Though I'm absolutely in love with 40K universe and aesthetic, I always found the miniature painting to be the most intimidating aspect of this setting. Seeing so much awesome art out there, just can't even think of where to begin if I ever wanted to get into something like that. Feels like the first batch will always be like the first self-made pancake of the day: ugly and ruined. Always good to read some of the early mistakes that even the best army painters have made on their way to greatness.

On another note, its really cool that GoG finally released the Dawn of War collection. Good idea for the Skulls event. Now, I think I might have 4 different copies of this series from different storefronts; here's hoping that this one's optimized hell of a lot better.

PUT BOLTGUN ON GOG FOR THE SKULLS EVENT.

I was like you. Go look for the Reaper Learn to Paint Kits. It'll make your first mini seem like you knew what you were doing. It's a really good teaching kit.

It's the best time to get into minis. You ca pick them up fairly cheap and there's a range of companies doing good sets. For your first low, army painter are probably the best on a budget. As a starter, you don't really need good brushes nor do you need to drop a ton on 'tools' from companies. You can pick up most of your tools at DIY stores and save on it. Case from there is just whacking paint onto plastic while watching a youtube guide. It's honestly the best and easiest time to get into the hobby there has ever been

Elaborate a little more please sir. Tips for starters, builds, sets etc. Much appreciated, amigo ;)

Sure

So

Brushes - Something cheap with plenty of options Rock Ninja 13pcs (normally found on amazon) or Army Painter brushes
Make-up brushes can be good dry brushing too!

Paints - Army Painter is a good, cheaper, option that provides good coverage AND!!! most of their sets come with a few extra brushes and guides

Citadel - Bit pricey, but they're good, mostly (avoid some of their pure white paints) can save some money on buying them from miniature stores and not Games Workshop stores themselves

vallejo paints - Great paints, great pigments but can be a little tricky for new painters, but you can get their sets at a fairly good price

Other bits you'll need -

If your buying Warhammer/tabletop game minis you'll find they're mostly on sprues...so you gotta cut them out. Clippers can be bought from pretty much any tool store or even supermarket/amazon (always cut flat side down by the way)

Nail Files - When cutting from a sprue you'll find the models will have mold lines left from where you cut, don't worry though. A quick sand with a nail file/sandpaper sorts it out.

Primer - This is the paint that goes on before you paint...if that makes sense. You can buy primer from Games workshop, Army Painter or DIY stores, sometimes even car shops. There's no real 'bad' option, but it depends on prices and what you're looking for. Typically i'd say for dark colours use Black or grey primer, for bright colours use white (though painting bright colours is a little harder in general and white primers don't allow you to 'hide' unpainted sports)

For starters - I'd recommend Army Painter or (at least in the UK) Halfords paint primer. Nothing wrong with using Games Workshop mind, it's just a little more costly. Also, when priming make sure you're doing it in a dry area. If you're outside and there's moisture in the air, don't prime. It'll bubble up the finish on your models.

As for models themselves -

FREE STUFF!!!! - Your local Games Workshop (and often 3rd party store who sells Warhammer) will give you a free space marine mini. If you're in a warhammer store, they'll even help you build and paint it in-store. If you're not near a store and have your heart set on a certain model/army...pick what ever you want! I would suggest something with a clear shape like Warhammer's Space Marines or Stormcast, or for a very simple model something like a small box of skeletons. There's no real advice to this other than paint something you think is cool.

General Tips -

Thin your paints - Paint is thick and your model is detailed, without thinning your paint you'll get a big splodge.

Don't panic - stuff goes wrong all the time, it's not a problem and don't let it put you off. If you've thinned your paints you can just go over it anyway

Metallic paints have metal in them - It's true! These tiny bits of metal will stick to your brush and float in your brush cleaning water. Keep that in mind when cleaning your brush or going from metal to a very dark colour, lack of care can see tiny bits of metal appear in your dark paint job.

Where to go and who to watch -

https://www.youtube.com/@GoobertownHobbies
https://www.youtube.com/@tabletopminions
https://www.youtube.com/@LylaMev
https://www.youtube.com/@SonicSledgehammerStudio

You'll find more as you go along, but the above have really good videos on various mini topics, painting skills and guides like how to build your own wet palette

Oh one final tip -

DON'T LOOK AT THE BOX AND THINK 'I'M GONNA PAINT THAT'. Legit, this is the biggest killer of painters in the hobby. Those paint jobs on the boxes are by pro painters. Take ideas and inspiration, but don't spend forever trying to replicate it on your first-ever mini. The magic is to keep painting fun. Build a narrative in your head for your mini or just try to project an idea onto it. It's all golden

Probably a lot of typos here but hey!

You'll find plenty of people, channels, tools and tips to help out. It's easily the most relaxing hobby you can take up and the only legal way to paint loads of limbs

I SALUTE YOU SIR!
For the Emperor!
;P

No bother! Just remember to have fun with it...and it's fine to lick your paint brush!

Warhammer Skulls 2023 celebration is in full swing, featuring video games and tabletop miniature painting. Danny ESO, known for RPGs, discusses his passion for painting Warhammer miniatures since age 10. He finds creative freedom in the Warhammer universe and shares tips through his YouTube channel. He draws inspiration from the community, revived old miniatures as gifts, and acknowledges the patience and attention to detail painting teaches. Warhammer's popularity is reflected in the gaming industry with titles like Necromunda: Hired Gun. Excitement for Warhammer Skulls and engaging in games continues!