About modular and pre-built! I need your thoughts!

Understood that I am probably in a minority - but I’d personally prefer MORE fully built minis than more parts to glue together later.

Matt Robertson

Supported models won't go away, creators pretty much got bullied into doing it ,it wasn't an option :D But we offer not supported so, you can support yourself, absolutely no problem with that, but you are clearly in the minority haha! When it comes to modular VS built, it's pretty much 50/50 I would bet. My fault for cornering myself into that haha!!

Personally, I don’t like supported models - as I prefer to support them myself. Nearly all of my print failures are from pre-supported models. Further, I dislike components or multipart models - I prefer to just print the model completely built.

Matt Robertson

As an old school modeler/miniature player I like both the modular and the pre-built since it's no problem for me to take out my trusted superglue. The modular bits are easy for me to use to convert models and that's more than half the hobby for me. Since you'll still do the NPCs, what I can suggest is to stick to modular for the grunts with maybe a couple of static builds pre-posed to easily compare the scale on the slicer if someone need to rescale it.

Fabio Del Frate

I am much more in favor of the modular option.

Lloyd Moore

I'm a fan of pre-built when it comes to being a merchant; modular is generally a pain for both the customer and for me. From asking why I shipped it in pieces to "How did it break so cleanly", it's usually a problem. That said, modular can be great for painting (easier to get into hard to reach spots on a really dynamically posed model), and for variation...so, damned if you do, damned if you don't? =D

Dustan Archer

Thanks for your feedback and support! Glad you liked the guards :D We have more plans for citizens for sure!

Hard cap at a set number might work! It'll get tested in the following months I think!

Yeah for that part it make sense!

I've followed since shortly before you started the modular minis; and I couldn't be happier you're doing them. But if they're eating up too much of your time sculpting, then perhaps decide whether you'd rather static pose or modular, or figure out the combination of the two.

John Kraemer

the modular mini was a great idea I'm absolutly fan of your guard, the monthly citizen are so great. I made a medieval city and a lot of mini are from you! As I told you I must stop the patreon for the moment but I'l be back soon

I’ve been a supporter for a few years. I prefer prebuilt models. The time it takes to print the options glue them et cetera just isn’t really worth it to me. The strongest part of your offering was a plate full of support less minis. The options are like the time you were getting burnt out trying to do a ton of scenery options.

Eric Lee

As a merchant I'm 100% in favor of the prebuilt miniatures. Modular is so much more work on our end to print and process. I often don't even offer the modular kits because of the labor involved.

Hoplite Game Studios

Thank you :D It seems like lot of people do yeah!!

Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, I'll find a way to make it easier for me, can't continue with the same rythm for sure! I think a hard limit on the ''unit'' side of the things is a good idea, so I have room for other stuff!

Thanks a lot! I think having a hard cap is one of the best route possible. 5 mod / prebuilts, and unique poses if I want on the side. This current month, women guards, performed badly ,so I'm not sure I'll be alternating like that again, seems risky depending the theme! Guards being quite similar looking visually, I think it didn't help the release! Maybe having a gap time between would have been better!

Mathilde will still do NPCs, so no worries on that part! And I might be doing NPCs sets too in the future!! But regular foes, like goblins, bandits and such always work, so for sure it make senses to do them.. Happy to hear about the goblin hahaa, that's awesome!

Thanks for your inputs! More NPCs are never a bad thing for sure!

Thanks for your feedback!

I hopped on because of the modular figurines.

C

I never use the modular stuff personally, I can see the benefits of it if you need a specific pose for a story but I always just use the pre-built, I would love more real world characters, merchants, beggars, aristocrats, a sinister traveling carnival would be cool, all prebuilt though

Nathan Williams

I far prefer your civilians to the modular stuff. I'm here for things like the cooks, merchants, bartenders, aspiring adventurers and the wizard apprentices. My player group has practically adopted your goblin potion huckster even though he keeps ripping them off.

PoptartsNinja

Sprue, usually meaning plastic, is EXTREMELY expensive, far from being accessible for us haha! Maybe siocast or metal one day, but it's not in our plans at all for now! Selling physical means we have to change a lot of stuff to your freelancer official status in France, and taxes will be higher (it's already 24%!)

I'd be in for a kickstarter with a box of the modular stuff on a sprue. Or the "characters" in metal. Or both.

