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“I RARELY comment. your vids and your work is beautiful. Stunning sir… Stunning.” Josh Freeman.
Hello!
Here you’ll find samples of some of my projects.
This is the first episode of a series that covers miniatures from Fantasy Flight Games’ The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle Earth, and is designed to provide a nice point of entry for anyone who is new to the hobby:
Next is the General Grievous episode from a long-running series that is covering miniatures from the Star Wars: Legion Miniatures Game. This series is generally aimed at beginner to intermediate painters:
This is the first episode covering some of the extraordinary miniatures from Adam Poots’ Kingdom Death: Monster. The series is aimed at the more experienced painter:
And here we have Ahsoka Tano from the latest Star Wars-themed miniatures game – Star Wars: Shatterpoint:
And finally here’s episode one of another slightly more advanced series which is covering the epic miniatures from Marvel: Crisis Protocol by Atomic Mass Games:
Producing these videos is an incredibly challenging and engaging process for me as I do all of my own scripting, narration, videography, editing and composing. This is also the reason each one takes between 40-60 hours to produce.
However, thanks to the current level of Patreon support I am able to produce on a full-time basis, delivering video and PDF tutorials a lot more regularly whilst still being able to support my family.
I have been genuinely overwhelmed by the response my videos have elicited so far. So thank you if you’ve ever watched, liked, or commented on one of my videos, and especially if you’ve subscribed to the channel or become a patron to help me sustain a living in the service of producing the kind of content you want to see.
Happy Painting!
Sorastro.
Find me on: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, iTunes, Patreon
I’d also like to share an affiliate link to the Rosemary & Co Series 8 and Series 33 brushes that I love to use (sizes 1 or 2 – “Short handle”) – thank you!
I have really enjoyed watching your YouTube painting series of the Star Wars Imperial Assault figures. Maybe you could provide some guidance on what types of brushes you use and what would be a good core set of Citadel paints, primers and washes would be the best to start with on your website. A full set of Citadel paints is very expensive and I’m not sure where exactly to start. Thanks and Happy Painting!!!
Thank you Troy!
I am actually planning a complete beginner’s guide to miniature painting which might be helpful to you. In the mean time you should be able to find details and recommendations concerning brushes in each video description.
Regarding paints, I would simply suggest that you buy the individual paints you need for the miniature you are currently painting (say – the stormtroopers to begin with) then add additional paints to your collection as you work through the set. That way you can build your paint collection up gradually without breaking the bank in one go! 🙂
Love your videos! I’m considering buying Zombicide just because of your painting videos. I am sitting down to start painting my full Imperial Assault collection using your tutelage. I am a neophyte miniatures painter. As such, I’m trying to accrue not only the paints and brushes but other tools to help in my work. A desk lamp, color palette, emery boards, etc. Can you provide a good checklist for everything a beginner would need aside of the paints and brushes? Can you suggest good retailers to purchase from? I am American so that might make it more challenging, but I want to have the right tools and set up my painting area for maximum chance of enjoying the hobby and improving the quality of my work.
Oh a beginners painting guide would be great! I also recently watch your other videos on painting Zombieside figures which helped me to understand more basics. Bought some paints today and going to dive in. Thanks for your reply and keep the content coming!
Awesome! Thanks Troy.. Have fun! 🙂
Very anxious to watch the videos, especially the tutorials of the game Blood Rage.
I am recommending their tutorials to some Brazilian players who like to customize their miniatures.
Waiting for the painting guide for beginners ..
Thanks and keep up the great work!
Thank you so much Sérgio! I’m also looking forward to painting Blood Rage 🙂
Hi Sorastro
I have wanted to know what kind of brush you use
Hi! I usually mention that in my video descriptions, but I typically use a Windsor & Newton Series 7 Size 1 or a Rosemary & Co. Series 33 Size 2 🙂
Thank you :), and i like your job !!!
Hello, not much to say except that I’ve been following your tutorial and they are amazing! I’m reading here you would love to paint The Others, that would be really awesome as I have started working on that but could certainly do with some help. In the meantime, I will work on my Zombicide collection!
Hi Francis! Thanks for the comment! I don’t know how many of The Others minis I’m going to be able to cover buy I am producing at least one video for it quite soon.. 🙂
I think a great idea that might not have yet occured to you too perhaps encourage people who can’t afford to paint is publish a guide on mixing paints to create the exact tone they are looking for. You could go over:
1. What each type of paint does and why it has the consistency it has. (Bases, layers, glazes, washes, etc…)
2. What colors go with what color to create what color. This could be a simple link to a text page, as naming them all off would be tedious.
3. How to create different types of paint if you don’t have the money to buy the particular, say, wash you’re looking to use. (myself in particular didnt have carroburg crimson to paint my imperial royal guard, so i had to settle for reikland fleshshade, which i wasnt entirely content with.)
Just some ideas on what I could benefit from as a painter… thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me otherwise. I get great pleasure from finishing a successful miniature and I wouldn’t be the painter I am today without your guidance.
