A L Raden

CREATOR

16 days ago

Project Update: April Progress: Production, Surveys, Design, and Timeline Progress

Hi there, Adventurers!

We've made it to April, which means we're in the thick of production. There's a LOT to go over in this update, so take a look at the summary below and let's dive in:

We remain on track, but noting some potential roadblocks (and how I'm working to address them).
Production/design updates + one stretch goal unlocked
Two week reminder for surveys (and how to still pay for your pledge if your payment failed)
Reminders for UK Backers/Collector Tiers

Our Current Timeline

As I'm sure you've seen from a number of other creators over the last few days, there's a lot of uncertainty around ordering new pins right now due to new tariffs implemented in the US. As a US-based artist, while I often work with other small and local businesses when I can, hard enamel pins can't be produced here in the US, which means there will likely be some additional costs for production than originally anticipated. However, I want to make sure a few things are clear:

I will be paying any additional fees out of pocket. No costs are changing for you in any way. It does make production of the mini pins, in particular, more tenuous, but that's the only real change here. More on that in a moment.
I don't anticipate any changes to the timeline at this time. I had built in buffer time to allow for any unexpected changes or delays. I'm also stretching out ordering the pins and only ordering one or two at a time. In the past I've sometimes had delays on a large batch because proofs were continually being altered on one pin out of the set. Ordering one or two at a time will let me focus on getting proofs approved and pins into production as quickly as possible rather than waiting until all the pins are ready. Even with all that, I still expect pins to be coming in by early to mid-May. I will, of course, keep you updated if that changes.

As a reminder, our current anticipated timeline is below. Please note that these are goal times and are still subject to change, but I will continue to send out updates if any changes are needed.

April 21: Surveys locked, cards charged for pre-orders, shipping, and any additional add-ons.
April/May: Production continues
June/July: Fulfillment, in alignment with the original fulfillment estimate

Production is Underway, Some Minor Design Changes Below

As of earlier this week, designs have been mostly finalized and production has OFFICIALLY begun!

All stickers, including the mini sticker sheet, have been ordered and proofs are APPROVED.
The first two pins (Hydrate and Discuss) have been ordered and are awaiting proofs for approval.

I noted in the last update that there might be some minor design changes while designs were being finalized. Now that designs are nearly fully finalized, I do want to note that two of the pins had some noticeable (though still minor) changes to better accommodate pin needs.

EXPERIENCE: The small dragon in the convention badge was simplified to more closely match the simplified dragon design in EXPLORE.
EXPLORE: Some small changes to the wings, head shape, and head position of the simplified dragon.

Lastly, the "Support Human Artists" pin is UNLOCKED! Interest was high enough in this pin that I want to make sure it can happen so I will be partially funding this one out of pocket - plus I think we could all use a little glitter these days! I adjusted the goal down for this pin and it will be going into production!

However, interest for the mini pin set has been minimal, and with the additional tariffs on pins I just don't know that I'll be able to do the same for them. I'm going to wrap up ordering the first seven pins and see how the manufacturers are feeling on production right now, with a goal to make a decision early next week on whether we can make the mini pins happen or not. In the meantime, if you definitely want to bring these pins to life then adding them to your survey or encouraging adventurers who didn't back the initial campaign to utilize the pre-order store definitely helps!

80% of Surveys are Complete, Now Due APRIL 21

Surveys launched in early March and 80% of surveys have been answered. Thank you so much for filling out your survey if you have already! If you haven't, or want to make changes, the deadline for locking surveys is now APRIL 21. I do not anticipate moving the lock date again at this time.

If your pledge failed, you still have the opportunity to correct it during the survey. You can check to see if your payment had gone through by going to "Your Pledges & Surveys" and clicking on "View Pledge" next to the Con Adventurers campaign.
If you backed using Pay Over Time, you will not receive the survey yet! Surveys are not sent to Pay Over Time orders until the full pledge balance is paid. That's either once the four months is up or the full pledge payment is paid, whichever comes first. At that time, you should receive an automatic invite to the survey.
You will not be charged for any additional add-ons right away. They will be charged after surveys are locked. I will send a 48-hour warning on April 19 and officially lock surveys on April 21. Cards will be charged at that time.

Reminder: Next Steps for Backers in the UK

If you backed at the "Overseas: UK Reservation" pledge level, a reminder that there will be a reminder for next steps - with links! - in the survey. Ultimately, I'll need you to reach out to me via Etsy *after you've completed your survey* so we can create your order. We'll be using the original pledge level pricing/pricing in the pre-order store, for reference, and we are working toward the same April 21 date.

Reminder: Next Steps for Collector Tiers

If you backed at the "Collector" pledge level, I emailed you directly regarding your commission drawing on Saturday, March 8. There is also a reminder in the survey to look out for an email from me.

Sketches/subject matter for the commission drawing MUST be confirmed by May 4. I extended the deadline by one month due to some strains on my own time in March while I prepared for WonderCon, but I don't expect to move this date again. Once we've connected on the convention activity, I'll send a layout sketch for approval. I can do up to two rounds of revisions on the sketches before the May 4 deadline. If I do not hear from you by that date, you will receive a drawing of my choosing featuring the two characters.
Please note that the goal is to still include the stretch goal pins in your order if possible. At this time, that definitely includes the "Support Human Artists" pin. The mini pin set is still a little up in the air but will automatically be included in your order if I am able to make these.

I think that's it for now! As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you ever have any questions. Talk soon!

0

Share

Edit