Process¶
Ideation & sketches¶
Inspiration from the Lusik Aguletsi House-Museum¶
I recently visited the Lusik Aguletsi House-Museum in Yerevan, and it was such an inspiring experience! The museum is filled with traditional Armenian artifacts, from beautifully detailed national costumes to intricate pottery and jewelry, all showcasing the richness of Armenian culture.
My guide was amazing—she shared so much valuable information about the exhibits and even gave me tons of ideas for my project. I left feeling super inspired and even more motivated to incorporate elements of Armenian heritage into my work.
If you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend it!
We also had an interesting conversation about Armenian carpets and their unique symbols. I learned that many carpet patterns hold deep meanings, often representing family, life, and personal stories. If you know how to read a carpet, it can tell you everything about the family that made it—like a visual diary passed down through generations.
Inspired by this, I decided to incorporate some of these traditional carpet patterns into my project. Using them felt like a beautiful way to connect my work to Armenian heritage and tell a meaningful story through design.
During my visit to the Lusik Aguletsi House-Museum, I also learned a lot about traditional Armenian jewelry and the deep meanings behind its designs. Most of the pieces are not only decorative but also symbolic, often representing fertility or serving as protection from the evil eye.
One piece that stood out to me was the "Shamshik." This traditional brooch features intricate Armenian patterns inspired by nature. It is believed to have protective qualities, acting as an amulet to safeguard the wearer from harm. Shamshik is a beautiful example of how Armenian craftsmanship combines artistry with cultural and spiritual significance.
Sketching Ideas for My Project
Inspired by my visit to the Lusik Aguletsi House-Museum, I started creating sketches to imagine how traditional patterns could work in my project. I explored ways to incorporate these motifs into interactive designs.
The Story Begins¶
Time Legend: The Story of Light and Darkness¶
For the first page of my project, I decided to illustrate the Time Legend, a myth about the balance between light and darkness. The story describes Time as an old man with white hair, sitting on a high mountain, controlling the cycle of day and night. He holds two spools of thread—one white and one black.
- When he winds the white thread, light spreads, and the day begins.
- When he winds the black thread, darkness falls, and the night takes over.
I really liked this idea of light and shadow being woven together, so I started working on an illustration that brings this concept to life.
Starting the Illustration 🎨 I opened Photoshop and grabbed my pen tablet to start sketching. Since Time is described as an old man, I focused on his wise and aged appearance, giving him long flowing hair and a calm, powerful presence.
To create the atmosphere, I used Photoshop brushes to add texture and depth to his robes and the mountain he sits on. I experimented with different brush settings to make the threads of light and darkness feel more dynamic, like they’re really being pulled through time.
This is just the beginning, but I’m excited to refine the details and add more depth to the illustration! ✨
Completing the Illustration 🖌️
After two days of focused work, I finally finished the drawing! ✨
I paid special attention to the details and the contrast between light and shadow. I wanted to make sure the balance of light and darkness in the composition reflected the essence of the legend.
Exploring Techniques: Computational Couture & 3D Printing on Fabric
After completing the illustration, I started thinking about different techniques I could use to bring my design to life in a more unique way. Then, I remembered our week on Computational Couture and 3D printing on fabric—so why not experiment with it?
Step 1: Finding the Right Patterns
To complement my illustration, I wanted to create patterns that would enhance its aesthetic while maintaining a connection to Armenian heritage. I turned to a book about Armenian patterns, which provided inspiration for intricate geometric and ornamental motifs.
Step 2: Creating the Patterns in Illustrator
Once I selected the most suitable patterns, I opened Adobe Illustrator and began digitizing them.
- First, I traced the patterns using the Pen Tool, making sure they had clean, precise lines for further processing.
- I adjusted the proportions and symmetry to ensure they would look good when combined with my illustration.
- Since these patterns were meant for 3D printing, I focused on creating designs that would be structurally strong and printable on fabric.
After refining the patterns, I exported them as SVG files, which are easy to import into 3D modeling software.
Step 3: Converting the Patterns into a 3D Model
Next, I opened Blender and uploaded my SVG patterns to start transforming them into 3D-printable objects.
- I imported the SVG file into Blender.
- Then, I converted the vector paths into mesh geometry, making them ready for 3D modeling.
- To add depth and thickness, I used the Solidify Modifier, giving the pattern a defined structure.
- I fine-tuned the thickness and scale, making sure it would work well for 3D printing on fabric.
