Cities of Sigmar Iconography: Behind the Scenes of Design

As Warhammer Community’s Grand Conclave enters its third day, the spotlight shines on the captivating process behind the creation of the iconography and heraldry defining each of the 11 Free Cities in the upcoming Cities of Sigmar Army Set release. The GW Community team sat down with the brilliant minds of the Warhammer Studio, led by Seb, Miniatures Creative Lead, to unravel the fascinating journey of crafting unique motifs that give the miniatures their distinct identity.

Elevating Silhouettes: Distinctive Design Elements

Seb shared that the Cities of Sigmar miniatures bear a distinctive appearance, adorned with motifs and shapes seldom seen in the Mortal Realms. The miniatures feature an abundance of 45- and 90-degree angles in their armor, weapons, and shields, contributing to their unmistakable silhouettes.

When it came to translating these motifs into iconography and transfers, inspiration was drawn from the practices of ranges like Space Marines and Bretonnians. The shield’s diamond-shaped panels were designed to accommodate transfers of heraldry and iconography for the 11 renowned Free Cities, seamlessly aligning with the angular motifs present throughout the range.

Evolving from Lore: Crafting City-Specific Identity

Phil, Head Writer, delved into the legacy of certain cities like the Seeds of Hope, such as the Living City and Greywater Fastness, which have roots dating back to the Second Edition. The challenge lay in translating the richness of city lore into miniature design – conveying the essence of a city in a visual form.

Max, ’Eavy Metal Lead, discussed the meticulous work invested in heraldry and iconography, leveraging the extensive background written about these cities in previous publications. With the need to represent multiple cities through a set number of units, the team employed iconography and color schemes to maximize the versatility of each miniature. Max highlighted the excitement of offering a comprehensive array of iconic symbols, going beyond a mere selection of cities on the transfer sheet.

From Concept to Craft: Crafting Identity and Flexibility

Seb and the team provided insights into the logical design process, citing the example of Vindicarum, a city built atop a volcano with an Iron Collar. This physical foundation served as the basis for designing the city’s iconography – the volcano, cog, and collar, seamlessly integrated into the emblem.

Sam, Miniatures Design Manager, emphasized simplicity and resonance in the iconography. The team aimed to encapsulate each city’s archetype with symbols that mirror their essence – a fishhook, a portcullis, the collar, the hammer, the tower. The design evolved further with the introduction of three tiers for each logo, aligning with responsive design principles.

Crafting a Realm of Identity: A Collaborative Triumph

Seb acknowledged the formidable task of designing iconography for numerous cities and units. Compared to well-established Space Marine iconography, this project demanded a home run from the outset. Phil highlighted the significance of ensuring each city possessed a distinct identity, reinforcing the decision to aim high.

Max shared how the icons and systems offered players a framework to explore the faction’s structures and codifications, igniting engagement with the lore and rules. With the diversity of human-focused factions, players can create armies that embody unique aspects of the Mortal Realms, facilitated by city heraldry and iconography.

In the days to come, the Cities of Sigmar Round Table will unravel the rules supporting the immersive experience crafted through miniatures, background, and iconography. Stay tuned for the continuation of this exciting journey.

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