Armies on Parade is building up to its epic conclusion! The process started in November last year, and by now, you’ll have checked off all the categories: New Year, New Army, Battlefield Commanders, Gods of War, Magic and Machinery, and a Battlefront for your troops to pose on.
Submissions for Armies on Parade 2023 are between the 16th of October and the 1st of November, so there is still a little time for you to apply those last-minute finishing touches to your display.
The overall impact of your entire display on the judges is one of the most important aspects of your Armies on Parade entry. Selling the narrative of your display can often rest on the tiniest of details. To help, we’ve put together this checklist to ensure no detail is forgotten!
Paint Every Eye
When painting an entire display board’s worth of miniatures, it’s easy to miss one set of peepers, and you just know it will be the only set the judges clap their own eyes on. Get down to their level and make sure none of your miniatures are missing their beady little eyes.*
Pick Out All of Those Accessories
Every single piece of equipment on a miniature tells a story about the part of the Warhammer setting it's from. The little gizmos hanging from belts and straps are just as important as massive weapons and hulking armour plates, so make sure you’ve picked those out.
Fix Up That Battle Damage
It’s been a long year of hobbying, and there have doubtless been one or two casualties along the way. Take a moment to check there’s nothing broken before you complete your submission, then grab your glue and get it fixed. Alternatively, if everything’s looking ship-shape, maybe a little bit of painted battle damage will help sell the veracity of your entry.
Make Sure the Terrain Is Parade Ready
To truly stand out in Armies on Parade, it isn’t enough to paint an awesome array of miniatures – you need surroundings to match. You can have the absolute best Gods of War in your entry, but if you haven’t made the Battlefront match them in quality, you’re missing out on a chance to catch the judges’ eyes!
Get Your Photography Space Sorted Out
Last but not least, make sure your photography space is prepped and ready. Clear out all those empty boxes and discarded sprues, ensure you have a big piece of paper or card to use for a neutral backing, and double-check that your lights and camera are all working. Take a few test shots and make sure the results aren’t out of focus. The judges will want to see every detail as clearly as possible.**
Armies on Parade submissions open on the 16th of October – keep your eyes peeled for an article on the day explaining exactly how you submit your entry – and you’ll be able to enter until 11:59pm (BST) on the 1st of November, so check everything off and get ready to enter.
You can find the answers to any questions you might have on the Armies on Parade FAQ. The online awards ceremony for Parade Day will be held on the 25th of November – good luck to everyone who is planning on entering!
* The Citadel Colour Masterclass team have some top tips for painting eyes.
** Check out this handy guide to photographing your miniatures.