At this stage, my patterns were fully transformed into solid, printable 3D models. The next step would be preparing them for 3D printing and testing how they interact with fabric! 🚀
Experimenting with 3D Printing on Tulle¶
Once I had my 3D pattern ready, I decided to test 3D printing directly onto fabric, specifically Tulle. I knew this technique could be challenging, but I was excited to experiment and find the best approach.
First Attempt: Direct Printing on Fabric
For my first try, I simply placed the Tulle fabric on the printer bed and started printing directly onto it. However, this approach had several issues:
- Some parts of the printed design did not stick well to the fabric.
- Certain thin sections detached too easily, making the print unstable.
- The material didn’t properly bond with the Tulle, meaning the design could be peeled off easily.
I realized that I needed a method that would help the print attach more securely to the fabric.
Adjusting the Pattern for Better Adhesion
After evaluating the results, I realized that the pattern was too small and detailed, contributing to adhesion issues. To improve the outcome, I simplified the pattern, reducing intricate details and ensuring a stronger connection between the printed sections. This adjustment significantly improved adhesion.
Second Attempt: Standard Printing on Fabric
With the simplified pattern, I attempted direct printing on fabric again. Unfortunately, the problem persisted:
- Weak adhesion
- Unstable design
This led me to explore alternative methods for better bonding.
Third Attempt: TPU Sandwich Technique
Next, I experimented with the sandwich technique using TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). This method involved placing a thin TPU layer on the fabric before printing to enhance bonding.
Results
✔️ Improved adhesion compared to previous attempts
❌ The bond was still not strong enough
❌ Some sections remained flexible and detached easily
❌ TPU’s texture and flexibility affected print quality
Final Attempt: Switching to PLA Filament
To solve the bonding issue, I switched from TPU to PLA filament, which has stronger adhesion properties and integrates better with fabric materials.
Results:¶
✅ The print adhered securely
✅ Stable and durable outcome
✅ Successfully maintained structure and flexibility
Conclusion¶
Through multiple iterations, I found that:
🔹 Simplifying the pattern
🔹 Using the sandwich technique
🔹 Switching to PLA filament
led to the best results. This process highlights the importance of material compatibility and design adjustments when 3D printing on fabric.
The final outcome was a well-adhered, durable print that seamlessly integrated with the Tulle fabric.
Legend of Vishapakars¶
Research and Scientific Sources
To better understand Vishapakars (Dragon Stones), I began by exploring scientific sources that provided detailed information about their history, creation, and symbolism. My research focused on:
- Historical context – Origins and significance in Armenian culture
- Carving techniques – Methods used to create these ancient monuments
- Symbolic imagery – Common motifs and their meanings
I also gathered archival images to analyze their visual structure and artistic style. This research helped me develop a deeper understanding of Vishapakars and how they were represented in different time periods.
Artistic Interpretation in Photoshop
Inspired by my findings, I started to digitally paint Vishapakars in Photoshop.
Process:¶
🎨 Used X-Pen for precise drawing
🖌️ Applied custom brushes to create a realistic texture
🔍 Focused on intricate details and stone-like effects
This approach allowed me to capture the essence of Vishapakars while giving them a contemporary artistic touch.
Incorporating Traditional Armenian Motifs
As part of my Vishapakar illustration, I integrated Armenian patterns that reflect the cultural and symbolic depth of these ancient stones. One of the key elements I included was the fish motif, which holds significant meaning in the Vishapakar legend.
Why the Fish Symbol?
🐟 Represents water and life – Vishapakars were often placed near water sources.
🐉 Connects to the dragon myth – Some interpretations link the stones to water dragons.
🎭 Symbolic storytelling – Used in Armenian art to depict mythological themes.
Digital Illustration & 3D Printing on Tulle¶
To bring the Vishapakar to life, I created a detailed illustration as part of the composition:
🖌️ Used Armenian patterns to enhance authenticity and cultural depth.
🐟 Integrated the fish motif to emphasize the connection to the legend.
After completing the illustration, I decided to bring it into the physical world by 3D printing it on Tulle fabric. Since I had already experimented with printing on Tulle, I applied the same sandwich technique that had previously given the best results.
3D Printing Process on Tulle:
🛠️ Used the sandwich technique – Placed a thin PlA layer on Table before printing.
🎛️ Optimized printer settings to ensure strong adhesion.
✅ Achieved a successful print with improved bonding and flexibility.
