From Concept to Creation- Grunk's Gridmaps

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From Concept to Creation Grunk's Gridmaps
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• Tabletop role-playing games offer a wonderful
  opportunity to bond with friends while escaping
  into a captivating fantasy world. However,
  crafting an immersive and visually stunning game
  board can prove to be quite challenging. As an
  enthusiastic player of tabletop RPGs, I found
  myself consistently dissatisfied with the
  available options for battlemats. They were
  either overpriced, of low quality, or lacked the
  versatility I craved. Driven by a desire to fill
  this gap, I embarked on a year-long journey to
  create a brand that offers high-quality
  battlemats at a fair price point. Join me in this
  blog post as I take you through the entire
  process that led to the creation of MadebyGrunk.
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Step 1 Concept

• The main concept stemmed from the desire for
  simplicity and versatility. Many existing game
  maps feature highly specific terrain or markings
  that can detract from full immersion, while also
  limiting the reusability of the maps unless they
  are completely blank - a decidedly dull option.
  After brainstorming ideas and soliciting feedback
  from fellow gamers, the decision was made to
  begin with a versatile Grasslands theme that
  would offer players the flexibility to create a
  wide variety of settings and scenarios.
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Step 2 Design

• The design process started by putting all the
  brainstormed ideas onto paper. We created a
  comprehensive list of requirements and features,
  including minimalist design, gridlines integrated
  into the map, and extreme attention to detail. To
  ensure the best possible outcome, we enlisted the
  help of an expert graphic designer.
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• Eleven iterations later, we arrived at the final
  design. The design went through multiple
  refinements, including small details that most
  users may not notice at first glance. We
  thoroughly scrutinized different elements of the
  design to achieve the desired outcome. Once the
  final design was approved, we added the brand
  logo, and then focused on determining the best
  materials to use.
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Step 3 Materials

• Finding the right balance of materials was a
  crucial aspect, as we wanted to ensure that the
  materials used aligned with our concept
  requirements. After careful consideration, we
  opted for PET as the top layer to provide both
  flexibility and durability, while also ensuring
  longevity for dry-wipe pens. Additionally, we
  needed to ensure that the printed layer was
  waterproof, as exposure to even a small amount of
  water can ruin cheaper paper-based battlemats. To
  achieve this, we decided to use high-quality PVC
  with fine printing.
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• When it came to the base, magnetic rubber was an
  obvious choice. However, we wanted to ensure that
  the adhesion was strong, and that the rubber had
  good strength and flexibility. This led us to our
  manufacturing partner, who specialized in magnet
  manufacturing. With a uniform magnetization and
  saturation within the rubber, we were able to
  strike the perfect balance between strength and
  quality.
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Step 4 Packaging

• Selecting the right packaging was critical to
  ensure our product reached customers safely and
  with an added value. After much deliberation, we
  decided on tube packaging due to its durability,
  compactness, and its ability to showcase the map
  in all its glory. However, finding the right tube
  was a journey in itself. We underwent a series of
  tests to ensure that the tube was strong enough
  to withstand transportation and that the print
  quality was up to our standards. We also
  increased the diameter of the tube to prevent the
  map from curling up when used without a magnetic
  base.
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• We wanted to make it easy for our customers to
  navigate through their collection of maps, and so
  we opted to have the print on the lid of the
  tube. Additionally, we wanted to inject some fun
  into our packaging, so we included a picture of
  our beloved character Grunk hard at work.
  Finally, we made sure to include both pens and
  erasers within the tube, recognizing that
  customers often purchase multiple maps and may
  need additional writing materials. Overall, our
  packaging serves as an excellent addition to our
  high-quality product, ensuring that our customers
  receive an exceptional experience from start to
  finish.
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Step 5 Prototyping

• Before commencing with manufacturing and
  shipment, it was necessary to conduct rigorous
  testing. The maps and tubes underwent destructive
  testing, and we made over 10 variations before
  finalizing the product that we sell today.
  Although it was a time-consuming step, it was
  crucial to ensure that we were thorough and left
  no room for error. Nonetheless, we understand
  that there is always room for improvement, and
  MadebyGrunk is committed to continuously making
  changes and enhancements until we and our
  customers are fully satisfied.
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Step 6 Manufacture

• Finally, with all the pieces in place, it was
  time to begin manufacturing, and surprisingly,
  this turned out to be the smoothest stage of the
  entire process. Everything ran like clockwork,
  with no hiccups or unexpected issues to slow us
  down. And now, we stand with hundreds of
  top-quality maps ready for you to snap up and use
  in your grand adventures and epic boss battles.
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Conclusion

• At MadebyGrunk, our mission is to provide the
  tabletop RPG community with the finest-quality
  and most versatile battlemats available. From the
  initial concept to the finished product, we
  meticulously craft each mat with great attention
  to detail, ensuring it meets our exacting
  standards of quality, durability, design, and
  versatility. We believe that a well-designed game
  board can elevate gameplay and make it an
  unforgettable experience. Our commitment is to
  continue to expand our collection of affordable,
  versatile, and long-lasting battlemats that are
  perfect for any tabletop RPG.

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Thank You