Today we focus the spotlight on our very own Dennis Jacobs, who 3D designs as a creative break from his student life. His playful designs are in his Shapeways shop Finger Guns.

My name is Dennis Jacobs and I’m from Eindhoven, in the Southern part of the Netherlands. I’m studying Industrial Engineering at the University of Technology here. Like all other students I need a job to earn some money for all the beers I drink. That’s why I’m one of the Logistics employees at Shapeways! 

What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?

I see almost all the models that other people create, because I clean and ship them. And I thought I could do it as well, so I tried and here I am.  I’m only modeling as a hobby, but I really love the way Shapeways offers an opportunity for me to display my models to the public. I don’t really have a choice of which 3D software to use. That’s why I’m using… Sketchup. I know it’s not the most advanced piece of software, but it’s useful and I enjoy modeling with it.

How did you learn how to design in 3D?

I just watched the tutorials on Youtube and Google, they are pretty good!

How would you describe your creative process?

Watch some funny pictures on 9gag, then think of a way to build it in 3D.

Where do you do your best thinking?

On my couch, watching some television.

What projects are you working on now that you can share?

I’m currently working on an old 80’s cell phone, as a cover for the Iphone4

How do you promote your work?

I don’t have a website, so I promote my models on Facebook. Whenever I put a model on there, it gets a lot of likes, so its a good way to show people my designs.

Who are your favorite designers or artists?

I really like the work of Nervous System and also the models of Michiel Cornelissen are pretty awesome.

Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?

Michiel Cornelissen really gave me some things to think about with his Ipad standard and the Iphone cases.

If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?

A big statue of my girlfriend and my dogs, in silver glossy or gold plate…

What do you do when you’re not designing?

Studying Industrial Engineering at the University of technology in Eindhoven. Or working at the Shapeways distribution centre.