Long time no update. I have been deep in talking with manus for weeks now, preparing files, catching bugs (and errors), and finalising packaging.
Before I begin, here's a reminder to those who haven't filled out their surveys or had declined cards, please try to get them fixed before the project ends!
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So let's talk about all of this!
SOCK SAMPLE UPDATE? WHERE ARE THE BLUE?
If you've been following me on instagram or tiktok you've probably seen the sock oopsie that happened with the second manufacturer.
TLDR; The socks weren't woven, but instead sublimation printed.
This obviously put quite a strain on the timeline of things. Not only did they take very long getting lost in shipment but also getting these remade was a hassle. I didn't go with the second manfuctarurer in the end, and they're only redoing one of the sock designs in the proper way I wanted (I still have not received an update on that.) This was a communication issue because of the language barrier.
Either way, I returned to my previous manu and word vomitted so much on them that the Arthropleura, who should have been a dark grey (the only edit I asked for) turned bubblegum pink.
This is objectively hilarious, who knew this goth icon came in pastels too?
This is of course fixed and thank you to my manu who decided to make a sample first rather than taking my misread thread number as truth. We both messed up there.
THE BLUE SOCKS.
Right the blue socks. The trilobites!!! Right right yes of course.
They look great! I like how bright the actual sock came out, and they translated the patterns really really well into embroidery! I will not be getting a physical sample of this one, simply because that would delay the project by a month. But I'm very happy with how it came out and it's much simpler than the other two.
The socks are in full production now ✨✨
And here's a snippet of the packaging I desgined for them too! No plastic, just cardboard :)
PINS?! BUT WE'RE HERE FOR THE PINS!!!
Okay okay, I won't keep you all in suspense much longer.
Because the majority of the pins I designed use custom effects, special metals, and electroplating, those will take longer. But I have gotten pictures of the simple technique ones that have been completed!
I'm very happy with how the giga arthropleura came out, as well as the antique minis! So cool. So stinking cool. Man we get to make such cool things thanks to everyone's excitement.... wow....
TIMELINE
Now it doesn't escape me that it's nearly the end of May and we're getting closer to the due date for this project. I am in the process of double checking shipping with USA customers for the last time and tweaking details while I have the EU and UK confirmed as working correctly!
I was hoping to have the stuff done at the end of April, shipped in May, received in June. That obviously didn't happen on account of the many holidays that happen during this timeframe overseas. Which is completely fine. We also had the misfortune with socks happen, making all the files correctly, submitting vectors, getting hired on a contract, and a few community group orders I coordinated for Irish artists; it all took a little longer than I expected it to.
Either way, we're on a good road right now. And if it all goes smoothly, I should hopefully have all the stock by the end of June, or early July. It's not a big time slip up in the grand scheme of things, about a month off, but I still think it's worth being transparent with everyone on how things are going!
The stickers and postcard will be made once everything is shipped off to me, on account that they're made locally and will take only a week or two to be complete. So I am not rushing with them, and also need to clean my 'office' (guest bedroom) first from con season. Con-goers- you know how a room looks during con crunch. Even cosplayers, I'm calling all of us out.
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So that's pretty much it for now! I haven't updated for a while because it's not a very substantial update. Just know things are grand for the moment and production is going ahead 👍
On a half related topic- anyone going to Dokomi? I'll be there in Hallf 4! I'll have my older enamel pins with me to be picked up :) Come say hi!
