Best Uselesswizard Podcasts (2024)

1
An Artist's Tease of "The Art of..." Kickstarter Vol 4 - 6 -- Chris Suhre 31:41

2+ y ago31:41

31:41

In this episode, our interview is with return guest Chris Suhre. We discussed his part in the upcoming "The Art of..." Volumes 4-6 Kickstarter by Dave Taylor. Chris is one of three artists in this Kickstarter along side Tommie Soule and Seyni N'Daive. During our interview, Chris and I talk about what kind of content he's including in his book and w…

1
My Worst Failure Was My Greatest Triumph -- Mocha Minis 1:10:22

2+ y ago1:10:22

1:10:22

Mocha shares how she started painting miniatures and the importance of smooth blends on every mini she paints. We also discuss the struggles she's had with feeling like she is ready to tackle more complex pieces. How does anyone know when they're ready to paint one of their dream miniatures, or should they just go for it? Mocha also makes the point…

1
Painting Competitions are Subjective, Make Them Showcases Instead -- Kris Belleau 2:03:37

3y ago2:03:37

2:03:37

Kris has been in this hobby since the late 1980s thanks to some of his older cousins and the first edition of Space Hulk. Ever since that first game, he's been painting and hobbing almost exclusively with Warhammer miniatures and games. Kris ended up working for Miniwargaing during the 2010s as the painting instructor for their content creation tea…

1
Paint 15 Minutes a Day Instead of 8 Hours on Saturday -- Shoshie Bauer 1:07:46

3y ago1:07:46

1:07:46

Shoshie is a professional miniature commission painter, painting teacher at conventions, and private painting coach. She switched from painting watercolors to dedicating herself to miniature painting as a profession after finding that her beautiful miniatures sold for more than the watercolors were. She shares a lot of her professional insights int…

1
Failure is Essential and My Biggest Motivator -- Drew "Thunderdomedru" 2:12:55

3y ago2:12:55

2:12:55

Dru's path in miniature painting has been a rough one. He has faced many challenges on the road including a daughter fighting leukemia. Each of these challanges has formed the way he looks at his art and his artistic mindset and Dry freely shares what drives and inspires him to keep painting. We talk about the insights and perspective he's develope…

1
If You're Not Having Fun, Something Needs to Change -- Zambies 1:05:42

3y ago1:05:42

1:05:42

Zambies' entry into the miniature painting hobby is one I've never heard of before. She had always been creating art growing up, and she went to school to become a graphic designer. She didn't discover miniatures until she checked out a friend's Twitch channel who happened to be sharing a miniature painter's stream. After that, she started to seek …

1
Painting in a Style You Enjoy is the Most Important Thing -- Mike Cousins of Epicduck Studios 1:58:39

3y ago1:58:39

1:58:39

Mike and I sit down to talk about his career in miniature painting so far, and I was surprised to hear that Mike was a web developer for Miniwargaming and that was how he started painting miniatures. Mike shares how that started him down the path of starting his own studio and developing his own style of miniature painting. Naturally, we end up tal…

1
Art is for expression and sharing yourself -- Captain Maddlove 2:21:15

3y ago2:21:15

2:21:15

The Captian shares her background in a variety of art forms and the life events that brought her to the miniature painting hobby. While members of her family were involved in gaming, she has never been. Painting miniatures have always been a source of artistic expression tightly bound into family and community. We discuss her motivation for paintin…

1
You must fail to grow, so go fail a lot -- Jason Craze 1:29:19

3y ago1:29:19

1:29:19

Jason the owner of Monument Hobbies, and a fantastic miniature painter, and I talk about what got him started into art in general, and what brought him down the path of miniature painting. He shares his perspective on miniature painting and what it takes to improve. If you want to improve, you absolutely have to try. If you fail, that's a learning …

1
Don't be the Best Miniature Painter You Know -- Kevin Fannin 54:20

3y ago54:20

54:20

Kevin and I talk about what got him started in miniature painting, how he began to grow as a painter, and what he did when he discovered groups of other miniature painters on Facebook. Being a big fish in a small pond is something that many of us have gone through, and how Kevin dealt with it is a fantastic example. Kevin had no knowledge of art or…

