Adasaurus, Dromaeosaurus, and S. langstoni sculpt updates and new Zhenyuanlong art!
almost 8 years ago – Fri, Jul 08, 2016 at 09:01:32 PM

Dromaeosaurus and Adasaurus Parts Preview

The new pieces for both the Dromaeosaurus and the Adasaurus are now finished and are being molded now. The new parts include not only the two heads but new feathered hands (to be used for Adasaurus, Dromaeosaurus, Zhenyuanlong, Pyroraptor, and Linheraptor), feathered feet and toes, a new feathery add-on for the Dromeaosaurus pubis (since it is farther forward than most in this line), and improved feathery thighs, and a new velociraptor 'lipped' jaw. You can see most of the parts in the photo, but I didn't have much time to take pics since I barely met my deadline, as is often the case LOL. Don't worry though, there will be plenty of photos in the resin next week.

 And another of the Dromaeosaurus with the mouth open and neck parts attached. It's hard to tell from this angle, but the this one will have the largest teeth.

 I plan to have the new parts back in resin next week and paint work will begin on both figures next weekend. Also worth noting, I have decided to go with the Tsaagan primaries on the Dromaeosaurus instead of the Balaur primaries. (Linheraptor will now get the Balaur primaries instead.) As for the prototypes, I will be painting the mainline Dromaeosaurus and Matt will have the Adasaurus and Fans Choice Dromaeosaurus. Can't wait to see how these turn out!

New Fans Choice Zhenyuanlong Package Art by Sara Richard

The fourth and final Fans Choice package art is finished. Take a look at Sara's latest art for the Zhenyuanlong!

 I must say, I'm pretty blown away by this one- great work Sara!

As for the FC Zhenyuanlong and the Art Card set 3, both have been updated in the BackerKit with the new art. Moving forward, expect each item to have updated photos as more product is developed.

Saurornitholestes Head Crest Update

And last but not least, I wanted to update you all on the progress for the Saurornitholestes head crests. These photos are only for the crests- the resin head shown does not have the modified 'lips' as I'm now awaiting castings for the new jaw.

First up, the Saurornitholestes sullivani improved head crest

 And of course, the new Saurornitholestes langstoni head crest

 Both are very close to completed, but not final.

Next week expect sculpt pics of Acheroraptor and Zhenyuanlong as well as resin photos of built Adasaurus and Dromaeosaurus.

One more thing- if you all know of anyone who missed out on the Kickstarter, but would still like to order, please direct them to the  Beasts of the Mesozoic Pre-Order Store here.

Thanks guys- until next time!

BackerKit Surveys Sent, New Artwork, and Dromaeosaurus Sculpt Teaser
almost 8 years ago – Thu, Jun 30, 2016 at 09:53:11 PM

BackerKits sent and Pre-Order Store is up!

What an exciting time it is- you finally get to add all of those sweet add-on items to your order! After putting many hours into building the BackerKit survey and with the help of the BackerKit team, I am finished with not only the surveys but also the pre-order store as well! All of the backers here should have received an email about their survey by now. I've tested it many times now and it seems to work pretty well, but of course if anyone encounters problems or has a question, feel free to let me know and I'll answer as best I can. And for the KS non-backers who may be reading this, here is a link to the pre-order store. 

I just want to thank you all again for the tremendous support for the project and for your patience in waiting for these surveys. I have decided to push the lock down date to September 6th so as to give myself enough of time to finish the prototypes. However if you're sure you know what you want, I encourage you to submit earlier than later. Also note that I do plan to update the photos for the items as more prototypes are finished. And in case anyone is wondering, even after the surveys are locked, you will still be allowed to update your profile/ address info.

New Artwork and Raptor Checklist!

In anticipation of the BackerKit surveys, I have completed the action figure concept art for the remaining raptors to give you all an idea of how the colors will look for each raptor (and I went back and did the blue one too.)

And just for fun, here is a full checklist for all of the Beasts of the Mesozoic raptors:

I've uploaded a hi-res version here to my website. (first album image, right click 'view image' and you can zoom in or copy)

Aannnd, here is the latest package art from Sara Richard for the Saurornitholestes Lanstoni!

She's currently working on the Zhenyuanlong artwork now and I plan to show that next week!

Dromaeosaurus Sculpt Underway

Here's a quick little tease of the new head sculpt for Dromaeosaurus next to the previously shown Adasaurus head, and slightly modded Velociraptor head with 'lips'.

One more thing! I encourage you all to check out a great action figure Kickstarter that is going on right now called Animal Warriors of The Kingdom. Only nine days remain and they could use some help to reach their funding goal. It's a great-looking well thought out project and I hope it gets funded. Much like Beasts of the Mesozoic, their campaign would open up many other toy design possibilities, extending their line of animal warrior action figures to all types of species.

Alright, back to work. Until next time!