Conclusion¶
This artwork serves as both a visual representation and a cultural tribute to the Vishapakars. By incorporating Armenian patterns and legendary elements, the illustration enhances the storytelling behind these ancient monuments.
Additionally, by 3D printing the design onto Tulle, I explored how traditional Armenian motifs can be translated into textile-based fabrication, bridging the gap between history, digital art, and modern technology.
This project reflects how historical research, digital creativity, and advanced fabrication techniques can work together to preserve and reimagine Armenian heritage.
Final Assembly and Embellishments¶
After finishing all the necessary preparations, I began assembling the final piece. The first layer was a sturdy carton, providing a solid base. On top of that, I added a soft light blue fabric, creating a smooth foundation. Then came the 3D-printed tulle, adding intricate texture and dimension. Finally, I layered printed paper to complete the composition.
For Juk Jamanak, I incorporated white and black embroidery, resembling intertwined threads of time. As for the Vishapakar, I added beads in select areas, enhancing its depth and symbolic richness.
Illustrating the Sun and Moon Legend¶
Symbolism & Design Concept
For this illustration, I wanted to visually express the Moon’s need for protection from the evil eye. To achieve this, I incorporated Shamshik jewelry, a traditional Armenian talisman used to ward off bad energy.
Why Shamshik Jewelry?
🛡️ Symbol of protection – Used in Armenian culture to repel the evil eye.
🌙 Perfect connection to the story – The Moon seeks protection from harm.
💎 Traditional aesthetics – Brings a cultural and historical layer to the illustration.
To integrate this symbolism, I designed an illustration of the Moon wearing Shamshik earrings as a protective charm.
Creating & 3D Printing the Jewelry
I first designed the Shamshik earrings in Adobe Illustrator, refining the details to match traditional Armenian patterns.
After finalizing the design, I moved to 3D printing to bring the jewelry to life.
🔹 First Attempt: The print was too big and too thin, making it fragile.
🔸 Second Attempt: I tried a purple filament, but the color didn’t match the aesthetic I envisioned.
⚪ Final Attempt: I switched to grey TPU filament, which turned out to be the perfect solution.
- The flexibility of TPU ensured a durable result.
- The color fit beautifully with the Moon’s illustration.
- The final piece had a smooth, high-quality finish.
3D-Printed Pattern for Clothing
For the Moon’s clothing, I wanted the pattern to be light and flexible, seamlessly integrating with the fabric.
✨ Printing Process:
✔ I used the sandwich method to print directly on Tulle fabric.
✔ Unlike previous attempts with PLA, this time I used TPU filament, which worked perfectly due to its flexibility.
✔ The result was a beautifully textured pattern that enhanced the Moon’s ethereal look while keeping the fabric soft and wearable.
Embroidery Process
Since I embroidered on paper, I used tape on the backside to keep it from moving. To make it look more interesting, I added beads, which gave the embroidery more texture and made it stand out. The mix of embroidery and beads worked really well with the illustration and added a nice decorative touch.
Polymer Clay Stone
To create the stone effect, I mixed white and transparent polymer clay to get a soft, natural look. I also added sparkle gouache to make it shiny. After it dried, I rolled it out and used a circle cutter to get the right shape. Then, I baked it at 110°C for 15 minutes until it hardened.
3D-Printed Shamshik & Metal Assembly For the main part of the earrings, I designed and 3D-printed a Shamshik (bird shape). After printing, I connected it with metal components, like small chains and hooks, to complete the earrings. The polymer clay stone was also attached to the metal pieces to bring everything together. In the end, the mix of 3D printing, polymer clay, and metal created a unique and elegant design!
Conclusion¶
Combining 3D printing, polymer clay, and hand embroidery resulted in a unique fusion of modern and traditional techniques. The precise and structured nature of 3D printing allowed for detailed and delicate elements like the Shamshik bird, while polymer clay introduced an organic, handmade touch with its smooth, customizable surface. Hand embroidery brought warmth and craftsmanship, adding depth and texture to the overall design. This project showcases how different creative techniques can complement each other, bridging technology and handcraft to produce a visually striking and meaningful piece.
Illustrating the Sun with Biochromes¶
For this illustration, I wanted to create a natural, vibrant effect using biochromes—natural dyes derived from plant-based sources.
Instead of digital coloring, I explored laser-cut floral patterns and used pomegranate shell dyeing to achieve rich, organic hues.
