3D printing is not just a way for big industry to decrease their bottom lines. It’s not just for the aerospace and medical industry. It’s not just about manufacturing.
3D Printing is a new medium and through it flows the messages of our culture. These messages can take on many forms. In fact, that’s the whole point of 3D printing. It gives us the power to create physical objects of just about any shape, size, or style and, increasingly, people are leveraging this not just to make something, but to say something. 3D printing gives us an additional dimension in which to tell stories.
3D printing is a piece of pop culture in and of itself, so it comes as no surprise that it would participate in other pop culture movements. It’s fun, kitschy, and a great conversation starter. What about advancing more serious and impactful conversations through 3D printing?
How can we use 3D printing to engage people in a brand or an idea?
If an image can captivate a generation and spur countless conversations (think Tienanmen Square), an object can do the same. Take the concept of a 3D printed gown for Dita Von Teese by Francis Bitonti. It’s a stunning design made even more intriguing by Dita and the fact that it leverages the futuristic technology of 3D printing. It is that much more newsworthy, and that much more of a conversation starter by having been 3D printed. This single project brought a huge amount of media attention to both brands involved. Not only was this an innovative step forward in fashion design and fabrication, it was conversation worthy because of the medium.
It began discussions about the wider use of 3D printing as a fashion medium, the customization of apparel, and more. It surfaced new viewpoints and innovations that otherwise might never have been heard.
3D printing is as popular as ever, and the takeaway is to use 3D printing to create a conversation.
Create a conversation around an idea or brand to uniquely tell a story or perpetuate an idea.
Use the advantages of a three-dimensional, and fully customizable medium to tease out a new angle or add depth to a conversation that would be impossible otherwise.
An object in someone’s hand has a surprising and deep effect compared to a piece of paper, a web page, or a slideshow. 3D printing helps you SHOW people rather than tell them, and the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can create.
Stay tuned for more posts on Maker’s Row about 3D Printing!
Other Articles You May Like:
What Can a Metal Manufacturer Produce for Me? | 5 Unique Ways to Use Different Types of Packaging | Do You Need a Patent for Your Design?
What questions do you have about 3D Printing? Ask us in the comments below!
