Ask yourself...
"Self, how many models do I have?"
Now ask youself...
"Self, how many models do I need?"
And then, ask yourself...
"Self, now pay attention! This is important. (self gets distracted easily) How many models do I actually have painted?"
Most gamers have huge collections of models, and can count the number of models they have 'completed' on one hand, and only half of their models ever see the gaming table. While not really considered to be a 'problem', it is a waste, especially for a beginning hobbyist.
Now, if you happen to be one of the many that enjoy the collection aspect of the game, and rarely play, then this actually does still apply to you. You may find yourself to have fallen into the trap that most competitive gamers encounter. Too many figs, and not enough motivation/time/give-a-damn to finish the modeling aspect of the hobby.
In many areas, gaming stores actually require the models to have a basic level of 'completion' (usually being a basecoat of 3 colors and a textured base) before the models will be allowed for gaming in the store. Many more areas actually enjoy the tourney style gaming that has become the basis for 'metagaming'. Such tourneys also require fully painted armies. How then do you keep from falling into such a trap, and ending up shunned and despised at your local gaming store?
The answer is quite simple... Before starting an army, get with the local veterans and your fellows here and ask them about the army in question. Ensure that you really understand the army and are motivated to 'finish' the army as it deserves. Then, with your new understanding, make a small usable list that can serve as the basis for your larger army in the future and purchase ONLY those models.
Now here's the clincher... You only purchase additional models once your previous purchases have been completed.
"But But But!!! (Your 'Self' says...) I'll never get those models completed in time for a tourney if I don't buy them all now!"
Never listen to your 'Self' when the fate of your models is on the line! This line of thinking is simply not true. Also, don't lock yourself into an unreasonable deadline for completion of your army. If you wish to have an army worthy of a painting competition then you'll need months (or even years) to convince your 'Self' to devote the time and dedication to such an undertaking. It really is worth the effort. But, if you wish to simply have an army that looks nice on the table top and can be ready for gaming quickly, then your 'Self' will still have to be patient, as this can take as long as a few months as well. Keep in mind that knowing your next regiment/chariot/character is out of your reach until you finish the unit in front of your 'Self' will better motivate your 'Self' to dedicate the effort necessary to reach your goal.
Take your time, and prepare to be patient. Your completed army is in your near future, if you can only restrain your 'Self' from going overboard with your purchases. The more models you have, the more daunting the painting challenge, the longer it will be before you actually sit down and get to it.
Good luck, fellas.
"Self, how many models do I have?"
Now ask youself...
"Self, how many models do I need?"
And then, ask yourself...
"Self, now pay attention! This is important. (self gets distracted easily) How many models do I actually have painted?"
Most gamers have huge collections of models, and can count the number of models they have 'completed' on one hand, and only half of their models ever see the gaming table. While not really considered to be a 'problem', it is a waste, especially for a beginning hobbyist.
Now, if you happen to be one of the many that enjoy the collection aspect of the game, and rarely play, then this actually does still apply to you. You may find yourself to have fallen into the trap that most competitive gamers encounter. Too many figs, and not enough motivation/time/give-a-damn to finish the modeling aspect of the hobby.
In many areas, gaming stores actually require the models to have a basic level of 'completion' (usually being a basecoat of 3 colors and a textured base) before the models will be allowed for gaming in the store. Many more areas actually enjoy the tourney style gaming that has become the basis for 'metagaming'. Such tourneys also require fully painted armies. How then do you keep from falling into such a trap, and ending up shunned and despised at your local gaming store?
The answer is quite simple... Before starting an army, get with the local veterans and your fellows here and ask them about the army in question. Ensure that you really understand the army and are motivated to 'finish' the army as it deserves. Then, with your new understanding, make a small usable list that can serve as the basis for your larger army in the future and purchase ONLY those models.
Now here's the clincher... You only purchase additional models once your previous purchases have been completed.
"But But But!!! (Your 'Self' says...) I'll never get those models completed in time for a tourney if I don't buy them all now!"
Never listen to your 'Self' when the fate of your models is on the line! This line of thinking is simply not true. Also, don't lock yourself into an unreasonable deadline for completion of your army. If you wish to have an army worthy of a painting competition then you'll need months (or even years) to convince your 'Self' to devote the time and dedication to such an undertaking. It really is worth the effort. But, if you wish to simply have an army that looks nice on the table top and can be ready for gaming quickly, then your 'Self' will still have to be patient, as this can take as long as a few months as well. Keep in mind that knowing your next regiment/chariot/character is out of your reach until you finish the unit in front of your 'Self' will better motivate your 'Self' to dedicate the effort necessary to reach your goal.
Take your time, and prepare to be patient. Your completed army is in your near future, if you can only restrain your 'Self' from going overboard with your purchases. The more models you have, the more daunting the painting challenge, the longer it will be before you actually sit down and get to it.
Good luck, fellas.