J O

Thanks for the kind words!! Good to know, I totally get that it's easier for sure!!

Yeah, I think a hard limit on the ''set'' part of the release is the best idea, so it leaves room for other thing (or just to live a bit beside work haha!). Glad you noticed :D That's because we actually worked for resin and metal before haha, so we know what works or doesn't at these scale! Hey, one day maybe, but it's not cheap AT ALL! I have a few friends running their own ranges, and damn..What a rough market too!!

Titan Forge really aren't the best exemple, they were BIG at start, always has been work for hire as far as I know! We are just two, hiring someone isn't really in our plans, be it for financial reasons, paying someone properly won't be cheap at all. And actually our support job is done by Sitrane, or me, and it's not done for free obviously! We don't plan on becoming a huge 10+ team, that's not what Patreon is about! Should be for individuals :D I think it's more a matter of managing expectations, rather than always doing more and more. I'll settle on a middleground, or make a choice to allow growth in the future, but I can't always bend backward and find solutions to make it ALL work, not really viable.

Maybe you could invest in a freelancer who does the prebuilds and does your supports + testing? Maybe hire them to do a couple of days work before every release when you are at the end of the design stage? This can be done by someone with little to no sculpting skills and then you can invest your time in areas that do require your expertise. I'm sure you could even find someone like this in your Patreon community. I think most of the other Patreons out there get someone to do it for them after a while. For example Titanforge and Artisan Guild started doing this a couple of years back. They also found someone who was active in their community to do this. This would relief you from a lot of stress I think! (Of course you'll need some time to get used to that workflow)

Mike Jay

As much as we all enjoy a big pile of minis, I think a hard limit is probably best. Perhaps 5? I also prefer the modular minis. That said, torsos seem to be in greater demand. There is always something left on the sprues for arms & heads. The style you offer, in my opinion is perfect. Not overly "busy" and the sculpts are very pleasing. Your stuff needs to be cast in metal (and kits!) and produced.

J O

Do whatever you need to do to avoid burnout. I’m a big fan of the modular, but can also see why others would prefer pre-built. The male and female mercenaries each had 5 bodies and 5 prebuilds but some other months ie the cultists and guards have had a lot more, with 9 I believe for the cultists as well as bonus mutants. Maybe sticking to the 5 or even dropping to 4 could help if you stick with offering both options? Especially if you go with male one month and female the next as we’d still get the varieties of 8/10 bodies over the two months, and also allowing you to use the same arms over the two months meaning the second month would be less time intensive for you? Whatever you decide I’m going nowhere :)

As my favourite Patreon creator, whatever you do will be sweet. I've personally never bothered with modular as i'm more interested in quickly getting each mini printed & painted and on the table for DnD sessions c:

I like both, but print most pre assembled. I liked the optional Hand with + weapon options. Arms must not so much. Youre building every month an Army. And that is no joke. I using them as Troops with different weapons. Like it... but... dont burn out. It is no use. Juggle with the options... but dont overwork yourself. This is your life both and it is not just work.

Christian van den Boom

No modular would be fine with me. I prefer using pre assembled models 😜

MinionMancer

I love the modular options as I like to kitbash things together. That said, I agree with what David Ammann said above that some sets like the guards work well as modular sets and more idiosyncratic minis work best as pre-builts because trying to accommodate for modular parts can be limiting sometimes. I plan to continue as a patron regardless of which you choose, because your sculpting style is fantastic. Do however much you think is a reasonable workload and I think it's perfectly fine if some months the minis are mostly/all modular because they are well suited to that and other months they are mostly/all pre-posed.

F3TTST3R

I'm here for your style. The variety of different characters, body types, women and that they are doing things other than just wielding weapons. I like the modular ones and think they're cool but don't need them every month. Like some others have said, do what you need to do to avoid burnout. I'm all good with less options if it means this keeps going.

Aaron

Also, you have been going hard in the paint on these guards! I think a coasting month is fine. Maybe someone just joining might object, but I don’t expect a sculptor to be a machine.

