Where the heck did the month of May go?!
3 years ago on May 30th I rebooted my blogging efforts, killing my old Tim's Minis blog and starting Miniature Tim. I was encouraged to do so by many friends across the nation, as well as excited to be a part of the blogging community of our hobby. I felt I could bring something to the proverbial table that would be worthwhile to the hobby community as a whole, and I was bound and determined to make my blog work the second time around, to not give up again...
…but I still had no idea 3 years ago I had no idea that I would be typing "3 years ago…"!
Is there a contest this year? Well…not exactly. But there is something that you can get! Every single one of you. I'll address that later in the article.
As a part of this 3 year anniversary, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite articles over the years. Some of you have been with me from the beginning, and have probably read all of them, while others may have just jumped aboard with me recently and haven't had the time to peruse the archives, as it were. Many times I've run a series with a central theme tying them all together. I'll address those first:
This was a series I wrote that encompassed everything from actual hobby tools to sculpt and work on construction of the models with, to tools used for painting and even miniature photography. However, these were always articles where I felt the tools and products I covered were essential to the hobby, and if you didn't own them, you should.
Modeling
Painting
Miniature Photography
House Paint
Outside Opinions and Soundboards
A Matter of Opinion
The flips side of my Tools of the Trade series was this one. This was the series that let me give my two cents on many things like paint lines, glue types and primers. Things that while we know we need the basic category, we all have our own opinions on what we want to use and why. I may feel strongly one way or the other for what I was covering, but it really is all just a matter of opinion.
Paint Brands
The Glue that Binds
Primer
Thinning Paints
How to Thin Paints
What Paints to Stock
The "Syndrome" Series
This was a fun one where I would take some common ideas or personality traits, and parody them as if they were some form of affliction or syndrome. You know, like the irresistible urge to buy that new shiny box of just-released miniatures on the shelf, or the itch to jump on the new flavor of the month.
The "Bandwagon" Syndrome
The "Oooooh, Shiny!" Syndrome
The "Collectors" Syndrome
The "Honny-Hammer" Syndrome
Pushing Stuff Around
This is actually 2 different series of articles. One relating to Green Stuff Sculpting, and the other depicting painting tutorials. I'm woefully lacking in this one, and want to do more of them, though the 3 that have been done are worth mentioning!
Sculpting Chainmail
Sculpting Barbaric Fur
How to Paint Force Weapon Effects
Now that the past 3 years are, well, the past…what does the future hold for this blog? Well the first post of this year I mentioned some things that I'm already working on. The first being a bit of a facelift for the blog, with some added functionality along with it. I'd also love to use this blog as a jumping off point for a forum completely dedicated to painting and modeling. I know there are plenty of very active and successful forums out there that have painting and modeling parts to them, but I'd love to create one where there is some honest-to-goodness constructive criticism and real critiques of folk's work to help each other progress and increase skills. Maybe a place where people who are trying to ready themselves for a painting competition can post progress and get some good feedback. Not just people blowing smoke, fawning over it, or trashing it…good, honest feedback that can help us make each other better.
Ultimately though, I don't write in a vacuum. I write, and you all read. So remember when I said that every single one of you could get something out of me this year? Here's your chance:
What do you want to read? Has there been a technique that you want to learn, have trouble with, or want me to discuss? What about thoughts on one game or another, or maybe even philosophical debates on airbrush versus traditional painting? Heck, maybe you want a spotlight on one of my past projects and how I did something there. This blog isn't all about me, this is about you too, and I want to know what you want to read.
Leave me a comment below, and you'll be kicking off a new series of articles, "Reader Submissions". These will be the topics you, the reader, want!
Here's to another 3 years, guys!
- Tim
Happy blog day! I'd like to see a post or two about mistakes you made and how you come back from them? Admit defeat and start over or try to salvage what you have? You know, that hulk smash moment that we have all had and how you haul yourself back from the brink...
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated, Zab :)
DeleteI'll admit I gave into a hulk-smash moment once or twice in my hobby career, but that's a darn good topic. I'll take care of that :)
I seem to recall some daemons going into the trash at one point :-P
DeleteHappy Blog day man! Hope many more are in the future!
ReplyDeleteThank you sir :)
DeleteNo topic requests?
Congratulations! My hat is off to your for managing three years of constant blogging, because it can be really hard work (as I know from personal experience ;) ). Anyway, your blog is always a source of enjoyment, both for your own hobby projects and for the spirit of levelheadedness and constructivity -- something sadly lacking in so many hobbyists, it seems.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid of sounding like a broken record, but since you're actively asking what we'd like to read about, let me attempt once more to get you to post a more in depth showcase of your Centurions. ...pretty please?
Keep up the great work, Tim!
CRAP. Okay, yes. No more broken record. I will start assembling posts to go over an in depth look at the Centurions! :)
DeleteAnd yes, you most certainly know exactly what you're talking about. It's not easy, and sometimes I've had to give up other fun time to keep up with this, but it's all worth it in the end :)
Very happy you still enjoy what I'm putting out there, thank you!!
Happy (blog) Birthday, Tim! I always enjoy reading your articles, and your models are always inspiriational - keep up the great work, bud!
ReplyDeleteThan kyou my friend!! :)
DeleteNow propose a topic from that workhorse of a hobby mind you have ;)
Congrats Tim. Always a pleasure to come here and read your thoughts on the many aspects of the hobby that you have covered.
ReplyDeleteNot sure you've covered it already, but I'd like to hear your thoughts on why one can/should enter painting competitions in the first place?
I'm certain he'll cover it whenever he actually enters in a painting contest :-P
DeleteWhy to enter? I find the motivation helps me keep on task. I also find that it improves me as a painter. I'll picture the completed model in my mind and then it's up to me to develop techniques to get me to that point. It's also good to enter to network with other painters to learn new skills.
Be nice, Kevin :P
DeleteI've entered 3 now, thank you :P But I am prepping for the contests and GenCon, so this is a perfect topic :)