Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I'm really into warhammer, and I'm trying to get loads painted, but whenever I sit down to paint, I lose all my enthusiasm, I feel lonely and suddenly feel like every bit of paint I put on is rubbish, even though I've been told it isn't, what tips do you guys have to you don't lose all enthusiasm?

Smiggle

I totally understand what your going through. It seems to me that my models look like crap right up until the last couple brush strokes when suddenly they look great. I try to focus on doing small sets of models at a time. I will paint one color on each of those models, for example do all the skin. Make your goals small so that at any time you can quit and actually feel like you got something accomplished. I have around 200+ models I still need to paint and if I think of all that painting I just get overwhelmed. Just go one color, one layer, one detail at a time.

There are a few steps that are often thrown out there:

1) Listen to music/audio books when painting (I watch TV shows or movies)
2) Change up what you are painting. I rotate between building kits and painting, with options for various games and armies. Keeps from getting bored of painting one color over and over.
3) Manageable batch sizes. I tend to work on 3-5 guys at a time, no more than 10. Helps show progress without getting overwhelmed.
3b) Out of sight = out of mind. Store away your unpainted models so they aren't in sight. It helps prevent the feeling of nothing getting down, which can help prevent losing enthusiasm. In the same mindset, find a place to show off what you have painted, keeps the enthusiasm up as you have results to see.

Would it help if I posted my WIP on say instagram? And thanks for the tips guys

Smiggle wrote:
Would it help if I posted my WIP on say instagram? And thanks for the tips guys

That may help - however, make sure you only post it after a certain part is done, or after the entire mini is done - this will help 'forcing' you to complete the mini, because hey, you really want to post it!

It's a rather common problem for painters - some get burned out after a while, some suffer temporary "painter's block" on a model/army even though they still enjoy the process, some hate it from the start but can't stand having an unpainted army (and can't afford to commission the job). Sparkywtf summarized the usual responses, but if you want to read in more detail, here are a few past threads on motivation and productivity in painting:

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/536045.page

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/524849.page

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/494643.page

Honestly? What you're describing sounds a lot like the symptoms of mild depression. And contrary to popular opinion there's nothing shameful or really bad about having a chemical imbalance. A more balanced diet, some regular exercise, and maybe a visit to a knowledgeable doctor who can fully diagnose you, and you'll see improvements in your desire to paint as well as every other aspect of your life.

I could just be talking out of my butt though. Maybe try listening to podcasts while you paint, helps keep your mind busy while your hands work.