In the fast-paced world of web development and design, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day demands of client projects, deadlines, and the constant drive for perfection. But outside of my role as head of digital at The Yardstick Agency—a company that specialises in helping financial advisers and planners—I’ve recently stumbled upon a new passion: painting Warhammer 40k models.

For those unfamiliar, Warhammer 40k is a tabletop strategy game with miniature figures, each requiring meticulous attention and creativity to paint. It’s a hobby that, on the surface, might seem worlds away from web development.

But surprisingly, the skills and values I’ve picked up from painting models have started seeping into how I approach my work. And more than just benefiting me personally, I’ve noticed how these lessons are enhancing the way I lead my team of designers and developers, and even how we serve our clients.

Here are just a few ways my newfound hobby is having a positive impact on both my work and our clients’ success.

1. Patience and precision

When you’re painting Warhammer miniatures, every brushstroke counts. Whether it’s adding intricate details to the armour of a Space Marine or blending colours on a Tyranid’s skin, the process requires patience and precision. Rushing through it can lead to mistakes that are hard to fix – and the same applies to web development.

Having a background as a developer, I’ve always understood the importance of writing clean, efficient code. But painting models has further sharpened my focus on the small details that matter.

Now, whether I’m reviewing code or overseeing a web design project, I have an even deeper appreciation for accuracy. It’s the little things – like how fast a website loads, how easy it is to navigate, or how clean the visual hierarchy is – that can make all the difference to our financial adviser clients and their prospects.

2. Creative problem-solving

Each Warhammer model is unique, and sometimes, figuring out how to bring a miniature to life can be a puzzle. Do you highlight its armour in a specific way to give it a battle-worn look? How do you blend shades to make a character stand out on the battlefield? The challenge is finding creative solutions to make each model feel special and personal.

The same goes for solving development challenges in the digital world. When we’re working on websites for financial advisers, we’re often tasked with making complex information simple and accessible.

Whether it’s a technical bug that needs fixing or designing a website that makes financial planning engaging, it requires creative thinking.

Painting models has helped me think outside the box and approach problems with fresh eyes, which ultimately benefits our clients when we deliver innovative, user-friendly solutions.

3. Collaboration and feedback

Though painting models might seem like a solo hobby, the Warhammer community is highly collaborative. Painters often share techniques, provide feedback, and inspire one another. I’ve found that sharing my progress with others – whether online or in person – has made me more open to constructive criticism and learning new skills.

This mirrors my role as head of digital at The Yardstick Agency, where collaboration is key. Our team of developers and designers must constantly bounce ideas off one another, test concepts, and refine them based on feedback.

Embracing a collaborative mindset ensures that we produce the best possible results for our clients. Whether it’s improving a website’s SEO performance or enhancing the user experience (UX), working together and being open to feedback always leads to better outcomes.

4. Focus and flow

There’s something deeply meditative about painting Warhammer models. Once I get into the flow, hours can pass without me realising. I’ve found that this focus transfers back into my work. It’s easy to get distracted by emails, meetings, and notifications, but my new hobby has taught me the value of immersing myself fully in one task at a time.

This level of focus is essential when leading a digital team. Whether we’re debugging complex code or refining the design of a new website for a financial adviser, staying in the flow helps us produce better, more thoughtful work.

In turn, this enables us to build websites that are not only functional but also deeply engaging for users – something that’s especially important in the financial services sector, where clarity and user experience are everything.

5. Balance and wellbeing

Finally, I’ve learned the importance of balance. Painting Warhammer models has become a way for me to step back, recharge, and engage with something creative yet different from my daily work. It’s a great reminder that taking time for yourself – whether through hobbies, exercise, or simply relaxing – is vital for maintaining a clear head and reducing stress.

This, in turn, benefits both my team and our clients. When I’m refreshed, I can lead more effectively, make better decisions, and approach challenges with a calm, strategic mindset.

The financial sector is demanding, and it’s our job to ensure our clients’ websites not only look great but also deliver results. A clear mind helps ensure we’re always at the top of our game, providing the best service possible.

In conclusion

So, while painting Warhammer 40k models may seem like an unlikely source of professional growth, it’s actually become an invaluable part of my toolkit.

From honing my patience and problem-solving skills to embracing collaboration and maintaining a balanced mindset, this hobby is helping me be a better leader – and ultimately enabling our team to deliver even more value to our financial adviser and planner clients.

Who would have thought that a bit of paint and a tiny Space Marine could have such a big impact?

Get in touch

Have a creative quandary that you would like us to help with? Please get in touch to find out more about how we can help you by emailing hi@theyardstickagency.co.uk or calling 0115 8965 300.