This method not only aligns with the natural essence of the Sun but also incorporates sustainable, traditional dyeing techniques.
Materials & Ingredients 🌿¶
Laser-Cut Floral Patterns
✂️ Material: Synthetic fabric (works well with natural dyeing)
⚡ Process: I laser-cut sun-inspired floral shapes to use as dyeing elements.
Natural Dye Recipe: Pomegranate Shell Biochrome
🍂 Ingredients:
- 2 pomegranate shells (dried & crushed)
- Alum (mordant for color fixation)
- Soda (enhances dye absorption)
- Water (enough to fully submerge the fabric)
Step-by-Step Process 🏺¶
1️⃣ Preparing the Dye Bath
1️⃣ Heat a pot of water until it is hot but not boiling.
2️⃣ Add 2 crushed pomegranate shells to the water.
3️⃣ Stir in alum (to fix the color) and soda (to enhance the dye absorption).
4️⃣ Let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the color to extract fully.
2️⃣ Dyeing the Laser-Cut Fabric
5️⃣ Place the laser-cut synthetic fabric flowers into the dye bath.
6️⃣ Let them soak for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally for even color distribution.
7️⃣ Check the fabric—once it reaches the desired hue, remove it from the dye bath.
8️⃣ Rinse gently in cold water to remove excess dye and let it dry naturally.
Final Result & Application 🌞¶
The warm golden-brown tones from the pomegranate shells perfectly captured the Sun’s radiance and power.
I then will incorporat the dyed flowers into my Sun illustration, blending natural elements with artistic storytelling.
This method not only enhanced the depth of the artwork but also emphasized the connection between nature, mythology, and design.
Creating the Sun Illustration with AI ☀️
AI-Assisted Illustration Process 🎨
After preparing the laser-cut biochrome flowers, I moved on to creating the Sun illustration.
To enhance efficiency and precision, I used an AI tool to generate a base illustration, allowing me to refine the composition before manual adjustments.
Once I had a solid base, I manually refined the details to align with my artistic vision. The final illustration captured the radiance and power of the Sun.
Next Steps: Embroidering the Sun’s Clothing ✨¶
To enhance the textural depth of the Sun’s representation, I plan to hand-embroider the clothing using naturally dyed threads. This will create a fusion of digital precision and traditional craftsmanship, ensuring a unique and authentic visual experience.
The combination of AI-assisted illustration and hand embroidery showcases how technology and heritage techniques can complement each other, bringing Armenian mythology to life in a contemporary way.
Materials Preparation 🧵¶
Before starting the embroidery, I carefully gathered and prepared all the necessary materials. In the image below, you can see the essential elements I used:
- Gold and beige beads ✨ – These add a shimmering effect, enhancing the mystical aura of the illustration.
- Delicate tule fabric flowers 🌸 – I naturally dyed the tule fabric to create an organic and traditional touch in the design.
- Golden embroidery thread 🧵 – Used to add fine details and structure to the embroidery.
- Beading needle & fine scissors ✂ – To achieve precision in placing small details.
- Tape – Used to secure certain areas while working on delicate embroidery.
- Threading technique: String Art – This technique allows for structured, geometric stitching patterns, adding depth and visual interest.
Next Steps: Hand Embroidery in Action 🎨
Now that all the materials are ready, I will begin embroidering the Sun’s clothing using a combination of fine stitching and beadwork. The process will involve:
- Outlining the embroidery areas on the fabric to ensure a balanced composition.
- Applying the String Art technique.
- Adding beads and fabric flowers to accentuate the richness of the Sun’s attire.
- Ensuring harmony between digital and handcrafted elements, making the final piece feel cohesive.
The result will be a fusion of myth, craft, and technology, reflecting the legend’s essence in a tangible form. I am excited to see how these textures interact with the printed illustration! 🌞✨
At the end, I took a fine brush and gold acrylic paint to draw delicate lines and highlights, enriching the textures and making certain areas shine.
Star Legend: Interactive Illustration ⭐¶
According to Armenian folklore, every person is born under a star. If their star is kind, they are lucky; if it is evil, they are unlucky. It is believed that each person’s star fades when they are in danger.
Inspired by this legend, I created an illustration of a girl holding a star in her hand, symbolizing the connection between people and their fate. To enhance the storytelling aspect, I integrated electronics, allowing the star to light up when touched. This interactive element adds a metaphorical meaning—when we connect with our destiny, it shines brighter.
