aaronmiller

Cat Assassin sketch

Hi everyone!

As promised I'm back at it. I've go my sketch worked out and I'll get busy on the drawing soon. I'm still hoping we can hit the monthly goal so I can send everyone a sketch version. If you know a buddy that might like getting custom tokens now's the time to talk them into it.

When I work on the alternate art I'll make it a regular Cat Token. That way most of you will have a different token to use.

A quick hello to all the new folks that have signed up this month! If you ever have questions just send me a message.

Not too long ago this card spoiled. I thought I'd share just in case you hadn't seen it. I've posted the full art over on my Artstation account.

I hope everyone has had a fun holiday season. We're just about half way though. Saturday is my birthday and I'll be sharing a fun extra everyone will get as a gift.

All the best,

Aaron

Checking in

Hi everyone!

I know I've been pretty quiet. I'm just about out of the weeds with some client work (i.e. painting more Magic cards for you) and I'm soon to get down and dirty working on the Assassin!

I've already hired and shot some reference with a model. I'll be working on the drawing next week. I'm heading out to San Diego early in January to take a workshop at the Watt's Atelier. I'm still debating to work on the painting there or work on an Elemental commission that I'll be working on soon as well. But that's just what's on my plate. 

I'm excited to get working on this piece! The chance to get in on this ends December 31 at 11 AM CST.

Happy Holidays!

I have no idea who is doing what holiday but I wish you all the best. We're doing a Christmas thing. I'm a bigger fan of collecting moments over the holidays rather than gifts and such so the things I'm looking forward to most is Christmas Eve dinner with the family and the dish my wife makes every year. And only on that day. Pasta (fresh if I can help it) with prosciutto, mushrooms, and a cream sauce that is sure to block every artery. I'm going to try and get everyone to wear a silly hat on Christmas morning as well. It just makes me laugh and makes for a lot of laughter which is all I really want.

I'll be working on an end of year newsletter thing that I'll post for you guys as well. I'm the worst at doing cards so I've been writing a newsletter for the last 10 years and folks seem to look forward to it. 

Thanks again everyone for another fantastic year of your support.

Free Sketch version of the Cat Assassin

Hi Everyone,

As of this writing we've past the 1st goal and that enables me to create the free sketch version that will come to everyone. As long as we stay past that goal post on December 31 folks getting packs will get an extra token in there.

So far the plan is to work on the artwork the week of the 16th or so. I'm crazy busy working on a RPG cover, some concept work, and three Magic cards. So, there's no slacking in that department. As soon as the last card is delivered the Assassin painting begins!

Interview on "Fishn', a merfolk podcast"

Hey guys,

The fine folks at Fishin' interviewed me. They are also here on Patreon.

You can check out the interview on YouTube here. Subscribe if you're a merfolk player for sure.

You can even win free tokens here.

Studio News

I'm still waiting for two metal token shipments. I didn't quite think Thanksgiving would have impacted my orders so much. But, those that have been here long enough know metal take a while sometimes.

I've made this offer before, but if you wanted me to ship your metal later I'll just need some extra shipping as I can't afford to double up on shipping costs. But for now we're so close that I'm expecting a tracking number from someone soon. It probably won't make a difference. Always keep it in mind for the future. 

Store Discount

Just wanted to let you guys know first. Here's a 15% off coupon code that will work now until December 1 at aaronbmiller.com 

NOVEMBER2018

I'll post it publicly on Monday. 

Knight/Soldier Wave Update

I'm waiting on updates from my vendors about my metal tokens. I'm wondering which set will arrive first. I had to place two orders to make sure things were getting done. I'll have twice as many as I need but making sure things got done was important to me.

General News

I've been killing myself shipping out Kickstarter rewards. If you're waiting it shouldn't be too much longer now.

If you're a new patron and wanted to get a previous wave, just message me and we'll work something out. The next paid post will most likely be for January 1. That gives me December to wok on the artwork. The next artwork will be an Assassin Token featuring a tribute to our late cat Grace.

Knight wave update

Hey folks,

I just got back from GP Milwaukee this past weekend. What a great event. I met a bunch of new fans and we're welcoming a bunch of new patrons to the group!

I had hoped that while I was away the metal tokens would be waiting for me. Well, they were not. I'm as bummed as you guys. 

After a show I normally have to do a little inventory too see what I need to reorder. And the metal tokens were a hit at the GP and I had a few folks wanting to order some Storm Tokens and more Mana Tokens. I've placed a pretty big order and added the Knight/Soldier Tokens to the batch while I wait to figure out what happened with the other vendor. I know the replacements will be en route to me by Monday.

