Production Update #19
almost 3 years ago
– Sat, Jun 12, 2021 at 01:42:45 PM
Hi everyone.
We are unfortunately still in a limbo with Gary swamped at work. However, he has been able to make progress in the exterior city shots, which have been keeping him up at night. That being said, we're still in a 'ready when it is ready' zone. Gary is just being stretched too thin at work.
On my end, I've written a few short stories in the Echo Black world that have let us ripen the world a bit. I'll share one with you in an upcoming update. I have also been working on 3D elements to help Gary lighten his load a bit, elements to be reference and keep some of the guesswork out of the drawing needed. Now, I'm nowhere near professional, but I think they're good enough to share with you. Enjoy, Niera in the 3rd dimension (concept included).
Sorry everyone. I hope we can provide the finished book to you all soon.
Thanks, Anthony.
Production Update #18
about 3 years ago
– Mon, Mar 01, 2021 at 04:55:26 PM
Hey team,
Sorry for the lapse. We're off to a slow start this year, Gary has been swamped with work and hasn't had much time to dedicate to Echo Black. He's still pushing every chance he gets.
Thanks, see you soon.
-Anthony
Production Update #17
over 3 years ago
– Fri, Dec 25, 2020 at 08:28:39 PM
Hi everyone,
We are getting closer to send our baby off into the world and see if she floats, and along with that comes small little updates. First of which, we can finally shed our working title of The Patrons. It's what I wrote at the front of the workbook when I started writing the story, but we weren't able to settle on a more pleasing title - until earlier this year.
Standard Mockup
While we are super excited to make this baby step toward shipping the book, we've elected to take more time and make sure this is done right. No doubt, you are aware of the issues that CD PROJEKT RED has encountered with the release of their game. If not, here. We have always felt an immense pressure to ship this book. We owe it to you, but we're going to make sure it is 100% right. We don't have board members forcing us to ship. Sure, there is an argument that CP2077 is much larger of a project than Echo Black, but it isn't to us. Nothing is bigger than this.
Each delay hurts to admit, but we know this is the right decision. If you don't agree with us, please send me a message and we'll make it right. CP2077 used to have a motto "Coming: When It's Ready". We aren't going to make their mistake. We aren't going to compromise on quality. Echo Black will be ready in 2021.
Production Update #16
over 3 years ago
– Sat, Oct 17, 2020 at 12:32:35 PM
Hi everyone, Anthony here.
2020 has been a weird one folks. Remember when it was a legitimate concern that you couldn’t find toilet paper? So much has happened that it seems like years ago. I can’t wait for this boring dystopia to be over. We are still optimistic on finishing the book in 2020. The delivery of a digital edition of The Patrons in 2020 is still possible. However, with manufacturing done in Taiwan and China, the book will not be ship this year. We are doing our best, working on the book every day. Some days can only afford 30 minutes, but some days (weekends) 8+ hours. It isn’t ideal, there is still much to be done, but we have to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads.
The Patrons has been a rocky journey with many delays - split into two main categories, artistic integrity and funds. Because of uncollected pledges, taxes, and fees, we took in much less than kickstarter reports. Which has impacted the amount of time we can afford to put into the project - If you've ever done freelance work, you understand. In addition, we've added and scrapped pages in favor of stronger story, panels have been redone due to art continuity, and entire characters and scenes cut and combined.
We've had mental breakdowns and arguments as we treat every aspect of the book with scrutiny. We know the dangers of chasing perfection, that isn’t what we’re doing. We won't release something that we aren’t proud of. Period. There is no reason for The Patrons to exist if it isn't different than the books in the discount bin. There are many things that we should have done different, but many mistakes aren’t known until months down the line. You have to do your best to learn from them and avoid them in the future. That’s what we’re doing.
We have not abandoned this project. It is very much alive. I’ve been a backer of kickstarters that have been completely abandoned. Full stop, ignoring the backers requests for updates and refunds. It doesn't feel great. For some of you enough is enough. It has been too long and too many deadlines missed. To you, please, please, send me a message. No hard feelings, I will refund you. Every person who has asked for a refund has gotten a refund. We're three guys in a garage, not a heartless corporation with a customer service team, only reachable via fax, whose goal is to hold onto your $28 pledge.
There is another section of backers that are under the mindset of “take your time, it's done when it's done - just update us”. Thank you for your continued support, I know your frustrations are seeded in a lack of consistent updates. I’ll post more often, but I am opting to not push updates to 1400 people if there is nothing of substance. You'll have to check in on the page.
Thank you all for your support. We won't stop until the collection is printed in hardcover, no matter how long that takes.
-Anthony
Production Update #15
over 3 years ago
– Fri, Jul 31, 2020 at 05:34:04 AM
Hidey-ho Neighborino,
We're still working, we haven't given up. No doubt, lots has happened in the last few months and has slowed us down, but we've made progress nonetheless.
