a height-adjusting lever so I can have it scrunched down low. I can rest my forearms against the edge of the bench without hunching over, keeping nice and steady with no backache.
Very helpful tips! Like the idea of the portable light. I only have a small space to paint and having some extra lighting would helpful. I'll also need to keep those space loops in mind. My dad used to wear a giant goggle sized magnifiers and I vowed never to wear something like that when I got older!
Got those glasses about a year ago. They were.a game changer. Even got 6 people at local store to use them. I also got a daylight brand travel lamp which seemed a lot brighter even when not plugged. I think it was like $35 usd but worth the extra money I have 2 of that brand lamps in home studio and they have lasted like 4 years with no issues. Be careful on cheap electronics remember most of the time u get what u pay for. A little hack for keeping those portable lights bright and not having to be near an outlet is to get a rechargeable power block (you know the ones u all bought to play Pokémon go, but don’t want to admit that’s why u got it). They are great cause still allows u to paint anywhere Great advise! Pretty much cant paint with out either. Makes painting much faster and les frustrating cause ur able to paint with less mistakes which means less touch ups in the end. And if ur mini looks great when seen through a magnifier it will look 50 times better when looked at arms length with the naked eye!
I can totally relate to this video! Over 50 and just recently started getting into painting miniatures more for the hobby.
This is good advice for anyone painting minis. Wish i had seen this video when i was 13.
Nearly 57 here. I use an Amazalab x3 x6 LED magnifier. The lights circle the lens and this provides really good shadow elimination (I also have two other lights to each side). It is mounted on a sturdy and adjustable gooseneck. The price for this has doubled since I bought mine 3 years ago but there are other ones on the market that are more affordable unless you have £90 lying around, in which case for a non-spectacle user, I highly recommend one.
Great advice, natural lighting is a really good tip, 35 glasses for 7 yrs. Light really helps painting
Damn... I'm just shy of 40 and only discovered the hobby 3 years ago. Great advise, I'm pretty sure I'll buy the grip and a light.
A couple of years past that half century mark. It is the vision that has become my major problem. I definitely enjoy painting the larger models these days. My husband is having the shaking. I am going to show him this video when he gets home from work.
Incredibly timely video as I just bought into Warcry (back after 15+ years) and I was having a hell of a time trying to glue these new style of minis together.
Will be hitting 56 later this year, and suffered a stroke 2 years ago. just getting back into painting miniatures despite having left side problems as a consequence.
Glad you're still with us
Ticking of a lot of boxes... Thanks for making me feel my age :) Especially with the coffee shakes. Also, a good idea is to not over indulging in adult beverages the day before planed hobby time... Anyhow, thanks for the video, regardless of my previous comment I actually like to feel my age and that there is a hobby related youtube channel that takes "old" people into account.
Those adult beverages before and during hobby time might help with the shakes, though!
@@Varadiio Or just a slow slippery slope towards a pink Darth Vader
Oooo, a pink Darth Vader. May the force be with you, sailor.
Thumbprints In Putty It’s bound to happen... Pink is the new black. Also, Disney is is charge now, remember.