From Hobbyist to Brush-for-Hire
My Miniature Wargaming Journey

"It started with goblins and elves — now it’s thousands of models and a lifetime of battles."

Jud (right) Andrew (Dru), Chris (left):   JAC Games!

My name’s Jud, and I’ve been immersed in the world of miniature wargaming and painting for over 30 years.

It all started in the early '90s when I bought the legendary Warhammer 4th Edition boxed set — the one with High Elves vs. Goblins. I cracked it open with my brother Chris and my best friend Dru, and that was it — we were hooked. The models, the lore, the dice, the art — it lit something up in us. That box didn’t just start a hobby; it launched a lifelong obsession.

🎨 Where It All Began....Remember this?
The iconic red box, goblin wolf riders, those oddly charming monopose elves... It was rough by today’s standards — and absolutely perfect.  The card board cut outs of Grom and Eltharion on his griffon.....so good!

That set didn’t just teach us the rules — it taught us to dream in armies. We painted every model, memorized the lore, and spent hours building epic (and sometimes absurd) battles. What began as three kids pushing goblins across a kitchen table eventually became something bigger — literally.

We played constantly, painted every figure, and started building armies far beyond what came in the box. What began as three kids pushing goblins across a kitchen table eventually became something bigger — literally. A few years later, we opened JAC Games in Akron, Ohio, a game store and community hub built around our love of tabletop gaming.

I eventually moved to Colorado with my wife and our three kids, but back in Ohio, Chris still runs JAC Games with Drew and a passionate crew of gamers. The store has become a tournament hotspot and a central hub for miniature wargaming in the greater Akron area — a place where our early love for the hobby continues to thrive.  

As for me, my greatest joy (besides being with my kids) has always been the painting. Over the years I’ve painted thousands of miniatures, from humble goblins to centerpiece dragons, and built dozens of fully painted armies across Warhammer Fantasy and 40K.  Early on in Colorado I actually painted full time for several years until I had to get back into the working world grind. I took a break from commission painting for a good number of years but always kept up painting my own models and armies for the joy and love of the hobby.  Now I'm back, with my focus is on Warhammer The Old World or Fantasy, Age of Sigmar, and more recently, I've been dabbling in painting Trench Crusade miniatures.  My favorite armies to paint are for fantasy on original 20 mm bases, but also use the trays to convert to 25 mm to be able to also use for Warhammer Old World.  

Now, through Painted for Battle, I offer commission painting services to help other players field beautiful, cohesive armies that are truly ready for war. Whether you’re a tournament competitor, a narrative gamer, or a collector who wants to show off a stunning display force — I’m here to bring your vision to life, one brushstroke at a time.

📩 Contact Me: paint@paintedforbattle.com
I’m happy to answer questions, provide quotes, or discuss your custom army commission.