This week, as we early celebrate Father’s Day, we are highlighting designer dad Edrice Waliyar. Edrice is a freelance artist living in France with his wife and daughter. His shop is full of wonderful designs, from jewelry to memes and artwork.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?
I’m a freelance 3D artist and designer from France. I mostly do characters for indie games and 3D printing, and as time goes by the amount of work shifts more and more towards the latter. This allows me to work from home, and to take care of my two year old daughter; it’s a privilege to be able to do your dream job and watch your kid grow, something I can do thanks to the support of my wife.
What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?
I’m a child of the 80’s, and I grew up on pop culture and like a lot of people I wanted to have things from those cultural influences, things that don’t actually exist and that you can’t actually buy. But with 3D printing, that actually changes. I can make those things that I think would be cool, and make them real. If I think it’s cool, chances are someone else will think so too–and that’s where Shapeways comes in. I like to make some design challenges as well, I try to take a shape and make something out of it, solving the design problems to make it work along the way. Like turning a letter or an emote into a ring, not just by putting it on a band, but using the shape of the letter or emote as part of the band. Inspiration is everywhere if you take the time sit and try to do something with it.
What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?
Four years ago I started looking into 3D printers, as it was no longer a gimmick but a real thing. It was was still a costly thing though, but doing some research on 3D printing, Shapeways kept coming up. I decided to give it a try, and it was a life changer. Buying a costly printer was no longer a necessity.
How did you learn how to design in 3D?
I started 3D modeling in the late 90’s to make mods for games and it later became my source of income. Making the switch from 3D digital models to models for printing was pretty easy, but required a bit of trial and error to understand the rules, limitations and to make designs easy to print.
How do you promote your work?
I try to take some good looking pictures of my products, and I try to make good renders when I cannot. A good picture works wonders on social networks like Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr. Instagram and Twitter are where I’m the most active.
Who are your favorite designers or artists? Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?
I’m a big Mucha fan, he’s a big influence on my jewel designs. Ryan Kittleson is one of my favorite designers on Shapeways, he’s the king of Full Color Sandstone.
If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?
I’d love to make huge prints and multi materials prints. A life size size bust using a mixture of a porcelain like material and gold, that’s the dream the Designer Diva in me wishes to do in my lifetime.
Anything else you want to share?
It’s a great time to start 3D printing, everything is fresh and new and exiting and I encourage everyone to get on board now and participate in this technological renaissance. Print, create, enjoy.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS SHOP:
- Great photography
- Fun branding
- Sections for easy shopping
- Fun variety of products for many interests
Thank you so much, Edrice! Such a fun shop to browse. Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest and of course, the shop. To be featured, email aimee @ shapeways.com.