Creature Caster KS Thread - Fulfillment Updates

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**Theophony**

NOTHING has been even cast yet, except a few that he did to send to painters and friends. The one for painting Buddha was one of the first cast and shipped out so he could make a video which was sold as part of the KS. He keeps dodging the question in the comment section of whether the super secret miniature has even been sculpted yet.

So backers have nothing at this point except more of his unfulfilled promises.

Yes, I suppose I am trolling this kickstarter at this point, but I'm fine with being a troll. One of the "white knight" backers in the comments section even asked if the secret mini was sculpted yet, and if it hadn't, he suggested making a troll.

. Wish I could still post in the comments section of the KS, I would have countered with him sculpting a snail

**DarkTraveler777**

Theophony wrote:
One of the "white knight" backers in the comments section even asked if the secret mini was sculpted yet, and if it hadn't, he suggested making a troll. . Wish I could still post in the comments section of the KS, I would have countered with him sculpting a snail

Oh, that would have been pretty damn hilarious.

How difficult was the refund process for you, Theophony?

**Darth Bob**

I can understand people's frustrations with this campaign, as the delays have been pretty significant, but I don't think Jeremy has been particularly poor when it comes to communication. I've seen much worse from other Kickstarters in the past. I do wish he'd have his updates be put into text form as a standard, though.

On a side note, I'm kind of bummed with the Vulture Daemon minion. Of all the great suggestions that were made, this seems like a bit of a cop-out to do a baby demon. I didn't want something cutesy, I wanted a unique little demon minion in the creepy style of the actual model.

**Alpharius**

It might not be the 'pace' of communication but the 'content'.

This is a long time, and a lot of money, for what amounts to almost no real progress.

**Nostromodamus**

He's got the "Creature" part down. Very impressive sculpts and prints.

Just needs to work on the "Caster" aspect...

**Darth Bob**

Alpharius wrote:
It might not be the 'pace' of communication but the 'content'.

This is a long time, and a lot of money, for what amounts to almost no real progress.

I wouldn't call digitally sculpting 10-11 very large, very detailed models, plus extra parts, "no real progress". That's not even taking into account unforeseeable circumstances like the coffee accident and his printer delaying the job in favor of other work. Don't get me wrong, I get the frustration. It's one that I share. I have money wrapped up in this too, but saying there's been no progress is a bit overly-cynical, in my opinion. The models have all, with the exception of the Zombie Dragon, gotten test prints back, so I really don't understand how anyone could say there hasn't been any progress.

**DarkTraveler777**

Darth Bob wrote:
Alpharius wrote:
It might not be the 'pace' of communication but the 'content'.

This is a long time, and a lot of money, for what amounts to almost no real progress.

I wouldn't call digitally sculpting 10-11 very large, very detailed models, plus extra parts, "no real progress". That's not even taking into account unforeseeable circumstances like the coffee accident and his printer delaying the job in favor of other work. Don't get me wrong, I get the frustration. It's one that I share. I have money wrapped up in this too, but saying there's been no progress is a bit overly-cynical, in my opinion.

Being this far in to the process and not having a factory picked is troubling. Also, there were digital sculpts before the Kickstarter began. There are better digital sculpts now and some masters printed, but that is really it. That isn't a lot of progress in my opinion.

**Darth Bob**

DarkTraveler777 wrote:
Darth Bob wrote:
Alpharius wrote:
It might not be the 'pace' of communication but the 'content'.

This is a long time, and a lot of money, for what amounts to almost no real progress.

I wouldn't call digitally sculpting 10-11 very large, very detailed models, plus extra parts, "no real progress". That's not even taking into account unforeseeable circumstances like the coffee accident and his printer delaying the job in favor of other work. Don't get me wrong, I get the frustration. It's one that I share. I have money wrapped up in this too, but saying there's been no progress is a bit overly-cynical, in my opinion.

Being this far in to the process and not having a factory picked is troubling. Also, there were digital sculpts before the Kickstarter began. There are better digital sculpts now and some masters printed, but that is really it. That isn't a lot of progress in my opinion.