David Ammann

First, whatever you decide, I am here for the style. Your signature look is great, and however that’s available, I want to support them. I think some miniatures work best as modular, some as prebuilt. When a mini is basically fodder or one of many (guards, cultists, maybe orcs?, etc), being able to easily change out the weapons and heads is pretty great. When the minis are more individual or idiosyncratic (bandits, goblins, kobolds), I think preposed makes sense. Really, I think any approach that you choose is ok. Maybe it makes sense to decide what a sensible workload looks like ( two monsters OR 5 modular OR 6 preposed, I don’t know whether that a realistic breakdown) and make what makes sense during a given month? There are probably going to be themes or months that don’t appeal to someone. I think trying to win each month is a hard way to live, but trying to have a sustainable year with releases you feel good about sounds better.

David Ammann

Do what makes you happy :) Modular and pre-built each have their advantages. And maybe different releases are better suited to one or the other... e.g. I think the mercenaries really did benefit from modular options (they felt more Frostgrave/warband-y), but that might not always be the case. Burnout should be avoided so keep it fresh and make what excites you! Your output is consistently excellent, so I'll stick around. Looking forward to those monsters and bosses you mention ;)

Kevin Murphy

As you mentioned pre built is great for merchants. I don't like offering modular minis on my shop at all as it's just a bit to deal with amd pre builts are so much easier to deal with amd price out.

Irritated_Kraken

Modular miniatures all the way. Some time ago, one person complained about modular miniatures. To that guy I say, don't be so entitled and stop making the lives of these hardworking artists difficult.

Scavvon

I prefer the modular bits! It gives me the most flexibility and I can mix/match with other sets from other artists a lot of the time. It's the most valuable thing IMHO. I don't use the prebuilts!

Cattegy

I'll start by saying I'll support which ever decision makes you happier and healthier. I absolutely adore your work, whatever form it takes :) If you feel that modular is limiting your creativity (as supportless did a while back), I encourage you to do what is most enjoyable to you as artists Personnaly I dont really use modular bits. They're fun but I'm already fulfilled with the prebuilt options. I can't talk for anyone else, but I'm here to stay either way it goes

I vastly prefer the modular minis. I like to kitbash and modular makes that so much easier. Modular minis can also be much easier to paint.

Eric Jackson

Pre built, please :) I hate modular minis. The extra work is not worth the trouble for a little uniqueness. With several pre-built every month I'm getting plenty of unique miniatures.

Shawn Michaud

Modular exist a lot, and it's never pre-built, I just did that because I was worried about losing people who hate modular, and here I am now , having to do too much for one person haha!

Your modular options is what made me a patron. I love being able to customize my models. I even tracked back to your Cold Steel and Magic packages as I am a Frostgrave player. I am sad that your modular kits aren’t fully compatible. I don’t really care for the pre-built. I do love the custom models like the two drunk guards. If it’s a choice between a pre-built or more customization option, I’m all in for customization. I even created my own customization options by digitally scratch building pieces.

Francois Leclerc

Modular is more finicky but the uniqueness of the end result more than makes up for it so, personally, I would prefer Modular to pre-build please.

Andrew Miller

I use them for Table Top and love the flexibility of the modular. It didnt look good when you have 30 minis in a regiment and all look the same.

I love the modularity that you provide, as others have said, I see plenty of sculptors that offer static poses but very few that offer modular models. And if I want a model all in one piece right off the printed I just pre-assemble it in the slicer.

Gabriel Graves

Personally, I am not a fan of the modular, print and go is the way for me. I support your Patreon because I like your designs and your art style. I have no need to customize the minis myself.

I love the modular sets, it would be a huge loss for me if you stopped offering them. If one thing needs to go (and it sounds like it does), I'd rather cut pre-built because people can achieve anything the pre-built does with the modular set, but not the other way around. And personally I don't think gluing some arms to a body is that much more work, most other patreons I sub to do it this way and don't even offer pre-built versions. It sometimes also improves print quality because the individual parts are often easier to support than the assembled model. Maybe as a compromise you could "package" the modular options into one folder each (with one head / body / set of hands) and include a render of these fully assembled, so it's easier for merchants to advertise these specific combinations, rather than expecting their customers to imagine what the final mini will look like from pictures of the modular bits?

Miriam Tschanen

I love the idea of monsters/bosses. I personally REALLY love to see a couple poses to monsters, but for bigger guys I think 3 poses is more than enough, and they shouldn't need much variation in the body at all. I don't really know how sculpting works but I figure that would end up being less work if they don't have new clothes or something each time! But I'll stick around whatever you're doing. I love the modular stuff you do, but I'd honestly be happy with just the heroes/npcs. Whatever you do make sure you get some rest!

