Your Vote, Your Minis!
Added 2023-10-05 17:53:36 +0000 UTCThe Challenge of Modular Units
Hey, dear Artisan Guild Adventurers and Merchants,
As you know, each month, apart from over the top heroes, mounts and epic bosses, we release a set of six miniatures that are part of the faction, called the Modular Unit. These modular, each featuring 3 masculine and 3 feminine soldiers/mercenaries/troops/apprentices of the faction come with various weapon options and offer balljoint wrists, so you can glue the weapons you prefer.
The Variety Dilemma
The variety is fantastic for those who love unique figures, but it poses a challenge for Dungeon Masters and Wargamers who need multiple units with the same weapon. For example, if you need a formation of Noble Alfar archers, the current setup makes it difficult to achieve that without awkward poses or weapon combinations.
Example of Noble Alfar Knight "non-heroic" modular Unit.
Time and Craftsmanship
Each modular unit takes 1-3 days to create, the same time as our heroes. We pride ourselves on making each unit unique, with individual hairstyles and poses, so they feel alive and not like cloned bots. I have no intention on lowering the quality of the units, as they also represent an array of characters for you to pick your favorite, customize it, and transform it in your personal rpg hero or wargame general.
Modular Units Before:Back in time, thinking for example at the Requiem Brotherhood (Heavy Templars), I made all of the modular units with hammer, mauls and shield, no ranged units of sword. The result was great, because with less variety you can make a large unit of hammer & shield guards, useful to protect your RPG temple, making a set of cultists, or build your wargame army. Modular Units Now:Since many users asked for more ranged weapons and spellcasters in the releases, the 6 modular units are now so rich in weaponry that hardly you have two of them with the same weapon. It has it advantages, however it also bring challenged when in need to make a formation of modular minis using the same weapon.
Your Opinion Matters
We're considering a solution and would love to hear your thoughts:
Proposed Solution: Themed Sets Over 2 Months
My personal idea is to release themed sets over two months. Let's talk about the Noble Alfar set for example, coming in November. The first month could focus on Noble Alfar Spearmen and Swordsmen, and the second in December could feature the same faction's Archers and Duelists.
All modular like always, so when both sets are released you'll be able to swap and mix weapons among the two, just like you do now.
This would allow for more specialized units while maintaining the high level of detail and uniqueness you've come to expect. This also mean that if the set is released over two month you'll have 4 heroes in total and 2 epic bosses of the same theme, useful if you are going to use the faction in a campaign as you'll in the future more option to pick. This would not always the best option for all sets, as some of them are enough in a month, but for some it would work well to me. It would have been great in the past, for the heavy armored Requiem Brotherhood, to have a unit of heavy archers for them for example.
Hardly units contains more than 1-2 archers, having sets focusing on a specific unit type would help having more poses of the same weapon setup, like a kneeling archer, one shooting high, one lower, one getting an arrow from quiver etc, all with different hairstiles etc.
- Are you happy with the current variety in the 6+6 Modular Units?
- Do you find it challenging to create encounters, warbands, or armies due to limited weapon compatibility?
Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to evolve and improve our offerings. Please take a moment to share your thoughts.
So, let's recap the question for the poll
How would you like to see the modular units in upcoming Artisan Guild sets organized for better weapon compatibility?
Comments
Themed sets over two months is a genius idea! Be great for more monsters within the theme :)
Mark Nold
2023-10-21 09:27:39 +0000 UTCI would love Human Fanction regular figthers with bows and daggers most likely a renewal of Thieves Guild but with more Stealthy Armors and Better weapons. I loved the work on the Northmen i wouldnt mind somthing similiar done in Thieves Guild for example.
Georgios Tsatsamis
2023-10-15 07:38:57 +0000 UTCI think this is the best option. I was thinking the same thing. Do I really need two months of Minotaurs? No. But I could totally use two months of an Elven army.
Michael Leal
2023-10-09 00:07:08 +0000 UTClook, look, almost half of us dont want the same theme for 2 months just so some wargamer can mass produce infantry. Nuff said.
William Wilson
2023-10-08 16:33:48 +0000 UTCOverall, I'd prefer the variety. I'm not building large squads of troops at the moment, so I wouldn't get as much utility out of a focus on similarly equipped figures, and making each set basically take 2 months to complete is somewhat less attractive as it reduces overall figure and thematic variety. That said, I can see the pros of the other method, and don't do a lot of printing regardless.
Mercurius
2023-10-07 21:08:20 +0000 UTClook, the same theme for two months doesn't mean missing stuff, there will still be infantrymen (peoples on foot), knights/monsters, heroes and pin-ups. with the northmen of August and September I don't think we had any less stuff. same thing last year with demons
Vincenzo Gatta
2023-10-07 18:59:02 +0000 UTCI've been a subscriber for years and I rarely have time to print and paint more than one or two miniatures from each set. Sometimes the pinup, sometimes the troops. Only once the monsters. Having more extensive sets won't change that.
