Can you tell us a little about your working techniques - how you go from concept to design, the software you use, how you cater to different output applications?

For personal projects I sketch the model in 3D using Silo. I find I can box model a rough form faster than sketching it, and it gives me a better sense of volume and form. From there I either jump in to modeling the high res model on top of that or I print out plan views and scribble over the top. As most of my models are mechanical I use a huge and varied reference library to get ideas, and I find that building a model so that it would work in real life makes the model believable and therefore looks good. I never start off trying to make something look good, that comes much later. The output would be varied, either to print or for web. Some models are used in film, some for advertising or product visualization. I model the same no matter what the final output.

What attracted you to 3d printing?

I have always modeled in real life as well as on a computer. I like to hold my creations in my hands, and although 3D with a computer is my passion I really miss having an actual model. I saw an advert for a 3D printing service and wondered what level of detail was possible. After some test pieces, I was hooked!

How are you using 3d printing to further your ideas / projects?

That depends on what I am using it for. For product visualization or architectural work clients respond much better to a real model. If a client can pick up and hold a phone concept to his head for example, the idea gets the yes or no straight away. It saves time and money, therefore increasing your profits.

Have you had to change the way you model?

No, and yes. I model the exact same way until I am ready to send the part to print, but at that point I have to use Booleans which is something I would never normally do. As I work with Sub Divisions in Silo, Modo or Maya I have to freeze my models then stick all the pieces together. This is the point where I start thinking about hiding seams, clever places to cut segments up etc. But generally I have been very surprised at how accommodating the printers are.

Andrew is preparing a number of interesting models for printing - so keep a look out for some fantastic images in our gallery over the coming months!

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LINKS:
Silo