The GitGud Painting Podcast

Hold the phone! That's the emergency Golden Demon alarm telling us that the new competition is right around the corner! Goodness me! Settle in as we discuss the show, expectations, community and all that wonderful stuff. 

What does it take to keep improving as a miniature painter and sculptor without losing the joy of the hobby? In this episode, Liam Hopkins shares his journey of continuous improvement, from teaching himself to sculpt to pushing his work further with every project. We explore why impact and originality matter so much in competition, how going the extra mile with conversions and sculpting grabs a ju...

How has competitive miniature painting changed since 2008, and what does it take to stand out when the standard keeps climbing? In this episode, Lukas Wiggering shares his perspective on nearly two decades of the hobby, from the rising bar at Golden Demon to the constant stream of inspiration (and pressure) that social media brings. We dig into how he approaches composition and storytelling, why h...

What does it take to create miniature art that feels personal, cinematic and competition-ready? In this episode, Enric Mikkelsen (Fenrick Studios) shares his approach to storytelling, artistic confidence and the mental side of high-level miniature painting. We explore how he plans and develops a piece, uses cinematic lighting and colour to create emotion, and balances technical skill with personal...

Color wheels are guides, not rules, so how do you actually use one? In this follow-up episode Dave and Magnus go deeper into color theory for miniature painting, from the different wheels and what each is good for, to building a palette, evolving it across a project, and the small deliberate experiments that turn theory into instinct. Plus mental models for remembering color relationships, why mat...

What makes a great miniature painting event? In this episode, we take you inside Fen 2026 to explore the atmosphere, community spirit and creative energy that make the event so memorable. We also look at the role of spot prizes, the importance of recognising creativity at every level, and how Fen compares with other miniature painting shows. Whether you are a competition painter, a hobbyist attend...

What happens when a traditional artist enters the world of miniature painting? In this episode, Jordan Richardson explores how different artistic mediums shape your style, why strong references matter, and what miniature painters can learn from the wider art world. We dive into colour theory, competition painting, deliberate practice and the mental models Jordan uses to overcome creative blocks. J...

In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between hobby and mental health, sharing insights from community responses on how painting and modelling serve as both coping mechanisms and sources of stress. We discuss themes like flow states, comparison, imposter syndrome, and the impact of competition, offering practical strategies and honest reflections.  If you need help: https://findahel...

What does it take to build a painting competition from the ground up? In this episode Phoenix joins Magnus and Bruce to talk through the Crimson Chalice, the community-driven contest heading to Essen. They get into the graft of organising it all, how judging and categories actually work, and why inclusivity and variation matter if you want an event that welcomes hobbyists at every level.

How does color make or break a paint job, and how do you actually get it working for you? In this episode Dave, Magnus and Bruce dig into the world of color in miniature painting, from the emotional pull of a palette to the theory underneath it, and the practical tricks for landing harmony, contrast and impact.

It's a French takeover as we're joined by Thibaut Rahm, one of the new wave of miniature artists creating amazing work and storming the competition scene.

What makes a model ripe for competition and what are the pitfalls you can fall into? In this episode Dave, Magnus and Bruce dive into the GW library to examine a whole host of models and work out what makes them amazing for competition... or not.

Goodness me, it's Slayer Sword winner Borjammer in the studio! Get ready for a great chat as we navigate how he puts together his monster projects, tackles obstacles and makes beautiful art.

Golden Demon has concluded and the largest ever Demon in North America has brought with it a whole host of incredible miniatures for us to take a look at. Settle down with Magnus, Bruce and Dave as we discuss everything that took a trophy at the frankly epic show. 

Well well well, if it isn't Alexi Karahaliou, a man who's emerged in two years to go from entering competitions to taking Best of Show accolades. After such a meteoric rise, what's next? And critically, what lessons has Alexi learned along the way that we can all learn from?

Goodness me, it's only one of the UK's rising stars, Lucas Williams! Settle down as we discuss the outcome of 31 days of busts, what it takes to make intentional brushstrokes, and the power of music in miniature painting. It's a good one people.

The premiere Australian painting competition has taken place and Dave, Bruce and Magnus sit-down to discuss the event and the incredible minis from the show. Liam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liampaintsstuff/ More about Crimson Brush: https://crimsonbrush.com.au/ Crimson Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@bigdenopaints/videos

Get comfortable as we sit down with a true renaissance man of the hobby, Maxime Penaud, a classically trained fine artist who has brought the Beaux-Arts de Paris into the world of miniatures. From sculpting his own competition entries to claiming multiple Slayer Swords, Maxime's rare appearances on the competition circuit have always caused a sensation and it's time to find out what makes him tick...

Roman Lappat is in the virtual studio! Settle down as we talk with a titan of the hobby who has been pushing the art forward for the last 20 years. From competition vs joy and judging golden demon to forging a career in miniatures, we touch on everything that has made Roman the man he is today.

2025 is done and what a year for miniatures it's been! Settle in for this one as we talk about the five pieces that we think are the stand outs in the hobby this year.  05:47 - Albert Moreto Font - The Magister of Hammerhal 52:06 - Maxime Penaud - Marduk, the Mercenary Ogre 01:20:16 - Raphael Boyon - Sorcerer on Lammassu 01:39:29 - Kirill Kanaev - Teutonic Knight with Crossbow 01:59:45 - Erkka Mar...

This week we sit down with Lukas, part of the team at Squidmar Miniatures and a painting demon in his own right. From pushing yourself when painting is your job to rediscovering the basics, we cover a great deal! Sit down, relax, and crack into some köttbullar as we enjoy another ep.

It's December and it's time for a new podcast in a new format! This week, Bruce, Magnus and Dave talk about the close of Monte and the opening of MPO and the Squidmar Open. We then get into the big discussion - starting projects and everything basing. Settle in, this is a long one. 

This week we’re joined by John Margiotta for a wide-ranging chat on what it takes to build a body of work you’re proud of. We get into the realities of competition painting, including Golden Demon highs and hard lessons, and how choosing the right project can matter as much as execution. John breaks down how he thinks about developing a recognisable style, pushing texture and atmosphere, and makin...

This week we sit down with Erkka, fresh from his recent Demon win! We explore Erkka's journey as a painter, his recent exhibition, and the importance of community in artistic growth! Settle in, this is a good 'un.  00:00 Introduction 01:56 Exhibition Insights and Public Reception 05:48 Mindset and Approach to Competition 11:50 Artistic Intent and Perfection Myths 18:05 Evolution of Artistic Style...

Essen is over! The best in the world descended on Germany bringing their very best and now it's time to talk about the glorious winners. Oh and Dave's here! And also he might be here for a while! 🔥