An unpainted miniature gives you plenty of possibilities. A short painting plan helps you choose which ones to explore first. Before opening the paints, decide what you want someone to notice when the model reaches the table.
Try the following exercise with one character or creature. It is a way to make decisions before painting, and you can change any part of the plan as you go.
Start with a one-sentence description
Write a sentence that describes your version of the character: “a woodland traveler carrying one mysterious treasure,” for example. That sentence gives every color a purpose. Worn greens and browns could support the journey, while a small bright accent could mark the treasure.
Choose one focal point, such as the face, a shield emblem, or a magical object. Circle it on a sketch or make a note beside a reference picture. When you are tempted to add another striking color, check whether it supports that focal point.
Give three main colors different jobs
For this exercise, start with a main color, a supporting color, and an accent. These are roles in the overall design; they do not limit you to three paint bottles.
- Main color: use it on the largest visual area, such as a cloak or a creature's shell.
- Supporting color: assign it to a second area that helps describe the character.
- Accent: reserve it for a few details you want to draw attention to.
For a fox wizard on a pillbug, one possible plan is a deep teal shell, warm orange fur, and a pale yellow magical trinket. Keep the travel bags and straps in quiet browns. Another version could use a purple shell, cream fur, and a vivid green trinket. Neither is a required or official scheme.
Map the front and the back
Check the whole sculpt before committing. A large backpack may dominate the rear view even if you barely notice it from the front. Decide whether the back repeats the main color or introduces a calmer area.
Write down which parts share a material. Using the same planned leather color for the belt, straps, and pouches can save you from making a fresh decision for every small detail.
Test a small color map
Draw three rough shapes representing the largest areas and fill them with your proposed colors. View the sketch at about the size the miniature will appear on the table. If the focal point disappears, try making its surroundings darker, lighter, or less colorful.
Keep that sketch and a list of paint names with the project. If you return to the model next weekend, the next step will already be waiting.
Want a character with several distinct surfaces to plan? Explore the Fox Wizard on Pillbug Mount. The sculpt offers fur, clothing, luggage, and a broad shell for your own color choices.
Featured image: digital model renders by Naga Minis, shown from two angles. The suggested color schemes are original painting ideas, not a painted product option.