Here is also picture I have taken of the pins so far!
The transparency on the meganeura looks SO good. I was very unsure from the manu photos but it actually looks incredible. I still think the set of antique trilobites is my favourite though. I definitely need to make more designs like that!
SOCKS
They're on the way! Socks are wrapping up production and are shipped! Here's a picture of the packaging.
I have asked to remove the plastic bags, there's no need for that.
I've also been wearing the samples recently and I do have to confirm- they are super comfortable and soft. I wore them at Dokomi when walking 10k steps a day and they were fantastic.
OTHER MERCH
The cicada and stickersheets are made at home therefore there is no rush about them! The cicada came out to be over 2in in size because it way too small with the wings. It's around 7.5cm in width now.
The postcard and singular stickers are currently being made so I am awaiting for them to arrive!
SHIPPING
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room.
I finally have shipping figured out.
I have tested a new broker and confirmed that US packages arrive just fine with them- if a little strange. Neither one incurred tariffs. This is only good news! But at the same time I don't want to say it's foolproof.
Here is a snipper from a shop update I put out a few days ago regarding US shipping on my socials:
So without needing to repeat what I said, US shipping starts at ā¬13, with hopefully prepaid tariffs, and then ā¬17 if your items are over 500g. Which, unless you're ordering like nearly 15 pins you're probably not gonna reach. Or even be over 2kg, which has another charge on it.
Anyway. The second part of shipping changes is that I will ship all pins out in A5 cardboard boxes rather than bubble mail when they're under 100g. Which means the rate jumps from 'small letter' to 'large letter'. This is because I sometimes have had pins arrive with dented pin posts depending on what type of sorting machinery the destination country uses. Large letters are 2.5cm max in depth, so they will no longer have the chance of getting crushed in rollers unless there's a freak accident and car drives over it or a fedex guy curb stomps the pinto the pavement or the postman loses their wife and takes it out on delivering mail by-
Anyway.
Here's the new and REAL price list we will be sticking with.
Untracked shipping (up to 2 pins, stickers, prints, flatmail)
If your package is abnormally large (over 2kg) then I will send two packages and the price will be higher. I will refund any extra charges because it's very difficult to set it up otherwise (it's x2 more expensive if I sent just one package once it's over 2kg.)
This is reflected on the campaign page now too.
YOUR CARDS WILL NOW BE CHARGED FOR SHIPPING.
So please be prepare for it! I'm planning on charging THURSDAY 6pm UTC.
I will now continue to wait for the rest of the stuff, and start grading the pins in the meantime too.
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That's all for now folks! I shall return with another update once I have everything else in my hands and ready to ship.
I can't believe it was so close again but with the split of votes between the two polls the winner is Deluxe Chained Pin Set ! This option will have a design poll up through this weekend, with the final pin artwork displayed next week. These pins are available to add to your pledge now!
With so many votes between this and the last poll for the set, this outcome makes sense to me. I'm so excited to sketch out the variant options for these fast bois!
Even though the designs aren't finalized, I have added the Ancient Cave Cheetahs Deluxe Chained Pin Set to both pledge levels and add-ons. If already know you know you're going to want them, you can add them now! B Grades are also available in limited quantity as both pledge levels and add-ons. If you are pledged to an inclusive tier you will now see this set listed among your rewards. You can add-on one set for $50 in the variant of your choice, or add all 3 variants for the even further discounted price of $115!
Here are the options to choose from for the Ancient Cave Cheetahs poses:
A: Running
B: Stalking
C: Seated
Thank you for your support of this project! Starr Vipi
Three poses to choose from for the Ancient Cave Cheetahs Deluxe Chained Pin Set. Choose the pose set you like best, and the winner will be refined into a pin design added to the campaign!
Here are the two sketches to choose from for the Armored Komodo Dragons design. Choose the composition you like best, and the winner will be refined into a pin design added to the campaign!
This project was funded in just 3 hours and I am so grateful for your support! I have a list of variants and a variety of new designs that YOU backers can choose for stretch goal designs as the project reaches $4,000+ in funding. A new stretch goal will be added at each $1,000 mark beyond!
How can I choose the design?
First, back the campaign! That will list you as a project backer, giving you access to the backer-only polls I'll be using. Then go to the Community tab of the project and select "Polls", and vote! New polls will be released as designs are selected and finalized and funding goals are reached.
The first 5 stretch goals will be "Variety", brand new designs to the campaign. Following that, stretch goals of $9,000+ will be "Variant" goals, or different color schemes for existing designs. Before the goal is met, a Variant or Variety poll will be live. Once the funding is reached (see achievements for progress) the poll will close, and a new poll for the design category will open. This category poll will be open for 48 hours to give people time to review the options. The sketch poll will be released after that, to determine the final design. Once the design is added to the campaign a new Update will be posted to begin the cycle again!
How do I add these designs to my pledge?
