technology
Okay let’s geek out on technology some more! Here are the inhabitants of my current digital ecosystem:
Prusa i3 MK3S+
& PrusaSlicer
Rhino 8
Grasshopper
Soulver
Freeform
Shapr3D
Keynote
Adobe Illustrator
Final Cut
Logic
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
Why Rhino? Have you tried other 3d modeling programs?
Rhino has a ton of capability for nurbs and mesh modeling, plus parametric design via Grasshopper. I use Archicad primarily in Architecture, but that’s BIM and not ideal for these sculptures. Since we also use Rhino sometimes too, it makes sense for me to keep using it in my own work and apply the skillset in two places. I’m looking for precision, ease of 3D printing, robust editing tools, workflow. I used Shapr3D on iPad until I got a Rhino license. I’ve tinkered with Blender and Plasticity3D, and there are lots of other ones.
Do you model everything from scratch?
I take advantage of free and low-cost assets sometimes when it makes sense - icons, stock images, models. I usually end up modifying them though because it’s important that they work 100% with my concept. Here are some sources although there are many out there:
I’ve also started experimenting with AI-generated assets. For 3d models check out Luma Genie, Meshy, Rodin (text to 3d, image to 3d). For icons and symbols, try Adobe Illustrator’s vector generation.
Seems like you like technology.
Yeah, being raised by programmers, it’s kinda in my DNA. I grew up in the dawn of the personal computer revolution and saw the internet emerge. So I use technology with a sense of respect and purpose because it wasn’t always there. I’ve always used a blend of analog and digital tools and workflows in everything that I do - each has its use in supporting the creative process. Maybe I will share my philosophy sometime.