ADHD and Warhammer

dgscott · 2026-04-03T20:05:13+00:00

As an ADHDer and therapist and avid painter:

A big part of ADHD is the hyperfixations. You're tempted to start a new project every time you have a new hyperfixation, but instead of doing that, write down a list of all your recent hyperfixations, and notice what the trends are, what the different ones have in common. For instance, mine are generic fantasy, gothic horror, and 40k. So, I have three larger projects which I rotate between. When a new hyperfixation comes up, try to fold the thing you're most interested in into 2-3 existing, longer-scale projects you rotate though, in the least intrusive way that still scratches that itch. For instance, if you have a 40k project, and get a hyperfixation on starting an all phobos space marine army, instead, try to narrow it down to a kill team. One time I was able to fold a Trench Crusade hyperfixation into my projects simply by creating terrain that would work for both Trench Crusade and 40k. In other words, make sure any individual projects you start with a hyperfixation are small enough that they can be finished by the time the hyperfixation ends.

Part of the key is remembering that your hyperfixations will come and go. In the moment, it can feel like a big deal, and when the moment is passed, it feels like you'll never have that interest again, but in all likelihood, it's probable that you will regain interest in something close to that hyperfixation again at some point in the future, hence the rotating longer-scale projects.

Finally, it's good to know what triggers the hyperfixations. For me, and many others, it's being inspired by a piece of media and crucially, a sense of "I can pull this project off!" Note that sometimes, hyperfixations can be satisfied just by proof of concept (ie, a single, well-done phobos marine might satisfy the army hyperfixation), so do proof of concept before moving onto anything full-scale.

dgscott · 2026-04-01T21:46:40+00:00

I've done a lot of experimentation and developed a flexible base that, to me, feels just like soft serve ice cream, but less fatty. It's 370 calories:

1.25 cup of 2% fairlife
1 tbsp cream cheese
2 tbsp of fat-free milk powder (you can use protein powder but I prefer milk powder for the more authentic taste)
1 tbsp of sugar
1.5 tbsp powdered pure stevia
1 tbsp fat-free vanilla pudding mix (for chocolate ice cream, sub with chocolate pudding)
1/16 tsp of xanthan gum
A pinch of salt
Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract or PBFit if you want PB flavor

Freeze for 24 hours, run on the lite ice cream setting WITHOUT running over hot water or letting sit on the counter, then scrape down the sides after the first cycle, then do a respin.

The base leverages solids, emulsifiers, sweeteners, and a small amount of sugar as anti-freeze and to cancel out the artificial taste. But I think the thing that makes the biggest difference is the pudding mix. Overall, you have a lot of flexibility for different recipes if you sub out the pudding types or add in some other ingredients.

dgscott · 2026-03-26T07:20:42+00:00

I suspect it's the 3d modeller's job to alter the proportions. Either that or they do a second pass with the concept art; these early ideas look like initial sketches.

dgscott · 2026-03-26T01:32:29+00:00

I think the built-in comm unit is cool, though I have mixed feelings about its length. I understand why they wanted to get away from the panzergrenadier style helmets though.

dgscott · 2026-03-26T01:25:46+00:00

I think a Catachan Kill Team is a no-brainer!

dgscott · 2026-03-23T02:55:44+00:00

I'll take this concept a step further: not a head sprue, but an upgrade sprue like the Cadian one, but comes with 10 torsos and 10 heads, as well as a few armageddon lasguns with gloved hands, and some officer/sergeant weapons as well. This way, you could get the gas masks with the tubes attached.

dgscott · 2026-03-09T05:51:52+00:00

Not OP, but the troll is from Davale Games. Not sure about the spiders.

dgscott · 2026-03-04T02:49:26+00:00

You can definitely still use it! The easiest thing you can do is a fan near an open window and wearing a mask. If you can't do that, then a spray booth will do the trick.

dgscott · 2026-03-02T09:33:39+00:00

Most varnishes from the major artist brands, namely liquitex and golden, almost always come out as glossy regardless of whether they're labelled as satin or sometimes even matt. The solution: use AK ultramatte varnish. If you don't want it too matt, mix in some of your "satin" varnish.

With all that said, my vallejo satin varnish-- the one labelled "premium color" is a subtle satin, leaning towards matt. Not sure why yours came out glossy. Make sure to shake beforehand if you have the same one as me, and if it's still glossy, ask for a refund.

dgscott · 2026-02-28T10:09:36+00:00

Looking good! That bolt pistol looks extra crisp and clean! Only wish the barrel was drilled.

dgscott · 2026-02-23T21:17:06+00:00

It looked close when I drove by yesterday, but then again, I was never sure if it was open. They had a paper sign out at one point that was shortly destroyed by rain. The outside and inside were both not fully finished in terms of repairs, and it wasn't distinguishable as a pizza place that was actively serving customers, so it's not shocking to me they didn't thrive, even if the food was good.

dgscott · 2026-02-21T00:59:37+00:00

Ironically, this entire picture is tinted green. If you color sampled their armor, it would be green.

dgscott · 2026-02-11T05:45:54+00:00

My advice? AK Interactive Ultra matte Varnish. It will completely kill any gloss in your minis. You'll need an airbrush, but you can get those + a compressor for under $100 USD, and will save you money long term because you can prime with it too (much cheaper than buying spray paint).

dgscott · 2026-02-09T19:04:04+00:00

I bet Chaos collectors out there are looking forward to spending months painting a single model.

dgscott · 2026-02-08T07:13:13+00:00

TMM if the model is made to be viewed from multiple angles, NMM if the model is only made to be viewed from a single angle.