I hate that you all have to wait. I'm just beholden to my vendors' schedules. But, as with every wave, you'll be holding them in your hands soon enough.

I should be able to work on Grace, Cat Assassin in December. So, that wave will post Jan 1. I will post some updates as I do when I start making progress. That also gives me a little time to figure out what little extra I'm going to make to send out with all those waves. Maybe a sticker or some other fun item.

I hope you've all enjoyed the new tier badges. If you've found a fun use for them let me know.

Thanks and have a Happy Thanksgiving this week!

Cat Assassin?

Cat Assassin is in the lead for the poll. Cat Warrior a close second. If you haven't voted, go do it now! 

You thought you we're going to the opera to rub elbows with the Duke in town for a wedding. You thought the deal for the shipping treaty was wrapped up with your competition out of the way. You were wrong.

I need your feedback

Hey everyone,

One awesome aspect of Patreon is that nothing is set in stone. I can and have made adjustments to the tiers. On my end I'm focusing on making artwork and rewarding you guys with at least the token of that artwork. That's just the basics. I've been able to add many options. Some were based on your fantastic ideas. 

We can grow this! There are more folks out there just like you guys. Maybe what's offered just isn't hitting the sweet spot for some folks. And I'd love to find out what I can do to improve your rewards and your experience. 

Patreon is also working on things to make your experience better as well. And there are some things that I'm looking forward to. Such as Milestone tracking. I soon hope to be able to track milestones so I can reward those that have maybe reached a length of time being a patron or a dollar amount. Just a little extra something for your patronage.

Next year an exclusive item that new patrons will get for their first month of being a patron will be added. Never fear, it will include all patrons the month I implement the item.

When thinking of ideas I'd also like you to consider shipping on my end. I try to keep my shipping expense to a minimum. It costs about 20% of the wave totals. I try to design tiers to work around hitting 1-2 ounces of postage for the lower tiers and 3-4 ounces in the higher tiers. We've seen before that packages overseas start around $15. 

Are there things I just haven't thought of that as a player and fan you'd love to have access to? Hi-res final image? Maybe a print at home PDF of the token? More videos? A studio walk through? A library tour ( I hear that's a thing now)? Move the full art to the back of the token? More boosters? More alternates? 5x7 metal prints? I can create a group on Reddit now too, is that something you guys want?

You are also always welcome to contact me about add-ons and cover those costs via PayPal if you wanted items in other tiers. 

Please send your ideas on how I can enrich your experience, keep me painting more for you, and entice your community here to grow.

Wave 14 - Knight Token: Sir Wyatt

You've once again helped another painting come to life. 

And check out your Soldier Token alternate!

Wyatt was a pretty big dog. usually weighing around 110 pounds. He could look most people in the eye if he put his paws on your shoulders. He liked to do that so he could give you a like on the cheek. He was a trouble maker as a pup. He loved to tear paper and that's something that he continued. We had to learn to become better pet parents. If you've ever seen an episode of the Dog Whisper then you'd have a good idea what kind of dog Wyatt started out as.

We miss that big guy.

Sir Wyatt

Tomorrow I'll get a good photo of the new Knight Token. But I'm happy that we have this painting of Mr Wyatt. In any event it looks like we'll have a Wave 14 good to go tomorrow. I'll be working on the alternate art soon enough. Thanks for all your support along the way.

Sir Wyatt

I'm working on the drawing today. And I should get the first pass of paint going this afternoon.

I hope all the Contruct Wave folks got their packs already. Tell me what you think of the badges!

I'm adding badges to your packs that coordinate with the tier you are in. And appropriately the spirit tier has spirit badges that you can't bring forth from the either. ;)

Wyatt Tribute Theme - Knight Soldier

The tally is in and it's a tie between Knight and Soldier. Thanks for voting! Make sure you do it for real stuff too.

Here's how I intend to deal with this tie. I'll make the Knight the main token and create the alternate art as the Soldier. I'll more than likely paint the Knight and digitally paint the alter for the Soldier. 

Last week I was at Illuxcon and had a great time chatting with some amazing artists and during my Showcase table a chance to talk to friends and fans. It's always a great experience. One aspect that was different was that I could relax a little bit more. I didn't have to work myself up into a panic if my paintings didn't sell. And a good portion of that comes from you guys. You have my back and it makes me a stronger person for it. So thanks.

