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Artisanal process

The Art of Bringing
Cervantes to Life

From reading the novel to the figure reaching your display case, every piece goes through seven artisanal phases that can take more than four days. Here we walk you through each one.

7

artisanal phases

+4

days of work

100%

handmade

1605

Cervantes reference

Discover the process

Each figure, a story of patience

We don't mass-produce. Each piece passes through the hands of the same artisan from start to finish.

8

Phases

+4

Days

1

Artisan

8 phases · over 4 days

The Complete Process

Every figure that arrives at your home has gone through all these stages without exception. There are no shortcuts when honouring Cervantes.

Study of Cervantes' novel as the basis for 3D modelling of the figures
Phase 1Research
1-2 days

Research

Before modelling, read

Study of the Novel and Cervantes Research

It all starts with the novel. Before opening the modelling software, we immerse ourselves in Cervantes' text to document the exact description of each character: clothing, posture, features. Don Quixote and his lance, Sancho and his kindness, Rocinante with his melancholy nobility.

  • Reading and analysing descriptive passages of Don Quixote
  • Study of historical illustrations and 17th-century engravings
  • Definition of the figure's pose, expression and scale
  • Bibliographic references to Gustave Doré and other canonical illustrators
Digital 3D modelling of the character faithful to Cervantes' novel
Phase 23D Modelling
2-4 days

3D Modelling

The character takes virtual shape

Digital 3D Modelling

Using literary references as a guide, the character is modelled in 3D with extreme detail: every fold of the cloak, the metallic texture of the armour, the expression on the face. It is meticulous work that can take days, and the quality of the final result depends on its precision.

  • High-resolution digital sculpting software
  • Maximum fidelity to Cervantes' descriptions
  • 1:32 scale optimised for hand painting
  • Export in high-resolution format for printing
Sanding and finishing of the 3D-printed figure to remove imperfections
Phase 33D Printing
6-8 hours

3D Printing

From pixel to tangible object

Photopolymer Resin Printing and Finishing

The digital model is printed in high-resolution photopolymer resin using SLA/MSLA printers. After printing, each piece is meticulously sanded with fine-grit paper, cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, visible layer lines are removed and any imperfection is reshaped by hand until a perfect surface is achieved.

  • SLA/MSLA printing with 0.025 mm layer resolution
  • Cleaning in an isopropanol ultrasonic bath
  • Progressive sanding: 220 → 400 → 800 grit
  • Manual correction of imperfections with a precision tool
  • Inspection under magnifying glass before continuing
Application of base primer with airbrush on the resin figure
Phase 4Priming
24 hours

Priming

The bridge between resin and paint

Application of the Base Primer

A layer of high-adhesion primer applied with an airbrush seals the pores of the photopolymer resin and ensures that each subsequent layer of paint adheres durably without flaking over time. Without this phase, the paint would peel off within weeks.

  • High-adhesion acrylic primer specifically for resin
  • Airbrush application for homogeneous coverage
  • Complete drying in a controlled environment: 24 hours
  • Second inspection to detect surface imperfections
Painting base colour layers on the hand-painted Don Quixote figure
Phase 5Base Colour
3-4 hours

Base Colour

The Cervantine palette takes shape

Base Colour Layers

With the base ready, layered painting begins. Two or three thin layers of highly pigmented acrylic paint define the main palette: the worn yellow of Don Quixote's armour, the earthy brown of Sancho's habit, the bluish white of Rocinante. Each layer dries completely before the next.

  • Highly pigmented professional acrylic paints
  • Precise dilution for optimal transparency and coverage
  • 2-3 progressive layers per colour zone
  • Drying between layers to avoid accidental mixing
Shading and highlight technique to give volume and depth to the figure
Phase 6Shading
2-3 hours

Shading

Where the figure truly comes to life

Shading, Highlights and Volume

This is the most transformative phase. Using a wash technique, folds, cavities and depths are darkened to create natural shadows. Then the raised parts are highlighted to simulate light. The result is a figure with real volume and dimension that seems alive under any lighting.

  • Wash technique for soft shadows in folds and cavities
  • Dry-brushing for highlighting reliefs and edges
  • Gradual transitions for a three-dimensional effect
  • Reference to the natural light of Castilla-La Mancha
Painting fine details with magnifier and 0/10 brushes for eyes and buckles
Phase 7Fine Details
4-6 hours

Fine Details

The patience that makes the difference

Fine Details: Eyes, Buttons and Buckles

With sable-hair brushes in size 0/10, the most minute details are painted: the eyes with their pupils and shine, every button of Sancho's coat, the metallic rivets of the armour, the harness buckles. This phase can take hours and is what most distinguishes an expert artisan.

  • Sable-hair brushes size 0/10 (less than 1 mm)
  • 10x working magnifier for maximum precision
  • Stippling technique for eyes and 0.5 mm details
  • Metallic paint highlights for metal and leather
  • Patience: up to 3-4 hours just for facial details
Final quality control and inspection under magnifier before packaging
Phase 8Final Finish
24 hours

Final Finish

The definitive FunQuiJote quality seal

Protective Varnishing and Quality Control

The finished figure receives a coat of protective varnish — matte or satin depending on the piece's finish — that fixes the paint and protects it from handling and time. Before packing, each piece is inspected under magnifying glass by the responsible artisan. Only if it passes that review does it carry the FunQuiJote seal.

  • High-resistance matte or satin varnish according to finish
  • Airbrush application for uniform coverage
  • Final inspection under magnifier: paint, details, base and plinth
  • Artisan's signature and serial number (limited editions)
  • Individual packaging with protective foam
“When I start modelling Don Quixote, the first thing I do is reread the chapter where Cervantes describes him. The figure must be faithful to the text, not just beautiful.”
A

The FunQuiJote artisan

Ciudad Real · 15+ years painting miniatures

15+ years

of experience in miniatures

Self-taught

trained in classical Spanish painting

Cervantist

passionate reader of Don Quixote

Ciudad Real

heart of Cervantes' La Mancha

The Materials We Use

Only the finest materials for pieces that will last decades in your display cabinet.

3D printing

Photopolymer resin

High-resolution SLA/MSLA resin for an ultra-detailed surface that captures the smallest relief of the modelling.

Painting

Acrylic paints

Professional, highly pigmented, UV-resistant acrylics that keep their colours vibrant for decades without yellowing.

Fine detail

Sable brushes

Kolinsky sable hair brushes in size 0/10, the same used by the world's top miniature painters in competition.

Final finish

Protective varnish

High-resistance matte or satin varnish that protects the paint from scratches, humidity and the passage of time with a premium finish.

Now that you know the process...

Every figure in our catalogue has gone through these eight phases. Choose yours and take home a piece of Cervantes' La Mancha.

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