Illustration Process 🎨¶
1. Creating the Digital Illustration
- I started by using an AI tool to generate a base structure for my illustration, helping me define composition and proportions.
- Then, I refined the design manually in Photoshop, using X-Pen for detailed brushwork and Armenian-inspired patterns.
- The girl is depicted holding a star, reinforcing the idea of fate and personal connection.
Interactive Star with Touch Sensor 🌟✨¶
This project introduces an interactive touch-sensitive circuit integrated into a star illustration. The circuit activates an LED light when touched, thanks to materials like Velostat and conductive yarn. Here's how I created it:
Materials Used:¶
- Velostat – Pressure-sensitive conductive material for the touch sensor.
- Conductive Yarn – Used to sew the circuit and connect components.
- LED Light – Illuminates when the circuit is activated.
- 3V Coin Cell Battery – Powers the circuit.
- Layered Fabric – Ensures circuit activation only when touched.
Step-by-Step Process:¶
1️⃣ Building the Touch Sensor: - Created a layered fabric structure with Velostat between conductive layers. - When untouched, the circuit remains open (LED off). - When touched, pressure reduces Velostat’s resistance, completing the circuit and lighting the LED.
2️⃣ Sewing the Circuit: - Stitched conductive yarn to connect the battery holder, LED, and Velostat. - Ensured positive and negative lines never crossed to avoid short circuits.
Soldering the Conductive Yarn for a Strong Connection¶
To ensure a solid and reliable connection between the battery, touch sensor, and conductive yarn, I used soldering to securely attach the components. This step is crucial for ensuring the circuit works efficiently and responds correctly when touched.
Steps for Soldering:¶
1. Preparation - Cut the conductive yarn to the desired lengths for each connection point (battery, touch sensor, and LED). - Strip any insulation from the conductive yarn if needed.
2. Soldering the Battery - Carefully solder the positive and negative ends of the conductive yarn to the battery holder’s corresponding terminals. - Ensure a strong solder joint to prevent any power loss or interruption.
3. Soldering the Touch Sensor - Attach one end of the conductive yarn to the Velostat (touch sensor) so that it can detect the pressure when activated. - Solder the other end of the conductive yarn to the battery’s negative terminal, completing the circuit.
4. Testing the Connection - After soldering, check each connection for stability. - Perform a quick test by touching the Velostat to see if the LED illuminates correctly.
Circuit Diagram¶
Below is the schematic of the circuit used in this project:
Closing the Circuit with 3D Printed Fabric and Armenian Ornament
To close the circuit and enhance the design, I decided to cover the components with 3D printed fabric. I incorporated a beautiful Armenian ornament, which I created using Adobe Illustrator. The ornament added a touch of cultural elegance while helping to encase the circuit.
Steps Taken:¶
Creating the Ornament Design: - I searched for an Armenian ornament with intricate details and cultural significance. - Using Adobe Illustrator, I transformed the ornament into a vector design to prepare it for printing.
Printing the Design on Fabric: - Initially, I printed the design using transparent filament on fabric, hoping for delicate detail. However, the result was not as expected. - The small details did not print clearly, so I decided to change the filament and adjust the design.
Adjusting the Filament and Design: - I switched to gray PLA filament to get better print quality. - I simplified the design by deleting and combining some of the smaller details that were not translating well during the print.
Final Outcome: - After these adjustments, the print came out beautifully. The final design was a perfect blend of technology and Armenian culture, beautifully encasing the circuit and giving the project a polished look.
3D Printed Star for Illustration Integration¶
To add a unique, interactive element to my illustration, I decided to 3D print a small star. This star not only enhances the visual appeal of the project but also integrates seamlessly with the overall design, complementing the circuit and the Armenian ornament.
Steps Taken:¶
Designing the Star: - I created a 3D model of a small star to be integrated into the artwork. The design was simple yet elegant, ensuring that it wouldn’t overshadow the other elements. - The star was sized appropriately to fit within the illustration, allowing it to stand out without distracting from the main components.
3D Printing the Star: - I used PLA filament to print the star, choosing a color that would complement the overall aesthetic of the project. - The print quality was carefully controlled to ensure sharp edges and smooth surfaces, providing the star with a polished look. - Once printed, the star was seamlessly integrated into the illustration to add a unique and eye-catching feature.