The pre-campaign digital sculpts were not reflective of any of the new models, since they hadn't even been started, nor were they representative of the previously-sculpted models, as they had been touched up and re-sculpted to bring them up to the standard of the other models. AFAIK, there was always a factory in mind but situations outside his control have lead to delays from said factory. I also don't think it's fair to blame Jeremy for problems with the factory he's outsourcing to, but that's just me. I think backers should realize that's always a possibility when you're backing someone who relies on a third party for production. The fact remains that I think the reasons for complaint are being a little overblown in contrast with similar Kickstarters, who had all the problems of this one plus terrible communication. I'm not saying that doesn't give backers a reason to be disgruntled, nor do I appreciate that Jeremy has resorted to calling disgruntled backers "trolls", but I do think it's a bit odd that so many backers are getting this overwrought now, when production is so close.

Just my $0.02.

**Alpharius**

Good points - I misspoke!

It is troubling that no actual pysichal models have been produced yet for backers, and he still doesn't have a 'factory' picked out to do it yet.

**Wehrkind**

Darth Bob wrote:

The pre-campaign digital sculpts were not reflective of any of the new models, since they hadn't even been started, nor were they representative of the previously-sculpted models, as they had been touched up and re-sculpted to bring them up to the standard of the other models. AFAIK, there was always a factory in mind but situations outside his control have lead to delays from said factory. I also don't think it's fair to blame Jeremy for problems with the factory he's outsourcing to, but that's just me. I think backers should realize that's always a possibility when you're backing someone who relies on a third party for production. The fact remains that I think the reasons for complaint are being a little overblown in contrast with similar Kickstarters, who had all the problems of this one plus terrible communication. I'm not saying that doesn't give backers a reason to be disgruntled, nor do I appreciate that Jeremy has resorted to calling disgruntled backers "trolls", but I do think it's a bit odd that so many backers are getting this overwrought now, when production is so close.

Just my $0.02.

I think the problem is that it isn't clear that production is in fact so close. There has not been a clear progression of steps, 1 through 10, with updates saying "Ok, finished step 3, now on to step 4" etc. Rather it was

1: Here is a bunch of sculpted stuff. Please KS it for some more stuff and finishing it.
2: Here is a bunch of mostly finished stuff.
3: Woops my computer died.
4: Going to get stuff printed.
5: Going to disappear for a while.
6: Going to get stuff printed.
7: Checking out factories!
8: Going to get stuff printed.
9: Checking out factories!
.
.
.
27: Going to get stuff printed!

In other words, it seems like the progress stopped a while ago, without much actually happening, and much of the stuff that is claimed to be happening seems like it should have already been done a while ago. I am very sympathetic to problems with outsourcing and other issues beyond his control, but this has gone far over time, on a much smaller project than say a TTG or KD:M. I know there are really just two guys running it, but the lack of professionalism and just getting things done like consistent updates that are not just rambles on video is displeasing.

I know, I know, "It's KS! You should expect this!" I disagree. It is KS, and we should expect better. There are worse projects out there, and there are better projects. Let's try and push for more of the latter, no?

**Theophony**

DarkTraveler777 wrote:
Theophony wrote:
One of the "white knight" backers in the comments section even asked if the secret mini was sculpted yet, and if it hadn't, he suggested making a troll. . Wish I could still post in the comments section of the KS, I would have countered with him sculpting a snail

Oh, that would have been pretty damn hilarious.

How difficult was the refund process for you, Theophony?

They were ready to get me out of the comments section back in May of this year. I had been very vocal (user name/real name=John Mathews). I was pointing out some big flaws in their statements and outright holding them accountable in the comments. I broached the topic with Kenny and he said he would speak to Jeremy about it but it would be a few weeks. They wanted me to not speak about it (a refund) to which I said "whoops, guess you need to look at the comments section

" the refund followed quickly after that, and I was removed from being able to comment further. There's a guy on there "Lwarren16" or something like that who is verbally bashing people who aren't 100% pro Jeremy. He stated more than once that he would buy anyone's pledge, so if your wanting to bail I'd hit him up publicly.