CURTIS CRADDOCK
2023-10-07 18:12:16 +0000 UTCPlease, a 2 month set of Brettonian army!!!!
Bernat Rovira Lastra
2023-10-07 14:32:29 +0000 UTCyeah sounds like some people are getting lazy and want AG to change for them
William Wilson
2023-10-07 08:17:38 +0000 UTCI sub for Pin ups, then DnD, no wargaming so this sounds awful to people like me just my opinion
William Wilson
2023-10-07 08:14:32 +0000 UTCWe need more dwarves in heavy plate armor.
BarelyA Survivor
2023-10-07 02:46:13 +0000 UTCI'm in it for the monsters more than the humanoid units so if those can have variety within an extended theme I'm game.
MechaMideel
2023-10-06 21:35:03 +0000 UTCI would LOVE more dwarfs!
Marius jansen
2023-10-06 20:44:53 +0000 UTCI prefer the current variety currently. The modular kits are great, and your stuff has become my go too for my continued D&D campaign. While I understand the appeal of the 2 months sharing the same theme, I prefer the variety your currently provide as it gives me more options. If one month is not something I can currently use its not a big deal, but 2 months of the same theme that I don't need is kind of downer. For example the 2 months of the Norse theme was not to my taste, but I guess it all comes down to what the theme is. I always need more harpies, gnolls and other monsters. Either way I look forward to continuing to support you and can't wait to see what you come out with next.
Quiet_Lamp
2023-10-06 19:58:23 +0000 UTCWholeheartedly agree!
BanesShadow
2023-10-06 18:59:13 +0000 UTCI have to choose now betwern something I know and something I try to imagine....and I try to imagine art....and I am not an artist! :) but you are! Do 2month twice and then do a poll. ;)
Tamás Somogyi
2023-10-06 18:49:45 +0000 UTCThis is a great point. I love the idea of one double feature with a more typical species + one single release with a more obscure species per quarter
STLPrintShop
2023-10-06 18:19:00 +0000 UTCTo be fair to the artist, the demand for male pinups is... somewhat lower.
Steven Schnepp
2023-10-06 17:13:35 +0000 UTCI'm fine with double features for things like Elves, but I really wouldn't know what to do with two months of Bugbears or Mind Flayers. I also think your modular units are the best and I print them the most of all your work. You could do one double feature and one single set each quarter.
Erik
2023-10-06 15:16:46 +0000 UTCYou're the expert artist, so go with your suggestion. That is two month sets for those where you have enough ideas to fill out two sets and then single set months sprinkled in for speciality factions. I really think this will work best, and for those of us that want variety, we get that with more heros and mounts and epics!
Nicholas Duke
2023-10-06 13:15:54 +0000 UTCI think 2 month cycles could fix some other format issues, e.g. I think we've only ever had like 1 or 2 male pinups, 3 maybe if you count both "human" versions of Baal and all of them are demons and on top of that, they don't even get naked versions like female pinups do other than that, perhaps experimenting with arms being swappable so we can also repose models would help keeping diversity up even with multiple users of the same wespons
Jason Whitaker
2023-10-06 09:59:17 +0000 UTCyeah that Kobold set was tiny
Dave Stone
2023-10-06 09:37:02 +0000 UTCI voted to keep it the same because I love variety and don't experience issues with your current releases. That said - Im not against larger sets either, and if it improves your work flow and expands faction ranges then that's fine. As you mentioned, it might be nice to mix it up with some single month releases to keep up the variety.
Scott Woods
2023-10-06 08:02:57 +0000 UTCBoth solutions are good, i use models mostly for wargaming, but since all your release have compatible hands is not hard to choose weapons or mount to make them more different and customized, or to give some uniformity to units.
Max Golo
2023-10-06 07:40:34 +0000 UTCI see your concern Miles, but I don't feel that Artisan Guild is stagnant at all with 12 fleshed out theme in the year. Stagnant would be for us to not make new minis. I really appreciate CaP work, they have a great artistic vision, but what you are asking is basically to have more minis monthly for a lower price. I'm happy with the output we have, and even with a larger team the patreon/tribe offer won't change in number, competing to more minis/lower price is an endless battle we don't want to take part. Also Modular minis makes for so much minis and repleyability than simply 12 miniatures with a setup, to me AG have a great value for 10 dollars, and our patrons know, otherwise we wouldn't be top 3 worldwide on this platform. Scourgeland will be expanded soon by the way, it was either now or on the following months :)
Artisan Guild
2023-10-06 06:57:54 +0000 UTCNot even a full-month revisit, just add a unit that was missing, like a couple cavalry sculpts, as a bonus that is completely unrelated to the current month's main theme.
Rob Silvester
2023-10-06 05:41:01 +0000 UTCI know some other creators release "official" unofficial opr army books with their releases, but I'm not sure what the license to do so is like. Would including these in the two-month cycle be within the realm of possibility?
