Double Cube
1 1/8″ x 1 1/8″ x 2 5/16″

In our 3D printing course, our class had to learn how to design a basic shape using an existing physical reference. I was very excited to finally get to play around and learn how to use a 3D design program.

It was not as easy as I thought, even with my design background, however as I practiced using SketchUp at home, it became less difficult. I brought two blocks home, one to practice and one to use for the assignment.

I think getting precise measurement in this assignment was what I had the most trouble with until I figured out how to resize an image without re-working the entire block. It was frustrating at first re-doing the block over and over.

Before embarking on designing I would recommend playing around with all the tools available on SketchUp or whatever program he/she chooses to use as much as possible. Also, as I did by taking more than one simple shaped object to practice designing was very helpful. Practice really does improve your work.

Multi-Block Bunny

The next part of this assignment was to use the basic shapes that our classmates created to design a multi-block model. I did not know what I wanted to design and then I thought, why not design an animal. I decided to make a 3D cat.

There were two main challenges I faced in creating this multi-block design. The first was getting a handle of the rotating tool. Turning the object was tedious. The second challenge was trying to get the shapes to snap in the right place. Perspective is everything. I would flip around the image many times and adjust placement until it looked as though the shapes were right on each other.

Originally a cat, this design became a  a cute white bunny with pink ears.

I would highly recommend practicing with the rotation tool until mastering it. It has taken some time for me to grasp it, but it can be learned and once you know how to use it correctly, it makes designing 3D objects a simpler task.