Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin Stewart
Hi Devin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We originally began the business in June of 2023, simply as a 3D printing service provider. Customers would come to us with their own 3D models and we would print them, paint them, or any other finishing work the customer wanted done. For several months we were spending every weekend at Farmer’s Markets, county markets, and small events around town. In January of 2024 we set up our first booth at a convention, the Central Florida Comic Con in Lakeland. We took more in custom orders for cosplay costumes in those two days than we had in sales from the previous 5 months of markets. Immediately our focus shifted to the cosplay market, we had found our niche. We have since upgraded our shop to include 23 printers, we are doing 16 conventions in 2024, and are taking new orders for costumes and cosplay accessories almost daily. In May of 2024 we brought on a 501st and Rebel Legion approved master seamstress, we build the 3D printed hard parts and accessories, and with our team we can now take on any custom cosplay order.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business is never a smooth road. We made a lot of mistakes, but we have found that learning from your mistakes will teach you more than learning from success. It took us several tries to find 3D printers that had the features and speed we needed to make our products reliably. We had different marketing challenges, and expenses. Some of those were more expensive than profitable, but in all things, you have to be willing to look at how it can be done better and never settle for mediocrity. If I had to do it all over again from the beginning, I would not change anything, because the darkness of the mistakes allowed us to see the lights of success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As of 2024 we are a cosplay costume provider. Cosplaying and costuming is a huge market with untapped potential. We specialize in the challenge of making the customer’s dream costume as accurate as possible. The oversight of every piece faces very strict scrutiny. We are known for producing pieces that don’t have any resemblance to a 3D print. Our goal is to make the plastic of the 3D print look like the desired material, be it metal, wood, porcelain, or any other. We display our work proudly at our booths, and let potential customers try pieces on. Our work stands above the rest, and many times we are discussing our techniques with other 3D printing enthusiasts. We are most proud of being able to do custom work and bringing the piece to life for the customer, including adding sound, lights, and comfort. Every member of our team is an avid cosplayer, so every piece made is created with the wearer in mind. We are also the official cosplay supplier of Cosplay Society Magazine, and Gothic Culture Magazine.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Our best work is driven by the teamwork of everyone involved. In Dungeon Guild Printing all members have a voice, and each their own area of expertise. If there is a challenge we want to know more about we research and build relationships with people in those industries. When we need help with a new challenge, we research local individuals who are experts in their field, and ask their advice. There are a number of books and resources on cosplay, and we can’t name one specific that is better than another. The advice to our team is always, if you don’t know something, ask. If you want to learn, ask them to teach you. This would be my advice to anyone who wants to learn anything. You would be surprised how often people love to talk about their passions.
Pricing:
- All of our cosplays are priced to order based on complexity, and size.
- We accept payment plans, and are willing to work with our customers to make their costume dream a reality.
- We offer Military, Police, and First Responder discounts
- We will create and finish as much of the project as the customer desires. Some people like to do the finishing work themselves
- We have comprehensive measuring forms available for all customers regardless of location
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dungeonguildprinting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dungeonguildprinting
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dungeonguildprinting
- Other: tiktok @ dungeonguildprinting
