FAQ

This FAQ is organised into three sections: about our shop, about this blog, and about us as a family.

Don’t see your question answered here? Don’t be shy, reach out to us on Facebook! You’ll definitely get an answer and, if I think the information might be of interest to others also, you might even get your own blog post! Your identifying information, of course, will be kept confidential. This is even true for those of you sending hate mail! Wait…hate mail? Yes! Surprisingly, considering my most controversial opinions are about paint, Glorious Twelfth gets a fair bit.

ABOUT OUR SHOP

Do you take commissions?

Yes…sort of. I happily take requests, for everything from specific models to design help. In the case of 3D printing, assuming that producing your desired item is within my skill set, I’ll first design it, then list it in my shop for purchase. I am also more than happy to create a set of blueprints for you, based on the dimensions of your room and showing you how to create, for example, a wall featuring my linenfold panelling. I don’t charge for this, either, but do reserve the right to share them as a downloadable file both here on the blog and on Glorious Twelfth’s Facebook page.

If you’d like to work with me, please send me a message through Facebook describing what you’d like along with whatever pictures you’ve gathered.

Why do you use Shapeways instead of setting up a home-based shop?

As I see it, when it comes to mini pricing there are two issues: transparency, and overhead. One usually leads to the other; accounting for costs is challenging. I might know, for example, how much wood I used for a particular project but did I use all of that wood? Was there some left over, that I in fact used for a different project? How much paint did I use? Coming up with exact figures is hard, and that’s before we even consider intangibles (and shipping, which is an entirely separate issue!) Equipment is expensive and, increasingly, so is the electricity used to run it. 3D printing, in particular, costs the earth. First there’s the printer or, more realistically, printers, then there’s the space for the printers, then there’s the cost to run the printers. I’d have to be selling at a significant volume, consistently, over months before I’d even begin to make back that cost and break even.

With Shapeways, when I upload a model, I am given the price that Shapeways charges (me, or anyone else) it in each of my chosen materials. There’s absolutely no guesswork, which means no concerns about overcharging–or undercharging. I then add, to each base price, a markup of between 2.50 and 20 USD. I chose this over a percentage markup, which is the industry standard, because the price discrepancy between materials–and scales– seemed unfair and hardly transparent. What you’re paying for, here, is my design process and that’s the same regardless of whether the mini is printed in a cheaper material or the most expensive one. I honestly think my figures are pretty reasonable, considering that a) the industry standard is a 50% markup and, b) creation isn’t exactly a quick process. Even the simplest designs (or, should I say, the simplest seeming designs) can take up to 20 hours to complete and really complex designs take 100 or more.

Why are your models so expensive?

A major issue with miniatures today, as an industry, is that miniature artisans are pricing to compete with factories. Resultantly, most miniature artisans are losing money. This is really unfortunate, in that it’s so unfair. Potential customers can be pretty brutal and I think a lot of us feel trapped. I’ve had people absolutely ream me out over the fact that they saw something of mine in some group on Facebook and either it wasn’t for sale or, somehow even more offensive, wasn’t for sale for less than the price of a Starbucks. So yes, I could absolutely undervalue my art but…why? To please those who don’t value it?

I’m not a factory, and I’m not pretending I am. More to the point, though, I’m not interested in contributing to the devaluation of my colleagues’ work. There’s a big difference between something that comes from a workbench and something that comes in thousand piece lots. Moreover, 3D modelling is more accessible today than ever before! I highly encourage you, whatever budget, to experiment with it. After all I, too, started out of frustration: because I couldn’t find the minis I wanted at any price, forget a price I could afford.

Why do you only offer your models in certain materials?

I offer my models in only those materials, which I think will yield the best result.

Why don’t you offer your multi-part models, like the Kelvin, in a bundle? Aren’t you forcing me to pay more? Are you trying to cheat me?

I offer the Kelvin, along with a number of other models, piecemeal rather than in a set as you might not want every single piece. You might, for example, want the base of the Kelvin but not the surround. If I sold the Kelvin as a bundle, my cost would have to reflect the markup for each piece (whether you wanted them all or not). This way, you pay only for what you actually want.

I also plan to, with time, expand your purchase options not just for the Kelvin but also for a number of other models. For example, I’m currently working on a tile surround as an alternate choice to the Kelvin’s current cast iron surround. My goal, eventually, is to offer enough “mix n’ match” options for the Kelvin and other multi-part models so that you can truly bring to life your own, unique vision.

How do you design your models? What software do you use, and what’s your process?

The short answer is that I use Shapr3D for the iPad Pro. Shapr3D is super accessible, comes with top notch support, and is available in a free version as well. The slightly longer answer is that, living in the EU, I have more inspiration than I know what to do with. Nearly all of my pieces are based on real life examples that I’ve discovered while touring everything from castles to salvage yards. I absolutely adore the challenge of reducing “real life” to miniature.

ABOUT THIS BLOG

Are you sponsored by anybody?

No–although I’m hoping that, someday, this changes!

Do you use affiliate links?

No.

Are you compensated in any way for your tutorials, ie do the companies you feature send you free products to feature in them? You seem really fond of certain products….

I do have pretty strong brand loyalties, but no. I love certain products, but it’s because I’ve used them for years at this point and really think they work. You might love them, too, or you might hate them! Different products work for different people, and that’s why there are so many on the market. The fact that something might not be my personal favourite doesn’t mean it isn’t awesome…for you. With modelling as with life in general, experimentation is the heart of success. Never be afraid to try new things, to push the envelope. You might fail in the short term–I personally have destroyed more models than I’ve finished–but you’ll be amazed at how your skills improve.

If, someday, somebody does send me a product to review, two things: first and foremost, I’ll absolutely disclose that fact. Putting yourself out there might be the name of the game but so is honesty! And, on that note, I’ll absolutely tell you if it sucks. You work hard for your money; I’m not here to see you waste it. Freebies are wonderful, but they’re not worth more than either your wallet or my reputation. I’m not doing this to make money (or get freebies); my sole interest, and motivation, is sharing my love of miniatures through helping others get the results they want.

ABOUT US

Who’s behind Glorious Twelfth?

Glorious Twelfth is me (Cornelia), my husband, our son, and our cat. I do the modelling and my family makes this possible with their endlessly patient, inexpressibly wonderful love and support. You can meet them on my personal Instagram, which is @glorious_cornelia.

Are you the same Glorious Twelfth as that other blog?

Yes! I’m thrilled that so many people remember, and even still consult my previous blog. If you’re interested in why I switched things up, you can read more about my reasons for needing a fresh start here.