1
A Heartfelt Apology and A Request 1:50

3y ago1:50

1:50

I wanted to apologize for not getting the latest episode out in time for Friday morning. I have no excuse and I take full ownership of my failure. I am going to be completing the episode over the weekend and releasing it on Monday morning. This late release will not delay the next episode release on the following Friday, as normal. I also wanted to…

1
Scale Doesn't Always Matter, It Can Work -- Chris Suhre 59:22

3y ago59:22

59:22

Chris started playing Warmachine and Hordes with his friends as a way of relaxing during his medical residency. As his medical and social responsibilities grew, he had less time to play against his friends. He wanted to be able to maintain contact with them and the hobby, so he started focusing on painting miniatures to a higher level instead. Chri…

1
Step Back and Let the Project Rest For a Bit -- Cathy Wappel 1:33:49

3y ago1:33:49

1:33:49

Cathy tells us how she and James started to paint miniatures and how that has been a central element to their relationship and their friend groups. Cathy is the mind and heart behind Fort Wappel, a painting area you can find at almost every Reapercon and Adepticon where painters of all skill levels can gather together and paint during the conventio…

1
You Don't Have to Finish Every Miniature -- Berserkerworks 1:37:00

3y ago1:37:00

1:37:00

Berserkerworks and I start off talking about what got him into painting miniatures and streaming on Twitch. He has plans to enter the next Golden Daemon painting contest and we talk about what inspires him to try painting to that level. He also talks about how he plans to use his love for building terrain and telling stories to improve his entries.…

1
Lasers and Making Terrain That Makes the Game Better -- Austin of Death Ray Designs 1:28:35

3y ago1:28:35

1:28:35

This is an extremely interesting dive into the minds and passions behind one of the best MDF terrain companies in the industry. Austin tells how we started working on building and selling small house and model kits at a very young age. His love of building and crafting led him to work with Miniwargaming and starting commission work. Now the creatio…

1
If Someone Says it Can't Be Done, Prove Them Wrong Ten Times Over -- James Wappel 1:24:59

3y ago1:24:59

1:24:59

James shares the beginnings of his journey in miniatures painting, from a career in painting canvases to transitioning to painting minis. We then talked about the thought processes of getting into painting miniatures with oils and what that says about James' perspective on experimentation and new painting techniques. James experiments with techniqu…

1
Massive New Hobby Classes at Las Vegas Open 2022 -- Seth Amsden 1:09:27

3+ y ago1:09:27

1:09:27

Seth and I talk about how he became involved with the Las Vegas Open, and his vision for what the hobby events and programming of his dreams look like. We also talk about the new Master Classes that are available for the first time at LVO 2022. These are weekend-long classes with a specific painter who takes you through an entire project from begin…

1
Be Picky When Choosing What to Paint -- Synjinn Scott 1:32:58

3+ y ago1:32:58

1:32:58

Synjinn and I start out this interview by talking about getting into miniature painting after his first child was born and what encouraged him to pursue higher-level painting. One of Synjinn's eureka moments led to the importance of keeping your worst model intact as a reminder of how far you've come. Use it to keep you grounded and remind that you…

1
Sometimes Realism Doesn't Look As Good -- Sam Lenz 55:31

3+ y ago55:31

55:31

Sam shares how he got started in miniature painting and the artists who have influenced his style and sense of composition and color, both in miniatures and the rest of his art. The works of people like Frazetta and Blanch and how they approach color and dimension are often far more compelling and visually interesting in Sam's mind. We also talk ab…

1
This is All My Wife's Fault and She's Amazing -- Reiner72 56:44

3+ y ago56:44

56:44

Renier72 and I talk about how he got started painting wargame miniatures and how much of an influence his wife had on him being able to start painting and what an incredible partner she has been in his painting development. He also discusses some of the digital tools he uses to assist in planning paint schemes and creating stencils for his airbrush…