@Wehrkind,

You forgot the mid campaign fiasco where he had people from the local college who were going to do all the texturing for free. They had their own kickstarter running at the same time, and then had a huge falling out with Jeremy that was very public right after the conclusion of both KS. I think that's where a bunch of delay happened.

**Darth Bob**

Wehrkind wrote:
Darth Bob wrote:

The pre-campaign digital sculpts were not reflective of any of the new models, since they hadn't even been started, nor were they representative of the previously-sculpted models, as they had been touched up and re-sculpted to bring them up to the standard of the other models. AFAIK, there was always a factory in mind but situations outside his control have lead to delays from said factory. I also don't think it's fair to blame Jeremy for problems with the factory he's outsourcing to, but that's just me. I think backers should realize that's always a possibility when you're backing someone who relies on a third party for production. The fact remains that I think the reasons for complaint are being a little overblown in contrast with similar Kickstarters, who had all the problems of this one plus terrible communication. I'm not saying that doesn't give backers a reason to be disgruntled, nor do I appreciate that Jeremy has resorted to calling disgruntled backers "trolls", but I do think it's a bit odd that so many backers are getting this overwrought now, when production is so close.

Just my $0.02.

I think the problem is that it isn't clear that production is in fact so close. There has not been a clear progression of steps, 1 through 10, with updates saying "Ok, finished step 3, now on to step 4" etc. Rather it was

1: Here is a bunch of sculpted stuff. Please KS it for some more stuff and finishing it.
2: Here is a bunch of mostly finished stuff.
3: Woops my computer died.
4: Going to get stuff printed.
5: Going to disappear for a while.
6: Going to get stuff printed.
7: Checking out factories!
8: Going to get stuff printed.
9: Checking out factories!
.
.
.
27: Going to get stuff printed!

In other words, it seems like the progress stopped a while ago, without much actually happening, and much of the stuff that is claimed to be happening seems like it should have already been done a while ago. I am very sympathetic to problems with outsourcing and other issues beyond his control, but this has gone far over time, on a much smaller project than say a TTG or KD:M. I know there are really just two guys running it, but the lack of professionalism and just getting things done like consistent updates that are not just rambles on video is displeasing.

I know, I know, "It's KS! You should expect this!" I disagree. It is KS, and we should expect better. There are worse projects out there, and there are better projects. Let's try and push for more of the latter, no?

While I understand where you're coming from in spirit, I do think your play-by-play of the events is a bit of a strawman. It's been well established in the latter part of the campaign that there have been issues with the factory with regards to their scheduling and such, which is again, an unforeseeable circumstance outside of Jeremy's control. You also fail to mention that a good deal of that time has been spent sculpting the models and, presumably, trying to make more solid scheduling with his manufacturing people.

I'm not trying to white knight and say Jeremy is doing everything right in this campaign. It's not okay to be taking vacations and lots of "personal time" when you have people's money and are late getting them their stuff. But making him out like he's doing everything wrong when, for all his faults, he's tried to keep the buzz and communication coming, is a little mean-spirited, I think. I get being frustrated, and I understand being mad at him, but I honestly don't think he's trying to screw people over. I think he just got in way over his head (which is ironic because that's exactly what he said he didn't want to do), and is trying desperately to play catch-up. Regardless, I think his handling of the campaign with regards to communication has been great, and in the end, I'd rather a campaign be maintaining constant communication with little to show, then have a company disappear from the face of the earth for a year and a half and come back with some stuff done.

Again, I'm pissed that I don't have my Vulture and Pincer Demons yet. I want this to be done too. And I probably wouldn't back another Kickstarter from him after this experience, but I don't think he's a bad guy, and I really do think he's trying.

**Wehrkind**

I think you are misreading me, Bob. I am not saying that everything is J's fault or that he is trying to screw everyone over. I do think that he says he is going to do X, then does something, then says he is going to do X. In other words, lots of words saying he is getting things done with very little to show for it.

