Prompt: In this competition participants will paint a physical miniature figure , then take a picture of it to submit to this competition.

• The mini should start from a single base color - don't just add paint to something like an Action Figure which is already colored.
  
• Do not edit your photo with any graphics tools / software / etc. This competition is about your skill with paints, brushes, and a camera (cell phone should work fine).

Ideas for miniatures you could paint: Star Wars Legion, Star Wars Shatterpoint, Warhammer (Age of Sigmar or 40K), D&D Characters or Monsters, a miniature that was 3D printed, a figure from a game in your basement, feel free to get creative...

Minimum for participation credit: Miniatures will be fully assembled with at least three colors of paint applied. At least 50% of the surface of the mini should be painted. Example for Participation - Note the red cloak, bone armor, and black gun. However many parts remain with only a black primer and white drybrush over it.

Minimum for eligibility to place: Miniatures will be fully assembled and fully painted using at least three colors. Painting or finishing the base for a miniature is not required and will not be factored into grading. Example for placement. Fully painted.

Grading criteria:

• 50% Technique (Clean lines and clear distinction between different areas/colors of the miniature)
• 25% Visual Effort / Detail (Use of complimenting colors / general appearance of the miniature)
• 25% Overall cool factor

Don't underestimate the photography aspect of this competition. I can only judge submissions based on the picture you submit (the minimum participation example is not a great picture). If you are really motivated to make a strong submission I recommend taking the time to watch this 5 minute video on how to take pictures of miniatures.

Tips if you have no Paint/Brush/Miniature

Paints - Two options here:

• I just want participation and have no interest in painting miniatures outside of this - If you don't have paints laying around the house, then buy cheap acrylic paints from your local Hobby Store. Here is a set of 12 paints from Michaels (sorry Europe friends) for $7
• I think I'd really like to start painting as a hobby, but help me not break the bank - First, I recommend you watch this video on the "Slapchop" painting technique for some fast, early wins. Then buy a Black paint and White paint from the Army Painter Fanatic range (you can skip the mid tone gray for now). Buy 3-4 colors of Army Painter Speed Paint 2.0 that you want to use on your mini for this competition. Each of those paints will cost roughly $5 each ($25-30 cost for paints). Try not to buy a color for every little detail on the mini. Remember you can always go back and add more detail/colors later.

Brushes - Buy a super cheap pack of synthetic round brushes from a store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby. I'm pretty sure I still have some brushes from this set for $5. Some of them are total trash, but some can work for you. Why so cheap? As a beginner the acrylic paints are going to destroy your brushes, until you learn how to properly take care of them, etc. Don't buy expensive brushes yet! If want a specific brush to try out drybrushing for the "Slapchop" method find a cheap makeup brush (seriously - I started with one of my wife's old makeup brushes that I rinsed out alot).

Miniatures - Wizkids Miniatures or Nolzur's Miniatures for DND are roughly $7-10 for two character minis. Or you can get an unpainted Beholder for $14. The vast majority of these mini's come fully assembled.

You should be able to get all supplies to paint a mini for under $25, or if you want to dive a bit deeper in with better paints for under $50.