This past week we got to learn about the facilities on campus and around the community that provide excellent resources in 3D printing. The director of Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab, Jeff Ginger came into talk about the Maker Movement and how it’s a center player in the movement. The Fab Lab runs classes, collaborate grants, and supports research. Classes are available for everyone. One of the most memorable parts of the presentation was when Jeff talked about how professional artists integrate both business skills as wells as artistic skills to create their own products and start their own business. One person, he talked about was Judy Lee, an artist that used the Fab Lab resources to help produce her book and other book-related products (mini keychains, sculptures, etc.) through Adobe Illustrator and 3D printing. Her story really clicked with me since I hold very similar dreams and aspirations of incorporating my business skills in accounting and information systems to start my own business that involves both artistic, as well as technological aspects. Hearing about her success within the community, as well as the number of donors that support her work is very encouraging.
The article “How to Make Almost Anything” was both insightful and challenged me to think of innovative ways to make useful everyday objects. We live in a time were indulging and consuming ready-made products are the status quo. I realized I also fall victim to such a materialistic mindset of buying whatever I needed. If I needed a phone holder, I would buy one on Amazon. If I needed a cup to drink a beverage from, I would buy one from a local grocery store. Before this class, I never thought that I could make such a wide range products with such a machine. This article made rethink of a number of resources I consume and money that I waste from buying easily 3D makeable objects. Additionally, “blueprints” of objects are easily accessible and free through open source websites like Thingiverse and Tinkercad. I was able to apply this by printing a keychain (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:596527).
Chip Bag Clip http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1212828
I find that this object is very applicable in my life. I love snacking, but sometimes when I have a big bag of chips, I have trouble keeping my snack fresh because I have no way of closing the bag. This object helps will help keep my snacks fresh. I would, however, try to redesign it so that it encloses a larger surface area.
Phone Holder http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1041363
I FaceTime my mom every day to keep her company. This object enables me to keep it in a single position while doing other work. This phone holder does not seem to be adjustable, since everybody is of different lengths, having an adjustable and rotatable base would be advantageous. I would also a cutout at the bottom so that I could charge my phone while it’s on the holder,
Selfie Stick https://www.myminifactory.com/object/selfie-stick-11330
I love taking pictures since I believe that documenting my day to day life is important. What better way to do so but to have a portable and adjustable selfie stick with you at all times. I would make it so that the selfie stick base would be rotatable. Furthermore, I would also make sure that it could extend longer.
USB Cord Rack http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:829745
I would definitely need this. I have so many cords around my room that it’s not only dangerous for me if I stepped on one, but it could also potentially damage the cord. This rack helps separate one cord from another and keeps the cords organized.
Hi! Love your note about the Fab Lab’s presentation talking about incorporating art and business skills to create a business. I think that’s really critical to creating novel and profitable business models in today’s modern world! I love the phone case holder that you pulled out of thingiverse it really reminds me of this product here: http://amzn.to/2lbC7Zi. It’s an iPhone stand that has the charger built into the holder but it still lacks the turning function you wanted.
Great Post! I also enjoyed Jeff’s talk. It was really informative and interesting and I know where to go for any of my 3D printing related needs. I agree that one awesome thing about the Maker movement is it brings in everyone, from engineers to artists, everyone can be included. Hopefully the skills you learn in this class help you in your dream of running a business. I agree that a phone holder would be a really good tool to have, although not having it be adjustable is kind of annoying. I would definitely fix that too.
Really enjoyed your response. One thing I had forgot about until you mentioned it, was this the concept that we could be going from a materialistic buying culture back to a making and self creating culture. I think this is an interesting concept that we are so used to being consumers buying things, and now we may be transforming into an era of making things for ourselves with 3D printing.
Hey,
I really like that USB Cord Rack. As a tech geek myself, having my desk very clean with the best cable management is a great feeling. I actually tried printing this cable (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:969992) holder for my desk on Monday. Unfortunately my print failed. I believe products like these are not nessasarily needed but they do make my life significantly easier. It’s awesome to hear that you want to start your own business that revolves around accounting and IT. Can’t wait to hear more about how 3D printing can help you get there!
Learning about the Fablab from Jeff really did shed a new light on the different possibilities in combining business artistic skills to create a brand new market. The point you brought up from the article, “How to Make Almost Anything” on how most people become victims to the materialistic mindset of purchasing whatever is needed at the present is incredibly true. We’ve all become so used to the fact that every item is within reach that we don’t try to find better and cheaper ways to receive or produce them. We could all easily have a 3d printer in our own home to create any products that we may need for a lower price.
Great post, I agree with everything you said. I believe that when it comes to material items most, if not everyone, thinks of purchasing them first rather than creating them. With processes like 3D printing, one can create whatever they need from the comfort of their home and customize it to their needs, and even become an inspired maker in the process. And with your mindset I believe that it is very possible for you to create your own 3D printing-based business making specific products for specific consumers. Also, here are some files similar to the ones you listed with some improvements that I think you’ll like http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:396984 http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:908046 http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:500039