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[Zofmax]

I thought that I would try this website out originally just to see how my miniatures would stack up. I painted a set of CAV pieces (a type of miniature I had never done before) and ask for comments. Note - that is \"comments\" not necessarily \"compliments\". So far, I have some \"uncomplimentary votes\" but no comments for improvements, thoughts, etc.

I am hoping some of the regulars around here might visit and give me some feedback. Or, perhaps let me know what I am doing wrong.

Thank you very much for checking this out in any case!

 

[Legacy Account]

Links. LINKS!!!!! We are notoriously lazy here. Give us links!

It\'s worth posting pics to your threads here on the forums - you\'ll get lots of constructive criticism from some very good painters.

 

[Zofmax]

Okey-doke

http://www.coolminiornot.com/92389

Hope that works...

 

[Jambot13]

Don’t forget that a 5 is tabletop quality here so an average of a 6 doesn’t really mean people think your work is bad, just that it doesn’t leap out of the monitor as a brilliant job. Here are some things that are bringing your mark down.

The paint has been applied rather thickly by the looks of things and a model like this could really do with clean, smooth surfaces. Thin your paint and use more than one coat if necessary and you’ll see instant improvement in the final job.

The contrast between the two colours you have picked for the camouflage could do with being a bit more extreme (they merge together quite a bit, ruining the effect) and the edges of the two colours could be tidier.

There is also no visible highlighting, which is always going to pull the mark down, and because you are only lighting with one lamp it makes it difficult to judge how well shaded it is (due to all of the shadows being cast).

I’m not sure, once again because of the single light source, but the base looks like it could use some attention too.

I actually think the current mark is a little generous to be honest. This is an almost perfect example of a tabletop quality miniature in my book so I gave it a 5. By working on the things above though you’ll se a definite improvement in your scores, and more importantly, your paint jobs.

 

[Zofmax]

Thanks Jambot

First of all - Thanks Jambot.

You are correct - it is being shot with a single light source. Not having been a photographer either - It is rather like mastering two completely different arts.

I actually chose to use those colors because of the effect with light. Again, it was an idea based upon a historical camouflage pattern.

I have to admit that the idea of attempting to treat a large robotic figure in the same manner as a living thing never really occurred to me. I\'ll have to think that over a bit.

As to the score - that single item was doing the best of 5 contributions - the rest were poorer.

Anyhow - thanks again for taking the time to give me a critique.

 

[Zofmax]

Try this one

Here is a different one:

http://www.coolminiornot.com/92116

BTW - I never really had a problem with 5\'s - it\'s the 4/3\'s that must be here to get an average like this - but I guess there must be 6\'s too.

 

[Duende]

Trying to help out...

Here\'s a better link:

Zofmax Gallery

I also notice mechanical things don\'t score as well as minis depicting things that are \"living\".

I\'d also like to add that you may want to try a different background than the stark white. It has a tendency to wash out detail. Try a blue gradation which is the most popular.

That\'s my 2 cents...

 

[Zofmax]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Duende - I will give that a try - just as soon as I get out to the craft store. I originally bought the white because I thought that it allow figures to be seen more clearly but heck the stuff is cheap. I am also going to get a second spotlight.

The reality presented by digital photography can also be jarring - lol. If you have say a little \"slip\" on a shield on a 28mm figure with a line. Dang if the picture doesn\'t just about \"scream\" it out. I find that sometimes I have to take pictures - critique the miniature - make corrections in the paintjob and then re-shoot. Just things I would never notice on the actual miniature because of size.

Thanks again! This is terrific...

 

[Jabberwocky]

Welcome to the forums, Zofmax!

Jambot has covered the critiques quite well, and I would agree with all of them.

Some suggestions:
Take some very dilute (say 6 or 7:1 at least) black and run it over all those little cracks with a small brush--capillary action will draw the paint into the crack, shading it nicely. Highlighting is a bit more tricky, but in angular minis like the CAV units, run your highlight color along the corners where two angles meet. I think if you took a dark brown and edged between the gray and golden brown, that would contrast the colors so they didn\'t blend so much. If you are feeling adventurous, a bit of freehand work always helps with the score--perhaps a cross or a phrase on the barrel (\"death from above\" or some such thing) or even a number designation. Finally, check your mold lines. The raptor has a very noticeable one underneath the cockpit.