Now, some of those things are probably outside his control. It does seem that a good bit of them are well inside his control, however.

As to the sculpting time, I remember most of the models being done relatively soon after the KS, and the printing/factory stuff being the remaining 80% or so of the delay time story. I might be mis-remembering though; it has been a very long time. It seems though that Jeremy is good at sculpting, but terrible at running a business. Things like relying on free college labor as part of your project is a really bad plan.

**SlaveToDorkness**

Let's not forget the many delays before the launch so he could make sure his KS ran on-time and smoothly...

so much for that.

I'd really like to get a refund on this one. I don't even play the game I was intending to use these models for anymore. It's so much worse since the models are gorgeous, but I have no use for them now.

**Joyboozer**

SlaveToDorkness wrote:
Let's not forget the many delays before the launch so he could make sure his KS ran on-time and smoothly...

so much for that.

I'd really like to get a refund on this one. I don't even play the game I was intending to use these models for anymore. It's so much worse since the models are gorgeous, but I have no use for them now.

Exactly how I feel, made worse by the fact that as shipping is being charged when it actually ships, it's going to cost more to get them.

**Buzzsaw**

Theophony wrote:
DarkTraveler777 wrote:
Theophony wrote:
One of the "white knight" backers in the comments section even asked if the secret mini was sculpted yet, and if it hadn't, he suggested making a troll. . Wish I could still post in the comments section of the KS, I would have countered with him sculpting a snail

Oh, that would have been pretty damn hilarious.

How difficult was the refund process for you, Theophony?

They were ready to get me out of the comments section back in May of this year. I had been very vocal (user name/real name=John Mathews). I was pointing out some big flaws in their statements and outright holding them accountable in the comments. I broached the topic with Kenny and he said he would speak to Jeremy about it but it would be a few weeks. They wanted me to not speak about it (a refund) to which I said "whoops, guess you need to look at the comments section " the refund followed quickly after that, and I was removed from being able to comment further. There's a guy on there "Lwarren16" or something like that who is verbally bashing people who aren't 100% pro Jeremy. He stated more than once that he would buy anyone's pledge, so if your wanting to bail I'd hit him up publicly.

@Wehrkind,

You forgot the mid campaign fiasco where he had people from the local college who were going to do all the texturing for free. They had their own kickstarter running at the same time, and then had a huge falling out with Jeremy that was very public right after the conclusion of both KS. I think that's where a bunch of delay happened.

I was unfamiliar with this incident, does it appear in this thread or somewhere else linkable?

**RiTides**

There was this announcement by Arcane Factories:
https://www.facebook.com/ArcaneFactories/posts/531567146945218

Their Kickstarter is here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/992588066/arcane-factories-season-1/description

I found it odd that they launched a campaign while Creature Caster was still running, since they seemed to know each other, and what's more basically copied Creature Caster's format... down to the naming of pledge levels gold/silver/bronze, etc.

They also were clearly more inexperienced than Jeremy, and seem to be movie makers for their normal work. That said, they have sporadically updated and showed 3d printed masters a while ago... it seems possible they'll deliver before Creature Caster, but I don't think the sculpts really compare.

Anyway, at the FB link above they cited "creative differences" for parting ways, and I think maybe they just should have never planned to team up in the first place. Jeremy definitely could have used help getting things finished, but that probably would have been better sorted on some sort of trial basis to see if it would work first.

I think the Creature Caster sculpts are pretty incredible and am looking forward to when he sorts them... and ships mine/Wehrkind's

**angelofvengeance**

Cheers for that RiTides (and veering very off topic: congrats on the new born matey

)

**RiTides**

No problem

(and thanks!). Hopefully Jeremy will give us more to talk about soon as his wonderful creations are cast!

**Darth Bob**

RiTides wrote:
No problem (and thanks!). Hopefully Jeremy will give us more to talk about soon as his wonderful creations are cast!