I love to modular minis but 95% of the time I print and use the prebuilt because they’re easier and faster for me as well. If I had to choose I’d stick with prebuilts. Plus you offer a great selection of poses! Thanks again for the hard work and don’t work too hard!

Champ

Modular is why I'm here.

Jefferson Thacker

I use my miniatures as a tabletop (skirmish) gamer and therefore get more 'value' from modular, whereas I guess 'pre-built' may suit rpg' ers better (sorry if I generalised and got this wrong). That is why I was suggesting a 'happy medium' where at least some modular, even if limited, is available.

WD

Modular is more unique and as others have said, lots of creators do pre-built regardless. That said I've only printed one set of modular so far, the rest of yours I've printed pre-built... So I don't comment from experience here, specifically. I expect I will like the modular more for characters where it makes sense. Guards, soldiers, for instance - work well as modular. NPCs probably should have more individual character.

I'm new to 3D printing, and getting modular right is quite the hassle, so I am only using the pre builds. I would love to see monsters and or bosses in your style. :)

I love the flexibility and creativity that comes from the modular figures, but I also understand it is a lot of work. I would gladly sacrifice the pre-builts for the modulars, but looking at the comments here so far makes me think I'm in the minority. I say whatever you think will allow you to continue creating high-quality content is the way to go.

I can agree with this. But from reading everyone's responses I think a ratio of 2 modular bodies and 3 pre built would make the most patrons happy. 3 pre built is enough for a small squad (unmirrored) for those who don't want to mess with modular, while to modular bodies, with a small assortment of pieces,l will still give plenty of wiggle room for those who want to build a modular.

Kendakari

I'm of two minds personally. On one hand, modular means for a greater number of individual models. However, I feel like you shouldn't need to include a prebuilt version of the model as well. Technically speaking, it shouldn't be a problem to assemble a model in a 3D program and just make it one whole, or assemble it after its printed for the users. Don't really think that should be on you to do for them, even if convenience is nice. That said, I also feel that the modular models you've been doing kinda feel less dynamic than the non modular ones you've been making. Ultimately, I think you should do what you like most, but scaling things back so that you have more time for other things might be ideal. Maybe perhaps instead of entire releases comprised of modular stuff, you add a single one as a bonus? Like a set of heads, or arms, or bodies, etc. Or the other way around, some months maybe non modular, while others fully?

I tend to not be using modular stuff because my printer can't put them out in clear enough detail consistently. It also increases the number of prints I have to do dramatically. Pre built is my personal preference

Codex

As a rule, I'm only interested in modular minis, because I've preferred to assemble my figures myself for over 40 years and give them the pose and expression I really need. There are already many thousands of prebuilt figures from absolutely every subject...

Spielweltenschmiede

As a merchant I hate modular. Do I have every single head? Oh that one arm didn’t print, which one was it now? Hey I didn’t get 8 heads I only got 7. Ok send me pics of which ones you have and I’ll send the 8th once I isolate the file. And of course everyone wants the arms in left and right side mirrors. That just doubles the work. It’s frankly too much time investment to place on a single order and if I increase the price they won’t sell. I’ve recently tried to design a “build your own goblin” from another patreon’s modulars where I’d post the bodies, heads, and arms and they only pay for one each and I’d send mirrored sets of arms. It’s been crickets on that listing. A lot of work went into designing it and my test doesn’t make me want to keep trying.

Baublebuyer's 3D Prints

Do whatever makes you happy and doesn’t burn you out to be honest. I like both. Modular happens if I want something specific but prebuilt is fine and I just deal with it if it’s less than ideal. What if you did a blend of them? Like 3 and 2? With the modular head and the face sculpt as a prize as a modular option for the painting contest, it would kinda suck to win and then have nothing to put the head on.

Kyle Cooney

I appreciate the modular options, but that is a ton of work. I would be perfectly fine seeing the modularity dropped in favor of five or so non-modular figures.

I started backing specifically for the switch to modular. Tons of mini creators do prebuilt, as I wargamer, I prefer modular so I can assemble for variety. I'd probably drop if things go back to pre-built only.