DreadPirateLynx
2023-10-06 02:44:08 +0000 UTCI’m all in favor of what ever happens! AG is my favorite creator by far. I use the models for skirmish games so being able to easily create a WHOLE army full of variety instead of just warbands (I already flip and adjust models too) would be amazing! I would love two month releases but I wouldn’t mind it staying as it is. I agree with the people who said they would like a revisit to past themes to get a little more love, here’s looking to the Swamp Garunda! Bottom line, I’m in for the long haul no matter what!
Matthew Jones
2023-10-06 02:41:34 +0000 UTCI play OnePageRules (among other things), and like using custom army books to field releases from other creators. The current release scheme has only really provided enough variety for AoF:Skirmish, but this proposed two-month cycle seems like it would work for both army-scale games. Sounds good enough for me.
DreadPirateLynx
2023-10-06 02:36:46 +0000 UTCWould like to see older units revisited and expanded too.
Cristian Cooney
2023-10-06 02:27:03 +0000 UTCYou do what is best for you, we all will benefit either way. If you go with the 2 month method then maybe some less commonly used races in wargaming could just do a single month. It makes sense for humans, elves, orcs, undead etc. But 2 months of grungs seems off. I feel like not many people would print a legion of frogmen for wargames, it would be better to do them as a one off with variety weapons for DMs , as they would be more likely used in role-playing games. So, a hybrid of the two plans so we could get maybe 8 or 9 races per year instead of going down to 6.
Whiskeyjack
2023-10-06 02:09:47 +0000 UTCCould this be an opportunity to introduce more male pinups? Female set one, male with set two?
Marie Rowland
2023-10-06 01:59:35 +0000 UTCAs long as we don't lose the extra files, the closed hands and bare weapons that allow us to kitbash our own options, I'm mostly indifferent. You should pursue whatever course allows you the most flexibility in sculpting unique poses. Not every weapon is going to work with every pose, and that's fine. Similarly, if you have a unique sculpt idea that can't be modular, that's fine. So long as something looks cool, you're doing the right thing. Don't stress that a particular mini won't neatly conform to your conventional modular specs.
Rob Silvester
2023-10-06 01:50:37 +0000 UTCI voted for the existing model, but overall I have to say your models are even more impressive when you’re motivated, so I trust you to do as you love and know I’ll get cool models.
Bill Curran
2023-10-06 01:34:27 +0000 UTCI DM game every single week and print like mad. I’ve never had an issue with any of the sets, I just print more hammers if I want more hammer units it’s not a big deal. I greatly appreciate the variety lean towards having a new theme every month as variety is the spice of life now if you’re finding, it takes too much effort to continually make new sets of weapons, why not reuse sets of weapons? You could even release weapon packs here’s the dwarven weapon pack, here’s the Elven weapon pack, etc..
Aaron Smith
2023-10-06 01:17:26 +0000 UTCMeh... I'm good either way as long as, as you mentioned, both of those options will still include modular weapons. If so, I'd say if you are inspired to do a two month release for a particular theme, go for it... if not so be it. And if customers request a second release for this or that model they feel should have been included but wasn't then give consideration to doing so in the next month's release. I wouldn't lock yourself into any one thing. The more modular weapons the better, imho. Helmets, hats, bald versions of the same model along with scaling can also go a long way toward making a troop / war band diverse. As I've done with your Orr'ug Orc and am currently doing with the New Great Goblins. Maybe even have some weapons design sketch contests on the Discord... As far as archers/ poses are concerned they don't always have to be in a firing pose. If there is an additional modular "at rest" bow option that would not require both hands it could be used on other poses. Or a "low ready" pose that could accommodate different weapons as well a bow and arrow. Also modular quivers and even a quiver / unstrung bow combination to be glued to the backs models as a secondary weapons, as designs allow, of course.
Lawrence N. Oliver
2023-10-06 01:10:54 +0000 UTCI think having a set spread out over 2 months is the best solution. I'm also subbed to Titanforge and they already started doing this with some of their factions. From what I've seen, it's rather successful for them.
Wingviper
2023-10-06 00:47:54 +0000 UTCDo what you need to for each set. if it takes 2 months, then 2 months it is.
Evan Lindsey
2023-10-06 00:19:39 +0000 UTCMy only issue is the xount going to stay the same or will it be halved?? I've had another artist pull a similar thing so the price stayed the same but the reward was cut in half. So now we had to wait for 2 months to get a complete set. They effectively doubled the price while taking half the models away
rockraptor
2023-10-05 23:46:17 +0000 UTCI agree, so I always assemble my minis in Blendr before printing so that I don’t need to worry about gluing them. Yes, I have to resupport them, but auto supports have gotten so good in the last year or so, so I rarely have any problems.
Ed Smith
2023-10-05 23:03:54 +0000 UTCTwo month releases seem cool, but I’d hope that includes revisiting previous sets to add to their options!
Matt Ramos
2023-10-05 22:26:39 +0000 UTCI appreciate the idea of having more unique and varied poses and units for each set, but I’ll really miss the variance of themes every month. Knowing that I might be stuck in a set that I’m not fond of for an extra month really does put me off the idea.
