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Made in es
Dakka Veteran






"I paint".

Not my fault people assume wrongly the medium, paints, themes and general ambient I paint in.
   
Made in gb
Insect-Infested Nurgle Chaos Lord






In my experience don't tell them (nowadays I give much less of a feth). Keep it to yourself and maybe some people you trust.

Telling people you play Warhammer will be met with the usual taunts of "Oh Warhammer? That's for kids! I gave that up when I was like three!"
"Oh look, this guy likes Warhammer, what a fething gakker!"
"Warhammer? That's gay!"

And so on. yeah, you'll get the impression I don't just issues about this topic I've got the whole goddamn subscription. A few things may have changed in the decade or so since I finished school, but the cockwomble hegemony that are the ruling class of students have not.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/04/26 21:11:51



Games Workshop Delenda Est.

Users on ignore- 53.

If you break apart my or anyone else's posts line by line I will not read them. 
   
Made in us
Land Raider Pilot on Cruise Control






I just say I enjoy painting, let them come up with there own interpretation even in interviews when asked what my hobby's are. In highschool it was funny I'd see the "popular" kids in there occasionally but that was 10 years ago.
   
Made in nl
Pragmatic Primus Commanding Cult Forces






I always tell people I build scale models, which sounds much more impressive than toy soldiers and technically is not incorrect
Otherwise you could just say you "do modelling"

Error 404: Interesting signature not found

 
   
Made in au
Grizzled Space Wolves Great Wolf





 Grimtuff wrote:
In my experience don't tell them (nowadays I give much less of a feth). Keep it to yourself and maybe some people you trust.

Telling people you play Warhammer will be met with the usual taunts of "Oh Warhammer? That's for kids! I gave that up when I was like three!"
"Oh look, this guy likes Warhammer, what a fething gakker!"
"Warhammer? That's gay!"

And so on. yeah, you'll get the impression I don't just issues about this topic I've got the whole goddamn subscription. A few things may have changed in the decade or so since I finished school, but the cockwomble hegemony that are the ruling class of students have not.
I will admit I have always avoided the word "Warhammer" when describing what I do. Scale models, military/scifi/fantasy miniatures, table top wargames. I think "Warhammer" has too many preconceptions for me to use that as a descriptor.

Of course these days it's mostly true because I don't play any Warhammer based games any more, lol. But there was a time when that's mostly what I played.
   
Made in us
[MOD]
Madrak Ironhide







Manly teaparties with my hand painted dollies.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
My conversations always devolve into

"Like Dungeons and Dragons?"

"Sure."

"Cool."

But that's as an adult.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/04/27 01:16:21


DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
Get your own Dakka Code!

"...he could never understand the sense of a contest in which the two adversaries agreed upon the rules." Gabriel Garcia Marquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude 
   
Made in gb
Insect-Infested Nurgle Chaos Lord






AllSeeingSkink wrote:
 Grimtuff wrote:
In my experience don't tell them (nowadays I give much less of a feth). Keep it to yourself and maybe some people you trust.

Telling people you play Warhammer will be met with the usual taunts of "Oh Warhammer? That's for kids! I gave that up when I was like three!"
"Oh look, this guy likes Warhammer, what a fething gakker!"
"Warhammer? That's gay!"

And so on. yeah, you'll get the impression I don't just issues about this topic I've got the whole goddamn subscription. A few things may have changed in the decade or so since I finished school, but the cockwomble hegemony that are the ruling class of students have not.
I will admit I have always avoided the word "Warhammer" when describing what I do. Scale models, military/scifi/fantasy miniatures, table top wargames. I think "Warhammer" has too many preconceptions for me to use that as a descriptor.

Of course these days it's mostly true because I don't play any Warhammer based games any more, lol. But there was a time when that's mostly what I played.


I should clarify, in the uk at least, warhammer is pretty much a synonym for any wargame. It's been nearly 13 years since I left school and I don't think attitudes will have changed much regardless of what wargame you play. Just like all computer games are Nintendo to your mum, all miniatures/wargames are warhammer to your "in crowd" student.


Games Workshop Delenda Est.

Users on ignore- 53.

If you break apart my or anyone else's posts line by line I will not read them. 
   
Made in us
[ARTICLE MOD]
Huge Hierodule






North Bay, CA

Think more broadly about "painting". This can often include not only the painting, but sculpting, model making, kit bashing, scenic construction, and if you are into it, creativity in the backstory. That is a tremendous array of artistic skills that most people don't get to exercise.

   
Made in gb
Ultramarine Librarian with Freaky Familiar





 toasteroven wrote:
Yes, rather than try to hide it, embrace that nonsense. Tell 'em you paint tiny doll men and that it's amazing and fun.