Final Layering and Stunning Result¶
After printing the 3D star and finalizing the design elements, it was time to bring all the layers together. The combination of the 3D printed star, Armenian ornament, and the touch-sensitive circuit created a beautiful, interactive piece. The result exceeded my expectations, and I truly loved how everything came together.
The Myth of the Mountain and the Tears of the Brothers¶
In the myth, the mountains were once giant brothers who greeted each other with enthusiasm every morning. However, they grew lazy, and over time, their greetings became less meaningful. As a result, the gods punished them by turning them into mountains. Their belts became green valleys, and their tears turned into springs. This fascinating legend inspired me to create an illustration of a single mountain with an old face crying, symbolizing the sadness and transformation that the brothers underwent.
Steps in Creating the Illustration:¶
Conceptualizing the Idea: - For my interpretation of the myth, I focused on the solitary transformation of one of the brothers into a mountain. I imagined the old face of the brother carved into the mountain’s surface, crying as a result of the gods’ punishment. - The tears from the old face became the springs, flowing down the sides of the mountain, and the green valleys around it would represent the once-tight belts of the brothers.
Creating the Illustration with Photoshop: - I began by sketching the concept in Photoshop, focusing on an old face that would be integrated into the side of the mountain. The face was designed to look weathered and aged, conveying the passage of time and the sadness of the character. - The tears were illustrated flowing down the mountain, symbolizing the transformation into springs, and I added subtle textures to the valleys to bring the illustration to life. - I worked on blending these elements together in a way that felt natural, with shadows and highlights to add depth to the mountain and face.
Enhancing the Design with AI Generator: - After finalizing the initial sketch, I used an AI generator to enhance the textures and add more complexity to the mountain and face. The AI helped in creating more detailed, lifelike textures for the surface of the mountain and the tears, adding a mystical quality to the image.
Bringing the Design to Life with 3D Printing on Tule:
- Once I had the digital design, I decided to take it a step further by printing the pattern onto tule fabric.
Integrating Sound: Testing the DFPlayer Mini for the Legend Month 🎶💧¶
For the Legend Month, I really wanted to incorporate a touch sensor that triggers the sound of a waterfall. To make this happen, I got a DFPlayer Mini and started figuring out how to use it. The first step was to check its pinout and understand how it connects with other components.
In the photos, you can see my setup in progress! ✨ I used a breadboard to test the connections. The DFPlayer Mini is wired up with different jumper cables, and I’m also experimenting with a small speaker module to play the sound. There’s also a push button connected—this is helping me test how the interaction might work before I bring in the actual touch sensor.
So far, I’m getting familiar with how the DFPlayer Mini communicates and how to send commands to play sounds. Next, I’ll try connecting the touch sensor and see how it all works together! 🎶💧
Planning the Electronic Integration
Since the mountain page will be the final page of the book, I decided to integrate the electronics beneath it. This required designing an additional layer under the page where the electronic components could be placed without disrupting the aesthetics of the book.
Solution: A concealed electronic layer designed in SolidWorks, ensuring proper fit and function.
Printing Stage
With the design finalized, I moved to the printing stage. The 3D-printed structure will serve as the hidden compartment, ensuring the electronics remain secure while allowing easy access for assembly.
Current Step: 3D printing the hidden layer for integration.
Once the printing is complete, the next phase will involve assembling the electronics, testing the sound functionality, and ensuring smooth interaction with the book's structure.
Future Development: Fine-tuning placement, wiring integration, and final testing.
Below is a photo of my progress so far
Fire & Water: A Sibling Rivalry 🌊🔥¶
In Armenian mythology, Fire and Water are siblings—Fire as the sister and Water as the brother. One day, they quarreled over which of them was stronger. To settle the dispute, they decided to face off.
For this page, I wanted to capture the essence of Water’s movement and the feeling of being submerged underwater.
Illustration & Concept 💡¶
I started by creating a digital illustration of Water, carefully designing the fluidity of the character to emphasize motion. While thinking about water (waves), I realized that adding a textile layer could enhance the visual experience, making the artwork more immersive.
To achieve this effect, I decided to:
✔ Use tule fabric – This would act as a transparent, flowing layer, mimicking the feeling of being underwater.
✔ 3D print water wave patterns 🌊 – I designed and printed waves using white PLA filament to overlay the illustration, reinforcing the water’s movement and depth.
Creating the Water Effect: Steps 🖌️¶
1️⃣ Digital Illustration 🎨
- Designed the Water character, ensuring the fluid movement was well represented.