– a greatful fan of 2 years
Thanks a lot Charlie! I appreciate the kind words and the suggestions; I’ll see what I can do.. 🙂
I recently decided to get back into miniatures painting and just found your youtube series. You do remarkable work and your instructions are very informative. I do have a couple of questions though.
1. In the Black plague zombies video, you apply your spray lacquer prior to painting the blood. Is there a reason for this?
2. In your later videos for blood rage and the others (It might be in more I haven’t seen them all yet) you switched to using zenithal shading when applying your primers. Is that because these are larger models? Or would it work as well on smaller models?
Hi Jason! Thanks for the kind words! Let me answer your questions: 1) I like to add the blood last just to retain it’s glossy finish (alternatively you could brush some gloss varnish onto the bloody areas). 2) I did start using the zenithal prime method primarily due to the size of the miniatures but yes it certainly works well on smaller minis too (like in my Silas the Elf video, and in my upcoming Deadeye Walkers video) 🙂
Thank you so much for these very outstanding videos! I echo the other commentor’s accolades here, and also wanted to include an additional accolade. I love, love, love that you help to explain the paint preparation process. Your DeadEye Walkers video takes the time to explain paint to water ratio in such a way that finally makes sense. Not to mention, adding a quick explanation for why you would use glaze (and proper ratios) changed my entire experience with painting miniatures.
The video production values, presentation and layout are just excellent. I started with the Zombicide: Black Plague episodes, and just love everything about them. I love that you hyperlink to each section of the painting process, include the equipment used, and have such lovely appendices showcasing the colors used for each models. Even the camera work is spot-on — real macro-level filming of detail.
Even the iOS app is very well done!
You’ve really set the bar high with these painting resources. I’m not terribly artistically oriented/skilled (painting-wise), but you’ve help me to believe that I can really do some of these things and do them well. And so far I’m loving the painting experience.
I’m excited to continue following your work and trying more and more of these great techniques when painting my own miniatures.
— a grateful, excited newbie
Thank you so much PJ! It really is the kind feedback such as this that has motivated me over the last couple of years. 🙂
Just curious – what kind of setup do you use to get such wonderful videos? The clarity and smoothness of the videography is as much of a treat as the minis themselves!
Love your work and have learned tons from it!
Thanks a lot Anthony! I like smooth 🙂 I’m currently shooting with Nikon D750 and Tamron 1:1 macro lens (although I’ll soon be upgrading to a mirrorless 4K body). I also have a manual Varavon camera slider to get the sliding shots 🙂
I recently received my kickstarter Dark Souls board game and would love to see what you can do with the painting of these guys.
Do you do commission painting?
Hi Sorastro,
it’s Sven from Germany. I really enjoy your painting videos, especially those of Zombicide: Black Plague. At the moment I paint the Zombies following your tutorial and I’m pretty happy with my first results. I’m looking forward to paint the heroes and also the special Zombie Bosses (Abomination Pack) and I’d like to ask if you will upload more videos to the playlist anytime soon. Especially I’m hoping for videos of the 3 missing heroes.
If you’re not planning to make or upload the videos, do you have something like a guide or an overview of the colours you used for them?
Thanks a lot for your answer. I really enjoy your work. Keep going! 🙂
Hi Sven! Thanks for the message! If you check my latest “Coming Soon” post you’ll see that I’m painting Nelly from Zombicide Black Plague (https://sorastro.com/2017/04/30/coming-soon-for-may/). And I certainly will be completing the remaining heroes soon. 🙂
Hi Sorastro,
thanks a lot for the fast reply! I only followed you on youtube and didn’t notice this section here – sorry for that. But now that I’m aware I’m pretty sure that I will visit your blog more often now . I’m looking forward to watch the painting video of Nelly and I’m very happy that the other heroes will follow soon 🙂 Thank you for your tutorials and the inspiration!
No problem! I also post my monthly schedule along with teaser images of upcoming videos over on my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Sorastro/) and twitter (https://twitter.com/Sorastros) 🙂
Quick question. I’ve been looking all over for your Imperial Assault painting tutorial music. I love it and want to use it during my RPG games and IA sessions. Can I download it on iTunes? Do I get through your Patreon? What is the best option. Thank you!
Hi Iyumcropus! I’m currently editing and compiling all of my music (gradually!) for release.. I’ll probably share the whole lot on Patreon and also have some official albums released (which will take longer due to mastering etc.). I’ll announce when I’ve got something ready to share 🙂
I wonder if you’ve seen the (recently finished) Resident Evil 2 Kickstarter from the same company that made the Dark Souls board game? I’d love to see you paint some of those models when it’s released in a year. The game itself seems fantastic too.
I really enjoy your videos and I have been painting my brothers blood rage miniatures based on your tutorials. I am a beginner.
One thing that has bothered me. I appreciate your explanation on feathering but every time I try it, I either tear the paint leaving a hole or nothing happens (i think it already dried too much in this case). I get frustrated trying to highlight using this method.
