Our PROCESS
We are a two-person studio that handles every physical stage of production in-house, from printing and finishing to quality inspection and packaging. We proudly collaborate with talented independent artists who create the original digital sculptures that serve as the foundation for many of our pieces. Together, we combine traditional craftsmanship with digital artistry to create one-of-a-kind museum-inspired replicas.
Our collaborative artists and we are proudly anti-AI.
meet our collaborative artists
Every Bonefire Studios replica begins with the work of talented independent paleoartists. We license their original digital sculptures and transform them into individually hand-finished museum-inspired replicas through our own printing, texturing, painting, and finishing process. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with these artists and encourage you to explore more of their work through the links below.
Hasanoztrk
Hasan specializes in highly detailed prehistoric reconstructions, with a particular passion for lesser-known and recently described species. His original digital sculptures serve as the foundation for many of our museum-inspired replicas, and several of his works are featured in museums and exhibitions worldwide.
NovA Studios
Dave is renowned for anatomically accurate skeletal reconstructions and museum-quality fossil reproductions. Many of the skull replicas in our catalog originate from his larger skeletal works, reflecting his exceptional attention to detail and deep understanding of fossil anatomy.
InsectHead
João combines scientific knowledge with artistic craftsmanship to create distinctive prehistoric reconstructions known for their natural fossil textures. In addition to paleoart, he is an accomplished biologist and macrophotographer whose expertise informs his work.
museum REPLICAS
Each museum replica begins with an original, licensed digital sculpture created by one of our collaborative artists. Their artistic talent and attention to anatomical detail provide the foundation for every piece, serving as the first step in transforming prehistoric life into a museum-inspired replica.
Working from the 3D sculptures, each is individually created in high-quality resin, assembled, and post-processed all in-house - no print-on-demand or third-party services. Additional sculpting, sanding, and refinement ensure seamless transitions between components while enhancing the natural texture of each replica. This may take more effort dependent upon the final size of the replica, but all sizes are given the same meticulous care and eye for detail.
Once prepared, each replica receives hand-applied texture before receiving a custom paint job to create a truly one-of-a-kind finish. Finally, multiple coats of high-quality varnish are applied to help preserve the artwork for years to come.
While no two replicas will be alike, we do offer THREE SIGNATURE FINISHES:
"aged bone" A weathered bone-white aesthetic, evoking exposed skeletal remains and museum restorations
"CANYON" Warm earth tones and terracotta hues, inspired by fossil beds such as Picketwire and Mill Canyon
"fossilized" Deep browns and near-black coloration, replicating the mineral-rich preservation seen in authentic fossils
In the case of a mounted replica, we will then affix it to our hand-crafted stands made in-house. Each stand is made of wood and brass hardware, and will feature a custom-etched plaque with the species name. Mounted replicas measuring 13 inches or larger may also be displayed with a separated cranium and mandible using specialized hinged hardware, allowing the jaw to be adjusted to your preferred display position.
Every step of our process is focused on creating museum-quality replicas that celebrate both prehistoric life and the artistry behind their creation. No two replicas are ever identical, making every finished piece uniquely its own.
ABOUT OUR MEDIUM OF CHOICE
Resin is a photopolymer liquid that cures under exposure to UV light. This medium produces beautiful results with crisper details, more texture, and no layer lines.
Unlike PLA used in many consumer 3D prints, cured resin maintains its shape under temperatures that would soften PLA. This allows for finer details, greater rigidity, and a more substantial feel.
Although highly durable for display, resin replicas are decorative sculptures rather than toys and should always be handled with care. Dropping or mishandling them may result in breakage. To preserve the finish, we also recommend displaying your replica away from prolonged direct sunlight, which can gradually fade painted surfaces over time.
Giftshop Collection
Our Giftshop Collection features licensed creations from talented designers including Gabriel (3DGOB) and Dan (FlexiFactory). Designed to be affordable, interactive, and fun to collect, these pieces make an excellent introduction to Bonefire Studios or a welcome addition alongside our museum-inspired replicas.
Each piece is individually printed in biodegradable PLA using our in-house FDM 3D printers. After printing, every model is carefully inspected for quality, assembled where applicable, packaged by hand, and prepared for its journey to its new home.
Although designed as our more playful collection, every piece is still individually printed, inspected, and packaged in-house with the same care and attention we bring to all of our work.
About Our Medium of Choice
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a plant-based plastic made from renewable resources such as corn starch. It is lightweight, durable, and well suited for articulated models. Because PLA softens when exposed to excessive heat, we recommend avoiding prolonged direct sunlight, hot vehicles, and other high-temperature environments.
Every Giftshop Collection piece is individually 3D printed rather than mass-produced in a factory. Because of this, subtle variations, visible layer lines, and minor surface differences are a natural part of the manufacturing process and help make each piece unique.
We work hard to match the colors shown in our listing photos, but slight variations may occur. This is especially true for gradient, color-shift, and ombré filaments, where the placement and transition of colors naturally differ from one print to the next.
Although designed for normal handling and gentle play, articulated models should still be treated with care. Dropping, throwing, rough play, or carrying them loosely in bags may result in damage or breakage.