As a miniature painter, I often get asked about the role of tutorials. Can they hinder creativity? Are they a shortcut to mastering techniques? The truth is, there’s a place for both following tutorials and embracing a creative process in your miniature painting journey.
Learning the Ropes: The Benefits of Tutorials
Tutorials are fantastic tools, especially for beginners. They provide a structured approach, breaking down complex techniques into manageable steps. This can significantly improve your brush control, color mixing, and understanding of light and shadow. Following a tutorial builds confidence and equips you with the foundational skills to approach future projects with more autonomy.
One of the best things to get out of tutorials is an Order of Operations. When to use which technique and why it works that way. Most tutorials center around trying to copy box art or to recreate paint schemes for existing armies. This is of course a good way to get a good looking army on the table. Don’t focus so much on the exact colors to use. Which is in effect following someone else’s creative vision. At some point your imagination starts to run wild and you need to experiment with your own combination of colors anyway. I learn a lot more watching someone’s order of operations than I do trying to see what colors they used.
Personally I find tutorials are a great way to learn new techniques, skills, or how to work with new products. Once a skill is learned I’m ready to experiment and push my boundaries. Don’t be afraid to fail, everything is a learning process.
Finding Your Voice: The Power of Creative Exploration
There’s a magic that happens when you loosen the grip of following instructions and dive into creative exploration. Experimenting with colors, textures, and freehand designs allows you to develop your unique artistic voice. This is where your personal style emerges, and your miniatures become more than just painted figures – they become reflections of your imagination.
If you’ve watched any of my Twitch streams you’ll quickly realize I almost never do the same thing twice. I’ve always been fascinated by the creative process itself. Getting a finished army on the tabletop has weirdly never been a driving force for my painting. Learning new things is almost a compulsion. I watch a ridiculous amount of painting tutorials but I’m comparing other artists’ processes, not so much trying to find a color palette I want to try.
The Sweet Spot: Balancing Structure and Freedom
The key lies in finding a balance between the two approaches. Tutorials can act as springboards for your creativity. Use them as a starting point, then add your own twists and interpretations. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. Embrace the journey, and allow yourself to be surprised by the results!
So, whether you’re a seasoned miniature painter or just starting out, remember there’s no right or wrong way to approach your hobby. Embrace the value of tutorials, but also cherish the freedom of creative exploration. Happy painting!