Riddick Fitzgerald
2023-10-05 21:58:34 +0000 UTCAre the weapons and items going to continue to be modular? I've made some really excellent characters by mixing weapons and items from multiple sets with figures from another. I am much more a fan of 12 differing faction sets a year than 6. There's plenty of diversity already with switching around weapon sets and/or mirroring figures. I run full squads in dnd with none of the units looking quite the same.
Adam Smith
2023-10-05 21:57:00 +0000 UTCI used these mainly for D&D. I don't mind a 2 month set, especially as others have stated about unarmed combatants as well (Great Idea). This poll clearly shows how active the community is. I think you would be easier to implement either a 24-hour poll system on sets that you're feeling really inspired about. You can even make it a bit longer, and even post it after you've posted some previews of the current set. This would give your subscribers to all vote on if they would be interested or excited about a second month theme. I do want you to return to other released and release secondary sets of them completing them as well, which others have stated. Alternatively, you could also balance those scales with just selecting 3 sets to do as a 2 month set and the other 6 months as individuals. Ultimately, I am staying a subscriber either way, so you do you.
Andrew Welch
2023-10-05 21:48:29 +0000 UTCi honestly would prefer more variety in themes rather than more weapon poses. I was already kinda bummed when i learned that we will get a second set of vikings right after the other (don't get me wrong, i liked both sets, but i still would have prefered to have a completely different theme for the second one). Having two months of the same theme in a row as the norm would certainly be a dealbreaker for me!
Lars Flehmer
2023-10-05 21:46:56 +0000 UTCI'm confused as to why either option is bad for RPGrs. And are all weapons going to be swappable between all sets like they are now? Honestly, if I'm running a large unity, diversity is less of an issue. And when it is, I can get it by mirroring poses in most cases. Sheer number on the table keeps the eye busy enough that it doesn't look weird to have repeat models.
Will Welty
2023-10-05 21:37:44 +0000 UTCThis was a great point from Thomas - I agree fully! But maybe a few Merged STLs would be nice too 😁
The Bonehead Podcast
2023-10-05 21:32:42 +0000 UTCEvery month I hope we get some Merged STLs 😁🤞 one day maybe I just hate losing hands in the cleaning process 😂
The Bonehead Podcast
2023-10-05 21:31:19 +0000 UTCActually love the idea of more stuff for a release - over more months is fine! Just a request for the inclusion of some Merged STLs though. Easier to print more of for units or for smaller scales!
The Bonehead Podcast
2023-10-05 21:28:13 +0000 UTC2 months sounds good to me, but don't be afraid to cut a theme off at one month if the inspiration isn't there for a second month.
Ashe
2023-10-05 21:24:52 +0000 UTCI can definitely see the potential in more time per faction. I love the poses you do, but I think spending more time per faction, is a win, as it lets you expand even more on them. Just take care it doesn’t become too monotonous for you to do it this way. 🙂
Jim Sørensen
2023-10-05 21:05:16 +0000 UTCI don't mind going with 2-monthly release theme, as it will in the end give more variety. I would ask, if possible, not focus on only epic bosses, but to sometimes add some smaller monstrous enemies. I love your humanoid models, and would love to have some more regular monsters in the same stile.
Marko
2023-10-05 21:00:38 +0000 UTCThieves guild 2: non humans 🙏
jason hannon
2023-10-05 20:59:17 +0000 UTCTo add to my statement, you will have some patrons who cancel their membership every other month.
Paul Morin
2023-10-05 20:52:58 +0000 UTCI agree. It's better to revisit a theme later than to do the same theme two months in a row. 6 total themes a year seams extremely narrow and limiting. The idea may win by vote but it will have a negative impact in number of patrons.
Paul Morin
2023-10-05 20:51:19 +0000 UTCI use the minis for dnd all the time, I like that they look different, helps to track which enemy is which, I also don’t care if the mini is holding a bow and is attacking in game with a scimitar, if it’s placed where it is on the board then my players just run with it, either way I love the sculpts, just not sure I’d need two months of the same faction…
Jack Robinson
2023-10-05 20:31:47 +0000 UTCIf we were to go 2 months can we at least get more monstrous units? They could just be favoured enemies or an encounter. If I have to see dwarves, humans, elves for half of the year with this new model can we at least get more monstrous units as well?
Sean John
2023-10-05 20:17:08 +0000 UTCI admit, I'm using your miniatures mostly for skirmish games and the current variety gives me enough for a themed warband. Your proposal is certainly more appropriated for people building full armies with your models, because it's true currently there are a lot of redundant miniatures. I tend to prefer the current way rather than this new one so I voted for 1st option, but I won't make a fuss if the new one wins.
Dusk
2023-10-05 20:15:36 +0000 UTCBigger variety within themes not of themes. Again, going by how it works now we'd get 6 months minimum of human, elf, dwarf. That sounds like a slog and a half.
