Keep a Journal!

[Dining Room Battles]

I don't remember exactly when I starting keeping a journal of hobby information, but it was in the mid 2000's and I was working on the 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 15mm for Flames of War. I usually do not work straight through a project so I had painted one unit, did something else and then came back to the Highlanders. Hmmm . . . how did I paint them? Thus the journal. I highly recommend keeping a journal, it's not hard, and it can be a real memory jogger!

http://toysoldiersanddiningroombattles.blogspot.com/2021/02/keep-journal.html

[Mindenbrush]

I keep record of colour combinations used plus an excel file of which figures I have painted.

I also compile a newsletter that goes out to about 25 local gamers, I put it together on a Word.doc and one of the gamers that is a graphic artist spends about a week dressing it up.
The newsletter covers latest manufacturers releases, hobby tips, books and YouTube reviews/suggestions, etc, keeps me busy when I am not painting.

[WuZhuiQiu]

That's a great idea! I have planned and ordered for various small projects, put the figures aside, and later sometimes forgotten what I was intending to use them for...

[v_lazy_dragon]

I regularly do scrapbooks for my projects - rules ideas, force lists,  colour schemes, scenarios, inspirational pics/eye candy
I find it keeps my head relatively clear, gives me something to do when I am too tired to paint and flicking back through can give me inspiration to restart stalled projects!

[Codsticker]

I have sticky notes stuck everywhere.

[blacksoilbill]

That's a nice inspiration. I've kept a small notebook where I jot down colour notes, but I only use it inconsistently. Something like this, with pictures, looks much nicer!

In fact, I was so inspired that I grabbed a fancy notebook from the local newsagent!

[tomrommel1]

I have a scrap book too. Helps a lot when ordering new paints and remembering the paints you used to paint the camouflage right.... I even write down a few thoughts about why I used which color. Makes fun to read after a few years.

[Doug ex-em4]

I have just found (and burned) loads of jottings, scenarios and stories from my early war gaming 50 years ago. It took some doing but I haven’t looked at it in 40 years so an upcoming house move was the catalyst.

Doug

[Misneach]

Looks like a great idea! I should really start keeping a wargaming journal. It would be a great way to keep track of research and reference photos etc. Thanks for the inspiration 

[v_lazy_dragon]

As others are sharing photos... Here are some poor ones from my Steampunk Post-Apocalypse project (yes, it was bonkers - but also a hard aesthetic to define, which is what made me start scrapbooking the different factions to try and bring things together a bit more visually)