Since I've been back I've been franticly shipping out your rewards along with Kickstarter rewards. be on the lookout for you packs and please let me know if you like the little surprise most of you are getting.

Touching Evil

I thought I'd share what I'm working on. This is pretty rare that I can do this with illustrations for other properties. 

I'm working on a Kickstarter reward for an alternate cover for the comic Touching Evil by Dan Dougherty. 

Here's the sketch I sent Dan to give him an idea of what this painting should feel like. Now the drawing adds more detail to the character. I'll use the drawing now to transfer to a larger surface. I've decided to use a masonite panel. I use a digital projector to speed up the transfer process. Then I will spend some time on the drawing again at this larger scale to work out a few more details such as the face, hands, and hair. 

I'll be posting a poll for the first of the tokens to feature Wyatt soon.

Best Friends

Hey everyone,

I've mentioned I went to some Patreon focused events a few weeks ago. Not only was I able to meet other creators and get some fresh ideas, it gave me pause to why I'm doing this and whom for.

I hadn't really talked about this much, I don't reveal too much "behind the curtain". Over the last year and a half we've lost 3 of our best friends at home. We lost Bodhi our 6 year old golden, one of the most lovable dogs I've had the fortune to meet and care for last summer. This summer we lost Wyatt, he was 7 and a half. He was as alpha as a dog can be and we had to retrain ourselves to be better pet parents. And we recently lost Grace. We found her the week we moved into our home 17 years ago. My constant companions all of them. 

Again, I don't talk about this stuff much but I had to let you all know that you all have helped. The funds generated here went to a lot of vet bills. I wanted to thank you guys again for all the support.

Over the next three waves I'm going to pay tribute to these three. I need you guys to help with the theme. Grace, Wyatt, and Bodhi will be the hero of each painting we work on. Please leave a comment for some ideas to create the polls I'll make. For instance Wyatt would make an awesome Soldier. Grace might be a fun Cat Warrior or Assassin. Bodhi would make a great Warrior or Monk.

Construct Wave items are all out to the printers. At the same time I've sent all my files for the Collector Set 2 token packs. My plan is to ship you Construct rewards with your Kickstarter rewards (for those that are both currently).

Patreon helping me to help you

On Monday I went to a Patreon Bookcamp, and last night to a local meetup with Patreon staff and their co-creator and CEO Jack Conte. 

While I had a blast meeting other creative people. I was able to walk away with a ton of ideas. I can't wait to roll out some of these plans. But, they are still plans for now. 

Here's a few things just off the top of my head. 

• Milestone rewards
• Thank you sketch cards
• Behind the scenes videos

I've already made a few changes to the main page and tier names. In the next few weeks I'll share some solid ideas that will be implemented.

You're part of this too so feel free to throw out ideas for me to consider. 

Gutripper Construct

Constructs will be stomping their way to you guys! I can hear the grinding gears and metal on metal scrapping. Clinks and clanks. Stomp, stomp, stomp. 

This was so much fun to work on. I can't wait to send these to you guys.

Here's the main card and the alternate which will be a */*. Totally a Red vs. Blue, Horde and Alliance nod. 

I hope you guys dig what's coming. If we get a few more patrons I'll be able to add the free sketch version too.

Thanks for all you guys do for me.

Construct - Drawing

Hi folks! 

Check out the drawing for the next token wave! The Gutripper drawing is done and I just need to work on the final. 

I'll open up the drawing reward level if anyone is interested in hanging this up on their wall.

For the moment we're not at the free sketch version token but if you spread the word a little I don't see how we can't get there. 

Next week I'm going to a few local Patreon events. I'm going to one of their classes and hoping for some great ideas to make what I do for you guys even better.

Thanks again for the support. Every level helps make the art keep coming.

On the MtG side of things have you all seen the spoilers for Guilds of Ravnica? You can see the full art on Art Station. 

New and Updated Tiers

Hi everyone,

Now that all the Ox Wave tokens are in the mail I can update a few of the tiers. Some have already been updated and the new one are live.

If you haven't checked them out, please do when you get the chance. Maybe you'll like a new tier that's been updated or added.

Updated Tiers

New Tiers

The biggest update was combining three into one. The Alchemist and Elementalist tiers are now combined into the Elemental Alchemist. If you were in one of those now's your chance to move into the new one.