1
Visiting the Museum Turned into Orks -- PaintingToScale 52:55

3+ y ago52:55

52:55

Ricki tells us how she became interested in painting miniatures from a museum exhibit which lead to her diving into the miniature painting hobby. She started off with some orks from Warhammer and quickly expanded the range of miniatures she painted. We also talk about how she overcomes her hesitancy to try new techniques and ideas because of the fe…

1
Free Yourself from Paint Names and Brands -- Nessie Knows 1:17:39

3+ y ago1:17:39

1:17:39

Nestor "Nessie Knows" discusses the artists and miniature painters to who he looks for inspiration and advice when working on his own wargame miniatures and armies. We also discuss how various art styles from comics to posters, etc have had an influence on the colors and shading styles in Nessie's painting style and approach. Specifically, how seei…

1
Miniature Painting is Unlike Any Other Art -- Mike Disney 1:04:23

3+ y ago1:04:23

1:04:23

Mike tells us about his grandfather's influence on him becoming involved with miniatures for Dungeons and Dragons and later Warhammer miniatures. We also talk about how early Youtubers like AwesomePaintJob affected his miniature painting progression when he didn't know anyone else who was into the miniature painting hobby in his local area. Mike al…

1
Sitting and Pondering is a Good Use of Hobby Time -- Mars of Mats by Mars 59:01

3+ y ago59:01

59:01

Sitting and Pondering is a Good Use of Hobby Time -- Mars of Mats by Mars Season 02 Episode 11 Mars and I discuss how he started his wargaming play mat business Mats by Mars out of frustrations with how long it takes to setup and start games like Malifaux, and how the business grew to the point their mats are used on almost every episode of the sho…

1
Don't Paint to Your Highest Level Every Time -- MalevFlowShinobi 1:40:07

3+ y ago1:40:07

1:40:07

Malev and I talk about the early days of getting into miniatures and painting. He shares thoughts on how niche of a hobby and interest this is. We also talk about how he continues to push his abilities, and how much the knowledge his work is going to appear in an official source dominates how he approaches painting. Maintaining a consistent look fo…

1
Miniatures that Tell a Story Fuel Your Motivation -- Justin of AMP Services 1:33:52

3+ y ago1:33:52

1:33:52

Justin talks about the full-time commission work, why he ultimately had to stop after six years of full-time commission painting, and what he learned from the experience. We also talk about how Justin uses telling the miniature's story as motivation to finish the project, uses the miniature's story to determine the colors and effects used on the mi…

1
Sometimes You Gotta Paint Where the Sun Don't Shine -- Chris of Key Lime Prime 1:08:06

3+ y ago1:08:06

1:08:06

Chris talks about subassemblies, painting areas that will never be seen, and what an airbrushed effect should look like once finished. We also talk about streaming miniature painting, the pressure to provide entertainment 100% of the time for an audience, and choosing a miniature to paint on stream next. We also chat about keeping multiple projects…

1
Sports Teams Are a Surprising Source of Color Schemes -- Gamerdadnc 41:55

3+ y ago41:55

41:55

Gamerdadnc and I chat about choosing color schemes for armies and warbands, how moving away from using a single brand of hobby paint to using multiple brands and artist paints has influenced his decision-making process and how he had to think about his color choices now. - https://www.twitch.tv/gamerdadnc - https://www.instagram.com/gamerdadnc/ - h…

1
Habits that Help Process Your Thoughts Open the Door to Inspiration -- Dani of EenieMinis 40:18

3+ y ago40:18

40:18

Dani and I talk about how she got started painting miniatures, why she pushes herself to improve, and what she does to help her process how own thoughts and emotions in a constructive and creative manner. We also discuss the influence of music and color as inspiration to her painting. She has a background education in art, and we talk about how tha…

1
A Painting Mentor Drives You Farther and Faster -- Devonian Maher 1:33:14

3+ y ago1:33:14

1:33:14

Devonian and I talk about how impactful and important taking hobby classes and finding painting mentors have been to his development as a painter. Devonian also talks about his struggles with going back to finish projects he lost interest in, and why he keeps some miniatures as a reminder of how far he's come. Links of Note Roman Lappat - https://w…