Am I making the paint too watery and leaving too much on the brush? Any advice is appreciated including if there are any alternatives to feathering to improve transitions.
Love your work. You got me into miniatures painting. Have you considered one day doing tutorials for the Gloomhaven miniatures? Thanks!
Thanks a lot Phillip! I’m afraid I don’t have room in my schedule to produce videos for the Gloomhaven minis, so I’ve just been creating PDF guides for them over on Patreon instead 🙂
Whats the next tutorial of Legion, master Sorastro?
Hi Ferran! I finished the Solo video a few weeks ago so am hoping to be able to release it any day now (it needs official approval for licensing reasons). I’ve also finished the Boba Fett video, but will have to wait a while for that to also go through the approval process (it was amazing to work on though!). 😀
hi, i’m really sad :-/
everytime I thin my colors with water or vallejo medium my color become too liquid and doesn’t cover anymore,specially colors like red over black primer
how many coat do you apply? is there any technique ?
Sorastro! The “Prodigy” I’m a huge fan! Your expertise inspires me! Iv’e learned so much you and your videos..Thank you! By chance do u have anything on regarding the brushes your currently using? i saw in your Zom blk plg video the series 33,but i thought i saw somewhere you upgraded them to a newer version or something..
Hi Dan! Thanks a lot! Regarding brushes, my current favourite is the Rosemary & Co Series 8 (size 2) 😀
You’re welcome! Thank you!
Hello Sorastro!
I’m starting in the world of painting miniatures and your videos
help me a lot
I love the way you paint and the music you compose.
A big hug, from Argentina.
Hi Fernando! Thank you so much for the kind message! Big hug to you 😀
Hi Maestro, i’m learning a lot of technics looking at your videos and reading your PDF.
Hoping you continue on your job.
A question: could you make an index of your video with some information about the difficulty level?
Hello sir! Just letting you know that I truly enjoy your impressive in-depth tutorials. It has been a huge help to my hobby as well.
I’m planning to support you on Patreon when I’m settled down my new home.
Thank you again for your hardwork and keep it coming!
Suggestion:
Short videos (2-5 minutes) of basic techniques that people tend to overlook. Maybe progressively getting higher in difficulty.
Or time stamps of said techniques like the list you’ve made here in your blog.
More videos of Legion pleaseeeeeee Master
Hi Ferran! Absolutely – I actually finished the Landspeeder video a while ago and will share it as soon as it passes licensing approval. I’ve also begun work on the new Clone Wars Core Set.. 😃
Thanks master! Is posible Taun Taun tutorial??! You are the best!
Your work is amazing. Im going to paint my first figures, I will start with Mansion of Maddness. Your video is like must-have guide. Thank you!
Thank you very much! Stay safe 🙂
Hi Sorastro, I’m Gaetano from Italy. Thank you so much for your video tutorial, they’re simply perfect especially for a beginner like me! I saw many many video tutorials on YouTube but the quality of your video is the best without doubt. I just finished to paint the ‘ Zombicide Night of the Living Dead’ miniatures using your videos as a guide and…Wow!!! Playing with coloured miniatures takes the boardgame to another level, amazing!!!! Now I’ve got two projects, Zombicide Black Plague and LOTR Journeys in the Middle Earth, I’m so excited!! I’ve got a question, in the Journeys of the Middle Earth videos you use the vallejo colours instead of the citadel ones, there is a special reason? What you suggest, I must buy the vallejo colours or can I try to use similar citadel colours? Thank you so much for your job 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Hi Gaetano! Thank you for the kind message! You don’t have to use the Vallejo paints at all, just use the closest colours from Citadel if you like 😀
Ok thanks for the advice
Hi Sorastro, I’m Gaetano from Italy. Thank you so much for your video tutorials, they’re simply perfect especially for a beginner like me! I watched many many video tutorials on YouTube and yours are the best without doubt. I just finished to paint the ‘Zombicide Night of the Living Dead’ miniatures using your videos as a guide and…Wow!!! Playing with coloured miniatures takes the boardgame to another level, amazing!!! Now I’ve got two projects, Zombicide Black Plague and LOTR Journeys in the Middle Earth, I’m so excited!!! I’ve got a question, in the Journeys of the Middle Earth tutorials you use the vallejo colours instead of the citadel ones, there is a special reason? What you suggest, I must buy the vallejo colours or I can use similar citadel colours? Thank you so much for your job 👍👍👍👍👍
Absolutely love your videos and PDFs. Your paint jobs are truly amazing. I’m painting Crisis Protocol myself and have followed several of your tutorials from which I learned a lot and ended up with far better results than I would have on my own. Thank you. I have one question – you don’t talk much about how much you thin your paints. Your technique seems to consist mainly of layering rather than glazing. Am I right about that?
Hi Chris! Thanks so much for the kind words – I’m very glad you’re finding the guides useful! You’re right; I generally like to work in layers (of varying consistency), but still use glazing occasionally for things like tinting NMM perhaps. 😀