Then kick them in the shins.

Wait, maybe not that.


This applies to me so well to me.

I've been a miniature wargamer for 14 years, and I recently started Karate (5 months now, got my Red belt, and then Yellow in June).
   
Made in ca
Resolute Ultramarine Honor Guard






Vancouver, BC

 Talys wrote:
 Matthew wrote:
I know, I know, stand up for yourself blabla. I'm a 14-yearold, I can't go around telling everyone I paint little plastic guys and then use them in fights. That would sound ridiculous. What is the best way to say that I play warhammer (preferably with the painting part in focus) without making me sound like a total nerd?


I'm 43, sit (sleep?) in corporate boardrooms, wear expensive suits, drive fancy cars, and I tell people, with glee, "I paint little plastic guys and use them in war games!" If anyone indicates surprise, I follow up with, "Hey, it's more intellectually stimulating than lugging around a bag of metal clubs to whack balls into four and a quarter inch holes."

Generally, though, it's a great conversation starter -- because it's something different -- and people want to see pictures.


To be fair, things you paint are actually impressive!

 warboss wrote:
Is there a permanent stickied thread for Chaos players to complain every time someone/anyone gets models or rules besides them? If not, there should be.
 
   
Made in us
Ultramarine Master with Gauntlets of Macragge





Boston, MA

You are a total nerd, just own it dude.

Check out my Youtube channel!
 
   
Made in de
Ladies Love the Vibro-Cannon Operator






Hamburg

 Nevelon wrote:
Painting miniatures for tactical wargames.

Hit the button. I'm a wargamer and I have no excuse for other people.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/04/29 21:00:32


Former moderator 40kOnline

Lanchester's square law - please obey in list building!

Illumini: "And thank you for not finishing your post with a "" I'm sorry, but after 7200 's that has to be the most annoying sign-off ever."

Armies: Eldar, Necrons, Blood Angels, Grey Knights; World Eaters (30k); Bloodbound; Cryx, Circle, Cyriss 
   
Made in au
Fresh-Faced New User




Nano-tactician and acrylic engineering.
   
Made in gr
Longtime Dakkanaut




Halandri

Boutique figurine colourist?
   
Made in gb
Calculating Commissar




Frostgrave

I usually say scale modelling, but normally end up referring to it as "like Warhammer, but historic".
   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut




I think my CV said 'painting and playing tabletop games'

I went for an interview for a pretty high level engineering position, and was asked about my interests. Turns out, one of the interviewers plays WarMachine. The other interviewer had to stop us talking about Malifaux so he could ask me more questions about the job! I got the job.

Never be ashamed of what you enjoy buddy!
   
Made in ca
Monstrous Master Moulder



Space Cowboy Cruising Around Olympus Mons

Just don't tell anyone that you paint them or play warhammer?
I don't tell a lot of my friends cause they won't care but with some friends they would think it's cool...so just pick and choose who you tell


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Thebiggesthat wrote:
I think my CV said 'painting and playing tabletop games'

I went for an interview for a pretty high level engineering position, and was asked about my interests. Turns out, one of the interviewers plays WarMachine. The other interviewer had to stop us talking about Malifaux so he could ask me more questions about the job! I got the job.

Never be ashamed of what you enjoy buddy!


I also agree with this though don't be ashamed of what you like!
Great that you got a job out of it though (probably not because of wargaming but because you were yourself!)

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/04/30 15:47:15


 
   
Made in gb
Blood-Drenched Death Company Marine





United Kingdom

 Matthew wrote:
I know, I know, stand up for yourself blabla. I'm a 14-yearold, I can't go around telling everyone I paint little plastic guys and then use them in fights. That would sound ridiculous. What is the best way to say that I play warhammer (preferably with the painting part in focus) without making me sound like a total nerd?


What's the context in which the information is being disclosed? Are you being asked or are you volunteering it?

I'd be tempted to say just don't mention it if you have concerns over how it'd be perceived. It's all very well adults telling you to own what you like and stuff like that, but it's a bit more complex and awkward than that as a teenager when you're regularly around people you can't easily avoid (school) and when all your peers are still figuring themselves out, choosing to define thmselves as much by what they're not as what they are (often viscerally so). When something outside their frame of reference or something they feel even tacit condonement of would belittle them in the collective eyes of the peer group in any way comes up, they'll react strongly and negatively towards it.

I taught secondary school for a bit and teenagers are brutal towards each other in a way that adults can often forget once they're a bit removed from it. Be secure in yourself, but don't invite difficulty into your life unnecessarily.

