This week, we will be spotlighting New York City designers Trish Rudolphsen and Nick Rudemiller, the designers of shop BlessThisMessNYC. Read below to find out more about how they came to find Shapeways, and the inspiration behind their work.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?
We are Trish, a fashion designer and Nick, an industrial/UX designer both graduates from University of Cincinnati’s school of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning. We live in Manhattan and work out of a little nook in our apartment.
What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?
When we initially set out to print something with Shapeways I was interested in jewelry, but once I saw there was porcelain it changed everything! I never thought I would be able to make a porcelain product, especially without a kiln.
I like the clean lines and shapes designers tend to love, but I like to have a little more fun. I wanted to make products that are minimal and also have personality.
Most of my pieces started out as gifts for friends and family. For instance I made the Dinosaur Candleholder for my brother inspired by his favorite childhood book “Dinosaur Bob.”
What I like best about my designs is how they adapt to peoples homes. Sometimes they look like an estate sale find and sometimes they look like a high end designer purchase.
What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?
I first saw Shapeways on NotCot and was excited by the prospect of making my own jewelry. I did not know 3D modeling at the time, but luckily Nick did. Also as it turns out a group of my friends are Gotham Smith, so they encouraged us to give Shapeways a shot.
How did you learn how to design in 3D?
Nick learned 3D modeling while in school and uses programs like Alias and Solidworks. I am learning using the free programs available like 123D and Meshmixer. There are a lot of YouTube tutorials that help with the free programs.
How do you promote your work?
We have a website and Instagram, but for the most part I am like a walking QVC show. When I show people pictures of my products, they often buy them right from me.
Who are your favorite designers or artists? Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?
Definitely Gotham Smith. I love their work and it’s been nice to have friends in the 3D community. I have also been a fan of Nervous System, I feel like I see their stuff popping up everywhere now!
In the art world I love pop art. I like the idea of big, graphic, sleek images.
If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?
Other materials similar to porcelain that we don’t have access to like glass, concrete or terra cotta. We feel like those would work well with our designs.
For us, 3D printing has been so beneficial because we don’t have to have to rent expensive shop space or equipment to create. We don’t need to leave our apartment to make a finished product.
Want to learn more about Trish & Nick’s design practice? Tune into our Shapeways Live with them on Wednesday 4/13 at 2PM EST!