Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Caputo.
Hi Tara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
During my senior year of high school in 2004, I was introduced to Dungeons & Dragons by a boyfriend at the time. I was instantly hooked and made my first character: an elf sorceress.
I remember running games with my brother that Christmas on a little coffee table. He would play a character and I would run him through a dungeon and then I would kill his character and we would swap. That was my first time DMing (dungeon mastering), but it was by far my last. I have been what the fandom calls “a forever dm” for most my of adult life.
You can’t play D&D without dice, and I started collecting very early. I have two original Chessex Borealis (iykyk) that I purchased from a local game store in Florida that are still my favorite dice to DM with. My dice collection grew over the years with additions from friends and my collection. When dice-making hit the market I was in awe that dice could be crafted. It was something I always wanted to try, but life was pretty busy and there was never really any time for it.
I have always been an artist though. I had my photography studio for years, and I am a self-taught quilter and crochet from time to time. I dabble in papercraft painting minis and making props. There isn’t a lot I haven’t tried.
So, when Covid shut the world down in 2020, I was itching to do something. Towards the end of that year, my husband and I discussed dice making. I wrote up a list of things I would need and when he saw the price tag he said “Well, can you sell what you don’t make for yourself? Just until we cover the cost?”
I said yes, and began working on a business idea. I knew I wanted a unique name, so I went to AI. I wrote out a bunch of keywords and limits to populate words and in the middle of the pack was “Nerdzilly.” The name encompasses all of me as a person and my values. I am a total nerd and embrace it wholeheartedly, I love D&D, I don’t take life too seriously, and I believe in kindness above all else.
By the beginning of 2021, I was making my first set of dice. It came very naturally to me. I know a lot of dice makers spend quite a lot of time figuring out resin and techniques, but I spent so many hours doing research, watching other artists on YouTube, and learning everything I could about resin, that it almost seemed magical at how quickly I was able to produce high-quality sets.
May of 2021 was my first convention in Birmingham, AL and I think my Mom and I went to over six conventions over the summer. I focused on more local events in 2022 and 2023 and grew a small name for myself in Huntsville. In 2023 I applied for a studio space and opened my studio in September 2023.
Now I run a little dice shop, I host One-Shots on Saturdays, we have miniature paint nights once a month, and I am working on getting teen groups started. I also have plans for d20 potion-making classes and dice-making classes this year.
Since I have a physical store now, I only go to a handful of conventions a year, but it’s amazing to see people buy my dice and tell me “I got a set from you last year! I was hoping you were here this year!” I love hearing stories like, “Your dice rolled a nat 20 for me when my character was on the brink of death!”
I have expanded outside of dice as well. I make spell slot trackers, custom character sheets, dice jewelry, hair accessories, and big chunky d20s with dioramas and figures cast inside that are hand-painted.
As my studio grows, I feel like I am just getting started, and I have big things planned for 2024!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I first started dice-making in my apartment, and figuring out how to do that safely was a bumpy ride. Luckily, I had my own office space and we were able to make that work. Now, we have a house and I have two dedicated spaces for working plus my studio space.
The biggest struggle I have faced was while opening my studio this summer. Early on, I collaborated with another dice maker to merge our businesses and open a studio together. However, as can happen in any partnership, there were differences in our visions for the business. After about six weeks, my partner decided to pursue other opportunities. I learned a lot about my resilience and adaptability as I had to quickly pivot.
During those unexpected changes, the support from my friends and family played a pivotal role in helping me navigate the transition. Their encouragement and assistance allowed me to focus and steer the business in a new direction.
Whether it was offering valuable insights, painting furniture, or, offering moral support, their contributions became a cornerstone in overcoming the challenges that emerged. Their support reinforced the idea that, even in moments of uncertainty, a strong support network can truly make all the difference in moving forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I mostly create dice sets for Dungeons & Dragons. This includes 7-piece polyhedral sets (d4, d6, d8, d10, d%, d12, and d20), but I also create large d20s with dioramas or inclusions inside that are hand-painted.
I am proud of my dioramas and space-themed dice.
I specialize in classic styles. I love saturated colors the most. I also enjoy creating dice for other people and making their visions come to life. Someone just commissioned me to put the flowers of their wedding bouquet into a dice set, and I am excited to create something so special and lasting.
One thing that sets me apart is my corgis! I have a 9-month-old named Xena and 4 year old named Crixus. Xena always goes to the studio with me. She has become a local celebrity (people come to my studio just to see her!). She is on the face of one of my d20s and we have Xena stickers for sale that all go to getting her treats/toys for the studio. She is an adorable mascot who sleeps in the display case, but she earns her kibble!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting.
For those just starting, I would say do your research: join online dice-making groups, watch videos and clips, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are so many different ways to make dice, it’s important to find what works for you. Don’t settle on the first thing you try, permit yourself to experiment and to fail.
I wish I had known just how addictive the craft was going to be!
Contact Info:
- Website: Nerdzilly.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nerdzilly/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nerdzilly
