Breaking the silence...

This is my first blog (unless you count 'micro-blogging' via Twitter).  I'm not a prolific writer, but I aim to keep this updated every 2-3 weeks... we shall see how long that lasts! 

Why am I doing this? 

I have been a tabletop wargamer for a loooonnngg time.  Admittedly I took a 10 year break from the hobby and it was only the fact I was diagnosed with Depression/Anxiety that I came back to the fold.  My doctor recommended I take up a hobby that I liked to do and that I could take pride in, so I revisited my childhood love of miniatures.

I started sculpting miniatures a while ago; my first complete miniature sculpt was an ogre character that I made in 2007.  My sculpting attempts were born out of a desire to own new minis, but a severe lack of funds - so I started to make my own.  

I started sculpting properly in June 2008 after a few attempts over the previous year and I found it very enjoyable. I started S3 Minis (or Silent_Spectre Studio) at the beginning of 2009, as I was made redundant in September 2008 and had little success in the job hunting market.

I made the switch from 'cast to order' resin figures to metal figures in October 2010 and, after some teething problems(!), by March 2011 was able to carry stock of each of my figures. I view this as the date I 'properly' started as a miniature producer.

I am still trying to find my 'artistic voice' in terms of a sculpting style and I am constantly trying to improve how I sculpt things - sure, I may not be the best sculptor working at the moment, but, equally, I wouldn't say I'm the worst either!  I sculpt the things I like, and I hope that some of you like what I produce (especially if you like it enough to buy it!).

Ultimately, I love to sculpt and create, in three dimensions, in miniature, the creatures that I 'see' in my imagination.

What is this blog all about then?

I'm basically going to be using this blog to show off some of my 'work in progress' (WIP) pieces - new miniatures I am working on, painted minis (mainly S3 Minis, but I might show of other manufacturers' pieces if I like them), bits and pieces in general...

I am looking to spread the good word about my miniatures and make 2012 a 'breakout year' for me.  

So 'til next time... Buy my minis!!

Stuart, S3 Minis