Behind the Scenes: Creating a Mimic Monster Mini from Start to Finish (part 1)

Creating miniatures for tabletop games is a thrilling mix of art and skill. Recently, I was commissioned to create a Mimic Monster—a classic creature famous for its deceptive appearances. This project was thrilling because it involved a 32mm scale mini mounted on a 50mm base, making it a standout piece for any gaming table.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through each step of creating this unique mini, from choosing the right materials to adding those finishing touches. Let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Resin

Selecting the right resin for the Mimic Monster was a crucial first step. The mini’s detailed design features intricate elements like thin swords and delicate fingers, so I needed a strong yet flexible material.

After extensive research, I chose undiluted Phrozen RPG resin. This durable resin is tailored for high detail, low shrinkage, and flexibility, which is perfect for intricate miniatures. While the cost is higher than average—around 30% more than standard resin—this investment is vital for creating a durable centerpiece. A quality miniature can last for years, enhancing the gaming experience with its durability.

Preparing the 3D Model

With resin in hand, I turned my attention to prepping the 3D model. The Mimic Monster’s ability to mimic objects is iconic, and I aimed to capture that in the design. Using 3D modeling software, I adjusted the model to enhance detail and ensure it was ready for printing.

Special care was taken with vulnerable spots, such as the swords. I reinforced these areas in the model to help reduce the risk of breakage—a common issue when printing miniatures with fine details.

Printing the Miniature

With the prepared model, I was ready to print. I set my printer to a high resolution to ensure every detail emerged clearly. The process took about 6 hours, during which my excitement built as the Mimic Monster took shape.

As the layers stacked, the textures of its skin and the sharpness of its weapons became increasingly visible. Once printing finished, I carefully removed the mini from the build plate before moving to the vital post-processing stage.

Post-Processing: Cleaning and Curing

Post-processing is a key part of miniature creation. After detaching the print, I cleaned it thoroughly to remove any excess resin. This entails soaking the mini in isopropyl alcohol and using a soft brush to reach all the detailed areas.

The next step was curing the miniature under UV light. This process is crucial as it solidifies the resin, ensuring that it acquires maximum strength. I rotated the model during this 10-minute curing session to guarantee even exposure for optimal results.

Printed, rinsed and cured Mimic Monster with base.

Painting the Mimic Monster

Now for the fun part: painting! I started with a light primer coat, giving light to the variation of light and shadow along the surface. From there I planned out the color pallet to go with, I want it to mesh with a variety of campaigns so I went with neutral colors, keeping the monster's body a grayscale morph, and a rustic chest for the mimic head. The base a combination of loamy earth and stone which I'll finish with a dusting of mica powder for a dusty effect before sealing it with a matte spray.

Below you will see the base coat of color laid out. It's far from done, but it starts to take shape. More and more, the details will be revealed as layer upon layer of color are added atop this.

Base coat of color ready to have layers of details added

Stay tuned for part 2!