Happy project update day backers! We're back again with another bi-weekly project update along with some other fun goodies to share.

First thing's first, we're continuing to hammer away at the minis on the production roster day-by-day. As of today we are at an estimated 55% completed with all of the production (conservative estimate). We've even started some assembly of the various parts of the pledge kits so that we can transition into fulfillment more smoothly when the time comes. Overall things are looking great and even with a few recent hiccups with one of our SioForm machines (Meatloaf wasn't sucking - its vacuum pressure regulator went on the fritz! 😉) we're keeping pace.

So yay for all that! But that also means we're getting closer to the closing of the pledge manager. We're planning to close it on June 6th - that's about two weeks from now. So make sure you take care of getting your pledge all wrapped up if you haven't yet!

And as always, if you've moved since originally completing your backer survey please login and update that or email us at [email protected].

Now, we want to share with you all some behind-the-scenes on how a miniature is brought to life. We're going to break this up into a few segments that we'll stretch out over the next few update posts (we like to keep our audience riveted!)

To begin, unsurprisingly, a model starts at the concept phase. We select a monster, character, or object we want to create or that is specifically needed for a project. Then we research that subject to hone in on what we want to do with the model. We ask ourselves - How can we make it interesting or different than what is already out there and available? Can we do anything cool that could link it or pair it with any already existing models in our catalog?

Once we've got a solid idea, we work up a brief to submit to the sculptor/modeler we've selected to work on it. The brief will contain the name of the subject, approximate size, references and other descriptions and details about the subject. We'll include style examples and guides for the artist to work from, along with the desired pose(s) and any additional elements we want incorporated into the model, such as clothing, weapons, facial expressions and more.

The artist will begin by blocking out the model and present a "T" pose, which is just the model at its most basic form - standing straight up with its arms out to the side. We'll then supply feedback on adjustments for proportions and fixing any aspects of the model that may not have been clear or were misinterpreted by the artist. We work with many artists from around the world and sometimes there are things lost in translation, so to speak. From there we'll go through additional rounds of revision to pose the model and add/adjust details.

Since we're designing models for casting, we've got to keep in mind the limitations inherent in the production process. Chiefly, the SioCast production process utilizes silicone molds. We'll get into the nitty-gritty of the production part of the process in another update, but because the molds are made with silicone, they have a limited lifespan (compared to say a metal mold) due to the constant heating and cooling as 235 degree Celsius plastic is injected into it over and over, thus slowly deteriorating the silicone over time. The silicone can also be susceptible to tear out and other damage when models aren't designed properly.

During these rounds of revision with the artist we're constantly inspecting areas of the model to address and avoid the kinds of things that will create problems down the line with molding/vulcanizing the model, or which affect casting consistency once the mold is in production. Common adjustments during this stage are for weapons/objects that are too thin/frail, aspects of clothing that are causing unwanted gaps/undercuts, and poses that may prove problematic to mold without resulting in tear out of the silicone once it is vulcanized.

Eventually we'll reach a finalized and approved model! From there we will drop the model into CAD software so we can scale/size it and if the model is multi-part we will cut it up into various parts. once that's done it will move on to the mastering stage of the process... but that will have to wait until our next update!

Last on the agenda for today is that we want to announce our next upcoming project that will be launching over on Kickstarter - Dragon's Cache! Dragon's Cache features an all-new roster of minis that includes themed warbands and other fantasy monsters and miscreants for use in your favorite RPGs and tabletop games. We're excited to share more details about the project soon, but for now, please click here to go over to the pre-launch page and sign-up to be notified when it launches!

We'll that's all for this update, it was a bit longer than usual so we appreciate those of you who made it all the way to the end. We'll be back in a couple weeks with another update right around when the pledge manager closes and we'll be gearing up for the Origins Game Fair. See you in the comments!