Advice for Competition Painting

[chmcclellan]

Hello all-
I was hoping people might share advice, strategies, etc. for painting competition entries. I have previously painted in order to play 40k but have recently been enjoying painting a larger variety of models for practice (largely reaper which are a clot cheaper than GW!). Anyway, I am going to a GT in February that is a Crystal Brush Qualifier so I have set as a goal preparing entries in every category since my 40k army is almost ready. So, how to paint toward competitions?
-Do you know what your entry will be before painting it or do you pick from among painted models?
-How far away from the competition have you picked your entries?

That's what I can think of off of the top of my head, but I'd be equally interested in anything else people would have to share.

Thanks,
Christian

 

[TrystanGST]

Most people I know start (at least planning) pretty much as soon as the comp is over. If you really want a helpful piece of advice, it would be to focus on one category at a time - going in with the intent of entering handfuls of categories is almost a sure way to spread your effort across too many entries and end up with 10 decent entries instead of 1 (or 2) excellent ones. Even with 1 or 2 entries, the competition level at Crystal Brush is off the charts. You really need to bring your A+ game.

 

[MAXXxxx]

What Trystan suggested is true, it's better to focus on a few first.
Vrystal Brush level: i don't know, this year when I voted through there were some pretty average ones, that are at most TTQ, so no idea if a qualifier is really used or not. But to get even near the first 3 places (much less being one of them) is *hard* (impossible for me).

One suggestion (read somewhere for a GD entry tips, but could apply here as well): if you are new then 'forget'(well actually you can enter, but really low chance) the single mini entries and go for the squads / dioramas as they can be more forgiving for skill and because most people don't have time to paint up a whole squad or something, so less competition there.
Same goes for dioramas, but there the best chance would be with an unique idea, as most historical painters are ace there.

as for picking models: yes you can pick one of the painted ones, but most likely it won't be enough, so I'd suggest pick something directly for the competition and paint it just for that.

 

[Bailey03]

MAXXxxx, the qualifier isn't what you'd think. Anyone can enter Crystal Brush, you don't need to qualify. However CMON teams up with other competitions, calling them Crystal Brush Qualifiers, and gives the best in show winner a free trip (airfare) to Crystal Brush. Also, according to my reading of the Crystal Brush rules, the 'qualifying' figure isn't even eligible to be entered at Crystal Brush. The winner would have to paint something new.

Christian, I agree with Trystan, if I'm going to paint figures specifically for a competition I'm going to focus on only a few categories. I'll still look through my already painted figures and see if I can find stuff to enter in other categories, after all why not. If you are just competing for fun then don't worry too much about what you're going to enter. Just paint what you like and, if something is turning out rather nicely, put some extra effort into it and use it in the show. If you're taking the competition more seriously, then yeah, pick something out ahead of time and plan out your entry. How far in advance really just depends on how long your project will take. Remember that life often gets in the way and many of us going to a show end up painting until the last minute... so plan in a little extra time if you can. I'm going to the next Crystal Brush and have already picked out my entries (focusing on 2 categories) but I haven't started either them yet. Here are a couple things to keep in mind, this is more or less my approach to shows...

1) Pick your category well, basically what MAXXxxx said. The level of competition often differs from category to category. If you can find past winners from a given show see which ones are tough and which ones aren't. Often squad categories will have less competition. Of course this can backfire. I've heard people talking about Golden Demon competitions where a category looks easy and then next year its flooded with entries. But if it's a smaller show you probably won't have that issue.

2) Make your figure standout somehow. Yes, you want to paint it well. But you'd ideally like to have something that will standout even among other well painted figures. What about an awesome freehand painted banner? Maybe a cool conversion or some interesting groundwork. Or just pick a figure that's a show stopper to begin with. Anything that is going to make the judges stop and take a second look at your figure.

3) Pay attention to the entire figure. Many of us get started, paint the interesting parts, and then end up rushing the last bits. The judges will be looking closely at the entire figure so make sure it's all painted to the same standard.

4) Read the rules! Don't have a figure disqualified for being on too large a base or something silly like that. Make sure you know what qualifies for a given category.

5) Even if you're taking the competition seriously, remember to have fun. You can't control who else shows up or any preferences the judges have. I try to avoid any expectations on how I might do. I'd rather be surprised to get an award rather than expect to get one and then be disappointed. No one likes the guy who ends up with silver and grumbles about not winning gold.

 

[Dragonsreach]

OK. My 1% don't rush at the last minute to bulk up numbers, I've done it and I know I shouldn't.
Plan ahead (Dragonsreach please take note.), do a figure, put it to one side and go back to it after you've photographed it and printed it out.
Don't ever think "Oh they'll never notice that"…….…Oh Yes They Will!!!
Think of the amount of work you're planning and double it!

What ever happens, if you don't get anywhere ask a judge and LISTEN to what they say and try next time to do better.

 

[MAXXxxx]

MAXXxxx, the qualifier isn't what you'd think. Anyone can enter Crystal Brush, you don't need to qualify. However CMON teams up with other competitions, calling them Crystal Brush Qualifiers, and gives the best in show winner a free trip (airfare) to Crystal Brush.

ohh, didn't know that. Would be great even if just for the trip.
Not that I have a chance for it I don't know if there is anything to this in the area AND even only in the city I live there are at least 4 others who are way better then I am, many more in the area/county.

 

[Bailey03]

What ever happens, if you don't get anywhere ask a judge and LISTEN to what they say and try next time to do better.

Yes yes yes, absolutely. The judges and other painters can be a great source of advice and information. Whether you win or lose we can all improve and their insight can be very helpful. Sure, this forum can do the same thing, but talking to people in person and having them explain it right there while you can ask questions, it's hard to beat. That alone is worth the trip.

 

[boardandy]

I came across this a couple of weeks ago while looking for something else. It does focus on the Golden Demon but you might find some of it helpful.

http://bestienmeister.blogspot.de/p/tutorials.html

 

[Wigdog]

Thanks for sharing that boardandy!!!