Purple Palette 6: Monster Madness

Restrictions

Paint a single miniature representing a monster, no taller than 30cm. Yes, that excludes Archaon. The height limit includes any base or plinth.

• Retail miniatures only. Your miniature must come from a retail manufacturer (GW, AMG, Warlord, etc.). 3D-printed miniatures are only allowed if bought already printed from a retail manufacturer.
• Accessories: 3D-printed and sculpted accessories (heads, weapons, adornments) are allowed.
• Basing: Optional and completely freeform, so go nuts with it. You may mount your piece on a base or a plinth, as long as the total height stays at or under 30cm. Basing is one of the judging categories, so an unbased entry will likely score lower there.
• Transfers: Allowed.
• Backdrops: Allowed, but you must disclose if AI was used to generate the image.
• Nameplates: Entries are judged anonymously. You're welcome to add a nameplate with a title. It's your only chance to tell people about your work.

The Spirit of the Event

• Have fun! Pick something you'll enjoy painting.
• This is an amateur painting competition. Treat it as a chance to experiment and learn.

Judging Criteria

Your piece will be judged by the community and a team of judges using the standard Purple Palette criteria. Each category is scored out of 10, for a total of 50 points.

• Brushwork & Execution: Technical skill. Judges look for smooth blends, sharp edge highlights, precise Non-Metallic Metal (NMM) or True Metallic Metal (TMM), and no unintended brush strokes or texture.
• Colour Theory & Scheme: How the colours work together, including contrast (light vs dark, warm vs cool), saturation, and how the scheme draws the eye to the focal point.
• Basing & Environment: The base should complement the miniature, not distract from it. Judges look for cohesive environmental storytelling, realistic textures (mud, water, pigments) and a cleanly finished rim.
• Creativity & Conversions: Imagination. This covers freehand, kitbashing (combining parts from different kits) and scratch-built elements that take the model beyond its stock pose.
• Craftsmanship & Cleanliness: Build quality. Judges will deduct points for visible mould lines, gaps, or leftover sprue marks.

Tips

• Choose your miniature carefully. Bigger isn't always better. A larger model can make imperfections easier to spot.
• Pick something you enjoy painting. It'll keep you engaged through the long haul.
• Share your progress. Feedback helps, and it can get you through the less fun parts.

Event Details

• Dates: Friday 13 November 2026 – Friday 12 February 2027
• Entry: $20 ($15 for under-18s)
• Tickets: Mini-Myths (link TBA)
• Prizes: TBD, based on entry numbers
• Results: Judging takes place on Friday 12 February 2027 at Guf Hobby Night. Everyone attending can cast a community vote, and the judges will score each entry. Every entrant will receive written feedback.