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I am absolutely thrilled to have Alex from 52 Miniatures on the website today. I have been a fan of 52 Miniatures for a long time, but my love for it is different from my love for other painting channels because it feels so unlike other painting channels. With 52 Miniatures, you get the feeling like you’re entering Alex’s living room–not because his painting table is there, but because you’re sitting in the chair across from him and the two of you are discussing the philosophy of the craft. His videos are insightful and poignant. They lack the jokes and skits of other channels and instead are content in the enjoyment of the experience.

Which is not to say that the channel isn’t a great painting resource. Alex comes across as less a mini painter and more of an artist who just happens to paint minis. His use of color and light and shadow are all masterful, and the calm and measured approach that he takes to the painting is very welcome.

I should also say that he’s just very good at making videos. His understanding of how to frame a shot, how to light a room, is superb. (He’s the only mini painter I’ve seen on YouTube to use slow, thoughtful drone footage of himself walking through the woods while he opines on the nature of art.)

Anyway, he has graciously accepted my invitation for an interview. Here we go:

What was the very first thing that got you into wargaming?

Alex: Initially, and probably like for most of us fantasy buffs, everything started with Tolkien. My dad used to read it to me as a kid, and at about the same time he picked up some pewter minis. Hobbits, dwarfs, even a Balrog. Got no idea of the brand, this was way in the past. You know, when people lived in caves and GW didn’t do LOTR. I’ve still got them lying around somewhere. Anyway. Not only did this reveal things like game stores, hobby stores, for paints and all that but also the fact that there were actual games to be played, with tiny minis. A friend of mine was getting into the same thing and through his older brother we got introduced to GW. I remember the eternal struggle of trying to get a Chaos army together… but, it was just too expensive for me. An army of Warhammer Fantasy was not a cheap thing back in the day, and my money flow was more based on the then current pricing of candy, not Egrim Van Horstman. And besides, the game was honestly just too advanced for a kid my age. So we settled on Warhammer Quest, Space Hulk and Blood Bowl. The first two did feel kind of like a let down back then, image wise, especially since my friend’s older brother was playing a full wood elves army in the same room.

What games do you primarily play, and why do you love them?

Alex: At the moment, I solely play AoS. A few years back I decided to get back into the hobby and my first goal was to play the wargames that were unobtainable to me as a kid. I mean, it’s still not cheap… but as a grown up’s hobby, it kind of is. Compared to buying a horse or a sports car, or whatever non-wargamers do with their money, it’s a pretty cheap hobby. Now luckily, I found some people to play with and really enjoy the game. Admittedly AoS is still a bit of a head scratcher, and I don’t really do strategies, I just play for fun. Oh and someone always needs to help me with the “pile in”, I still have not figured that stuff out. Anyway, I’m also looking forward to getting more into Stargrave, but still working on mini’s and terrain and that. I confess to be more and more excited about non-GW games as of late. I enjoy the sense of freedom that seems to come when one steps outside of the GW universe.

What made you decide to take the plunge into YouTube?

Alex: Starting with the YouTube video thing kind of just happened. I think a combination of curiosity, and a feeling that… well… When I started watching hobby related YouTube videos, there was a lot of content I could not relate to. So I figured I could try to make my own content, content I could relate to. I then realized having a YouTube channel was a pretty good whip, I mean, to get things done. And now it’s just spiraled into this thing, a creature of lovely comments and gibberish stats.

What makes you most optimistic about the future of the hobby?

Alex: I think we are in for some exciting times in the hobby. I’m excited about the whole YouTuber phenomenon, to see all the Youtubers doing their thing. I hope the vast variety of Youtubers will open up the hobby to more people. The more diverse content, the more people will feel welcome. Miniature wise the whole 3D printing thing is pretty massive, and now I’m just waiting for 3D scanning to become a thing. Imagine going to a museum, scan a knight’s armour or something, with your phone. And then go home and print it all out as a mini. Or like, print out that cool Scottish castle with files from Google earth. Personally I still enjoy buying minis and that, but I can’t deny that things are changing.

What makes you most pessimistic about the future of the hobby?

Alex: I’m not really a pessimistic type of person. But the pandemic effect on gaming has not been pleasant. Either this all just has to pass fast, or we need to start converting more neighbours into wargamers.

What advice would you give to someone who is just getting into the hobby?

Alex: Personally I’m as much into the hobby for the painting side of things as I am for the gaming side. Actually, I’m probably more excited about painting than I am gaming. But for someone new to the hobby I’d say. If you are here for the painting, try playing more games. If you are here to play the games, try painting more. They are wonderful compliments to each other and I do think there is some definite cross pollination going as well.

If you would like to follow Alex at 52 Miniatures you can find him on his YouTube channel, his Instagram, and join his Patreon to talk with him on Discord.