We were lucky to catch up with Trooper Syx recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Trooper, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
By continuously immersing myself in various interests. I have a quirk where I’ll discover something new or return to something and find an obsession in it. Recently, I got into Fallout. I went as far as buying 3D printed miniatures and making a custom Vault 13 phose case. When I’ve reached a level of comfort with it, I gravitate to something else and the hyper focus begins again. Mass Effect.
In other cases, I would simply examine my bookshelves. I look at my previous work. I look at my notes saved for future ideas. I look at the minis I have set aside for certain projects. Maybe I’ll feel the urge to paint one. Maybe it’ll inspire my to create something new.
Keeping your options broad and available for impromptu decisions helps, too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My call sign is Trooper Syx, and I am the creator behind of Pungo Paints. I paint tabletop miniatures ranging from Strategic War Games, such as Warhammer 40k, to Role Playing Games like Dungeons and Dragons.
My love for the arts, entertainment and fantasy have culminated in what I’ve been forging over the past few years. The main source of my work can be found on Instagram. I also host a YouTube Channel. There you’ll find the Let’s Paint series, Narratives and soon-to-be more content like Homebrew Lore.
If I were to stop and really think about what brings the excitement for me, the answer would be multitudinous. I love focusing on the fine details, further pushing myself with each model and the importance of the characters chosen. The choosing process alone isn’t as simple as someone throwing a dart at a board. If I honestly have no interest, I will pass the project by. A lack of intrest is threatening to my honest process. I wish to do the best I can, but if my heart’s not in it, it will do nothint but injustice to the piece. The lore behind whatever I have chosen also plays a big factor. Some hold a special place in my heart and therefore are approached with cautious excitement. There are times I’m intimidated by a project and will hold it off until I feel more capable of handling it. Which, therein lies another passion. Building the skill and resulting confidence is thrilling. To counter, also being extremely critical of my own work is key to keeping on edge and wanting to become better.
I’ve been painting since 2018 and I look forward to a long career as a Miniature Painter.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I believe many would consider me to be the stubborn type. Indeed I am and I find it to be helpful as well as restricting. I can dig deep and push through or hold my ground. However, if proven to be in the wrong, I will likely yield.
I’ve never considered myself a doer, but always the dreamer. The dreaming is exhilarating, but the doing is far more fulfilling. The think the idea and breathe it into life is a feeling of accomplishment that is newrly indescribable. That being said, the two factors I’ve seen work would be staying true to your heart and consistency. Keep on digging deep and dont stop.
The third quality, be it good or bad, might have to be my spontaneity. Often I set out a plan or schedule, yet I’ll find a strange random desire to create something else. Improve. Even if it comes in the middle of a larger project, I welcome the change. It helps keeps things fresh and enhances your adaptability. With commission opportunities, for example, you never know what the client is looking for. Perhaps they want something simple and straight to the point. They may even come with a list of requests. Adapt. To paraphrase Bruce Lee, be water.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I take the gamer approach to this. If there is a focus, then you can let the Stats flow in the direction of your strengths, however, never forget to bolster your flanks. Life moves pretty fast. Your strength one day may be irrelevant in the future if life takes that turn. I’m a miniature painter, however, I’m still working a day job for time being. That job is not my ideal future, but I’m still bettering my craft while I’m there. As much as I would despise having a normal 9-5 life, I have to look at the bigger picture. My family comes first. That doesn’t mean you give up on your vision. You spread your aquired skills and become a better version of yourself.
I work a job like anyone else, but if the question ever arises of, “what do you do,” I respond with Miniature Painter. That is what I do. Sure, I’m paid to pretend to be whatever title they hired me to be, but that is irrelevant in my heart. It has it’s purpose, but I know what I’m here to do and I’ve only just begun.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pungopaintsworkshop.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pungopaints?igsh=MXZ5NXE0M25xYjVncg==
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PungoPaints
Image Credits
VLD Illustrations – My Wife, Victoria – Her work is visible in the photo of our booth at a Convention.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
