Coming into the class, I knew a fair amount about 3D printing technology but never had the opportunity to see how one works in person. In just a few short months I feel that I have learned so much more about the world of three-dimensional design, not only practical knowledge from using SketchUp or the MakerBot but conceptual knowledge too. The course has opened my eyes to the various design issues of the present and future and how 3D printing fits in to shape the course of history.

The main challenge I have faced so far was the learning curve of SketchUp. I usually dive right into intermediate to advanced techniques when using design software, but with SketchUp I had to hone my understanding of the 3 axes as well as the Rotation and Orbit tools. I have met this challenge by watching tutorials online and practicing outside of the required studio projects.

My strengths are definitely being a team player as well as ideation and conceptualization. I have enjoyed bringing new “turkey hat” ideas to my group and then working together to make them into a reality. I truly believe you cannot push the world of design further by intentionally thinking out-of-the-box. Instead, you have to think that there is no box.

A unique ability that I bring to my group is that I can offer an experienced hand in every step of the design process. I have had to tackle similar projects in my marketing job at a start-up and my internship as a creative at an advertising agency. At the core of these projects is realizing the big idea in order to develop a solution to a problem. What interests me most is the search for that big idea.