Do you waffle on color schemes like I do?

Howling Griffon Terminator

For as simple a model as this guy is, I really like how he came out. Sure, my army is Deathwing and this guy is a Howling Griffon, but it's deciding on a particular color scheme that is giving me the most trouble.

I can't be the only one who goes back and forth between color schemes trying to decide which one to go with. I figure I've got it easy too, I'm working with official background colors schemes and not making up my own. I can't imagine this process if I were trying to create a color scheme from scratch like some folks do with DIY armies.

When it comes to my Deathwing, I really do like both schemes. And I'm not looking to turn this post into one of those "what should I do" posts. I'm more curious to see how you all decide your color schemes.

I guess for some folks, it's fairly straight forward. You know, Orks are green. But even then, you have different shades and then there is the task of picking which clan you want to go with. Now that I think about it, all the armies have choices you need to make. Even bugs need a color scheme. That didn't help my point.

I love the background of the Dark Angels and the idea of the Deathwing. I think I find their history before they were universally known as the "Deathwing" to be a bit more interesting though. They were the same guys doing the same work... just without the fame.

I worked through how I would do it if I were to paint them black and I've worked through the bone scheme as well, but I'm still left trying to decide at what point in the chapter's history I should settle on.

Deathwing bone armour terminator

I know that picking a particular scheme will bring all the associated baggage with it, but I don't know if I'm worried about that as much as I am creating something unique and cool looking. I'd say the main purpose is to create a good looking army over an effective tabletop force. I plan on building it so I can play games with it, but I'd like to be more of a conversation piece than anything else.

Maybe I'm doomed in my hunt because I don't plan on doing a ton of conversion work to the army. I'd like to keep it simple if at all possible. Of course that means the painting is going to have to carry the army if I don't use my conversion work to help me.

So what's the trick to picking a scheme? Am I crazy for trying to find a spot in the official background to plant my army? I know others have done it. I'm just curious to know how you all settled on your final color scheme, especially if you had more than one you really liked and had to choose between them.

Make sure to check out these posts as they might help:
5 things to make your army stand out
Finding an army that fits you


Ron, From the WarpIf you've got any questions about something in this post, shoot me a comment and I'll be glad to answer. Make sure to share your hobby tips and thoughts in the comments below!