- Focused on soft gradients and light reflections to imitate an underwater environment.
2️⃣ Tule Fabric Overlay 🪡
- Selected a light, transparent tule to create the illusion of water flowing over the illustration.
- Cut and positioned the tule to drape naturally, blending with the composition.
3️⃣ 3D-Printed Water Waves 🌊
- Modeled water wave patterns to match the illustration’s movement.
- Printed the waves with white PLA filament to maintain a clean, ethereal look.
3D-Printed Corals: Bringing the Underwater World to Life 🪸¶
To enhance the underwater scene, I decided to add 3D-printed coral details, making the composition richer and more immersive.
Design Process 🖥️
✔ Illustrator: I started by sketching coral shapes based on natural reef structures.
✔ Blender: After exporting the designs from Illustrator, I imported them into Blender and applied a solidify modifier to give them depth.
3D Printing Process 🖨️
✔ Blue PLA Filament: I used a vibrant blue PLA to match the oceanic theme.
✔ Infill Experimentation: To create a more organic and natural texture, I experimented with different infill settings:
- Used 40% infill
- Selected the Gyroid pattern in Cura for a dynamic, wavy texture that mimics natural coral formations.
Fire Illustration: Process and Techniques¶
AI-Generated Base Design
To start the fire illustration, I used AI to generate an initial concept that captured the fluid motion of fire. This AI-generated base served as a foundation, which I refined and customized to match my vision.
Objective: Capture the dynamic energy of fire with elements reflecting warmth and transformation.
Incorporating Natural Elements
I incorporated dried flowers dyed using pomegranate shells to add warm, earthy tones to the illustration. These flowers were arranged to blend seamlessly with the fire motif, bringing an organic touch to the design.
Key Idea: Nature’s colors—reds, oranges, and gold—symbolize transformation and connect with the fire element.
Embroidery for Texture and Detail
To enhance depth, I used golden thread embroidery and small beads. These details enriched the texture, mimicking the movement and energy of flames.
Effect: Golden thread and beads create a shimmering, tactile quality that adds dimension and movement to the illustration.
Designing Wearable Elements
Inspired by the illustration, I designed a pair of earrings that reflect the shapes and patterns from the artwork. These earrings bring the fire design into a tangible, wearable form.
Final Result¶
The combination of 3D printed layers and tulle for water, along with the fire-inspired earrings, brought the concepts of fire and water to life in a unique and interactive way. The water effect added depth to the illustration, while the earrings provided a tangible, wearable connection to the fire element.
Outcome: The fire and water elements, through both visual and wearable design, enhanced the illustration’s themes of transformation and dynamic energy.
By combining digital techniques, natural materials, and handcrafted embroidery, I created an illustration that is visually engaging and rich in texture.
Book Cover Design and 3D Printing Process¶
Designing the Cover The cover of the book was designed using Illustrator. I chose an aesthetic and beautiful font for the title, complemented by patterns representing themes from the book such as the sun, moon, fire, and water. The goal was to create an old-style book design to capture the essence of the book and make it visually intriguing.
Concept: Old-style book design with symbolic patterns reflecting the themes of the book.
First Attempt for Printing on Fabric For the initial print, I chose blue felt as the base and used golden PLA filament for the title and patterns. This combination created a beautiful result, but I wanted to explore another version.
Material Choice: Blue felt for base and golden PLA for patterns and text.
Experimenting with Sparkle Blue Magic Filament For the second attempt, I decided to use a sparkle blue magic filament as the base instead of felt. I thought this would add a unique texture and enhance the overall look. The golden PLA filament was used for the title and patterns, adding contrast and detail.
Material Change: Sparkle blue magic filament for the base and golden PLA for the design elements.
Printing Process with Qidi 3D Printer I used the Qidi 3D printer to bring the cover to life. During the process, I switched filaments for different parts. In the first try, I printed the base in blue filament and the patterns and fonts in golden filament. For the second try, I used golden filament only for the title and parts of the illustration, while the rest of the cover remained blue.
Printing Strategy: Multi-filament printing with blue for the base and golden for highlights and patterns.
Final Results¶
The final result was fantastic! The combination of blue and gold created a striking contrast, with the sparkle blue base giving a magical effect and the golden elements providing a timeless elegance.
Outcome: The two-tone design with sparkle blue and golden filament produced a stunning book cover with depth and visual appeal.