Sean John
2023-10-05 20:14:43 +0000 UTCGreat comment Thomas, great option 👍
Aaron Cox
2023-10-05 20:11:52 +0000 UTCThat would mean less variety in terms of species. Andrea already does a fresh dwarf, human, elf release each year. Does that mean we only potentially get to see new races (maybe) half of the year? How tedious.
Sean John
2023-10-05 20:11:49 +0000 UTCI definitely don't want two months and I'd suggest new patrons wouldn't either. Instead of missing one release and coming back you'd be risking people dropping the membership for two months. I couldn't wait for the Vikings to be finished as we still haven't seen some other non human races. With the trend of doing fresh dwarf, elf, and human units each year that would leave only 3 release cycles for interesting themes like the Minotaur, Gnoll, or Lizardmen. I use these mainly for D&D, I dont need 6 spearman units....
Sean John
2023-10-05 20:09:04 +0000 UTCLove the two month idea. Hey while we are chatting about stuff, can you please include the base size on the preview images for each unit?
Mario
2023-10-05 20:05:59 +0000 UTCI think spreading each faction over 2 months is a sensible approach. It did wonders for the northmen. That will bring more coherence and options in each faction.
Hellvlad
2023-10-05 20:04:36 +0000 UTCI like the 2 month, if it means the figures will be posed more naturally for their weapons. The Alfar look great by the way :)
Mark Barber
2023-10-05 20:04:22 +0000 UTC+1 to this. If you can appease both and create both modular and non-modular options for those units (similar to what OPR does) , that'd make most everyone happy, I imagine. I like being able to mix-and-match riders and mounts between sets, that's not too bad, but the gluing of tiny hands does get tiresome.
Andrew Boggs
2023-10-05 20:00:04 +0000 UTCI personally like the variety and two sets, I don't play with the minis but I'm creating a huge diorama with a battle scene so definitely need more units and wish I had these options for Requiem brotherhood and frostmetal clan, so this is good
Arsenio Gárate Jauffred
2023-10-05 19:30:43 +0000 UTCOne approach that might strike a balance between Variety and Theme would be a focus on returning to past sets and building them out further; so newer subscribers just have another set, and army builders can get the other half of the range from the back catalog.
Brian Orban
2023-10-05 19:27:04 +0000 UTCI'm all in favor of two-month focuses. The Norse release gave us a great range, and it sounds like we've got another robust range to look forward to in the Noble Alfar. I'm building my fourth army that's mostly your pieces, and it's because you see the value of modularity and pose variety.
Brian Orban
2023-10-05 19:25:20 +0000 UTCI would prefer two months but split. Like how you revisit old sets sometimes, like with the dwarves. My vote would be to occasionally revisit a set with a set 2. For example, great goblins, then Alfar, then great goblin set II, then dwarves, then humans, then Alfar set II, etc.
Zachary Rucker
2023-10-05 19:18:39 +0000 UTC2 month option sounds very good. I also agree with other commenters that it would be nice to get some non-combatants and/or monsters that match the theme to flesh out the 2 releases. I look forward to AG releases every month, thank you for the excellent work!
Daniel Phillips
2023-10-05 19:10:49 +0000 UTCGetting 2 months of the same themes sounds lame. That means it takes twice as long to get something new and unique….. I’d rather have 12 new themes over the course of the year rather than 6
Nicholas Brennan
2023-10-05 19:09:44 +0000 UTCOverall I like the two month option. I would like to see some civilian type non-combatants in the second release as well. Useful for RPG games and as set dressing or objectives for the wargames.
Eric Jackson
2023-10-05 19:00:31 +0000 UTCHopefully I will print some of your stuff dude! I have been collecting it since I became a patron and have only really painted up one mini! Hahaha. I unfortunately have a Warhammer fantasy asethetic in my head. Although I plan on printing some of the Norse for Skyrim minis and or Mordheim. Actually... I can use some others for skirmish based games too... did I also mention I am lazy haha.
Abdul Rahman Khan
2023-10-05 18:56:07 +0000 UTCThat would bascically mean 6 big sets a year, which I don't mind, however I think you might also consider doing a mix of both. When there is trully much potential in said theme for a lot more stuff, then sure go ahead and do 2 month one. You could also throw in some simpler ones. More similar to what you were doing until now. That's just a suggestion though
Vovin_6
2023-10-05 18:54:05 +0000 UTCI knew you were going to reply this way because you did last time. When I started a few years ago I subbed to two creators. You and Cast n Play. Back then your models were superior to theirs and they made about the same in quantity per release. In those few years they are now making double the amount of models you make monthly and they aren't "mass produced". They use a similar structure where they make a big bad guy, some mounted units or creatures and then several distinct creature/humanoid types with very different poses where each model is unique. They have done this by growing their team. They also make scatter pieces and some really good thematic bases with every set. I withheld name dropping in my last post but you really don't seem to get it. Go look at your competitors. CnP has way less monthy subs than you but they are putting out way more content for $2.99 more a month than what you charge. I'm not saying this to slam you. As I said, I enjoy your work and have been subbed since April 2020 and have bought sets that released before I was subbed as well. I'm not hating on you. I just find your attitude frustrating and I am watching other creatures grow while you stay stagnant. Do what you want. I'll probably stay subbed but if things stay the same I'll continue to voice my opinion everytime you open the floor to ask us our opinion. PS. When you gonna me that bug release (Scorgeland survivors) revisted?
