Here are the final-ish pin designs for the axolotl dragon pin series so far. All of these little guys will have a rose-gold metal used on their lines, and the lavender axolotl will have a glitter gradient in the star.
I need some help with selecting the final colors for the sleeping axolotl dragon.
This guy can either be a blue-gilled leucistic, or a copper axolotl.
Blue-gilled leucistics are mostly white with a little bit of pink and purpley-grey-blue on their gills. So the super-blue coloration is definitely diving straight into fantasy colors. I created a white variant that allows a bit more blue to show through on the wings to hopefully differenciate it from the normal leucistic. Finally, I tried a copper morph.
Herpetology dragons is being rescheduled for late summer/early fall 2026. I want to run a good campaign, and I don't know that I can do that at present.
To make a long story short, over the past week and a half I've had an acute health issue crop up that's been getting progressively worse. It's affected my ability to sleep at night and function well during the day. Rather than try and juggle a campaign in this situation, I've decided to reschedule Herpetology dragons for a later date.
Due to the schedule change Herpatology dragons is no longer participating in the Pin Quest 2 event that is happening from June 16 - July 2nd; however, if you're looking to get some beautifully designed pins, please consider checking the Pin Quest event out. There are many amazing creators who will be participating, and they have put together a truly impressive collection of folklore and fairytale themed campaigns!
I am very sorry for the last minute scheduling change. This was not an easy decision to make. If you are still interested in seeing Axolotl Dragons and Hognose Amphitheres later this year, feel free to follow the launch page. I am enthusiastic about bringing this project to life during a time when I can devote my full attention and care to this campaign!
Hello everyone! I have some new pin designs to share.
For this campaign, I decided to focus on creating two main collections. One of axolotl dragons, and one of hognose amphitheres. Each collection will contain 6-10 designs (depending on if we meet stretch goals) and will be available for individual purchase during the campaign, as well as in a themed blind bag during and after the campaign.
I love the idea of herpetology dragons and creatures, so if this campaign goes well, I can easily see creating Herpetology Dragons 2 in the future, where I explore more of the species in the reptile and amphibian hobby!
For now, here's a preview of some of the finished pin designs:
Axolotl Dragons
Here is the first axolotl dragon pin design.
Pin Quest: Folklore & Fairytales
Herpetology dragons will be a part of the Pin Quest group event from June 16 - July 2. If you back 3 or more projects from this enamel pin event, you can receive a free collaboration pin reward from each one you back! Herpetology dragons will be offering this Grimoire Guardian pin free for anyone who backs my project and at least two others from the Pin Quest event. That's all for now! Over the next 10 days I'll be posting more pin previews. I hope that everyone has a great weekend!
Here's a process image of some of the sketches for the Axolotl dragons! After drawing the little guy, I tend to cut it apart and try to tweak the proportions by resizing, or nudging things. I ended up going with the body shape of #2, and the kicked out leg of #1 for the final design.
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Potential Campaign Focus Shift
I had so much fun with this dragon that it's going to be hard to resist making more axolotl dragons!
I'll see where the rest of the designs take me, but I might narrow this campaign down to Axolotl dragons and Hognose Amphitheres so that I can explore all the color morphs their inspiration animals. I can also try drawing them in different poses, with them flying, curling up, looking up at something curiously, or snuggling in pairs. I like the idea of herpetology dragons in general, but having to choose a single pose or morph for each one is more difficult than anticipated, especially when I'm having a blast with these happy little frens~
If I end up narrowing this campaign to focus in on an Axolotl dragon collectoin and Hognose Amphithere collection, it also leaves me room to explore mythical creatures inspired by herpetology again in the future.