Now that we're into September I can start planning on the next token, which would not bill until October 1. I have a few projects I'm currently working on and I'll do my best to have the new art created right around the time I make a paid post at the end of the month.

If you have any questions just let me know.

While we're waiting

I just got word the metal Ox tokens are finally shipping tomorrow. They get shipped FedEx ground so will be in my hands next week. 

So, while we're waiting I thought I'd share a new piece that will be an Elemental token as part of my Collector Set 2 Tokens coming soon. It's called Buffalo Valley. 

We'll pick up Wave 13 next month. So there should be a paid post September 30th (billing on October 1). More info to come on that.

I wish I could share what I'm working on but we all know you'll see these paintings in about a year. There should be some cool art to share on a new MtG set soon enough.

Ox Token Upate

Slight redesign. You might not even notice. But he's now a little more in your face.

Same for the alternate art version.

Which was a little bit inspired when I created the sketch card version. We're still above the threshold for the sketch version by $16. Whew.

With GP MINN and GENCON coming up I'm going to temp fate and preorder as much as possible so it's all ready and waiting for me after the 1st and the shows are over.

I wanted to mention one more time to let me know if you wanted a Blue version for the metal token for those getting a metal token. I'll be placing that order soon.

Alternate Ox - Blue

Of course the alternate art would be a Blue Ox. Ha! I know Blue should probably be a Texas Longhorn or something but maybe our ox here is totally into cosplay and loves being able to dye his hair.

Those getting a metal token can choose if they want the regular or blue version.

Highland Ox

This guy is ready to roll out. But, I have a few more special things for you guys. Keep an eye on the update posts next week.

The original painting is 8x10 oil on panel.

I'm still waiting on the metal tokens for the Trash Pandas. I'll be reaching out again to see what's up. But like last year anything around the time SDCC rolls around things get backed up. I wish I could make them myself.

Highland Ox

I've already started! Gotta let this dry a bit and I'll have it finished over the weekend. I just wanted to pop in and share what's going on. 

I also just finished up the art for a merfolk token that's coming out with the Set 2 pack.

I don't want to jinx myself so that's all I wanted to share --- for now...

Plain ol' update

I just got back from teaching for a week in Milwaukee and right into a deadline for more Magic card artwork.

The plan is to carve out some time in July for an August 1 deadline.

We're still waiting for the metal token shipment to come in over here. I'm looking forward to those as much as you guys are that are getting them.

GP Minneapolis is at the end of July and rolls right into GenCon. I'm already getting tired thinking about it all!

I'll post a poll soon for the next cool token. Maybe you all saw a new Ox is coming in M19?!?! Maybe it needs a brother or something. 

Trash Pandas are in!

The regular tokens arrived and all the packs are being shipped (that don't include a metal token, those are still being made.)

Can't wait to hear any funny stories these may create.

--> Mana tokens update

All mana tokens have been shipped as of today!

I still have a few full sets left in metal if anyone is interested including the colorless which will only be included in full sets.

Quick Update

Mana Wave

The metal tokens should be shipping to me today! I should get them I hope by Friday or next Monday. I never really know with FedEx ground. 

Trash Panda Wave

All orders have been placed. As usual I expect regular tokens first and metal last. 

If anyone is interested in the sketch drawing just message me. It will be in my originals section of my shop soon.

Next Wave

I know the month just started but it's shaping up to be full to the brim. I'll have some idea of where I'll be at by the end of the week. We can still move on with what the next token will be. I've had a number of requests for Construct.

Trash Panda sketch

I didn't have a sketch to work from when I did the painting. There are plenty of occasions I can paint right from my cobbled references and I did on this occasion.

We passed the 1k mark for this wave and I needed a sketch for the bonus card going out. So, I got busy and made a fun little 5x7 sketch of the 10/10 version.

Thanks to you all once again!

Wave 11: Trash Panda is a go!

Another exciting wave and a super fun token. You'll have to be imaginative to make the best use of this one. 

If you're getting a single token you'll get a __/__

If we continue to hit the first goal achievement (sketch card version) the sketch card will be */*

Here is the full range of P/T versions; __/__, */*, 1/1, 2/2, 3/3, 4/4, 5/5, and 6/6.

The more tokens you're getting the more likely you'll get the full range.

The Metal Token will be __/__ unless you reach out and ask for a specific P/T.

And one more reminder that this token will not be available outside of Patreon, at least from me.

Thanks again for the support and the opportunity to enrich your gaming life.

10/10

I had to add just one more. Almost all are easters egg items from a few sources.