1
Don't Be Afraid to Re-Prime and Try Again. You'll do Better This Time -- Ben Kantor 1:17:47

3+ y ago1:17:47

1:17:47

Ben discusses why he started to sculpt his own miniatures, how this has allowed him to produce some of his favorite pieces, and why he sees competition painting to be something worth doing even when you don't have a shot at placing. We also chat about how he records his painting progress in a painting log, and how that helps him keep track of not o…

1
Study the Work of People You Admire and be Vulnerable with Yourself -- Anthony Rodriguez 1:51:51

3+ y ago1:51:51

1:51:51

Anthony and I talk about what lead to his passion for miniature painting, how he approaches learning and teaching himself to improve his painting, and what led him to spend several months traveling Europe to learn miniature painting from some of the best painters in the world. Links of Note: The Last Light by Roman Lappat - https://www.piratemonkey…

1
Interviewers Interviewing Interviewers -- Hobby Time in the Murder Basement 1:17:54

3+ y ago1:17:54

1:17:54

Heath interviews Ryan on his own podcast Hobby Time in the Murder Basement. We talk about twitch, discoverability, audience growth, youtube, and being a part-time content creator. It's a bunch of topics we don't get to talk a lot about and it was really enjoyable to compare how we both approach content creation. - https://www.twitch.tv/heathaldrich…

1
Learning About Grunge Painting in the Murder Basement -- Heath Aldridge 1:07:55

3+ y ago1:07:55

1:07:55

Heath and I have a chat about how he approaches miniatures painting and his decision to lean into what he calls "grunge painting" using texture, hints of impressionism, and most importantly time management to ensure his hobby time is spent well and he has fun. Because what's the point if you're miserable? We also talk about his podcast Hobby Time i…

1
Dawn of War Was a Gateway Drug -- Anthony of Sovereign Miniature Studio 58:50

3+ y ago58:50

58:50

Our talk with Anthony winds through how he started getting into Warhamer 40k via the Dawn of War PC game, what led him to pushing his painting abilities to higher levels, to teaching at conventions and entering as many painting competitions as possible. - https://www.twitch.tv/sovereignminiaturestudio - https://www.instagram.com/sovsministudio/ - h…

1
Study Art of All Kinds to Improve Your Own -- Clint of Snickernack Studios 1:31:57

4y ago1:31:57

1:31:57

Clint starting painting miniature while in the military where he and his buddies started to play Warhammer 40k. Clint talks about his process of improving his painting and embracing the study of miniature painting from the perspective of more traditional art resources. We also discuss the difficulties of setting prices for commission painting and t…

1
Miniatures and People of All Ages -- Grey Paladin Art 1:00:40

4y ago1:00:40

1:00:40

Ryan talks about our mutual miniature buying addition. We share thoughts on our first miniatures, collecting Rogue Trader era space marines, and the wide range of ages that wargames and miniature seem to attract. We also talk about the effort it takes to learn a new technique compared to the effort it takes to apply that same technique once it's "c…

1
Friendship is My Biggest Win -- Jon Ninas 1:15:07

4y ago1:15:07

1:15:07

Jon takes us along his journey of starting to paint miniatures, how he decided to really push himself on every paint job that he finishes and how that has catapaulted his level of skill forward, why his greatest win so far is friendship, his dreams for how the miniature painting community will grow and mature, and events he would like to see come i…

1
Don't Just Let Muscle Memory Take Over, Be Conscious -- Seth Amsden 1:28:20

4y ago1:28:20

1:28:20

Seth takes us deep into his creative mind, explaining how he comes up with a concept for a project that ignites his creativity, the way he thinks about time in relation to how the materials in his dioramas would have naturally decayed or settled to give them a feeling of actual age. We discuss the importance of these kinds of sub-consious triggers …

1
The Best Feedback is from Honest People You Trust -- Yeji of Snickernack Studios 45:42

4y ago45:42

45:42

Yeji recounts how she entered the world of miniature painting becasue she was too competitive and rules lawyer-ish to play miniature games so she switched to painting. We also discusses the frustration of seeking honest feedback on social media, and how she's developed a small circle of fellow painters who are willing to give each other honest cons…

