How I Built the Black Sons of Loyola STL Company (And How You Can Start Yours)
When I started building Black Sons of Loyola, I didn’t set out to just sell STL files.
I set out to build a living grimdark universe — a world with factions, lore, campaigns, and a community that felt like they were part of something bigger than a monthly model drop.
Today, Black Sons of Loyola has grown into a full STL brand with multiple factions, painting contests, loyal subscribers, and a roadmap that extends into games, books, and physical products.
This isn’t theory. This is exactly how I’m doing it — step by step.
If you want to start your own STL company and turn it into a real creative business, this blueprint will show you how.
1. I Built a World First — Not Just Miniatures
Before releasing a single STL, I focused on lore and identity.
Black Sons of Loyola isn’t just soldiers with cool armor.
It’s a grimdark alternate-history universe inspired by trench warfare, corrupted faith, ancient heresies, and brutal factions locked in eternal conflict.
Each release connects to:
• A faction (Black Sons of Loyola, Los Alumbrados, Corpus Profane, Vultari Syndicate) • Named characters • Locations with history • Ongoing story arcs
This does two powerful things:
✔ Every model feels meaningful ✔ Fans collect worlds, not files
If you want longevity in STLs — build a universe.
2. I Created a Strong Visual Style (So People Recognize It Instantly)
Consistency is everything.
Every Black Sons model follows a clear aesthetic:
• Grimdark realism • WWI trench-era inspiration • Gothic religious elements • Heavy texture and storytelling detail
When someone sees one render, they know it’s mine.
That recognition builds brand loyalty fast.
Your goal isn’t “nice models.” Your goal is instantly recognizable models.
3. I Use MyMiniFactory Tribes as the Core Engine
Most of my growth comes through MyMiniFactory Tribes.
Why it works so well:
• Built-in discovery • STL-focused audience • Subscription stability • Loyalty rewards
Every month I release themed drops tied directly to the lore and campaigns.
Instead of random minis, people get:
• New faction units • Story progression • Characters that matter
This keeps churn low and excitement high.
4. I Release in Campaign-Style Arcs (Not Random Packs)
Each set connects to a larger narrative.
Examples:
• Ceuta Penal Colony campaign • The Worm Host storyline • Sea of Broken Saints expansion • Faction wars and relic hunts
This creates anticipation.
Subscribers aren’t asking: “Is this month cool?”
They’re asking: “What happens next in the story?”
That’s how you keep long-term supporters.
5. I Turn Community Into Part of the World
This is one of the biggest growth accelerators.
I constantly run:
• Painting contests • Free STL drops • Lore reveals • Fan naming events • Community votes
People don’t just consume Black Sons of Loyola.
They help shape it.
When people feel ownership, they stay forever.
6. I Market With Story, Not Just Product Shots
Instead of only posting renders, I share:
• Lore moments • dark quotes • cinematic reveals • faction symbolism • painted showcases • behind-the-scenes work
This makes each release feel like an event.
Hobbyists love narrative. Use it.
7. I Price for Growth and Sustainability
I keep pricing in the sweet spot:
• Affordable for hobbyists • Sustainable for production • Valuable for the volume of content
Subscriptions scale better than single STL sales.
Recurring income lets you reinvest into better sculpts, art, and expansions.
8. I’m Expanding Beyond STLs (The Long-Term Play)
Black Sons of Loyola is becoming:
• A miniature universe • A tabletop game system • Campaign-driven content • Physical print options • Lore books • Digital storytelling
STLs are the foundation — not the ceiling.
This creates multiple income streams while growing the IP.
What This Means For You
If you want to start your own STL company, here’s the real formula:
Build a world
Create a recognizable style
Release consistently
Engage community
Use subscriptions
Think long-term IP
The creators who win don’t just sell files.
They build universes.
Final Advice From Experience
Don’t wait for perfection. Start building.
Your first models won’t be your best. Your first audience will be small.
That’s normal.
Consistency beats talent. Story beats randomness. Community beats ads.
If you keep creating and keep engaging, growth is inevitable.