Hope this helps,
Jabber

EDIT: Ahh you have spotted the hidden second skill in learning to paint minis--learning to photograph them. The camera is definitely unforgiving and there is a learning curve in getting a good photo. One needs to get close enough for people to reliably examine it, but extreme close ups, while accurately depicting the model, also give so much detail that (IMO) your work may seem less tidy then it looks in real life. Most of us don\'t examine a mini at 10x magnification and what appears as glaring mistake on the camera really is not so pronounced in real life.

 

[Zofmax]

Thanks Jabber!

I can do that!

I just loaded a different view of one of the miniatures and a different type of miniature as well - Grenadier fantasy. I appreciate the time and suggestions.

Jim

 

[Infidel Castro]

Originally posted by Duende


I also notice mechanical things don\'t score as well as minis depicting things that are \"living\".

I\'d also like to add that you may want to try a different background than the stark white. It has a tendency to wash out detail. Try a blue gradation which is the most popular.

That\'s my 2 cents...

Now it makes sense! YOu have to paint along certain lines to get better scores lol

Paint what people want and you\'ll have scores in the 9\'s at all times

Getting deja-vu...the thread over on the other category was interesting and I\'m just building a mental picture of what voting means to some. Very interesting.....

 

[Duende]

Originally posted by reverend
Getting deja-vu...the thread over on the other category was interesting and I\'m just building a mental picture of what voting means to some. Very interesting.....

lol @ Rev - Of course voting is all based on poularity! How else do people like Arnold Schwartzenegger end up in public office? Because everybody thought he was so politically savvy?

It really doesn\'t matter that much to me personally, how people vote on my stuff. Have you ever heard me complain? I got too much other crap to worry about.

Don\'t worry about it! Have another pint on me, Rev. Cheers!

 

[Grumb]

Zofmax;

Went out and commented on the two CAV minis that you had posted links to here in this thread. Not bad, both certainly tabletop quality (5).

The others have given some sound advice, and your observation about the photography is true. You have to learn to not only paint but how to photograph well too. Keep it up, it comes with time!

Cheers,
Grumb

 

[Zofmax]

Thanks to all!

When I originally came over to this website - having seen references to it on the internet - I wasn\'t quite sure what to make out of it.

I posted some of the miniatures that I had no real experience in because I wanted to learn/understand. I have no problems with \"table-top\" ratings because that is what I do - paint miniatures for table-top games. I like all the input and really appreciate you all taking the time to give me your opinions and advice.

I have a bunch of miniatures that I am going to try to \"raise the bar\" on in the near future. In the meantime, I am learning and re-learning the art of painting...as for the camera...^&*(*%$!!!

Thanks guys/gals!!!

 

[Strateegos]

Little Fish Big Pond

I look at this way, don\'t concern yourself with ranking and scores. Concern yourself with improvement. You are doing the right thing by asking for help. I can\'t really help you on the Mechs but I can on your Dark Elf diorama.
Ok, please take this as I am trying to help.
A diorama needs to tell a story, what you are showing is more of a gaming piece. 2 bolt throwers with crew is what you have.
If you were to add more interesting items and compose a story your scores would improve quite a lot. Possibly add some dead figures, some extra ammo, equipment, (you do have a sword stuck in there) maybe do a little extra on the terrain, add a hill or some shrubery ( always need some shrubbery) a low defense position like a wall or even some logs. Try to think of what you would want if that was you. Maybe even another dark elf stealing stuff from their personal baggage (damn dark elves anyway)
Those are the kinds of things that will take you that extra step and get away from everyone else.
Like I said, trying to help.
Steve

 

[No Such Agency]

Considering some of the ghastly things that have appeared here, starting off with a bunch of solid 5\'s is nothing to sneeze at. It\'s where I started, that\'s for sure.