Artist Feature: Jon Sousa, Tabletop Model Artist

Art Can Be Found In Unexpected Places

Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

This month’s artist feature reminds us to look for art in unexpected places. For many people, art means painting, sculpture, or perhaps photography. But there is another world where art resides, in the tiny fantasy world of tabletop games. 

Meet Jon Sousa, a resident of The Village for over a decade, and a founding member and Chair of The Village Arts Association. Jon is also a builder and painter of miniature people, creatures, vehicles, and terrains. Each model he makes has a name, a dynamic story, and a personality, making Jon not just an artist, but also a bard of sorts, who narrates the lore of a different universe, the universe of Warhammer 40,000 (aka 40k). 

A Lifelong Passion for Games

Lavender Sodality Vexilla Bearer (purple), Star Defender Sodality Vexilla Bearer (red). Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

​Jon has always been passionate about games, with a love for video games that began in childhood and continues into his adult life. Video games have not just played a big role in his leisure time throughout the years. They also inspired his future career path as a software developer. Jon has even dabbled in video game software development and digital art creation. His love for games has evolved over the past few years. First, during mid-pandemic 2020, he leapt into the world of Dungeons & Dragons (DnD), and eventually began hosting a weekly online meet-up to play the game. More recently, he became interested in Warhammer 40k and has been painting models for the game for a little over a year. "Tabletop games are a way to socialize with other people while playing a game that utilizes strategy and quick thinking," he explains.

Jon first became aware of the hobby in high school, but wasn't sure how to begin. Ironically, the very thing that once discouraged him, painting the models, is now one of his favorite parts. "I enjoyed playing the game so much that I took a chance at painting and found out I really enjoy it," Jon says.

“Tabletop games are a way to socialize with other people while playing a game that utilizes strategy and quick thinking.”

Lord Inquisitor Kyria Draxus. Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

The Process of Building an Army

Emperor's Jury Prosecutor Vigil. Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

Each model Jon crafts requires skill and patience. It takes him a week or longer to finish each model. He starts by individually constructing the plastic pieces with glue, tweezers, magnets, and a magnifying glass. Then, he uses the tiniest paintbrushes he can find and spends 5-8 hours applying an average of 16-25 different paint colors to each model to bring it to life. His creative time comes in the pockets of time he finds between working and spending time with his wife and son.

Mercy, the Callidus Assassin. Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

The process has certainly been a learning experience, and Jon’s skill has developed over the past year. He has gotten more precise with his paint application, and as his skill has improved, he has even gone back to models he completed in the past to add greater detail. Jon has also expanded the options available to his models, adding different stands and incorporating pieces from different kits to make his models more unique. “The most difficult challenge I've had to overcome is finding ways to be able to see the smaller details of the models. I have a magnifying lamp, but the pieces are so small that my fingers get in the way. I've learned better ways to paint certain details first because I know how difficult it is to see them later,” Jon says. He goes on to explain that the sense of accomplishment he receives when seeing the models complete and putting them into action in a game makes the challenges well worth it.

Playing Favorites

Captain-Commander Tonatuih the Rising Sun and He Who Brings the Day (left), Shield Captain Heracles the Stalwart (center), 1st Blade Champion Cú Chulainn the Devastation of Storms (right). Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

Of the over 100 models Jon has completed, a few stand out as his favorites and have earned titles celebrating their achievements. Jon is especially proud of how his shield captains turned out, particularly his shield captain on foot whose name is Captain-Commander Tonatuih the Rising Sun and He Who Brings the Day (shown on the left in the above image).

Archivist Lavendria the Seeker of Knowledge, The Silencer of Sorcerers, and Savior of the Masses. Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

Jon is also very partial to a purple blade champion called Archivist Lavendria, The Seeker of Knowledge, The Silencer of Sorcerers, and Savior of the Masses. The model is named after his wife’s character in a popular video game, which seems to have brought him luck. Lavendria has proven to be a powerful force on the battlefield, having defeated monsters many times larger than herself in the local gameplay scene.

Community & Inspiration

Jon enjoys the social aspect of tabletop games, and he describes the tabletop community as “welcoming and full of very talented and creative painters.” He is inspired by the creativity that his fellow players put into their pieces, and most players are enthusiastic about complimenting others’ art. Seeing the talent of other players also motivates Jon to continue improving his own artistic skills.“

Advice for New Players

Thṓth, The Emperor's Executioner (A Contemptor-Galatus Dreadnought). Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

​Jon is quick to encourage newcomers to try out this hobby. He explains that he never took an art class before learning to create his models. He recommends starting with a medium to large-sized model for learning and seeking out online tutorials for guidance. Perhaps most importantly, he mentions, “Don’t worry if you make mistakes.” 

“Don’t worry if you make mistakes.”

Jon’s favorite part is seeing the models on the tabletop when they are complete, and he hopes new players will also get to experience that sense of accomplishment.

Another Type of Art

Caladius Grav-tank. Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

Caladius Grav-tank. Image courtesy of Jon Sousa.

This month’s feature reminds us that Village art takes many forms: sometimes as vibrant paintings or murals, sometimes as warm and comforting fiber pieces, sometimes as snapshots of our suburban ecosystem, and sometimes as tiny warriors standing just a few inches tall, ready for glory.

If you are interested in learning more about tabletop games, reach out to Jon Sousa at [email protected].

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Are you an artist living in The Village, OK—or do you know someone who is?
TVAA features local talent on the The Village Arts Association website! If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted, please send an email to our Community Outreach Director at [email protected].