Last week, I wrote a post about how now can be a great time to launch a digital side hustle. It doesn’t have to be a business you start, though; now is also a great time to take up a new hobby. One new one that I’ve picked up is painting miniatures. I use them in my D&D games anyway (which is a great game with a number of reasons you should check it out, by the way), and since D&D is off the table while we’re in lockdown, this was a great complement. Here’s how to get started with painting minis if you’re a beginner.

I eagerly unpack the bag of art supplies I just bought at the store. It has all the basics I need to start painting: brushes, paints, canvas paper and disposable palettes. I arrange them all out on the table, then jokingly tell my wife not to interrupt me for the next 30 minutes, because a genius is at work. Today, first the first time in over seven years, I am going to paint.