I'm 26 and give very few s about others' opinion of me, but I don't bring up my painting modelling as a) most people don't care and b) a lot of people won't/don't get it and even if you take the time to explain it to them, won't care. In the same way, there's a very limited number of people I talk to about rugby or the music I listen to; others simply don't care.

   
Made in gb
The Daemon Possessing Fulgrim's Body





Devon, UK

 Grimtuff wrote:
AllSeeingSkink wrote:
 Grimtuff wrote:
In my experience don't tell them (nowadays I give much less of a feth). Keep it to yourself and maybe some people you trust.

Telling people you play Warhammer will be met with the usual taunts of "Oh Warhammer? That's for kids! I gave that up when I was like three!"
"Oh look, this guy likes Warhammer, what a fething gakker!"
"Warhammer? That's gay!"

And so on. yeah, you'll get the impression I don't just issues about this topic I've got the whole goddamn subscription. A few things may have changed in the decade or so since I finished school, but the cockwomble hegemony that are the ruling class of students have not.
I will admit I have always avoided the word "Warhammer" when describing what I do. Scale models, military/scifi/fantasy miniatures, table top wargames. I think "Warhammer" has too many preconceptions for me to use that as a descriptor.

Of course these days it's mostly true because I don't play any Warhammer based games any more, lol. But there was a time when that's mostly what I played.


I should clarify, in the uk at least, warhammer is pretty much a synonym for any wargame. It's been nearly 13 years since I left school and I don't think attitudes will have changed much regardless of what wargame you play. Just like all computer games are Nintendo to your mum, all miniatures/wargames are warhammer to your "in crowd" student.


It was the same when I left 22 years ago, so if it hadn't changed by the time you did, it probably still hadn't.

Of course, I had the advantage of being bigger than any of the bullies, and there's a singular pleasure in watching the expression on those troglodytes' faces as they come to the realization that you're too big to hit and too smart to outwit!

We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark

The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.

The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox

Ask me about
Barnstaple Slayers Club 
   
Made in au
Unstoppable Bloodthirster of Khorne





Melbourne .au


When talking about it to people who won't understand, I explain that I put together and paint tiny scale models. Some historical, a mix of historical ones, fantasy ones like Lord of the Rings and some sci-fi, like Star Wars. When asked what do I do with them, I explain that a lot of the time they sit on the shelf and look cool, but you can also use them as playing pieces for various boardgames and such. It's enough relatable information for people to get their heads around and go "Oh, okay - cool!" If you're asked for further information, you can elaborate then.

I'm very happy to own what I do, and I'm old enough to be very firmly in the "don't give a feth what people think" category, but there are ways to describe most hobbies make you sound like a complete geek that lacks social skills and others that explain it in a way that people with no idea what you're talking about can understand it without feeling alienated or like they're talking to Sheldon Cooper.


   
Made in gb
Ruthless Interrogator





The hills above Belfast

When I was at school in the early 90's we had a Wargames club and it was far far from a cool thing to belong to. But we got disbanded when a teacher walked in and one of the boys was rolling a joint which the teacher thought was just a rolling cigarette so we were lucky not to be expelled! We morphed into the role playing club the following month. It wasn't cool but no one seemed to care, uk schools are maybe different we had vibrant chess clubs, scripture unions, bridge clubs and debating societies each one had their own geek following so we never thought about the cool kids and their feelingsover us there were enough of us in our little clubs not to care!

EAT - SLEEP - FARM - REPEAT  
   
Made in fi
Arthedainian Captive





"I partake in the artistic enhancement of masterly crafted miniatures, these jewels of wonder us mortals call Warhammer."

 
   
Made in ca
Ancient Venerable Black Templar Dreadnought





Canada

"Miniature artist" is generic enough as a start.

"I paint with brush and airbrush.": I have found I can paint up pretty much anything even in "real world" applications.
"I build all kinds of stuff.": Models are the gateway to pretty much any kind of assembly, gluing, hot wire cutting, sanding... a diverse set of skills there for fabrication.
"I like tactical war games.": Chess, Risk... let me know when you want to play a "real game" and play toy soldiers!

For the women:
My now wife took a strong interest when she saw I literally could make anything I decided on.
I made jewelry for her (low heat cast metal, gold became a challenge) and the jewelry box I put them in.
Made a Lord of the Rings chess set all painted up (looking at what I can do for Harry Potter).
Something about painting up a fairy, basing it nice and sticking it in a display jar from Michael's makes it better than any figurine trash from a jewelry store.