1
You Can Paint Anything With An Airbrush -- Caleb Wissenback 1:18:32

4y ago1:18:32

1:18:32

Caleb takes us through his beginning years as a miniature painter, how he became involved with the WCG's Draconic Awards which led to his beginning to teach classes at conventions, and how he and Kat founded CK Studios and began teaching in-person classes all over the world. We also discuss the challenges of teaching at conventions with short times…

1
The Finished Project Isn't the Point -- Sean McAfee "Brushforhire" 1:05:04

4y ago1:05:04

1:05:04

Sean Tells us how he started painting miniatures, how he amassed a u-haul truck's worth of backlog (yes, an actual u-haul truck), how he discovered the journey of painting and creating is by far the most important part for him, and that nature is full of beautifully composed color combinations that work incredibly well on miniatures. - https://www.…

1
Jump into the Deep End -- Jose Castillo of Splendiferous Minis 1:09:49

4y ago1:09:49

1:09:49

Jose takes us through how he started painting miniatures when he worked at a bar, how he took skills from the world of 2d painting and applied them to miniatures, and how he sought out skill miniature painters to learn from. His whole attitude towards painting is to jump into the deep end, find people who can teach you, and invest in your learning.…

1
Understanding Light is Essential to Improving -- Matt DiPietro of Contrast Miniatures 1:35:42

4y ago1:35:42

1:35:42

Matt talks about how he started painting miniatures and grew into being a studio painter for Privateer Press, starting his own business Contrast Miniatures, the importance of considering light when painting miniatures both for entire armies and single figures, and the wonderful world-wide community that is the miniature painting hobby. - http://www…

1
Trust Your Gut and Learn -- Brandon of Orcryst Gaming 57:59

4y ago57:59

57:59

Brandon discusses how he began painting miniatures, how he started to stream painting miniatures on Twitch, how he figured out replicating the results of others using his own approach, and how being fearless in painting has impacted his ability to embrace challenging projects with confidence. - https://www.twitch.tv/orcrystgaming - https://www.inst…

1
What Do You Want To Be Known For? -- Scott the Miniature Maniac 42:22

4y ago42:22

42:22

Scott takes us down memory lane as he explains how he got started in miniature painting, what drove him to want to become a better painter, and how his longest commission took over seven years to complete. We also discuss his creative process, what he wants to be known for, and how he stays sane with all of the pressures of full-time Youtube. - htt…

1
Build a Visual Library for Your Projects -- Lyn Stahl of MetalheadMinis 54:20

4y ago54:20

54:20

Lyn takes us through her journey from its birth in the heart of a winter storm, to collecting cards and reference books that inspire her color choices, how she maintains motivation to paint every single day, how she began to teach others at conventions, and to managing Kickstarters and heading the miniature painting classes at Gencon. - https://www…

1
Prepping the Project is Make or Break -- Niel Duffey "ImpendingDuff" 1:40:30

4y ago1:40:30

1:40:30

Neil takes us through how he got back into miniature painting after a super long break and ended up being a full-time professional miniature painter teaching classes at multiple conventions, all while being a stay-at-home dad. We also discuss how his drive to make each miniature be better than the one before has caused him problems, and the impact …

1
The Ability to Quit Leads to Better Success -- Joe of Orthober Studio 1:10:20

4y ago1:10:20

1:10:20

OrthoberStudio tells us about his journey of deciding to learn to paint to a competition level, how he sought out Sam Lenz as a teacher, how he began to produce wood plinths, the unconquerable mindset he's developed over these last couple of years, and the importance of recognizing when a project isn't going the way you want and you need to start o…

1
Be More Creative By Planning More -- Fausto Palumbo 1:15:36

4y ago1:15:36

1:15:36

Fausto takes us through how he came to found his company Abyssoul to support a friend with cancer; how he approaches planning his miniature projects; how essential researching, sketching, and gathering ideas is to his process; how miniature painting could possibly be used as art, and how much energy and life painting miniatures gives him and contin…

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