In any hobby, there are always high points and low points. Sometimes you feel incredibly inspired to pursue your passion, while other times, progress seems slow, and morale is low. This is especially true when you have many miniatures to paint. However, when viewed from a positive perspective, the completed project can look amazing.
There are several ways I keep myself motivated and engaged in this hobby. The key to staying enthusiastic about wargaming and miniature painting is maintaining a cycle of modeling, painting, and gaming. This cycle keeps the inspiration flowing.
Playing a few games can increase your drive to paint more miniatures and explore different army list possibilities. For me, I play games occasionally, depending on my schedule and that of my gaming friends. Before and after games, my mind is constantly thinking about game strategies and how to improve my army list. Sometimes, during games, we joke that a unit lost the fight because it wasn’t painted.
When painting, I alternate between different game themes to keep things fresh. For example, I might be in the mood to paint a Vampire Army, but after completing it or reaching the halfway point, I might start to feel bored. Then, I switch to another army, like the Imperial Guards Cadian, or any other army I’m collecting. This helps maintain my motivation Having a Goal in Life and Why Music is a Harmonious Objective - Having a goal in life is essential for many reasons. It provides a sense of direction, drives motivation, enhances focus, and contributes to personal satisfaction. An aim or target in life helps one to streamline their energy, thoughts, and efforts towards achieving something specific. Without an objective, life can feel aimless and unsatisfying, and individuals… .
Reading Black Library novels can also be motivating. After reading a novel, I often feel inspired to paint more miniatures and engage in a good game. I remember reading the Black Library novel “Eisenhorn” and feeling incredibly inspired to paint more and play a game. It also made me appreciate my Inquisition and Demonhunters even more. Other reading materials, like the monthly White Dwarf magazine, can also be motivating, although their primary goal is often to entice you to buy more miniatures and expand your collection.
Computer games like Dawn of War I & II and Warhammer Online can also fuel your desire to paint and play. For me, it’s not so much about playing the computer games themselves, but watching the game trailers that truly motivates me. I vividly remember the Dawn of War I trailer, where the Space Marine Commander shouted, “CHARGE!” and the Orks roared in response. It made me want to start painting and engage in an exciting game!
In conclusion, when committing to a hobby, it’s essential to maintain your dedication. Although we might occasionally lose our enthusiasm, we can always remind ourselves of our commitment, ensuring that the time, effort, and money invested are not wasted.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME