We really did not intend for it to go so long between updates, but unfortunately, progress has been slow the past two months. Regrettably, this was my greatest fear with running a campaign this large; hiccups certainly happen, and manufacturing has surely proven that once again! But progress is definitely happening, fear not!
Here's a break down on where we are right now!
Production Status
Plush
Teal Rain Dragon 🟢🟢🟢 Pale Moon Fish 🟢🟢🟢 Caribou Goaticorn 🟢🟢🟢 Black Moon Fish🟢🟢🟢 Black Goaticorn 🟢🟢🟢
The above plush have arrived to us and are ready! Some of you have seen them out and about at shows; don't worry, we have plenty of stock. We want to implement in person pickup at conventions and events for those of you who have visited us! This however is dependent on surveys. We are STILL waiting on some samples (mainly Void Dragon and Star Fawn) however, we may be proceeding with only rough photos since we do need to get item counts on everything. As backers, would you be okay with rough photos of Void Dragon and Star Fawn for filling out surveys? Please comment below. Rough photos are prototypes of where the plush is at right now. There might be changes.
LavenderGoaticorn 🟠🟠ðŸŸ
Lavender Goaticorn is in production! The prototype is approved and the full order is being made! There was a delay in April where the factory accidentally mailed both Lavender and Void Dragon by sea (aka month long shipping). Unfortunately, when we got the samples, we discovered issues with both. For one, Lavender was sewn with gray embroidery instead of shiny silver. So it was back to the drawing board with another sample.
We have now confirmed as of mid May that Lavender is complete, with the correct embroidery color and she has now proceeded with production.
When we received the sample at the end of April, we discovered several issues: firstly, maroon was not working for his antler color. The stars on his side were also too big and the factory used gray instead of silver embroidery. These things are all changed on this new sample.
We however, are still waiting for the sample to arrive. We really wanted photos of him and Rain together for surveys, but waiting on Void is delaying surveys. The pressure to release surveys now, and get accurate counts on which designs people is definitely weighing on us. Which is why we are leaning toward sending them asap. Shipping table are complete, as well as item setup. The only thing we lack is finished photos. Looking at these sample photos, we think this is the final Void Dragon. We just wish we could see him in person and take better photos for you.
The plush with the greatest struggles has really been Star Fawn.
Star Fawn has been suffering from some unfortunate growing pains. Here is a look at her transformation so far. I don't often post these because the editing process can be discouraging. It takes a lot of tenacity and patience to make it through the process.
The first version is promising, but she suffers from an unfortunate buzz cut to her mane. They also shrank her eyes (for reasons?) The tail fur color left a lot to be desired. So edits are happening here and edits take time.
Second Version has the correct mane color BUT they used it everywhere and also changed the horns a lot. So back to editing!
These are my proposed edits that I submitted as of last week: shorter horns and a tail with blonde fur. How will she turn out? Only time will tell. Her horns might change further until we find something we are satisfied with. Unfortunately, this is all part of the editing process. A lot of the delay has just been going back and forth like this. And with a week to two weeks in between to remake the sample, the time really adds up. @_@
Cycles of Rain has shipped to us but isn't here yet. He's on his way though!
Ashen Goaticorn 🔴🔴🔴 Sea Foam Capricorn 🔴🔴🔴 Mini Pin Set 🔴🔴🔴
We ordered these pins shortly after the first order of pins. When we inquired about the status of Ashen and Sea Foam, the factory dragged their feet. They then complained about the size of the pins and the details after we had paid for the order. Sadly, we had to reduce the pins from 4 inches to 3.75 inches. We reduced the details slightly (in a way that wouldn't detract from the designs). We are now waiting on samples of these pins. We hope that they will be worth the wait, but it has been quite the battle to get them made.
It might be asked "Why not look for another manufacturer?" But it was not guaranteed the same thing wouldn't happen with someone else, and sourcing a new company to work with is so time consuming, that we decided against it. This is how the current designs look:
With the bonus pins, unfortunately, they got forgotten in the mix of dealing with these bigger pins. We are still waiting on samples but hope to see some soon.
Other Items:
Bonus Stickers 🟠🟠ðŸŸ
Free bonus stickers that come with the campaign are shipped! We are waiting on their arrival.
Goaticorn Socks 🟢🟢🟢
The original order of socks came with sewing issues. The order has since been remade, and additionally, we will be adding large size socks (Men's 8-12) for order!
Technical Business
Surveys 🟠🟠ðŸŸ
As stated previously, we are waiting on photos to be able to send surveys. However, due to needing to know production numbers, we are thinking of launching them sooner with some items having placeholder images. Would everyone be okay with this? After surveys are sent, we can facilitate pick up for some items in person. This would mainly apply to any plush who have a green light status.
We will make an announcement as soon as smoke test surveys and full surveys go out. Thank you for your patience.
Preorder Store 🟠🟠ðŸŸ
Photos are what is holding back the preorder store as well. We will open this when surveys are released.
Lastly, thank you all so much for waiting. We know waiting is difficult. It's also difficult to sit here and write about all the issues we encountered. I think a lot of people assume manufacturing is a simple wave of a wand and it's done. But communication errors happen, mistakes happen and at the end of the day, we're all just humans, trying to do our best. Thanks for continuing to ride along on this journey. We hope the plushies at the end of the road will be worth the wait!
This month is shaping up to be quite busy! Here's an update on what's happening in the world of Rain Dragon, Goaticorn and Moon Fish!
Technical Business
Surveys 🔴🔴🔴 We are still in the process of getting surveys together. The bulk of the work is complete (such as preparing survey questions and setting up shipping). However, we want to make sure there are samples of most of the items before we send surveys. We are still waiting on photos of quite a few samples, so surveys are on hold for the time being.
We will make an announcement when surveys are ready to be sent.
Rain Dragon is complete and mostly here! We had originally mailed 250 dragons here, and had held the remaining at the factory. With the success of this project, those dragons who were left behind can finally start their journey to us (and then- on to you!). Those dragons will be shipping to us shortly.
As with Rain, Black Moon Fish is also complete. Some are here with us and the remainder are at the factory. Those fish will now be shipping to us shortly!
We are currently waiting to see the second revision on Void's prototype. We will make an announcement when we have photos.
PINS
Dragon Friends Pin 🟠🟠🟠We received the first photo sample of this pin! The UV printing looks really nice and vibrant! There was one error (of overlapping printing) that will be corrected. We have approved this pin for production.
Prancing Caribou, Prancing Star Fawn, Prancing Capricorn, Prancing Black Goaticorn, Prancing Lavender Goaticorn and Prancing Blonde Goaticorn🟠🟠ðŸŸ
The samples for these little frolickers has been completed! We think they look pretty adorable! They have been approved for production.
We are waiting on samples of the rest of the pins. We will update when we have photos.
These are all the updates for now! Hopefully we will have additional news in the coming weeks. We will hopefully be updating in April with more photos and surveys!
Free mini pins are definitely happening! And the free holographic sticker pack is currently unlocked...? I say currently because some big pledges could drop and then we would lose the dragon sticker. (Please don't read this update and drop your pledge haha....)
Anyway, Star Fawn Plush is super close! We are still really hoping that we might get there? She unlocks at 50k, so maybe?
And did you see Lavender Goaticorn prototype?? She's a cutie!
Next Steps:
The campaign closes in 24ish hours! Be sure to check your credit cards and make sure your payment info is correct! Backerkit will charge cards on February 12th. Want to add on some items, but are on a tight budget? No worries! You'll have an opportunity for that when surveys go out next month. And payment processing for extra items will not happen until closer to shipping.
We are currently planning to send surveys in mid March! If we wait until mid March we might have prototype photos of a few things?? Most importantly, we might have prototype photos of Void Dragon! We already paid for the prototype and received a first pass at him. The shapes look good! The colors are being edited. (We asked for a very dark burgundy minky and received a pink minky. It's kind of comical but not ready for viewing.) In mid March we might also have some pin prototypes ready to be seen. We paid for some of the earlier pins and all those little leaping goaticorns are not super complicated to make, so maybe there will at least be prototypes of those!
