Gilded Idol - An Idols of Torment Painting Competition - 2025

The first ever Gilded Idol Paint Competition has come to a close, and the results are in.

Our judges had the difficult task of evaluating an incredible field of submissions, each one showcasing skill, creativity, and a deep sense of dread drawn from the world of Idols of Torment.

Every entry pushed the standard higher than we ever expected for our debut year. One finalist will walk away with the title of Gilded Idol Champion.

Thank you to everyone who entered. The turnout was incredible and inspiring for an indie game painting competition, and we are excited to do it again next year.

First Place

First Place goes to Brandon Behr and his piece “The Binding”.

We feel the darkness in that room, the woman’s overwhelming battle with self-perception, and the presence behind her gripping her soul and refusing to let go.

The piece captures the Idols of Torment lore and its underlying message about modern humanity with surgical precision. We love the decision to set the scene in a quiet room on Earth instead of the vast landscape of the Echo. It is a refreshing use of an iconic Corruptor miniature in contrast with the afterlife’s hunting grounds, showing a deep understanding of the forces that stalk us in life.

All of these creative choices are supported by exceptional paintwork, from the flayed musculature on the Corruptor to the masterful blending of subtle colour tones in the shadows. It is a deeply cinematic piece. No matter how you rotate it or where you view it from, you always feel the Corruptor waiting in the dark. 

Second Place

Third Place

Notable Entries

Thanks again to everyone that participated!

Rules

Submissions may consist of a single model, a group of models, or a scenic display with one or more models, and may include terrain, 3D-printed items, bits, found objects, and basing materials.

Submissions must be painted by the entrant.

Participants may enter more than one submission, but a participant is only eligible to win one prize.

By making a submission, a participant grants permission to feature their work on the social media, websites, and published materials owned and created by Black Magic Creative Inc. and the sponsors of this event.

Prizes

Gold – $2000 USD & $500 USD Gift Certificate for Kromlech

Silver – $1000 USD & $50 USD Gift Certificate for Into the AM

Bronze – $500 USD & $50 USD Gift Certificate for Into the AM

Submission Guidelines

Submit 3 to 5 high-quality photos of your finished piece.

Include at least one well-lit front view that clearly shows the model.

No heavy digital edits—basic corrections like brightness and colour balance are fine.

Submit your entry through the official submission form on this page.

Judges

Jeremy Pillipow - @blackmagiccraft_official

JP Perreault - @perreault.jp

Louise Sugden - @savage_ork_guy

Judging Criteria

This competition will place heavy emphasis on each entry’s ability to capture the mood and tone of the Idols of Torment universe, including your own interpretation of it.

Theme & Atmosphere – How well the piece captures the tone of Idols of Torment.

Creativity – Originality, storytelling, and artistic choices.

Presentation – Basing, composition, and photo clarity.

Entry

All entries must be submitted by October 31st, 2025.
Late entries will not be accepted.

Winners will be contacted in early November.

Payouts

Prize money will be delivered via PayPal (or an alternative method if required and agreed upon) within one month of the winners being publicly announced.

Eric Locke - @ erics_hobby_workshop

Sponsors

This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors.