Competition model painting tips

[Jonny4square]

So I thought this would be a helpful thread for newer competition painters and for myself I wanted to ask the coolminiornot painters what tips and tricks would you give a newer painter when it comes to painting models for competitions. One tip I would say would be to take your time with the model.

 

[Dragonsreach]

TIPS:
Preparation is everything - The phrase "Oh the judge'll never notice that!" couldn't be more wrong.
Turn the model upside down. - It's amazing to see what you've missed when you do that.
Ensure that the model is eye catching - painting a Spacemarine in Ultramarine Blue and expecting it to stand above the rest may well be a road to disapointment.
"Light is King" J.W.M.Turner - and so it is, and especially for model painters we need to make sure that light and lighting on models works. In our case contrast is our ally.
Basing - Our figures are frozen in position so if you are trying to make the figure tell a story then it needs to be sympathetic to the environment, i.e. A figure in barbarian furs is going to look out of place in a modern office setting, but right in woodland. Also try to keep similar colours in the base as are present in the figures painting but without making it obvious after all you want to show off the figure not drown it out.

 

[Mourner]

TIPS:
Preparation is everything - The phrase "Oh the judge'll never notice that!" couldn't be more wrong.
Turn the model upside down. - It's amazing to see what you've missed when you do that.
Ensure that the model is eye catching - painting a Spacemarine in Ultramarine Blue and expecting it to stand above the rest may well be a road to disapointment.
"Light is King" J.W.M.Turner - and so it is, and especially for model painters we need to make sure that light and lighting on models works. In our case contrast is our ally.
Basing - Our figures are frozen in position so if you are trying to make the figure tell a story then it needs to be sympathetic to the environment, i.e. A figure in barbarian furs is going to look out of place in a modern office setting, but right in woodland. Also try to keep similar colours in the base as are present in the figures painting but without making it obvious after all you want to show off the figure not drown it out.

All true...
But also:
Make it your best - if you can do better, someone else can too.
Keep trying new things but make sure they're spot on.
Make sure it has the WOW-factor - As Dragonsreach said, make sure it stands out from the rest.
Be it through height, color, base or whatever else, just make sure people want to look at all the work you've done.