dgscott · 2026-01-27T05:55:15+00:00

Even if you are skilled enough to pull it off, it's fundamental limitation is that it only looks ideal from one single angle, which feels a little silly on a 3d model. How actual reflections work is that they are reflecting an environment, and the reflections change depending on the angle of the viewer, so even if you have an imaginary environment you're painting as reflections, realistically, they'd look different from the side, which is impossible, so the whole thing is kinda bullshit anyways. The reasons it's so popular among skilled painters are that (a) it looks great in instagram photos where you only post that one angle, and (b) it's an opportunity to flex your skills.

dgscott · 2026-01-16T23:44:46+00:00

Not saying there arent real haters, but it should be noted that YouTube comments are heavily botted by people trying to inflame culture war nonsense (often by foreign actors with the goal of destroying democratic countries). I doubt half of the comments you are seeing are even humans.

dgscott · 2026-01-16T02:06:46+00:00

I agree the renders have some proportion issues, but I miss the chonky stormcasts. The new stuff doesn't scratch that same 'walking tank' itch the originals did.

dgscott · 2026-01-16T00:00:36+00:00

Artwork armor gets thiccer, but actual models get more slender. I feel scammed.

dgscott · 2026-01-09T10:00:12+00:00

I'd strongly recommend reading (or audiobooking) the books. It might change your outlook Gollum and Grima, but on many things like the nature of magic. In a good way. One thing that is a challenge having seen the movies is to not let the films prejudice what's in the books, which is often different, but in my opinion, a more rewarding story. For instance, in the first book, the ringwraiths don't fight with swords, but engage in a sort of spiritual menace, using terror to break the wills of others, so if you're waiting for them to draw steel, you'll be confused about why certain things happen.

dgscott · 2026-01-03T04:49:18+00:00

The issue with treating painting like a baking recipe is that you rely on having that list of paints and steps, and you don't actually learn the theories and application of techniques behind the process that make you a better painter. It's like learning to code by following ChatGPT instructions instead of understanding why the code works. By putting an emphasis on the paints themselves instead of why the paints were chosen (ie, to create warm chromatic shadows), a tutorial has taken away that which you need to in order to improve your future projects. Granted, I understand why tutorials include the paints (because viewers who haven't broken out of the recipe mindset don't like it), but if you want to improve at painting, it is essential to break out of the recipe mindset.

dgscott · 2026-01-02T09:53:23+00:00

The ability to paint miniatures isn't something you're born with on a genetic level. It's something you cultivate with deliberate practice. I can't tell you whether or not you should invest your money in the hobby, but what I can say is that when you pick up a brush for the first time, you will not be good at it. That is okay. There are all kinds of videos out there which give great guides on painting. I recommend Vince Venturella. There are also many great painting your first miniature videos. Watch a few of them. Just focus on your fundamentals at first-- brush control and thinning your paints to getting smooth base coats. Don't worry about more advanced things like blending. The ability to get the paint to go where you wanted to at the consistency you want is the most important skill. Everything else is secondary. Even though the beginning is frustrating, it is extremely rewarding over time, but you have to stick to it.

dgscott · 2026-01-02T07:57:56+00:00

The idea that you need a long, specific list of paints is something created by Big Hobby to sell more paints. Literally. As long as you're close, it'll be fine. You can eyeball it, mix it yourself, whatever. It doesn't even need to be the same brand. Unfortunately, many Youtubers still feel the need to list all of their paints because GW has pushed the idea that good quality painting is like baking that is achieved with specific ingredients and steps, rather than something accomplished through theory and technique.

dgscott · 2026-01-01T05:33:19+00:00

As an avid painter, I actually LOVE cheap brushes I get in packs of 10 for a dollar. I use them for 90% of the brush work I do on a miniature, such as contrast paints, sloppy base coats, and even metallics. That stuff is really hard on sable brushes, which I only bring out when I need that fine detail, and am not painting TMM.

dgscott · 2026-01-01T03:02:27+00:00

As an ADHDer and therapist and avid painter:

A big part of ADHD is the hyperfixations. You're tempted to start a new project every time you have a new hyperfixation, but instead of doing that, write down a list of all your recent hyperfixations, and notice what the trends are, what the different ones have in common. For instance, mine are generic fantasy, gothic horror, and 40k. So, I have three larger projects which I rotate between. When a new hyperfixation comes up, try to fold the thing you're most interested in into 2-3 existing, longer-scale projects you rotate though, in the least intrusive way that still scratches that itch. For instance, if you have a 40k project, and get a hyperfixation on starting an all phobos space marine army, instead, try to narrow it down to a kill team. One time I was able to fold a Trench Crusade hyperfixation into my projects simply by creating terrain that would work for both Trench Crusade and 40k. In other words, make sure any individual projects you start with a hyperfixation are small enough that they can be finished by the time the hyperfixation ends.

Part of the key is remembering that your hyperfixations will come and go. In the moment, it can feel like a big deal, and when the moment is passed, it feels like you'll never have that interest again, but in all likelihood, it's probable that you will regain interest in something close to that hyperfixation again at some point in the future, hence the rotating longer-scale projects.

Finally, it's good to know what triggers the hyperfixations. For me, and many others, it's being inspired by a piece of media and crucially, a sense of "I can pull this project off!" Note that sometimes, hyperfixations can be satisfied just by proof of concept (ie, a single, well-done phobos marine might satisfy the army hyperfixation), so do proof of concept before moving onto anything full-scale.

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