Guys:
Saying things like WW2 or Vietnam and quoting a few weapons here and there make it all right.
Even better if you can state a few strategic terms like "Weinberger-Powell Doctrine" or "game theory" and have studied them.
A well painted up plane, tank or soldier on-hand tend to look better than plain old "toys" or some ranked-up stuff.
Heck, unless these people are completely into sports there is usually something "cool" to talk about in gaming.
Even with Sports: memorization of individual player stats, overall team strengths and weaknesses... many of the strategy elements are there.

Keep in mind few have anything more "interesting" to say than they play some kind of sport.

A revolution is an idea which has found its bayonets.
Napoleon Bonaparte 
   
Made in us
The Marine Standing Behind Marneus Calgar





Upstate, New York

 Talizvar wrote:

Something about painting up a fairy, basing it nice and sticking it in a display jar from Michael's makes it better than any figurine trash from a jewelry store.


Is it wrong I picture a little fairy turning blue as she pounds on the side of the jar, trying to break out so she can breathe. Or did you poke holes in the top of the jar?



I’m going to assume that I am probably wrong, but not alone in laughing at that image.

   
Made in ca
Ancient Venerable Black Templar Dreadnought





Canada

 Nevelon wrote:
 Talizvar wrote:
Something about painting up a fairy, basing it nice and sticking it in a display jar from Michael's makes it better than any figurine trash from a jewelry store.
Is it wrong I picture a little fairy turning blue as she pounds on the side of the jar, trying to break out so she can breathe. Or did you poke holes in the top of the jar?

I’m going to assume that I am probably wrong, but not alone in laughing at that image.
Actually transfixed with a pin and a small label "Fata Communia".
(My goodness the beatings I would receive from her on that one (original was given to my now wife)... oh I should get right on that.)
Ooooh! Make the same one and swap it out one day! Oh, this is not going to end well....

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2016/05/02 15:48:50


A revolution is an idea which has found its bayonets.
Napoleon Bonaparte 
   
Made in us
Heroic Senior Officer





Western Kentucky

Talizvar beings up a good point. I've had success explaining wargames to sports friends as "fantasy football except instead of the Denver Bronco's I have Patton's 3rd army, and instead of quarterbacks I'm deciding what kind of tanks I should take"

'I've played Guard for years, and the best piece of advice is to always utilize the Guard's best special rule: "we roll more dice than you" ' - stormleader

"Sector Imperialis: 25mm and 40mm Round Bases (40+20) 26€ (Including 32 skulls for basing) " GW design philosophy in a nutshell  
   
Made in gb
Wolf Guard Bodyguard in Terminator Armor





I had a great one the other day, a girl in work asked what I was doing with the upcoming weekend. I said I was going to a gaming expo in Plymouth and she said her brother might be interested in that. I then explained it was tabletop/board gaming rather than video games.

She chuckled and asked if it was "Sheldon Gaming".

She is into Marvel/DC films and TV series etc so kinda understands the geek thing



 
   
Made in us
Been Around the Block






I just straight up say I paint miniatures for table top wargaming. Usually accompanied by an explanation of exactly what that entails, explaining (if they're a gamer) that it's like the predecessor to RTS games. If they're not, explaining that it's often like a larger scale, customizable game of chess with more rules. Chess and wargaming are very different things, but it gets the general concept across.

It's worked for me since I started with the hobby when I was 13, so the last 14 years. I'd even bring stuff to school on occasion to paint on my lunch/homeroom. That actually garnered a lot of interest when people actually see you painting such tiny details. Don't let yourself be embarrassed by the things you enjoy.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2016/05/02 17:10:53







 
   
Made in us
Malicious Mutant Scum




Memphis, TN

"You practice color theory on small scale hobby miniatures."
I say this a lot. When they ask what kinds, I know I've got them on the old proverbial baited hook and show them pictures of my older completed projects. While at the same time I mention there is a super fun game I'm able to play with these cool models. I also tell those same people that this is a hobby shared by millions of people world wide who travel to compete with how well they have painted or how well they play.
The main thing to remember is to be passionate about what you are talking about. If you are enthusiastic, the person who asked will feel that. But when explaining it, don't go into specifics. Keep it fun and easy to grasp.

Quod Sum Eris.
Sic Transit Gloria  
   
Made in us
Preacher of the Emperor





St. Louis, Missouri USA

I generally live my life by the following 4 rules:

1. I am perfect in every conceivable way.
2. Poop happens when you party naked.
3. Fuggum if they can't take a joke.
4. What would John Wayne do?

As far as when people ask about warhammer, I say: "It's possibly the nerdiest thing anyone can do and I love it. Picture risk, but with 100 models, and they're all 1" to 6" inches tall."

My only advice is own it.

 
   
 
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