Miles Lewis
2023-10-05 18:53:56 +0000 UTCI'd like to see a variety in the larger models as well. Typically we see a 'hero' or 'boss' on a mount as the centerpiece which is great for 1 month, but with 2 month releases it would be cool to have a monster centerpiece alongside that.
Patrick Chamberlain
2023-10-05 18:53:51 +0000 UTCI like the sound of more variety, I'd also like to see a casual/ tavern pose for heros
T C
2023-10-05 18:53:11 +0000 UTCAs a GM. I really don’t need large armies. This would help with miniatures for hero’s. All models can be hero models for DnD or Pathfinder. But as far as NPC characters go. What you have been doing works great.
Andrew McDonald
2023-10-05 18:52:56 +0000 UTCAs a brand new member, I can see the value of the 2-month split approach but I am personally more interested in expanding the variety of my own collection. Would it be possible that for the part 2 release months, there is a coupon code for MMF of a greater discount than the ordinary 30%, perhaps redeemable for a single set only, for those of us who are looking for more variety?
Jakob Miner
2023-10-05 18:52:32 +0000 UTCEven if it's not two months in a row od rhe same theme I like the idea. As long as it doesn't burn you out creatively.
Matthew Wells
2023-10-05 18:52:12 +0000 UTCI'm happy with either option, if the new option will work better for you, go for it!
Mini Manatee
2023-10-05 18:51:39 +0000 UTCInstead of doing one type one month and the other types the next month, you should do fewer of all types one month then expanding all types the next month.
ARCTIC LAB SERVICES
2023-10-05 18:51:31 +0000 UTCIdeally I'd like more variety, you've actually done two month runs in the past and I didn't have a problem with it. It's also worth remembering the enormous amount of work and incredible quality we already receive each month. I don't see a problem with getting double the variety.
MaximumBeard
2023-10-05 18:50:27 +0000 UTCPretty much everyone has said as much but I'll add in: The double month releases, assuming nothing fundamentally changes about the core structure of the contents, is just a straight better plan moving forward to flesh everything out. My favorite releases have been ones where you've re-visited to expand on older releases. Having double releases be "the plan" going forward is going to provide a gigantic stockpile of grunts, bosses and heroes to choose from that all fit the same theme and will allow you as the artist to really sink your teeth into crafting and worldbuilding these fantastic sculpts. 1000% on board and cannot wait!
Kyle Turner
2023-10-05 18:46:52 +0000 UTCI love more options among the same base figures, so I chose the two month option. However, sometimes you just want to print and not do all the support and assembly. If there a bit more time in the schedule over two months, perhaps you could also offer an ‘assembled’ version of the modular units for quick printing? Either way, you do great work, and I really enjoy it. Thank you!
Tom Ronan
2023-10-05 18:45:22 +0000 UTCI am absolutely for the second option. But I (only I don't have to feel the same way) find that the models are now too detailed. I wish the whole thing was screwed back a bit, since the minis are on average 4-5 cm tall, many details are lost anyway. after printing and painting. But you're doing your job really, really well and I'd be gone a long time ago if the design didn't appeal to me anymore. Keep it up!!!!
Fefnir
2023-10-05 18:44:51 +0000 UTCThis is why I was asking about a poll again. If you had ideas for more than one set would you put that up for a vote so at least we get to know what may be coming up
A_G_S
2023-10-05 18:43:37 +0000 UTCYes, I'm with you Abdul :)
Artisan Guild
2023-10-05 18:43:33 +0000 UTCI personally actually am by now mostly interested in the mounts as creatures. So as long as every month still results in different kinds of mounts, I'm happy! I'm a big proponent of trying things out and making a final decision afterwards. If it turns out to not be great, simply change back to the current way in a few months! Also, here's another proponent of more (ideally 50:50) non-female pinups. Not necessarily because I need them, but because the purely female pinups don't feel timely anymore. Women get sexualized enough already, imo
Jannis Jorre
2023-10-05 18:40:56 +0000 UTCI enjoy the diversity month to month. If I don’t like a particular month’s release, I know I can still look forward to the next month. This would lock us in for two months in a row.
Sam Birnbaum
2023-10-05 18:40:29 +0000 UTCYea I think having a 2 month period and adding more options to a faction/warband is great. I have seen this same idea been implemented by other creators as well. It seems things are being dragged out but coming up with new things is tough. Being a concept artist and also a creator on Patron it is always tough to get all your ideas in one months release and this way certain concepts can be brought to fruition. I think we have been spoiled with the amount of stls all around that we fail to grasp at how fast and efficient you need to be to come up with ideas that have been done already.
