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If you've ever taken half a glance at the gallery (or are following one of the amazing P&M blogs available on this site), you've probably come across those amazing, Blanche-esque INQ28 models that sport so many bits and pieces from seemingly every kit GW has produced since the birth of the universe, with wicked paint schemes to boot.

I've always liked models like that, they're an amazing source of inspiration and an incentive to create my own, wickedly awesome kitbashes.

Unfortunately, that last part is where I struggle.

I can do simple kitbashes, replace a head here, an arm there, the usual stuff. But I want to do something more, but I have no idea where to start.

So, to make a long story short, how do you start building a proper INQ28 character? Do I need to delve into Blanche's work for inspiration? Make a sketch of what I want? Or just randomly bash things together until it starts resembling something cool?

Skulls, skulls and more skulls..
Skulls everywhere makes for a GeeDub Grimdark look..

Must admit this is the area I struggle in and would really like to get better at; I think I have painting in that style down, it's the composition of the models that always seems to throw me off. There are a few things that are pretty important, or at least common features of Blanche-esque work:

- Exaggerated proportions, even moreso than standard 40k models. Lithe assassins and starved pit-slaves and underfed Hive Dwellers are always exceptionally skinny, so you want to be using elf/Eldar/undead parts there. Meanwhile, hired muscle, bodyguards and gladiators are always big, bulky brutes, so you want to be using larger/'heavier' parts, like Warriors of Chaos, Orks, even Ogres and such.

- Complementary and contrastic parts are something that factor in as well, and really, you have to do it by eye a little. For example, if you're building a model in sleek armour, say a Death Cult Assassin or similar, give them a sharp, angular weapon for a more interesting, almost jarring look. On the other hand, a big guy carrying a laspistol or a tiny Acolyte wielding a broadsword are going to look silly, so you want something that complements their overall image. This is why you'll often see Arco-Flaggelants or Servitors with massive weapons added to them, or hulking bodyguards carrying stuff like Heavy Bolters or autocannons. Contrast and compliment can both enhance the look of a mini, there's no rule as for what to do when.

- Loadsa Random (but not actually random) Bits, While it's temping to just roll a mini in glue and your bits box, sometimes less is more and balance is everything. You can look at a Blanche mini and see what might look like a completely random skull or parchment or holstered weapon, and it'll have a reason for being there. Adding to the mini's visual story, balancing the composition by drawing attention to/away from another part, carefully applied to cover a join, all sorts. But as much as it seems ironic, nothing is actually going to be there 'just 'cos', there's a purpose to every bit.

- The painting can sell what simple conversion can't. Part of the reason Blanche's stuff looks so coherent despite being a seemingly random and endless collection of parts is the painting. By keeping the same, very limited palette of colours, you can convince the viewer that this Ork arm totally belongs on this Terminator Armour body with it's Eldar head and Dark Elf sword (as an example).

Hope that's of some help! I'm sure others more experienced in the field can help more, but this comes from hours of looking at these kinds of minis and thinking 'I wish I could do that'.

Although you can have some success with bits suppliers one thing you might not realise about some of the more notable Inq28 modellers on this forum is that they spend a lot of money buying any kit that interests them. It isn't really relateable for the average hobbyist, i know i certainly don't have the money to buy a set of Nurgle Blightkings just for the legs.

Thanks for the replies so far!

The colour scheme is indeed an impressive part of most Blanche-esque conversions, and I've spent several hours thinking about how I could recreate Blanche's colour schemes, especially his almost-sepia ones Unfortunately, I still have a lot to learn about painting, so getting my models up to those standards is going to take a while

As for the parts, my bits box isn't exactly varied; for the moment, I've got mostly CSM, SM and Ork bits (with a sprinkling of IG and Tau ones), so if I'm going to make a custom model of something, I'm going to have to go through a bits supplier (unless I want to have a model consisting mostly out of chainswords and helmets)

Converting needs four things; a good bits box, lots of practice with experimentation, tools, and imagination. Save all your bits, ask people for bits they are throwing away, play with ideas and see what results you get. Don't even think about John's work, he has imitators aplenty, and his painting does a lot for the finished result (he can also use a razor saw with the skill of a surgeon with a scalpel). Find your own style. Don't worry about making mistakes, most things can be corrected. Use bluetac to see if parts will go together before using glue. Just keep doing it. You will get to a point where you are confident and coming up with great ideas, because you have learned what works by putting the graft in. Keep practicing mate.

when i convert or kitbash, i usually start with a basic idea. sometimes it will be inspired by GW literature..like the night lords books for example. other times it can be something historical, pieces of sci fi, films, or other artwork i've seen, it can be literally anything. this gives you a basic parts shopping list. then i usually just bodge bits together until i have something i like. the key is to look for inspiration in everything, then dont be afraid to try unorthodox bits combinations..part of making that gothic, steampunky, dark future look of blanche is mixing fantasy bits with the 40k sci fi.

some things to invest in for conversion work: a good stanley knife, disposable scalpels, clay sculpting tools (i personally only use one thats like a rubber pencil end, but you can get loads of different types) i also bought a set of tube/tentacle creator plates which allow you to make various cables and pipes from green stuff.

make sure you have an abundance of bits like:skulls, trophies, scrolls, pouches, chains, random bits of armour, tabards etc..because these will be your best friend when it comes to hiding joins, and other imperfections that kitbashing inevitably creates. ebay is great for individual bitz if you dont mind paying a couple of quid. i usually try and buy a bunch of stuff each time.

the most important thing is to have fun with it. kitbashing and converting is definitely my favourite part of the hobby, it allows you to express your imagination, and create something unique, and a good kitbash is guaranteed to draw attention on the table or dsplay case.

Keep your eyes at two places:

http://s3.zetaboards.com/The_Ammobunker/forum/3012278/

http://ironsleet.com/

Try not to copy johns work exactly but try the vibe . So try and stay away from the heroic hero look and try to get your figure in a lived in state . It's not the case of buying kits just for a few bits its about using the minimum amount of bits to tell a story . Have a look on ammobunker and checkout the threads. John posts under the name thistle on there .

As for paints then pick a limited pallet of 3-4 colours and the key to getting that signature look is texture so dry brushing and bold highlights that are then taken back sown with the use of artists inks ....lots of inks !

Also, keep in mind that the whole =I=munda/INQ28/Blachitsu 'style' is all about storytelling. What's the story you want to convey with your miniatures? The parts you use, the way you use them, the colours, the pose, everything, it's all part of the character you are building.

Approach each miniature as a character with his/her/its own story.

I bookmarked this thread by Turska a while back - I think he nailed this look perfectly, and he included some guides to what he does:

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/90/497254.page

Apologist is also someone to keep an eye one when it comes to storytelling through modelling, even though he mainly does Astartes models: http://apologentsia.blogspot.nl/

Thanks for all the advice, everyone!

Just going through all the sites you've posted makes me want to go kitbash something together