Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?
I’m a soon-to-be student of Interactive Multimedia Design at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada. I have a day job (a meat clerk at a grocery store), but aim to make my living using 3D printing, both through Shapeways and at-home printers.
There’s no deep secret or magical process here. You have an idea, and you make it. That’s the power of 3D printing, to me: the ability to create, undo, copy, edit, and refine down the most finite detail. It’s the ability to lay out your inspiration exactly as you see it in your mind, and then make it reality. I also want to say, though, that my muse, my girlfriend Christina, gives me all the inspiration and drive I need to try and make things that are beautiful enough for her!
How did you learn how to design in 3D?
In Grade 11 of High School, my computer graphics teacher introduced us to the 3D program Cinema 4D – not as a serious part of the course, he was a techie surrounded by other techies and he just wanted to show us something cool. I had struggled with Photoshop and Illustrator but found myself instantly and easily grasping the concepts of 3D.
I have many favorite designers, both on Shapeways and out there in the wide world. My number one inspiration, though, would probably be Gray Horsfield a visual effects and 3D artist who worked on the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He single-handedly constructed the amazingly intricate tower of Barad-Dur model over his Christmas vacation, which is millions of custom face polygons.
Shapeways has been very good to me. Oh, I’ve had my complaints – every business gets complaints – but Shapeways is, without doubt, hands-down, the best place to go for 3D printing. I look forward to working with Shapeways, both the staff and the designer community, for many years to come! (Thanks!-Ed)
Check out Christians designs on his Shapeways Shop, or head over to DeviantArt to see more. If you’d like to be the next featured designer, email natalia@shapeways.com!