After obtaining my associate degree in graphic design, a gift I received from my family was a 3D printer, something I have expressed interest in, but have put off due to many user concerns raised throughout its release.
I then had ideas on how I could use my knowledge of graphic design to create objects with the printer. Such as plaques, keychains, or 3d figures.
The printer I was gifted with was only able to perform with 1 filament color, after considering my options for upgrading, I have added an AMS to give me the option to print projects containing up to 4 colors.
Personal Logo
During my Twitch or YouTube streams, I always wanted proper art in the background. I was able to take my JJ logo, simplify it, and print it to be a 9in x 9in objects placed on my window sill.
Flags
I was commissioned to create some 3d printed flag keychains for a clients Hispanic Heritage event.
Using three similar rectangles and the country's name, I grouped the objects together and assigned the color output in the printing software.
Names
Another commission I received was to create a 3D print of names. I had 3 different ideas at the time: a keychain, a plaque, and then just a stationary piece of a name in cursive.
Personally, I like the cursive style more, seeing how it stands on its own without any back support. The colors on the from and back could be different than color giving it depth.
Logos to Print
One of the first things I tested when I expanded the amount of colors that could be printed, was a simple chicken retrieved from Adobe Stock images. I was able to bring the image to Adobe Illustrator, create an SVG, bring the SVG into Blender, and export the file into the 3D printing software, where I assigned the colors based on the areas height. Rather than keep the curly hair feature on the top, I replaced it with a loop to make the image into a keychain.
My most recent print was due to the popularity of a game in its Beta phase. Due to it's young state, not many designers have had time to create prints from the logo.
I put the image into Photoshop, where I would separate the logo from everything else. I would then turn the image into black and white, and bring that image into Illustrator. As the chicken logo above, I would create an SVG file. In Blender, I raised the text from the bat-like background and assigned the colors in the printing software.
This piece has received many positive comments in the TCG Card Shop Simulator community.