Painted Balaur bondoc, Adasaurus update and BackerKits coming soon
almost 8 years ago – Wed, Jun 22, 2016 at 06:56:13 PM

Balaur bondoc painted prototype

Some of you may have seen this teased already on social media, but here's a full look at the finished painted Balaur bondoc action figure prototype! Been looking forward to painting this one for some time and I'm very excited to share this with you all now.

It's hard to tell from the photos, but there is a subtle iridescent sheen in that black coloring. I'm hoping it can be reproduced in China with the same look- you never know until you try!

Adasaurus sculpt update

Here's a current look at the sculpting progress for the Adasaurus head. This shouldn’t take much longer and then I'll begin the Dromaeosaurus. Woo-hoo!

BackerKit and Printed Materials
 update

BackerKit surveys- The BackerKit surveys are coming along well and I expect to have those sent out early next week. I'm aiming for Monday June 27th which will be exactly a month after the campaign ended. With this you will be able to change your pledge tier, add on items, or swap out add-ons. If you're completely fine with your pledge, you can simply submit the BackerKit early. As I had stated previously, I do not plan to close the BackerKit surveys any sooner than August so that I may have time to prepare all of the items to show in order to help you all make your final decisions.

Printed materials- As all of this has really been a learning process for me, I noticed recently that I made an oversight with the delivery dates for the printed materials (post cards, exclusive print, and the calendar). I realize now that I can't put an order in until I close the BackerKits. Only through the BackerKit totals will I know how much of each item to order and who gets what. Please note that printed materials will be shipped by me personally separate from your action figure order, which will be sent out via fulfillment service. And for those ordering the calendar, don't worry, I still expect to get those out to you all well before the end of the year.

Expect another update next week, including new Fans Choice art from Sara Richard and other raptor goodness. And in between updates here, you can always find the most current progress on my Creative Beast Studio Facebook page here throughout the week.

Until next time!

Balaur bondoc final sculpt pics and new Fan's Choice Pyroraptor package art revealed!
almost 8 years ago – Mon, Jun 13, 2016 at 08:35:23 PM

Balaur final sculpt parts

As many of you will recall, just before the conclusion of the campaign here, I unveiled photos of the assembled unpainted Balaur bondoc action figure. The original intention was to have it painted by then, but the additional stretch goal research and drawings set this back a bit so the parts were left umolded. I'm actually glad it worked out this way because to be honest sculpting new parts in addition to running a campaign and having a job is a bit insane (not to say I wouldn't do it again). So I took some time to refine the Balaur parts further and also adjusted the upper toe claw placement (thank you to those who called me out on that- I'm happy to admit a mistake if the figure will benefit). So here's a detailed look at the final Balaur parts before I sent them out last week.

The parts are being molded now with castings not far behind. I expect to be painting the prototype for Balaur by this weekend.

At this point I have a feeling some of you are wondering 'how's he going to get everything done by August at this pace?' Well admittedly I do often run a little behind schedule as I don't want to rush anything, but 'in August' should be doable. After the campaign ended, I had to then take care of all of the other things I'd been putting off during that time plus I recently also needed a few days to recuperate mentally, so things have been a little slower as of late. Once the BackerKit is finished and sent out (almost done with it now) the only thing left is to sculpt and build new protos so don't worry, when I get the momentum going again you'll be seeing the new items take shape more frequently.

Fan's Choice Pyroraptor package art

Aaand... as promised, here's a look at Sara Richard's latest package part for the Fan's Choice Pyroraptor figure based on the Varied Thrush color patterns. I am very much enjoying her take on these variant raptors!

That'll do it for now. Thank you all for the feedback recently about the Dromaesosaurus figure- I'm taking all of it into consideration especially the toe claw info and I may also move some of the primary wing assignments around a bit on the stretch goal raptors.

That's all for now- more progress soon!

First look at the Build-A-Raptor sets and the complete raptor parts map diagram!
almost 8 years ago – Sun, Jun 05, 2016 at 10:52:24 PM

Hi all!

Been meaning to post this particular update for sometime now but had to wait until I had enough parts sculpted for the prototypes.

Complete Raptors parts map

Although still adjustable, here is the updated final parts map for all of the raptor action figures. You can see now the plan moving forward for which parts are shared and which ones are unique between each figure. The goal here being to make efficient use of the parts options while staying true to the available fossil data and creating a unique overall look for each species. (pay no mind if some the parts shapes are a little inconsistent, only the colors really matter here).

 So I hope that gives you all a better of idea of how the line is shaping up and what to expect moving forward.

Build-A-Raptor sets

And as promised, here is a look at the current layout of each Build-A-Raptor set. Remember that these sets will have no paint and will be in a light gray color similar to what is seen here. The main body will remain intact with interchangeable heads, jaws, collars, primary wings, chest attachments, toe claws and tails. Parts from all kits are compatible. I am also planning to include the jumping pose rod that comes with each environment accessory pack. I think these will be a lot of fun for those seeking a more creative option for their raptor figures.

Soon I plan to update on the Balaur figure, but will save that for next time as this here is already a lot to take in. I also expect to have new Fan's Choice Pyroraptor package art to show within the week as well. Until next time!