Nathan Flanders

Pre-built all the way, extremely happy that I can pick the models you've crafted and three hours later I have them in my hands. I'd like to see what you would come up with for monsters/bosses and, if ditching modular frees you up to do so, then it's better for us but more importantly, better for you.

Sean

I assume that Patreon is something that can be very oppresive for an artist, so if something can be done to reduce the pressure, it has to be done. For my part, I'm very new on this patreon but for me, it's the townsfolk that make me join and some of the prebuilt gards are great bonus, I think I will never use the modular part so I will not be sad if you reduce this activity.

manolas78

prebuilt is easier in every way

i am more than happy with the prebuilts they are fantastic and i am not running encounters that need masses of mini's so dont mind if i have to double up on some occasionally

I freeely admit to being lazy so prebuilt for me.

Joe Kushner

Thinking aloud... Is there perhaps a happy medium? By that I mean, create a range of pre-builds (90%) , but then perhaps also add 1 modular of that theme / race etc, that also comes with a selection of weapons / items / equipment / heads/ whatever makes sense. The 1 modular model would give people the choice to make variations, and if they are really keen, use the 'extras ie. weapons / equipment etc' to even modify the pre-builts if they are so inclined. Just an idea

WD

Personally I like modular, however I love your minis and would be happy with either, especially for more detail.

Adam Randall

Modular is my vote. I assemble them in blender in print as one piece, but I like having the ability to mix the bits up.

CaptKankles

Hi ! on my side, I prefer the prebuilt, first because it's the artist choice, but also because it gives a much higher quality mini, with no gaps between parts etc... Your sculpts are really really nice, the level of detail is just perfect for this scale, and each of them has a very particular character that makes (in my opinion) VVM well above many others, in particular for what concerns heroes and NPC. Big thanks and courage for the future !

Burning yourself out is never the answer so take it easy if possible For me i always use the pre-built becuz printing them splited and putting them together can provide options true but its way slower and much work compared to pre-built if i felt the need to make more options ill just give personality by different paints

Veen

To be honest i line the non modular pieces more! Its like you can put in more exprensions on them, because you do not have to think about making arms interchangeable. For me, modular is just more work 🤷🏻‍♂️ I dont care if my guard is having an axe or sword.. ill just change it ingame accordingly, since it doesnt matter much anyway ☺️ Would be so much cooler if you had time to do foes and monsters!!!!

Caspar Olsen

I’m very happy with prebuilts please! Besides, anything to make way for more of your awesome monsters and models.

Sean McInnes

As a prospective merchant, I prefer prebuilt. In over three years of printing, prebuilt has outsold modular by a significant amount - to the point where I don't bother listing modular for most minis anymore. Ultimately, do what's best for you!

DungeonTokens

I come down on the side of the prebuilds. I'm looking for your vision of the character, not endless kit-bashing. It's what put me off GW.

I have to say I love the modular minis as it lets me decide how high a weapon is a torch etc. But honestly, people can spend 2 mins in Windows 3D Builder and put them together and print away. But you have to find what works for you, if you stopped doing modular it wouldn't worry me as I can slice and arm off and change it if I need to.

Wolf

I would want you to do what's best for your time and mental health! Honestly anything you provide is well worth the money.

James Knevitt

I much prefer the prebuilt minis. With the tiny little arms and legs and weapons, I keep dropping them and losing them, and then have to print more. The joints have to be glued and then filled and sanded. The pre-builds are perfect the way they are!

I came for the modular minis, the prebuilds are nice and a great showcase of what you can achieve with the modular parts and probably help sell the set. but for me the value comes from the modular minis. Would it be possible to outsource the pre-builds? no offence intended but in the process it seems like the aspect that doesn't rely on your personal style and talents. Avoiding burnout is super important ofcourse ;) burned out artist is neither modular or prebuilds anymore.

Talvara

I hate modular minis! I don't want to be faffing around with extra "bits" unless it's really necessary. Just give me a complete mini that I can print in one hit. Job done.

Antar Howarth

You know my answer is to ALWAYS do what makes you happy and drives your artistic creativity. Doing a SHITLOAD constantly just because you feel you have to isn't sustainable and I know you did 7 bodies because you were having fun sculpting and it shows. Your sculpting has improved and continues to improve every month IMO.

Nick Porterfield