Important! Pledging to the Ultimate Collector or Complete Enamel Pin Set (Standard & Deluxe) tiers WILL INCLUDE THESE PINS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST. In other words, as stretch goal pins are added to the campaign, inclusive tiers will not go up in price but will include more rewards. This is also true for the Complete Sticker Set tier. Each design will have a matching sticker made and the Complete Sticker Set tier will include ALL stickers from the campaign with no change to the pledge tier price. This pricing is EXCLUSIVELY available to Backerkit backers, as without your support these pins would not exist!
What are the designs to choose from?
I have a list of designs I had considered already, but will be adding to this list based on what YOU are interested in! Go to the project, or reply to the stretch goal update and comment what you want to see and I will pull up relevant research to see if it fits the series. If it does, I'll add the paper here as *BACKER SUGGESTION* so you can spot them right away!
I missed the last update, can I still make a suggestion?
I am always accepting Backer Suggestions, you can comment them on updates or directly to the project and I will see them! If I have š your comment that means there is a match to both relevant research and it is on theme with the series. Please bear in mind they will not be added until the next poll goes up, which will be once the current poll ends or the next goal is reached, whatever happens first. Otherwise any answers that do not win will still be in the rotation of upcoming polls, unless there is an overwhelming amount of Backer Suggestions. Polls will have 10 or fewer options each time to keep it manageable.
Here is a list of variants of existing designs I considered, but did not use, for this project:
Queen of Wolves 926F Spitfire (Harmonic Future Wolf Deluxe Pin Variant)
Chocolate & Black Lab / Community voted service vest text (Dog Video Call Variant)
White Tiger Duo (Melanistic Odisha Tiger Chained Pin Set Variant)
Gothic Cathedral (Black metal with red stained glass effect fill Bat Harmony Variant)
Here is the list of papers I saved, but did not use, for this project:
Here are the two variants for the Harmonic Future Wolf Deluxe stickers. Which color do you like more? (For a larger photo, check the update!) Backers within the first 48 hours will get this sticker for FREE with their pledge!
These stickers are also available as add-ons in the campaign and will come with any Harmonic Future Wolf LE: Uridim pledge tier
As always, tossing in a reminder that if you want news about developments on any Short Circuit goodies or my art in general fastest, be sure tojoin my Discord and peek at the development channels.
That being said, it's formal update time to let y'allemaal know that --
THE PYTHON PLUSH HAS SECURED FULL PRODUCTION! ššš
Celebratory pre-order store and add-on image update!!
Economic circumstances are tricky for many at the moment and we kept wavering from within 1-3 orders of meeting our previous goal, so I investigated procuring a smaller quantity of Pythons if necessary when it comes to bulk order time. Though the margin per plush will definitely give me much less wiggle room, it's doable and I really want them to exist! At the time of writing we're sitting at 62 orders and that's plenty for this revised outlook, so everyone who orders a Python plush will receive one!!
The retail price for any leftover Pythons post-Soft Circuit fulfillment will definitely have to be higher, so grab one now if you know you'd enjoy the companionship of this silly noodle. You can add a Python to your pledge via the add-on section of your survey. If you didn't back the campaign, they can also be purchased via the Soft Circuit Pre-Order Store. Post-campaign add-ons, pre-orders, and shipping will not be charged until August. If you need any help adjusting your order, don't hesitate to reach out. :]
Byte & Python Prototype Status
In related news, I'm still going back and forth with our supplier to iron out the last particulars on these two friends, but we are so close now.
Who all is READY for this goober to come home??
Byte is genuinely ALMOST there, it's now just down to two picky spacing details on the face: the width of the strips in her ears, and the spacing of the eyes. All the other lingering change requests have now been addressed!
The tiniest nudges, but details really do make all the difference.
I'm very grateful to this manufacturer and the designer they have assigned to us for their patience and hard work. Knock on wood that the next sample will be ready to head to me for final approval!
I'm continuously looking for ways to better communicate with them, and put together GIFs of the desired shifts as well!
You've already peeped the latest Python prototype in the top of this post, but here they are agai--
Purest recreation of the SHUT meme that I've witnessed in quite some time, hahah
Oh, hm. The noodle child has been temporarily SILENCED. š And also shaken down, as I requested a video of them being wiggled about to get a sense of the stuffing level (you can view it on Mastodon or Bluesky). But don't worry, for Python this is all in good fun and they'll be sending you a fresh volley of cheerful greetings in no time at all!
Great improvement for a second sample, so now Python is on to the details as well!
Above are the change notes I sent along! I made another attempt to convey that the top and bottom wing embroidery should differ slightly. Giving them the vague illusion of layering like feathers should is a detail I love, even though they're not bird wings per se.
My rep also came back with the information that those small purple squares under the wings (meant to be "sockets" where the wings attach) can't be moved right up against the wings as I've requested for production. I asked if it would be possible with other adjustments, such as removing the embroidered border, and was told no, the only method they'll be able to achieve that placement would be fabric printing. For such a small detail, I gave the go-ahead to see how that looks on the next sample. If it looks good, then neat! If not, I'll either remove those squares or dig into additional options. As ever fear not, I'm particular as heck and dedicated to making sure these guys look their best.
