This weeks designer is an Australian artist working for festivals and theater, specializing in 3D printing and digital clay technology. Rob Mack’s shop is getting our Mardi Gras (and costumes for any occasion, really) spirit ready.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?
I’m Rob Mack, aka DaddyMack, I live in Sydney Australia and have been lucky enough to have worked as an artist/designer in a wide variety of media for over 25 years now. I started painting murals and signage for local businesses and at one stage ran my own 500m2 warehouse producing props and artwork for festivals and theatre. My work is now largely digital with a focus on 3D, 3D printing, and digital clay technology.

What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?
Masks are an ancient tradition, they give us an opportunity to disconnect from our dull daily persona and emerge in a wonderful and freeform state of mind. Maskadelic was born because we wanted to design masks for ourselves to wear at bush dance music festivals but, because of the level of complexity we were aiming for, we had no means of creating them by hand. I designed and printed a few of the earlier ones in 3D and my friends were blown away by the level of detail Shapeways could achieve. I personally, was thoroughly hooked on the freedom I now have to inject a new personality into each design. So many people have remarked to me that they had the night of their life wearing one of our masks; it makes me very happy. We’ve now printed well over 500 masks with Shapeways.

What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?
I started here in 2008 under the name DaddyMack and really enjoyed pioneering and challenging the state of the art. Here is one of the threads with my early prints.

How did you learn how to design in 3D?
I am self taught in 3D. After studying Industrial Design in 1999 I stumbled into 3D character animation and, after a long, hard slog learning the ropes, have specialized in that since. I am largely focused on working in ZBrush, creating short animations, teaching my art and developing more and more spectacular designs for Maskadelic.

How do you promote your work?
It’s early days for Maskadelic, we’re still largely in testing so we are primarily connecting with our audience through our awesome Facebook page where we have regular free giveaways and competitions.

Who are your favorite designers or artists? Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?
I am often inspired by M.C. Escher and his symmetry and order. At Shapeways, definitely Bathsheba for the elegant sanity she makes of chaos. Also, since the precious metal materials became available there are soo many wonderful jewellery designers that have joined Shapeways.

If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?
Definitely articulated psychedelic full body suits.

What is your favorite movie from the 90s-early 2000s?
Jacobs Ladder for being both deeply disturbing and tear jerkingly beautiful at the same time.



Anything else you want to share?
Paint and I have had a loving relationship for the last 25 years and I hand paint all the colorful masks in my studio here in Sydney. If anyone is interested in attaining one of our designs in UV active paint feel free to PM me at Shapeways or on the Facebook page. Also, ‘like’ our Facebook page to stay in the loop for freebies and competitions… PARTY ON!

To check out all of Rob’s amazing masks, wander over to his shop. Also show some love through Facebook! Don’t forget, Mardi Gras is March 4 and these are the perfect addition to your celebration and outfit! To be a featured designer, email aimee@shapeways.com.