Jeff Currey has a license to print – fantasy art miniatures, to be more specific.

The Canadian-based printer and photographer has recently opened a business, Steeltown 3D Prints, and has partnered with international creators for the rights to print and sell their 3D works.

While other crowdfunding platforms offer similar opportunities, Currey connects through Patreon, which has a merchant tier that allows supporters to sell prints from 3D files (.STL files) with a monthly pledge commitment.

3D Printing Adds New Dimension to Fantasy Art

When choosing artists to support, he says he looks for designs “that I would want to have on display for myself.”

One of those artists is Anna Zem, who runs a Patreon community called Great Grimoire. Supporters of the community get a “welcome pack” along with a monthly pack of six new miniatures in STL format (only merchant-level supporters can sell the works, while others can print for personal use.) They also get a chance to follow work in progress and have input into future creations, as well as other perks.

Zem said she studied arts in high school and has been working in the game development industry for five years. While she does “traditional” sculptures and painting, she primarily uses software to create the works. Right now that’s the 3D creation suite Blender, although she is still looking for her “weapon of choice.”

While she creates tabletop miniatures, her work is not limited to that world as some of her patrons are not into gaming. “It provides so much scope for experiments,” she said. The 2020 lockdown was a catalyst to start her Patreon community, she adds. “I started with making a couple of miniatures in different styles, but it was a dark fantasy that struck a chord.”

The support has been strong so far, and she says the community has been integral in helping her move forward – noting she connects with them daily on Discord for feedback and advice.

Growing Popularity of Fantasy Art Miniatures

While 3D printing was originally an expensive proposition, Currey says the price of the home technology has dropped considerably in recent years. For example, he says the printer he uses for his business only cost him about $250 CDN.

The resin printer he chose – Creality LD-002R – can produce fine details to faithfully reproduce characters used for tabletop games, he says. However, while the printer is relatively inexpensive, the cost of a five-litre jug of resin is about $450 CDN, he adds – although brands can vary in price.

Currey says generally those who print and sell 3D miniatures licensed from creators don’t do anything fancy to them other than cleaning them prior to shipping, but that he might add an option in the future to get a “finished” or painted version.

He notes that most designers who sell their works in bundles through member platforms also have a My Mini Factory account to sell older models individually. Meanwhile, Currey has an Etsy shop to sell and ship the printed figures.

The world of fantasy art miniatures continues to grow as tabletop games also become more popular. “For me, Great Grimoire is a chance to create unique stuff for people just like myself – who are deeply into the amazing world of miniatures. I’m proud to be a part of this marvellous artist community!” says Zem.