Last video update he said he was heading to the UK, and that production was likely to begin in the next few weeks while he is there to oversee creation of the mother molds.

**DarkTraveler777**

Darth Bob wrote:
I get being frustrated, and I understand being mad at him, but I honestly don't think he's trying to screw people over. I think he just got in way over his head (which is ironic because that's exactly what he said he didn't want to do), and is trying desperately to play catch-up. Regardless, I think his handling of the campaign with regards to communication has been great, and in the end, I'd rather a campaign be maintaining constant communication with little to show, then have a company disappear from the face of the earth for a year and a half and come back with some stuff done.

Again, I'm pissed that I don't have my Vulture and Pincer Demons yet. I want this to be done too. And I probably wouldn't back another Kickstarter from him after this experience, but I don't think he's a bad guy, and I really do think he's trying.

I don't think Jeremy is trying to screw people over either, but I think his priorities are a bit off, his time management is questionable, and all of that means I am a wary of him having around $150 of my money. Since the Tablescapes campaign I have tried to ignore the few outstanding KS campaigns I am involved in to avoid getting too worked up over the delays. However, after checking in on this campaign I am not seeing any noticeable movement from a few months ago when I last checked in. That leaves me unimpressed with Jeremy as a project manager and Creature Caster as a company.

Regarding communication, I have never been fond of this campaign's method of dispersing information, either. While others might like the videos, I'd be happier with a quick text update or progress report. Hell, give me a chart showing the phases the project is currently in with future phases and dates of when those phases are expected to be reached. I just want to know where my money is in this process. Granted, that complaint is rooted in personal bias, but I have seen others asking for transcripts of the videos, and those transcripts don't seem to have ever materialized, so... good communication? Not from my perspective.

For me this campaign is a lot of razzle and dazzle, but not a lot of real content.

Wehrkind wrote:
I know, I know, "It's KS! You should expect this!" I disagree. It is KS, and we should expect better. There are worse projects out there, and there are better projects. Let's try and push for more of the latter, no?

I couldn't agree with this sentiment more.

**JWBS**

slk28850 wrote:

If I were Jeremy and had received the backlash and internet hate that he has for the project being behind schedule I would be thinking long and hard before I committed to a second kickstarter also. We are all human and nothing any of us do is perfect so lets keep that in mind before we haul him out into the square to be drawn and quartered for his treacherous behavior.

Has there really been a backlash though? Maybe on the KS comments, I dunno, haven't logged onto his KS in ages, he isn't running it very well so what's the point? Maybe I'd have something to say to him if he ever showed his face here, but that ain't happening. As for him thinking long and hard if he wants to do a KS2, I can tell you I won't have to think long and hard about backing him again, he's made that decision for me, and since indy mini companies are 99% KS these days it effectively means I'm never buying CC again. I'm not raging or even mildly angry. I'm expecting to receive a really nice demon from CC at some point in the future but it's going to be the only CC mini i'll ever own and that's on Jeremy.

**angelofvengeance**

As it happens he's in London this weekend meeting backers and various hobby folk.

**DarkTraveler777**

Looks like Jeremy is walking his "troll" comments back, sorta. The trolls apparently know who they are, and the rest can bask in Jeremy's very, very real love.

Creator Jeremy Glen about 15 hours ago
An important thing to keep in mind is that there is a huge distinction between concerned backers and trolls. I have the upmost respect and consideration for concerned backers. Some people go a little further, and make an effort to agitate, and from time to time we should be realistic in our appraisals. Creature Caster backers rock, and know whether they are the one or the other.
... and really, this group of backers is excellent. Out of 1500 backers, almost everyone is patient and supportive. I am blown away by the patience and generosity of the Creature Caster backer, and you know that the love is real when I say I love you guys.
Shipping info will be fleshed out a little closer to the shipping time. This is due to us having actual weights and info for our shipping calculator at that point. Sorry for being vague at this point, but I have learned to only give info when it is available and concrete.
... and oh yeah! I will be arriving at LHR on Saturday (19th) at 8 in the morning.
I am doing business starting Monday at the factory just outside of London, but I was wondering if any backers in London wanted to hang out and maybe do some sculpting or drawing early evening on Saturday (19)? Maybe hit up a game store or a pub?
I am planning on navigating myself around London like the slightly clumsy traveler that I am, but if you were able to meet up and help me around town that would be appreciated. I would gladly pay for gas and buy you lunch! Best way to get a hold of me is message the Creature Caster page on Facebook. That way both Kenny and I can get the info.
Really looking forward to connecting with backers in London! Message with ride info, ideas for places to hang out, or any suggestions for while I am in town. Thanks!

