I noticed some time ago that I didn't feel like batch painting. The models that were supposed to be painted in batches were just standing there, on the desk, primed and nothing more. Which meant that day after day nothing got painted and even though might have looked otherwise, but I really did want to paint miniatures and even bought paints for new projects.
Then I came up with a rather unoriginal idea. What if paint just one miniature (with the intention of picking some Highland Miniatures goblins for this) per day instead of trying to force myself into batch painting? What if I do so every day that I can sit down and paint and if I finish one simple miniature and still want to paint more just take another project? Today is the 60th day of managing to do so! Of course I'm perfectly aware that this hobby streak will come to an end at some point, but I do intend to just paint that one miniature every day when possible.
Some users of the official OPR Discord channel wrote that I inspired them to paint one miniature/day as a challenge to themselves. Of course I don't see this system that way, but I keep my fingers crossed for their success!
This system, in which the first model of the day is simple requires one of the following: collecting a certain type of models (such as most of MESBG miniatures), have a very old backlog (with a lot of WFB infantry for example) or just print a lot of miniatures of this type, enlarging the backlog (which might not be a great idea if our intention is to fight against the grey horde). To supplement that I've chosen a technique that speeds up the process: slapchop. With this technique I'm able to "churn up" models that look cool enough and I can quickly get my daily dose of endorphins.
Adopting this system changed a bit in my hobby. Of course painting every day improves brush control, makes hands less shaky etc., but more important is the shift in perception. I don't see a pile of shame before me anymore, now it's a pile of opportunity. Nobody forced me to buy those miniatures, I did it of my own, free will. Now I can just paint whatever I want from that broad catalogue of possible projects. The second shift in perspective is about painting models as such. Due to the fact that I hadn't painted for many years and got hit by depression's anhedonia I treated this part of the hobby as something that requires a certain mindstate, a lot of time (a whole day without anything planned would be best) and that I have to paint many models at once, because if I didn't it meant just losing time. Now I'm again just having fun. I'm sitting down to paint when I have the time and the thought that another model will be colourful makes me happy. Of course it doesn't mean that I don't intend to batch paint anymore. I do, but probably as the "if I have the time and want to paint more" part of the system, rather than its base.
I would like to encourage anyone searching their way of fighting against the backlog to try out this system. It might work out for you or help you find your own method!
PS. In those 60 days I painted 69 models (nice). The goblin in the picture is the miniature painted for the 60th day.
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