Created in the first half of 2026 for my dearest client, Szonja, this custom Mantis Lord helmet was developed from a completely individual request inspired by the world of Hollow Knight.

The helmet is constructed from ABS, with the front and rear sections secured by an integrated magnetic closure system for wearing and removal. The interior is fully padded for comfort, while the eyes are made from a special double layer black mesh material that provides strong visual concealment while still allowing improved airflow and some visibility from inside.

Unlike most of our projects, this piece was developed with the client closely involved throughout both the creative and the manufacturing process. From the early ideas to the final surface treatment, the design gradually evolved by continuous discussion and refinement, allowing the character of the helmet to take shape step by step.

One of the main requests for this project was to move away from a clean, cartoon like appearance and create something that felt far more physical and believable. The rear section received a deep navy blue base color, while the front was finished in a muted greyish off white tone. From there, we spent several days slowly building up the weathering layer by layer, adding scratches, impact damage, claw marks, worn edges, discoloration and subtle surface variation. Every element was treated individually to create depth and history, giving the helmet the character of an object that had already survived countless battles rather than a freshly painted prop. The final result is a battle worn relic that remains fully wearable, while also functioning as a display piece. I also designed and created a dedicated wall mount specifically for the helmet, allowing it to be displayed as a trophy whenever it is not being worn.

It was truly a magnificent journey to bring this idea to life and from session to session, to see it unfold and blossom along the way, until it became far more meaningful than it had ever seemed in the beginning. – Dante