Learn how to design and 3D-print your own custom objects (custom jewelry, home accessories, nearly anything) starting with the fun, sophisticated, and premier online digital design platform known as Tinkercad, and quickly advance to the professional parametric design platform known as Grasshopper in Rhino. Get started with the basics of 3D design, work side by side with your instructor to create your first 3D-printable objects, and grow your skills from beginner to intermediate.

Wei’s creations are sold through online marketplaces like Shapeways, i.materialise, Etsy and his own online shop, and he’ll help you learn to do the same for your designs. Marketing guru and 3D maker Julia Zhou will also be on-hand, here to add her industry experience to the mix.

Learn to navigate the limitations and advantages of the many material options available, including waxes for casting or plastics for prototyping, as well as a variety of end-use materials like stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, sandstone, silica, and translucent resins, to name but a few.

Experience how digital design can reveal new ideas and provide fresh inspiration for all your future projects. You’ll play with computers, learn pro skills, and—best of all—you’ll walk away with the knowledge to bring your own ideas to life.

This class is suitable for beginners with a fun-loving personality who want to spend a weekend learning about 3D-printing and practicing the techniques of 3D design.

No coding or 3D printing experience required.
Supply List:

• Mac and/or Windows laptop/computer, power charger, and external mouse.
• Ability to access the internet and check email from our local wireless network.

Pre-Workshop Instructions:

• Install Rhino, Grasshopper, and/or open a free Tinkercad account.
• Create a free Shapeways account.
• Software installation and account registration is the responsibility of the student.
• If you have questions, please send an email well before the start of class (hello@kevinwei.com).

Software Links:

• Tinkercad
• Rhino & Grasshopperhttps://tinkercad.com/home/
• Shapeways 3D-Printing

About the Instructor:
Kevin Wei is an artist, teacher, custom fine-jewelry designer, and technology tinkerer who began as an architect.  He creates experimental jewelry at the precipice of experimental architectures, and looks forward to exploring digital design and fabrication with great care and attention paid to every student he encounters.

He serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Architecture at Columbia University, Teacher at the Shapeways Skillshare School, Visiting Artist at the 92Y School of the Arts, and maker of all manner of objects through Kevin Wei New York. Visit www.kevinwei.com to learn more.