Work at home Dad and artist
I was a stay-at-home Dad, spending my days with my 2 daughters before they went to school, and now they are a little older and enjoy working on projects in my studio on the weekends.
I have always loved tinkering, fixing, and making things - and opening my Etsy store was a great way to quit my 'real' job, be my own boss, do what I love, and most importantly, raise and spend time with my girls .
I did a degree in Fine Arts in college, majoring in sculpting and painting, and then completed a degree in Philosophy in university, after which I lived in Japan and later joined the Canadian Infantry as an officer. I missed doing artistic things, and when we decided to have kids, I quit my job and went full-time into my prop making endeavor. It gave me the time to stay at home and raise the girls while their mother works as a teacher and I couldn't have made a better choice.
I hand sculpt almost all of my pieces and then make a mold in which I cast the final piece to be painted or sold as a kit. I do use a 3D printer, but only for small things such as greeblies and other detail pieces that wouldn't be feasible to make by hand. That means quality and durability, something you don't get with most printed helmets and other items. Everyone and their grandmother seems to be selling 3D prints lately, but you can count on quality and craftsmanship with my items!
