Experimental Digital Fabrication

    This project came out of an open-ended in-class experimental session. The idea was simple: try new techniques, combine our individual skills, and see where it takes us. Each of us brought something different to the table, and it all came together in a layered, mixed-media piece that blends digital design, 3D printing, CNC drawing, and hand-drawn filament.

✦ What We Did

  • I designed a series of textures inspired by fungi seen under a microscope, modeled them in Rhino, and prepared them for 3D printing.

  • Lina created a digital character figure to serve as the main subject for our collaborative canvas.

  • Chloe used the CNC machine to draw the linework of the figure onto paper.

  • Mimi helped gather all the parts and coordinate the assembly process.

  • Together, we all used 3D pens to draw on top of the ink outlines and glued the 3D printed fungal textures onto the skirt area of the character drawing.


These are the original 3D models I created, inspired by fungal textures viewed through a microscope. The goal was to give them organic depth that could pop out when printed.


I used the Prusa XL to print all the pieces in one batch. Seeing them come together on the bed felt like assembling an archive of textures.





Each piece had its own little texture story. Some resembled spores, others more like folds or growths  abstract, but with a biological feel.







We all added something to the drawing with 3D printing pen, Here’s me tracing parts of the CNC drawing by hand using a 3D pen to experience with it.


This was the original figure Lina designed elegant, calm, and expressive. It gave the whole piece emotional context.




Here's the 3D printed fungal shapes on the character's skirt, used the 3D pen to trace and enhance the linework, and created a layered effect that combined marker, plastic, and depth. The butterflies were drawn in 2D, while the 3D pen versions added a pop-out contrast.

  What made this project really special was the mix of hands, literally and figuratively. Everyone's role mattered, and the piece grew with each layer, from 3D modeling to CNC sketch to hand-drawn additions. It’s not just about one medium or one idea, it's about experimenting together, letting process lead the way, and not being afraid of a little mess.











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