Interview with Angel Giraldez

Angel Giraldez was gracious enough to answer a few questions about his role as a professional miniature painter.

In this interview, his passion for his work is evident, as is his dedication to sharing his techniques. To assist other miniature painters, he produces numerous videos and tutorials that are greatly appreciated by many. At RedGrassCreative, we take immense pride in supporting an artist who upholds such a remarkable life philosophy. Therefore, we are delighted to present this interview, which provides an opportunity to learn more about him and gain insights from his experiences and advice.

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1. Interview with Angel Giraldez – What background do you have? Have you always been working in arts?

My name is Angel Giraldez Vidal, and I’m a professional miniature painter since 2003. I started working in the city I come from, Vigo, as a “jack of all trades” worker.

With time, I started painting a little bit until today. And yes, I have always been working in the arts. I studied to become one day a metal turner guy, but…, here I am!

2. Interview with Angel Giraldez – When did you start painting miniatures?

I started painting miniatures in 2003 after being fascinated with a TV spot where you could learn to paint with monthly fascicles. In school, I had to choose an activity I liked, so I picked artistic activities and started painting miniatures. Gamers have always surrounded me, but I don’t play tabletop games; I have no time for them.

The first miniature I painted, I believe it was… I don’t remember!

3. Making a life out of your passion: How did it happen?

In the company I was working at, I started to grow thanks to my painting method. I became a well-known artist because I created and developed the painting style of the company. It was a long way to success, full of mistakes, and learning from them until I reached the results that I was looking for.

My experience and persistence were vital to becoming who I am nowadays. When I decided it was time to become a freelance artist, everything became a flood of work, commissions… and I received so much affection, kindness, recognition, from all companies and people, that I felt overwhelmed with all that love a few times. I thank every day for this love they gave me. But I also know this is a well-deserved recognition after backbreaking work for years and years.

4. Do you spend your entire day painting? How quickly can you complete a piece?

Sometimes I can paint all day long and every day of the week, especially if I have commissions that need to be finished by a specific deadline. If you have to finish, just do your work. But we must not forget that we should dedicate time to family, friends, and ourselves.

How fast am I? It depends on the miniature, size, and shape and parts of the figure; but more or less, it takes me about 10-12 hours/28mm. I can do it faster and slower if I want to add more details or especially love the figure. I once had a model (2 feet in height and 2 weeks or full work). In a day, 1; in a week, about 4-5 and a month, 20-25 figures.

How can I keep a high level? Too much experience on my shoulders and too much work until I finish, there are no secrets ☺

5. You’ve built a career around your passion, so, can you still enjoy painting as a leisure activity?

I love painting, but I usually spend my free time doing other things; I need to paint some figures to thank some people for their help these months, but I do that little by little, my work time is 100% for my customers. I also love watching series, visiting restaurants, play a game with PS4, or spending time with Melon and my girlfriend.

I can get tired; I’m not a superhero, but I can give my best as always after a great and restful night of sleep. It is so important to sleep and eat well, also train your body and take care of your psychological health.

6. How did you get to such a high level in miniature painting?

I think the secret is practice, sacrifice, and patience. I learned from the beginning and also I was wrong many times but you must work and learn and never give up. It is OK if you are not good always, but is not OK if you want to grow up without giving your best or taking advantage of others.

7. How do you go about enhancing your painting skills?

I sometimes look at other painters’ artistic creations and how they improve, how they paint, and how they achieve great things or fail. You can learn from others, that is called observational learning. But, let’s be honest, the most crucial attitude is, KEEP PRACTISING and get closer and see all you are doing. I’ve not always had internet to learn from others paintworks, so you HAVE TO practice, you must be humble and you must be patient and, I am all that (and I regularly work not to forget all that).