Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Nelson.
Hi Thomas, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Tom Nelson aka Midwest Miniature Guy’s alter ego. I’m an award winning miniature painter from Minnesota.
My wife actually got me into miniature painting when we were newlyweds. This was back in 1999. In 2008, my job was eliminated at the company I was working at. We needed some kind of income, so we made up a bunch of business cards, and I went around to local game stores putting them on bulletin boards and walking up to gamers playing Role-playing games asking if they needed miniatures painted for their games and characters. After a few years of doing that, I started my social media accounts, and began attending Con of the North (one of our many local conventions) as a vendor. Word started to spread, people liked my work, and suddenly I’m painting for Luke, Ernie and Heidi Gygax (Gary Gygax was one of the creators of D&D), along with Tim Kask (a module writer for TSR). My name kept moving in the TTRPG (tabletop Role-playing game) circles with more people wanting commissions. I’ve now have over 5k followers on various social media platforms, I stream on Twitch, and now take commissions that I want to take on. I’ve also created my own TTRPG, Outlaws and Lawdogs. A Wild West game.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not smooth. Trying to figure out what rates to charge, based on hours, experience, and size of the model. Gathering my clientele, dealing with a couple of unruly clients that broke their models, blamed me for shipping it incorrectly, and had me repair them at no charge. Bounced checks, no call backs or contact after commissions were completed leaving me holding models I didn’t want nor need. It certainly has been an adventure.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint miniatures for gamers and collectors for their games or to display in their homes and offices. I specialize in 2 hour gaming figures for players characters. I’m most proud of the work I’ve done for the the local gamers in my area.
What sets me apart from others? I have my own style and I keep my pricing competitive. I may not be the least expensive, but my work holds up to the rigors of game play.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Returning customers that refer me to their friends and gaming buddies. I’ll work with anyone on a project that they have.
Pricing:
- $30 per hour with a two hour minimum per figure.
- I work within people’s budgets to get them exactly what they want.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midwestminiguy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestminiatureguy
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/midwestminiguy
- Other: https://www.twitch.tv/midwestminiatureguy
