Hello gentle robot enthusiasts!

As always, tossing in a reminder that if you want news about developments on any Short Circuit goodies or my art in general fastest, be sure to join my Discord and peek at the development channels.

That being said, it's formal update time to let y'allemaal know that --

 

Economic circumstances are tricky for many at the moment and we kept wavering from within 1-3 orders of meeting our previous goal, so I investigated procuring a smaller quantity of Pythons if necessary when it comes to bulk order time. Though the margin per plush will definitely give me much less wiggle room, it's doable and I really want them to exist! At the time of writing we're sitting at 62 orders and that's plenty for this revised outlook, so everyone who orders a Python plush will receive one!!

The retail price for any leftover Pythons post-Soft Circuit fulfillment will definitely have to be higher, so grab one now if you know you'd enjoy the companionship of this silly noodle. You can add a Python to your pledge via the add-on section of your survey. If you didn't back the campaign, they can also be purchased via the Soft Circuit Pre-Order Store. Post-campaign add-ons, pre-orders, and shipping will not be charged until August. If you need any help adjusting your order, don't hesitate to reach out. :]

In related news, I'm still going back and forth with our supplier to iron out the last particulars on these two friends, but we are so close now.

Byte is genuinely ALMOST there, it's now just down to two picky spacing details on the face: the width of the strips in her ears, and the spacing of the eyes. All the other lingering change requests have now been addressed!

I'm very grateful to this manufacturer and the designer they have assigned to us for their patience and hard work. Knock on wood that the next sample will be ready to head to me for final approval!

You've already peeped the latest Python prototype in the top of this post, but here they are agai--

Oh, hm. The noodle child has been temporarily SILENCED. 😂 And also shaken down, as I requested a video of them being wiggled about to get a sense of the stuffing level (you can view it on Mastodon or Bluesky). But don't worry, for Python this is all in good fun and they'll be sending you a fresh volley of cheerful greetings in no time at all!

Above are the change notes I sent along! I made another attempt to convey that the top and bottom wing embroidery should differ slightly. Giving them the vague illusion of layering like feathers should is a detail I love, even though they're not bird wings per se. 

My rep also came back with the information that those small purple squares under the wings (meant to be "sockets" where the wings attach) can't be moved right up against the wings as I've requested for production. I asked if it would be possible with other adjustments, such as removing the embroidered border, and was told no, the only method they'll be able to achieve that placement would be fabric printing. For such a small detail, I gave the go-ahead to see how that looks on the next sample. If it looks good, then neat! If not, I'll either remove those squares or dig into additional options. As ever fear not, I'm particular as heck and dedicated to making sure these guys look their best.

I'm really pleased with how Python is shaping up, and I hope you love them so far too!! If you know anyone who needs a plush pup or noodle in their life, please don't hesitate to pass the link along. Word of mouth is the best gift y'all can give an independent artist. <3

Speaking of art:

You lovely folks voted on which robots should hangout, and at last here is the finished result!

Play isn't within these units' intended range of functionality, but the Short Circuit bots all run a bit contrary to their designs in delightful ways -- it looks like Malware and Mozzy learned the importance of fun for its own sake, and are engaged in a rousing game of tag!

Once finished, I settled the bulk order of magnets with that supplier asap. I'm pleased to report they were speedy as heck and production has already completed:

As with most other items, these magnets can still be added on to your pledges via the survey or pre-ordered in the store if you did not back the campaign proper. 💛

Miss out on any of the Spooky Circuit units? You'll have a second chance to get your paws on them!

I wanted to add some of the Spooky leftovers to the Soft Circuit store in June (so that they'll be available to grab with combined shipping), but life has been throwing curve balls at me lately. Soon though! I need to finish editing the product photos and setting up their associated add-ons; I will holler again in this space when they are available.

Finally a reminder that thanks to folks like you, I have several upcoming campaigns in the works! Three of them already have teaser pages live, if you'd like to follow along:

🩸 Spectral Circuit, the next update to the Short Circuit 'verse, will be launching with Pintober 2026
🎮 Gears of GAIA, a love letter to another piece of media which straddles the intersection of tech and nature, will follow closely on its heels as part of Tributes
🐕 Proud Noodles will feature colorful sighthounds set to run in 2027 for Pin of Pride

The upcoming pin designs will include a number of fun creatures, but here's an additional teaser for you: if you're a deer enjoyer, you'll be eating well --

Thank you all as ever for being here, I appreciate your support! Take it easy and stay safe if you're experiencing one of the many heatwaves going around, and regardless of location I hope you are well. <3