Abdul Rahman Khan
2023-10-05 18:31:51 +0000 UTCI personally like the extended schedule, because I am very slow to print things anyway!
Patrick Krog
2023-10-05 18:29:44 +0000 UTCYes, that's totally one of my concern, and that's why I'm asking your opinion :) thanks
Artisan Guild
2023-10-05 18:28:55 +0000 UTCI would love more variety! And also revisiting some of the previous factions to build them up more would be great too!
John Gramer
2023-10-05 18:26:03 +0000 UTCI voted for a theme every two months, it seems great for exploring a theme in depth, but in truth I have no problems with the other option either. 👍🙂
Vincenzo Gatta
2023-10-05 18:25:27 +0000 UTCMore dynamic posing options sounds nice, but I am not sure how everyone would react to slower development of new units. I would be wary of becoming too reliant on just filling out ranks instead of creating unique models. Small-batch unique and high quality models has always been what kept me with Artisan Guild, and I have seen similar patreons fall into the Quantity over Quality pit. Putting consecutive months of the same thing simultaneously allows for no decrease in quality but stretches the variety out to double the time, which some people might not like.
Patrick Krog
2023-10-05 18:24:07 +0000 UTCyes, it's very hard for me to know which inspiration I'll have the following month. On the contrary, if I start a set I can continue with it for two months without problem, expecially if it solved some issues like poses amount for certain weapons (like archers).
Artisan Guild
2023-10-05 18:24:03 +0000 UTCDoing the same theme for two months appeals to me as a wargamer, as more diversity under a single coherent theme makes my life waaay easier. And 2x2 heroes is great for making PC minis.
Inirlan
2023-10-05 18:23:47 +0000 UTCyes, that would be not always, just with specific sets :)
Artisan Guild
2023-10-05 18:22:46 +0000 UTCI am so incredibly happy with what you are putting out now, but as a DM I can also see the value of having more options, and a slower release schedule to give me time to put together ways to work on and incorporate the new minis into my campaign. As it stands I have a huge backlog of your minis I am ready to stick into my campaign, that have inspired entire arcs, that I just need to work towards. I like the idea of putting it your hands, as a previous commentor recommended. Some factions just lend themselves to more options, and some it doesn't seem as important. Either way I love everything you're putting out, and can't wait to see what comes up next!
pyromaster55
2023-10-05 18:22:06 +0000 UTCI’d be fine with themed sets over two months if we could get more variety in races and what not. There’s so many races I’d love to see in this style rather than more elves or humans or dwarves. Don’t get me wrong I love those sets, but I’m always looking for more variety like rabbit folk, or owl, tortle, Fox, etc.
Terry McNemar
2023-10-05 18:19:01 +0000 UTCfrom what I have seen in these two years of Patreon, Andrea decides the theme to sculpt based on inspiration, which can also come on the spot. Giving a road map would be impossible or would harness his creativity resulting in stress for him and perhaps less inspired and therefore lower quality miniatures for us.
Vincenzo Gatta
2023-10-05 18:18:58 +0000 UTCI like the variety, a lot! But I don't care for the separate weapons with ball joint. To be honest, the glue up is a chore and I would be satisfied with 6 finished models with helmets and 6 without and maybe with an alternative load out.
QwertyPwned
2023-10-05 18:18:25 +0000 UTCI'll abstain from voting as either option works for me :D
James Harrison
2023-10-05 18:18:02 +0000 UTCI don't believe this is a move to make things better. It's a way to push out the same bits and bobs over a longer period of time. Reduce the labor and increase the profit. These changes are killing what made artisan guild good to begin with.
Aurum
2023-10-05 18:14:22 +0000 UTCHaving the factions split over 2 months would mean less variety in the number of factions over the year. Would you consider reinstating the monthly poll to decide which sets get made again? I know the problems it's caused previously but if backers knew what they were getting for those two months it might soften the blow a bit with having to wait (potentially) 3 months for a faction they actually want/will use.
A_G_S
2023-10-05 18:14:05 +0000 UTCCan we have a third option: "Trust Andrea"? I am reluctant to go with either one, because I appreciate factions like the wizards we had a few months back, but I really don't need wizards with crossbows or spears. I feel like some sets lean more towards multiple units, like the Northmen and the Elves. But I really love some of the more niche sets, like the Warforged and the Centaurs... who do NOT need as much variety. My vote is to allow you the freedom to choose which units would necessitate two releases, and which ones can be done with just one.
Thomas Frey
2023-10-05 18:13:22 +0000 UTCI see what you mean, Andrew, but modular models is the coure foundation of Artisan Guild. Even after years we sometime see pictures of old models with weapons for the recent sets, making them looking fresher and also great to suit specific needs :)
Artisan Guild
2023-10-05 18:12:06 +0000 UTCPerhaps align your sets with popular wargaming rules such as OPR or KoW... people can still play Guilds and use Mundus for lore and RP, but I personally would like to use AG figures for both RPG and Wargaming. Just an observation, keep up the fantastic work 🙂
Aaron Cox
2023-10-05 18:11:20 +0000 UTCI'm happy with the way things are, but it's hard to say no to more awesome models! I'm fine either way. can't wait to see what you come up with!