**Denkstrum**

Theophony wrote:
NOTHING has been even cast yet, except a few that he did to send to painters and friends. The one for painting Buddha was one of the first cast and shipped out so he could make a video which was sold as part of the KS. He keeps dodging the question in the comment section of whether the super secret miniature has even been sculpted yet.

So backers have nothing at this point except more of his unfulfilled promises.

Yes, I suppose I am trolling this kickstarter at this point, but I'm fine with being a troll. One of the "white knight" backers in the comments section even asked if the secret mini was sculpted yet, and if it hadn't, he suggested making a troll. . Wish I could still post in the comments section of the KS, I would have countered with him sculpting a snail

Your not trolling, this kickstarter has been an abysmal mess. I'm a backer of it, was hopeful with his past record and shown sculpts. But instead he spent a bunch of time on Yoga, broken promises of progress, and just plain MIA. I backed for miniatures, not to fund this guys lifestyle and Yoga retreats.

**RiTides**

Factory just outside of London should really narrow down the possibilities, right? It's got to be a resin caster with a fairly large capacity.

**Theophony**

sorry to keep bumping this when nothings happening....Literally but it's been over two weeks since they posted an update, and this was after them promising weekly updates. Not that that isn't par for the course of this campaign, but since he promised the updates i think this is the third one they've missed out on, including the first one right after he promised and kenny posted a message later saying that one was coming and got delayed

. I guess it could be because he's in England and there's no internet there, or he is trying to figure out the English keyboards on the computers....Bloody English language

**zedmeister**

Theophony wrote:
I guess it could be because he's in England and there's no internet there, or he is trying to figure out the English keyboards on the computers....Bloody English language

We don't all say "Oo Ar my flower". And most of us don't have manure on our trousers either

He'll either be shocked at the gruff treatment he's getting (we don't like delicate special snowflakes that need to find themselves over here) or he's pissed up in the local boozer.

**Theophony**

Congrats guys, for those who stuck it out the zombie dragon is finally printed.

Now you just have to wait on the secret mini to get printed AND another plate of pieces

, he snuck that in on the update, very nonchalantly

. Well anyway your that much closer to getting your models.

**angelofvengeance**

Just going to pop this up here for you all.. Christ this is taking forever

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jeremyglen/creature-caster-first-wave/posts/1378427?ref=dash

Update #78 from Creature Caster: First Wave

Oct 10 2015
Back from the UK. Zombie Dragon is finished! First castings to be inspected soon.
I am back from the UK and it was a huge trip for me. I was able to talk to several important people there and begin the massive process of casting thousands of miniatures. This is a huge amount of work.

I will be back soon with a video update talking in detail about the trip, as well as showing some footage from the trip as well.

The first model is being test cast right now so that I may inspect the quality of resin, color, weight, etc. I will of course be sharing this information with you as I get it. Seeing these models become resin casts is very exciting.

This has been a massive journey, full of ups and downs. I would have never believed that the 3D printing would have taken this long to complete. Having the Zombie Dragon done is a huge relief. There is still another plate of reprints and the special mini to print, but at least everything else can start underway.

Here is the Zombie Dragon. This model is really special. The print, while taking forever to get, looks amazing! The detail on the head alone is unreal, and painting this will be a dream.

I will be back with a video update, a closer look at the Zragon print, and talk about what to expect in the near future. Thank you again for your continued patience and support. It is all coming together.