This week we are thrilled to highlight the shop Grace & Robot. We heard from designer Megan Grace, originally from the UK but calls Barcelona home now. Megan thinks of each piece of jewelry as a miniature sculpture, which you can tell in her shop full of beautiful, colorful jewelry that is both visually appealing yet simple at the same time.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?
I’m Megan Grace – half of the human-machine collaboration behind my new brand of 3D printed jewellery called Grace & Robot. I studied Product Design at university, but in my profession so far I’ve worked with design in a much broader sense – from creating objects for manufacture to working in design thinking and business innovation, where the “design” is much more about creative problem-solving. I’ve lived in Barcelona long enough to call it home, but I’m originally from the UK.
What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?
I love jewellery, both wearing it and as an object to design. I see each piece of jewellery as a mini sculpture; in that one small package you need to consider form, texture, material, ergonomics and mechanical elements to create a product that’s both eye-catching and wearable. For me, the combination of this design challenge with the possibilities and constraints of 3D printing provides a really inspiring context in which to explore new concepts and ideas. In terms of aesthetics, I’m inspired by all sorts of things, from mid-century architecture to minimalist sculpture to unusual typefaces. I’m also really drawn to graphic, repeating patterns – whether it’s breeze block walls or Barcelona’s modernist tiles.
What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?
I’d been aware of 3D printing for a while, but had always associated it with low-res prototypes of spare parts. I can’t remember how I re-found Shapeways, but when I had a look around the site again I realised my preconceptions were completely unfounded and the technology had advanced an impressive amount. I modelled and uploaded a simple design and had it printed, and experienced the delight of receiving my first product in the post. The rest is history – and boxes full of 3D printed pieces.
How did you learn how to design in 3D?
I’ve been drawing and “making things” since I was a kid, and pursuing a career in design was a way to carry on doing this as a grown-up. I did my degree in Product Design at the cusp of the digital age, so ended up learning to design in 3D through a weird mix of computer-modelling, sketching, marker-rendering and old-style draftsmanship on an enormous easel. Since then, I’ve added new skills and CAD programs – for example, I use Rhino as I find it ideal for the kind of iterative, sculptural designs I like to make. Having said that, I love sketching with pen and paper – there’s no replacement for it – and I always start from there.
How do you promote your work?
Wearing it has been the most successful method so far! However, now I’m looking to promote it further afield, I’ve just opened a shop online, and am honing my social media skills.
Who are your favorite designers or artists? Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?
In terms of jewellery, Nervous System are a great reference brand when applying digital technologies to accessory design; they have developed a really strong story and process behind their product range which helps them to stand out. I also have several friends who are design entrepreneurs in various media and seeing their work and creative energy every day online is really inspiring. The Shapeways platform and community is great as you can see what other people are making, how they’re pushing the capabilities of the technology and the kind of results that are possible – it means we can learn and innovate together.
If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?
Actually, the unique limitations (and capabilities) of any technology are what shape the creative challenge for me, and I love that 3D printing has already defined a new context in which to experiment and design something fresh and innovative. That said, I think that the Internet of Things is only in its early stages, and there’s huge potential for designing products, services and user experiences that bridge the physical and digital. So, ways to integrate sensor technology and digital connectivity into an object as it’s manufactured on-demand sound really exciting.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS SHOP:
- Amazing photography, inspires customers with outfits
- Great shop branding with logo and banner
- Great shop description
Thank you, Megan! Such a cute shop with seriously great photography. Make sure to check out Megan’s website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To be featured email aimee @ shapeways.com.