This weeks designer spotlight features Brandon George of 3by3D! Brandon’s shop all sorts of fun goodies – from miniature colorful chairs to awesome “wire” bracelets that are a perfect combo of unique, customized jewelry and 3D printing. Check out his shop and read more about his design process.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?
My name is Brandon George. I live in Atlanta, GA. We do not call it Hotlanta.
What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?
3by3D’s designs are created with two questions in mind:
1. Is it creative?
2. Does it solve a problem or fill a need?
I love using creativity to solve problems—business problems, life problems, any types of problems. I also love making things that help make the world better, or happier, or safer, or just a little bit more fun. 3D printing is the perfect blend of my skills and passions. Once I saw how affordable and accessible this technology has become, I jumped right in and started making stuff. I’m still a beginner to the world of 3D printing, scanning, and design, but I’m experimenting and learning more each day.
What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?
That’s easy: I didn’t have a 3D printer, but I desperately wanted to start 3D printing. One Google search later and suddenly I realized that, by partnering with Shapeways, I could take advantage of this technology with little to no resources of my own. The rest is history.
How did you learn how to design in 3D?
I handle brand and product development for 3by3D, which is just another way of saying I’m a 3D design newbie. I have a team of freelancers who turn my product ideas into digital reality. Throughout the iteration process, I play many roles, namely that of Creative Director.
How do you promote your work?
Online, I use two smaller, little-known social media sites called Twitter and Instagram. Once upon a time, I posted new content every day, in addition to liking/commenting other people’s stuff. Trying to get back on the wagon again. Offline, 3D-printed products often advertise themselves—catching people’s attention with unique, unexpected designs. That’s when the word of mouth kicks in and snowballs from there.
Who are your favorite designers or artists? Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?
Dotsan: His wire animal sculptures blew me away when I first saw them, and seeing those inspired one of my own best-selling designs, a wire unicorn.
Michiel Cornelissen: His designs are the definition of creative; somehow, he manages to make each one both visually appealing and unbelievably functional.
Kspence: Ever since I got started with Shapeways, I’ve loved checking out “The Feed”, which lists the prints that are being bought or favorited; thanks to great designs like his Mini Eames Chair, I swear Kspence’s name must’ve popped up more than any other.
If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?
Water. Whoever figures that one out will be swimming in profits. And good karma.
Anything else you want to share?
The Shapeways customer service team is fantastic. People like to talk about how helpful and accommodating sites like Amazon and Zappos are; they could learn a thing or two from Shapeways. They’re fast, friendly, and they go the extra mile when needed. Couldn’t ask for more.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS SHOP:
- Really fun variety of products
- Great, fun photography
- Sections for easy shopping
- Really fun Instagram account
- Nice simple branding
Thank you, Brandon! Keep up the great work, your shop is so fun and there’s definitely something for everyone. Don’t forget to check out his shop, and follow along on Brandon’s website, as well as Twitter and Instagram. To be featured, email aimee @ shapeways.com.