Once surveys go out, you can choose add ons and international folks can pay for shipping. The charge process for extras + international shipping will not be immediate; we will make an update when charges for those items will happen. More than likely, it will be in the summer. We will be taking a short break in February for shows + a break, but we will be back in March with more updates!
Between now and then, you catch us at Katuscon (National Harbor), Alaska Comic Con (Fairbanks), and Emerald City Comic Con (Seattle)!
See you soon on the other side of Star Fawn Plush? We hope? Her time reaches ever closer!
Look who came in the mail!!!! It's Lavender Goaticorn! Wow her neck fur is confusingly soft. What happened? Where has this fabric been our whole lives? She is super darling! We love her plum colored eyes and super soft neck fur! I would like to think the softness is visible in photos.
We are requesting one small change (purple minky on the back of her ears instead of white). But she is a very soft and magical baby!
As a reminder, we are still working towards the 50k goal to unlock another hooved friend!
There are three free stickers to unlock on our way to Star Fawn! So far, Goaticorn Sea Foam is unlocked, Ashen Wings and Fire Dragon are next! All three will be holographic laminated vinyl stickers.
Check Out PondHQ's cute Ita Bag!PondHQ is our collaborator this Pintopia and we are both offering free stickers and free pins for backing both projects!
The big update here is that the free pin was previously available at 85$ pledged to both projects. But Pond's cute bag isn't funded yet! So! The promotion is now a free pin at 35$ pledged to both projects! c: Please check out Pond's cute bag! As a reminder, we won't be making these pins unless Pond's campaign is also successful.
Thanks again for your support! We'll be posting more videos of plushies over on Instagram and TikTok. We'll also be at KamiKon in Birmingham, AL this coming weekend! Caribou, Lavender and Black Goaticorn will be roadtripping with us. If you wanna hold and pet them IN PERSON be sure to drop by the booth 193/194!
Void Dragon is so close! He is the next stretch goal! Please consider telling your dragon loving friends??
Thanks to everyone who voted on the last poll! We have updated the stretch goals a small bit with the addition of a new pin and three new *FREE* stickers! Let's have a look!
New Bonus Stickers + Pin to Unlock!
We've added the option to unlock three new stickers! These will be holographic glitter stickers, like the bonus stickers sent with our previous Holiday Market campaign. We thought Ashen Goaticorn and Seafoam Capricorn were too pretty to remain as just pins! If we manage to hit these goals, every physical item pledge will come with a bonus sticker(s) depending on what is unlocked!
Additionally, we added Cycle of Rain pin as a goal. It will be unlocked for ordering once we reach $52,500.
Since we are discussing pins, a picture of antique patina was requested in regards to the Ashen Goaticorn Pin. The antique patina is a brushed metal appearance with antiquing that turns recessed parts of the pin darker and makes it overall have a smoky appearance.
Here is are two samples of what that looks like on two previously made pins:
Antique Patina on Gold Metal
Antique Patina on Bronze Metal
Plush Goals
Void Dragon continues to be our very next stretch goal. But after that, the poll revealed Star Fawn to be more popular than expected! So we've reorganized the plush goals based on interest as follows:
Star Fawn Goaticorn
Capricorn Goaticorn
Blonde Golden Goaticorn
Dragon Designs Details
We are still making our way to unlock both dragon designs. Void Dragon is still waiting to be unlocked! Let's have a look!
We've already begun prototyping a sample of Void Dragon Plush. He will be the same size as Rain. He'll feature silver metallic embroidered stars on his sides. His eyes have a cool black hole motif embroidery. Down his back will run a strip of maroon minky and his stomach will be indigo. We will update soon when we receive photos of his sample!
Here's a closer look at Fire Dragon!
She will be varying shades of red and orange! She was actually the first dragon we designed, but then we played with color mock ups and came up with Rain. So he won out as first dragon to be made.
If you're willing, please consider sharing our campaign with your friends? As funding stands right now, we will probably not reach most of the plush stretch goals. We are hoping to get to Void Dragon, but beyond that, like reaching Star Fawn for instance, it's hard to say. So if you're willing to share our campaign, it might help!
We hope you have enjoyed this look at our plush designs! Let's keep working together to make them happen! Amanda + Cari
