Getting Started
Think of this page as sort of a road map showing how to effectively approach creating a project.
Here is a link to the Project Pricing page.
It All Begins With An Idea
The process of coming up with an idea is probably not so different from one person to the next. But, do we really just "come up" with ideas? I'm not sure. Maybe? What do you think? Where do ideas come from? I like to think ideas are thoughts that originate from things that we are influenced by in our day to day lives. For some people I think ideas just kind of spring out of nowhere. It usually happens at a time when we are engaged or preoccupied with something that is not even remotely related to the idea. They sort of catch us with our pants down, figuratively speaking of course, although this did happen to me once. Then sometime shortly thereafter we end up forgetting about it, the idea that is, not the pants thing. Once in a while I do forget, so I try to jot my ideas in a note pad while they are still fresh. I have a lot of note pads; more than one person should ever require. Anyway, how it really works is not that important for our discussion here, so we should let all those brainiac neuroscience people worry about where ideas come from and how that entire process unfolds. Let us move on to options.
Options
Premade Projects
For those of you that prefer not to deal with the whole coming up with an idea or being creative thing, which is perfectly acceptable, then this will be a very simple process. I recommend browsing the Premade Projects section of this web site or visit my show booth at an Upcoming Event. Either way you can choose from a variety of ready to go items. Folks, that's about as simple as it gets.
The Sketch
This next option is for those of you that have an idea, but it is still just a thought. The next step would be to figure out a way to put it on paper. Begin by making a rough sketch, it does not have to be fancy. The goal here is to have something that will be a general representation of your idea, but without being too vague, please include any key details. If you need help with the sketch, see if a family member or friend would be willing to assist. A sketch is a valuable tool that can and will serve more than one purpose. First, it will no longer be just a mental image. It now can be physically viewed with one's eyes. The sketch provides a perspective that is often a little different from the thought in one's mind, but don't worry if it does not appear quite the way you envisioned it, because this is a great opportunity to make any necessary changes. If you feel that more than one sketch is necessary to display your vision in full, no problem, make as many as desired. When I put one of my ideas on paper the original sketch almost always ends up getting modified, more often than not I make several changes. Second, once the idea is on paper, you will now have the ability to share your thoughts with the world, and me as well. Even though it may be just a simple sketch, it could be enough for me to work with, where I can begin doing my part. Once I receive the sketch, you and I will be able to collaborate in detail about your project, allowing for proper decisions to be made about the best possible way to move forward. When you have your sketch ready, let me know so we can discuss what to do next.
Digital Files
Here is an option for anyone that
already has a design which was created or rendered using commercial
computer software. This can be a great option in some circumstances
because the design will be saved in some type of digital file
format. However, with that said, just like anything else in this
world there are pros and cons that come with the territory. The
foremost being that there are literally dozens of different file
types and extensions that the information can be saved in. Due to
the vast variety of available software, both old and new alike, as
well as the proprietary property related to it, the information that
is saved in a particular file format is not always compatible from
one brand of software to the next, even if they have the same file
extensions. For the purposes of our conversation here today it is
not necessary that you are knowledgeable in this subject, never the
less though, I make mention because you should be aware of it.
So you ask, "Well, what does that mean?". The easiest way for
me to say this is, let's say the particular file you have was
created using ABC brand software and it was saved with a .dxf file
extension. You send me a copy of the .dxf file, I load it into my
XYZ brand software but for some reason when I attempt to view the
information contained in your file, it does not display correctly or
worst case scenario my XYZ brand software will not even open the
file at all. This could be related to software compatibility issues
or design methods used within the software by the original creator.
If this happens no worries, it's not the end of the world because
there are usually alternatives or other avenues to get us to the
final destination. Below is a list of file extensions that you could
send to me. Some files that are associated with a few of these
extensions will typically contain information that represents a full
three dimensional object due to the type of software used to create
it. In some circumstances full 3D designs may require modification
in order to be compatible for use with my software as well as the
machinery and tooling that I use for the manufacturing process. If
you have a design that is saved in a digital file format then please
feel free to Contact me.
| .crv3d | .dwg | .txt | .bmp | .pvc | |
| .3dclip | .dxf | .tiff | .crv | .jpg | .png |
| .v3m | .3ds | .v3d | .3dm | .eps | .ai |
| .stl | .obj | .x | .sbp | .gif | |
| .jpeg | .skp | .lwo | .wrl | .tif |
Project Pricing
One of the first questions that I usually get asked about a project is, "How much will it cost?" That is a great question and as it turns out a very important and necessary one at that. There are many factors that affect the cost of each project individually. I have a special page dedicated to this subject. Here is a link to the Project Pricing page.