Get to know our Painters – Interview with Jakub
This is another post from the series of articles in which you will have opportunity to get to know our team.
Today we want to introduce you to Jakub. He is one our bases expert as well as master of tiny (sometimes very, very tiny) miniatures! Without further ado we’re going straight into the interview! 😀
Do you remember your first painted miniature? What are your memories associated with it?
It was a unit of dwarf warriors from the “Warhammer: Battle For Skull Pass” set that I painted while still in the last grade of primary school. I had the impression that I spent ages working on them. Shaky hands, thick layers of paint applied with a size 0 brush to ensure that the skin color, for example, was visible on the black undercoat after the first layer, and the pride I felt when I finished them. They looked terrible, but it didn’t stop them from battling the forces of Chaos owned by my older brother. On the other hand, the first models I painted for Minis For War were Rebels from the “Star Wars Legion – Core Set.” I painted them with utmost care, as best as I could at the time, wanting to showcase my skills in the studio. These were the beginnings of my adventure with regular painting after a fairly long break from this hobby.
Among the painted miniatures (which left an impression on you), which one provided you with the most joy during the painting/creative process, and why?
Every finished figurine brings joy, and I have a few commissions that hold a special place in my heart:
1000 Soviet soldiers – It was a pleasant challenge in a small scale that I really enjoyed. It was immensely satisfying to see the entire table filled with the completed army in all its glory.
Warmaster – 3mm Dark Elves, High Elves, and Orc Armies – Painting and basing three armies in my favorite universe, along with freehand work on the shields of the High Elf spearmen in this scale, posed a tremendous challenge. I will never forget the last glimpse I had of those little models arranged in one box. They were absolutely adorable!
Szarekh, The Silent King – The model that was once showcased on the official Warhammer Community stream. I believe it turned out really well, and I sometimes go back to a few warm comments to recharge my batteries after a tough day.
Warmaster – Dwarf Army and Dark Elves Army (3D print) – Whenever I have these miniatures in my hands, I’m amazed by the quality of the 3D printing details on such small models. Painting them is enjoyable, and dwarves hold a special place in my heart.
Warhammer 40,000: Battle Zone: Fronteris Nachmund – Painting terrain pieces for wargames is my second love, and as a player, I appreciate the immerse atmosphere on the table.
What are your favorite painting techniques, and how do they influence your artworks?
It seems to me that I don’t have a favorite technique. One technique that is certainly very useful is dry brushing, which can bring out and emphasize edges regardless of the scale. When creating weathered/rusty terrain or models, I love using sponging, which allows for quick and easy application of dirt and grime. It works especially well for adding splatters of blood too.
If you could paint any model without time constraints, what would you choose?
I am a big fan of setting a predetermined time frame for working on a particular model. Even when painting my own miniatures, I try to set myself a deadline for their completion. The desire to paint something infinitely often resulted in never-ending work or a shelf of shame with boxes waiting to be painted. Sometimes it turns out that the initial plan was too ambitious, and I am unable to paint the model to a satisfactory level. However, spending a few extra hours on refinements usually solves the problem. If I didn’t have any time constraints, I would choose a bust, most likely a dwarf one. It would allow me to challenge myself with something I don’t have everyday experience with in my regular painting routine.
Do you draw inspiration from specific artists? Whom do you follow on Instagram?
I try to watch as many different artists as possible. From each artwork, you can take something for yourself by paying attention to interesting solutions. Then it’s just a matter of trying to reproduce them or gaining awareness of what not to do, and you become richer for it. One of the top painters that I follow is definitely KAHA Katarzyna Górska. Her works are truly impressive.
Do you play wargames? If so, what are your favorite systems?
I used to participate in tournaments for Warhammer Fantasy Battle 7th and 8th editions, as well as the fan-made continuation called “9th Age.” Later, I tried my hand at systems such as Warhammer 40k 8th edition, Song of Ice & Fire, Mordheim, SAGA: Age of Vikings, Necromunda, Underworlds, and Star Wars Legion. Currently, I am eagerly awaiting the return of Warhammer: The Old World, and I’m also testing Star Wars: Shatterpoint, which, despite all the nostalgia, seems to be the most interesting and enjoyable of the aforementioned ones.