I'm really pleased with how Python is shaping up, and I hope you love them so far too!! If you know anyone who needs a plush pup or noodle in their life, please don't hesitate to pass the link along. Word of mouth is the best gift y'all can give an independent artist. <3
Speaking of art:
Finished Malware & Mozzy Illustration
You lovely folks voted on which robots should hangout, and at last here is the finished result!
When everything feels overwhelming, don't forget to have fun!
Play isn't within these units' intended range of functionality, but the Short Circuit bots all run a bit contrary to their designs in delightful ways -- it looks like Malware and Mozzy learned the importance of fun for its own sake, and are engaged in a rousing game of tag!
Once finished, I settled the bulk order of magnets with that supplier asap. I'm pleased to report they were speedy as heck and production has already completed:
All these goobers are here to remind you of the softer things in life <3
As with most other items, these magnets can still be added on to your pledges via the survey or pre-ordered in the store if you did not back the campaign proper. š
Spooky Circuit Leftovers
Miss out on any of the Spooky Circuit units? You'll have a second chance to get your paws on them!
These friends are almost in reeeeeach
I wanted to add some of the Spooky leftovers to the Soft Circuit store in June (so that they'll be available to grab with combined shipping), but life has been throwing curve balls at me lately. Soon though! I need to finish editing the product photos and setting up their associated add-ons; I will holler again in this space when they are available.
Previews of What's Next!
Finally a reminder that thanks to folks like you, I have several upcoming campaigns in the works! Three of them already have teaser pages live, if you'd like to follow along:
The upcoming pin designs will include a number of fun creatures, but here's an additional teaser for you: if you're a deer enjoyer, you'll be eating well --
These pins are subject to adjustment as I fiddle with them, but are starting to come together!
Thank you all as ever for being here, I appreciate your support! Take it easy and stay safe if you're experiencing one of the many heatwaves going around, and regardless of location I hope you are well. <3
This happens to a lot of pin designers and I guess it's my turn! I unfortunately had to change manufacturers for this series.
The Short Story The good news is that pins are now being produced by the new manufacturer. The bad news is that it could take 2+ months. Shipping will now likely be in September. The new manufacturer knows you all have been waiting a while for these so they said they'll make sure to send plenty of production photos to share when they get further along so you all can see the progress being made!
The Long Story I had to reach out to a secondary manufacturer because my main one was bogged down with other Pintopia orders as well as my witch sets from Autumn Aesthetics (they took sooooo long). But the second manu pushed back hard against the manual pearl swirl I wanted for the pins and was producing inferior quality, particularly with the rainbow meta. Bubbly metal, streaks in the epoxy, and metal not being cleaned before the epoxy was poured. In the end, I had to pull the plug.
I reached out to a smaller manufacturer that was highly recommended by some other artists and friends I trust, and while their production time is longer the quality is definitely much higher and they are aware of the problems with the other manufacturer and are being very mindful to not make the same errors. And they didn't push back on the pearl swirl!
Since I had to start over anyways, I did touch up a couple pin designs and wanted to make sure you saw them! I changed Watcher to have pearl swirl gradient, and I added both pearl swirl gradient and UV gradient to Survival. I also have to mention that some pins will have epoxy while others won't - the ones with printing on them will have epoxy. In my experience, epoxy on rainbow metal has a higher B grade rate because metal flakes sometimes get caught in the epoxy, so that is why not all the pins will have it. I also designed a lot of the set to play with the depth of metal vs enamel.
Updated Survival Design
Updated Watcher Design
Buhhhhhh I hate giving updates like this but better you know! I was also waiting until I locked in a replacement manu and the production had started. Sorry you're all going to have to wait a little longer but I will make sure you get your pins asap and with the best quality possible!
Rawr!
My regular sized dinos are awesome with bright colours complimenting your sharp designs perfectly. The tiny compsognathus is adorable (I got the yellow one with horizontal stripes) and those little speech bubbles will be tons of fun to use with a plethora of monster pins.
I expected to be happy with the pins because I have never bought a pin from you I have not adored even more having it in hand, but I have to admit I am absolutely floored by the cockatrice and chimera I added to my order. You really outdid yourself on those. I did not pledge on that campaign originally because I had a lot of other expenses at the time and because Iām unlikely to wear giant pins. But I would go look at them periodically until the campaign ended. So when I saw I had a second opportunity my resolve just caved. No regrets, they are absolutely gorgeous. The designs, the details, the colours, everything is skillfully combined to give that old book illuminations vibe. I cannot thank you enough for sharing them with the world.
Hey there! Just got my pins the other day, I'm crazy about em- got to admit I was slightly concerned about the soft enamel, but the epoxy coating on them with the screenprinting over that? Chef's kiss.
I was actually wondering if I could inquire about a particular aspect of the pin design- not asking for a manufacturer or anything, but I can see that the metal of the pin is colored, are they like, plated with a special color metal?? Not certain how pin metal plating works, but when designing my own pins I've always only seen metal coated with, I guess more enamel that results in more of a matte appearance. I just wanted to know exactly what's been done and what its called!
Of course, if you'd rather not divulge your design details I completely understand as well and you're not obligated to! I absolutely love the end result of the project and I'm super happy to have these pins :) (also the packaging for the blind bag pins is amazing lol)
