10 Reasons to Start a Collection of Minis
The Hobby that Every RPG Player and Mininiature Painter/Printer Are Talking About
Are you a fan of tabletop games or just love to collect miniatures? Collecting miniature models is a hobby that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people worldwide for centuries. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the world of miniatures, there are countless reasons to start building your collection – and no reason at all for you to break the long chain and escape the trend!
On top of that rich history, 3D printing has revolutionized the way we manufacture and create. These little statues are easy to make and display. Where they really shine, however, is when they are brought to an RPG table, adding a whole new level of depth to your gaming experience if you ́re interested in this kind of universe. It has made the production of intricate and detailed objects viable. Not only are they visually stunning, but collecting 3D-printed miniatures is a fun and exciting hobby that allows you to explore different worlds, learn new things, and express your creativity.
With no further ado, here are 10 reasons to start your miniature collection:
#1. Personal Satisfaction
Collecting something you are passionate about can be a great source of personal joy. It allows you to pursue something you enjoy and to take pride in your accomplishments. Collecting can also provide a sense of stress relief once it makes you focus on something positive and enjoyable, which can be a great way to unwind and relax. One of the best things about 3D printing miniatures, for example, is the ability to customize and personalize your figures. Want to create a miniature version of your favorite game character or make a unique creature for your campaign? 3D printing makes it easy to design and print whatever you can imagine from the comfort of your own home or studio.
#2. Cost-Effectiveness
Collecting is an expensive hobby, but with 3D printing, it becomes radically more affordable. You can find models at all sorts of price points, so you don’t need to spend much money to start your collection. And because they’re easy to find, you don’t have to spend a lot of time or effort tracking down the perfect one. Hence, compared to traditional miniature figures, 3D-printed pieces are more cost-effective. You don’t have to pay for anything too extravagant; the printing process is really affordable and can go as low as a quarter per standard-size (32mm scale) mini. This makes it an inexpensive hobby for people who love to collect but don’t want to break the bank.
#3. High Quality
Models can be produced with exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. These miniatures are often made by skilled artisans or manufactured using advanced technology to ensure the highest level of accuracy and quality. They can be made from a range of materials, such as plastic, resin, or metal, and are often produced in small batches or limited editions, with exquisite detail and realism. Collectors, artists, and hobbyists often use them as a source of inspiration. 3D-printed miniatures can be incredibly well-crafted, and the printing process ensures that the figurines look strictly as intended, with intricate details and lifelike textures.
#4. Variety
No matter your interests, there’s sure to be a style of miniature that you’ll fall in love with. You can find minis that reflect your passions, expand upon your interests, and learn more about what you love. 3D printing enables you to create virtually any miniature (or anything at all), ranging from fantasy creatures to historical figures and animals. In another post, we talk about 10 things you can print with your 3D printer.
#5. Accessibility
Speaking of an infinite variety of miniatures, they’re relatively easy to come by since there are many stores on the corners of big or medium-sized cities – and, for those who don’t stumble upon one every now and then, online shops are there to save us all. And because there are so many different types of miniatures, be sure to find something that catches your eye. And it would be best if you didn’t stop there: 3D printing has made it more convenient for anyone to create their own miniatures. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to get started. You only need a 3D printer, design software, curiosity, and creativity.
#6. Collectability
One of the great things about collecting miniatures is that they’re easy to display. Because they’re small, you only need a little space to showcase or store your collection. You can put them on shelves, in curio cabinets, or even in a shadow box. And because they come in many different shapes and sizes, you can create a visually exciting display that reflects yourstyle. You can search for rare and unique pieces and build a collection that is truly your own, especially if you print and paint them yourself!
#7. Learning Oportunities
Dealing with miniatures is definitely educational. Because models can be made to represent real-life historical relics and sites, they can be a great way to learn about history or other cultures, especially curiosities and little details that will blow your mind. Collecting replicas will deepen your understanding of their histories and tell richer stories about specific information. For example, miniatures of ancient artifacts can help us learn about different civilizations and their history; collecting representations of animals or plants can help us learn about their evolutionary morphology, ecology, etc.
And if you are a fan of famous people or landmarks, learning about different parts of the world and the people who have influenced them is also possible, not to mention showing yourself off to friends and family while presenting your newfound passion. 3D printing is a fascinating technology that can also bring much about design and engineering. You can learn new skills and expand your knowledge while researching and having fun.
#8. Sense of Community
Collecting and community go hand in hand. Minis can be a great conversation starter if you’re looking to break the ice with new people. When you display your collection, people will often be curious about the different pieces and ask questions about them. A growing community of 3D-printed miniature collectors and designers is out there, and joining communities can connect you with others who share your interests and offer support, advice, and inspiration. Collecting miniatures can be a great way to reconnect with your past and rediscover childhood memories as well. Many miniatures are designed to be reminiscent of toys and games from earlier eras, and collecting them can be an excellent way to recapture some of the joy and innocence of your youth.
#9. Family-friendly and Family-gathering Activity
Collecting minis can provide a fun and educational time for everyone involved, regardless of age. Children especially enjoy collecting miniatures as they love to play with small objects
and create their own stories and scenarios, supporting them in developing their imagination, creativity, and storytelling skills. Parents and children can bond over a shared interest and enjoy their findings as they discover colors, shades, and new adventures while taking pride in displaying their printed and painted models.
#10. Fun and Creativity
Collecting miniatures can be a lot of fun. Searching for new pieces to add to your collection and seeing them grow over time is exciting. Whether you’re looking for rare or unique pieces or just something fun and whimsical, collecting miniatures can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. And if you’re interested in making your minis, at the end of the day, collecting 3D-printed pieces of your imagination is just plain fun. You can use your collection to inspire your artistic endeavors, such as painting, building your dioramas, or creating your own miniature scenes.
As you can see, there are many great reasons to start a collection of miniatures. The first step in creating a new collection is to choose a theme. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that you feel both passionate about and interested in.
Once you’ve chosen a theme, setting a budget is essential. Decide how much you will spend and stick to it – do some research. It will help you identify the models you want or create yours with the best material. You can also use your research to create a wishlist of what you want to collect and consider how you want to display your items. Make sure your display is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Joining a collector’s club or attending a collector’s convention can be a great way to meet with other collectors, be open to pursuing that!
And last but not least, enjoy the process!
Come aboard the adventure of collecting minis, and don’t try and rush it! Take your time, and enjoy the ride. Happy hunting, printing, painting, and looting!
Loot Studios can help you start your new hobby. Choose your favorite bundle from our previous releases or sign up for Fantasy or Sci-Fi receive a new bundle every month. You can also check out some tips at our YouTube Channel.