Daniel Bergene
2023-10-05 18:10:06 +0000 UTCYes, totally! Each month would work on their own, similiar on how I made Northmen Saga I and II separated.
Artisan Guild
2023-10-05 18:09:43 +0000 UTCThanks for your enthusiasm! I'd love for that to work!
Artisan Guild
2023-10-05 18:09:14 +0000 UTCEach set is unique, unique heroes and pinups too. I don't want to make less models, just to have more variety over two months for the modular unit :)
Artisan Guild
2023-10-05 18:08:59 +0000 UTConly player characters care what their minis are holding lol
Eric Obara
2023-10-05 18:08:49 +0000 UTCThanks Tobias! I would have loved to make 2 sets of them to cover more roles and heroes... perhaps in the future :)
Artisan Guild
2023-10-05 18:08:20 +0000 UTC"I hit axe guy" "Axe guy down to 32 hp"
Eric Obara
2023-10-05 18:08:15 +0000 UTCI'm fin either way, the current releases are great and offer enough for me to use, but I love the idea if the themed 2 monrh releases. I've seen requests for more male pinups. Could now do one of each over tge two month period.
Dj Dye
2023-10-05 18:08:09 +0000 UTCThank you for your feedback, Miles. I understand where you're coming from, but it's important to note that Artisan Guild has a unique approach that sets us apart. Even each modular unit miniature is crafted with meticulous attention to detail an unique features, making them one-of-a-kind pieces rather than mass-produced troops models, which I could easly do in few days but I refuse to offer this kind of product. Making more is never a problem, we are committed to give uniqueness ans style and highest quality. While expansion has its merits, it also comes with the risk of diluting the creative vision that makes Artisan Guild special. I'm proud to say that we're one of the most successful Patreon campaigns worldwide, and it's because we offer something truly unique. I appreciate your support and hope you continue to enjoy the miniatures as much as I enjoy creating them
Artisan Guild
2023-10-05 18:07:41 +0000 UTCI use all the minis, not caring what they carry. I play DnD and use the unique qualities as identifiers when tracking HP value. I know what they're armed with and tell the players so in my descriptions. I do use heroes and spell casters as their own thing though. just rank and file get the meta treatment.
Eric Obara
2023-10-05 18:07:30 +0000 UTCIm all for larger factions of the same type! Great for wargaming! The heroes are good for rpgs but regular units are better if they can be scaled up to 10-20 archers for example.
Henrik Lagercrantz
2023-10-05 18:07:27 +0000 UTC2 months is, realistically speaking, a best way. Cuz you don't need to squeeze out a new idea every month and can work with better vision of the future. And we get bigger variety within themes Win-Win scenario for me
Stas
2023-10-05 18:07:24 +0000 UTCHonestly either way works for me, I dont play any games, I just paint. I would actually just prefer models that are pre-posed vs multi weapon print options (gluing sucks). You guys keep making awesome sculpts so ill be a member regardless of the outcome.
3dKleetus
2023-10-05 18:06:01 +0000 UTCI think spreading it over 2 months sounds fantastic! And a unit of heavy archers for the heavy armored Requiem Brotherhood you say? I NEED that LOL
Aaron Richardson
2023-10-05 18:05:37 +0000 UTCJust to clarify, would the 2-month option mean no modular units, ie hands/weapons baked into the model itself? Because this is something I've been hoping for, often hands are just too tiny to pin and they feel pretty brittle. I know it's an older set, but I recently felt this with the Sunken Kingdom sea elves. And it'd free up a bit of room on the build plate, less chance of tiny parts getting lost, etc.
Andrew Boggs
2023-10-05 18:05:35 +0000 UTCAs long as each month as the same proportion (Troops, heroes, cavalry, etc..), I'm good with two months of the same faction.
SL
2023-10-05 18:02:03 +0000 UTCFor us wargamers, this idea is an absolute banger! Not only does it allow for putting together larger units, but having more options for heroes and big models...outstanding!
Oz
2023-10-05 18:00:06 +0000 UTCWould this also give us one pinup per month still? Same theme but another one sense we will have two months of the same unit theme.
andrew ohmann
2023-10-05 18:00:01 +0000 UTCI've said this before but you need a staff or some more people to help you. I love your stuff but you are getting outpaced by other creators who have expanded. I know you said it's your creative vision and you don't have to sacrifice that but you could do a lot more if you expanded.
Miles Lewis
2023-10-05 17:59:22 +0000 UTCThe 2 months are great the same like Titan Forge. So you have more Variation on some Races. For example i love the Seafolk Elves but it got a handfull of models. So yeah im 100% for the Idea to make a 2 month of each theme :)
Tobias Moll
2023-10-05 17:58:49 +0000 UTC
