{"id":18292,"date":"2014-10-14T13:46:11","date_gmt":"2014-10-14T13:46:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/?p=18292"},"modified":"2014-10-14T13:46:57","modified_gmt":"2014-10-14T13:46:57","slug":"designer-spotlight-dan-foley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/designer-spotlight-dan-foley","title":{"rendered":"Designer Spotlight: Dan Foley"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week, we are highlighting Dan Foley of D&O Designs<\/a>! Dan’s shop is full of intricate, beautiful celtic designs. The complex designs pair perfectly with 3D printing, and give Dan a chance to take a break from technical engineering and focus on his artistic side.<\/p>\n

Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?<\/em>
\nI’m a professional engineer and 3D designer located in Davenport, Iowa. I have a beautiful wife and three children. The “O” of D&O Designs<\/a> is for my son, Owen, who is learning to be a 3D modeler.<\/p>\n

\"danfoley\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you? <\/em>
\nMy focus is on Celtic Knot jewelry. In the past few years I have become a lot more spiritual, and Celtic Knots are a representation of that. I read that some believe the complex knot designs represent “humans\u2019 complex relationship with the natural and the divine.” This sums up my feelings pretty well.<\/p>\n

What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?<\/em>
\nI had known about the idea of 3D printing for a long time, but I had no idea it was so easily accessible. A friend told me to check out Shapeways. I was blown away and I had to try it. Once I received my first Shapeways shipment, I was hooked.<\/p>\n

\"625x465_1192858_1287943_1400002439\"<\/a><\/p>\n

How did you learn how to design in 3D?<\/em>
\nI’ve been designing in 3D for many years, but until I discovered Shapeways it was all technical things. It has been an interesting challenge to shift from technical to artistic design. Once in a while though I will use my technical skills to design a tool or gadget case.<\/p>\n

How do you promote your work?<\/em>
\nI have done a number of craft shows and Irish festivals. Selling my designs in person is a lot of fun. I’m also doing guest blog posts on a couple different sites. My favorite promotion online is a “Swap and Tell” I just discovered. You trade jewelry pieces with another designer and put a review of theirs on your blog.<\/p>\n

\"625x465_1148218_2827165_1400006529\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Who are your favorite designers or artists? Who in the Shapeways community has served as an inspiration to you?<\/em>
\nMy favorite designer on Shapeways is Vertigo Polka<\/a>. I got to meet him at the Shapeways world meetup in 2012 in Chicago and see a lot of his designs. I was still relatively new to Shapeways, and his designs blew me away. I also really like Jeremy Mallin<\/a> on Shapeways. He has given me pointers and he has a few Celtic designs of his own.<\/p>\n

If you weren’t limited by current technologies, what would you want to make using 3D printing?<\/em>
\nOn the technical side, I see a huge opportunity to replace service parts warehouses with 3D printers, and just have the parts made on demand. No longer would you need vast storage spaces. It would be much more efficient and a lot better for the environment.<\/p>\n

\"625x465_1530040_1858676_1400002392\"<\/a><\/p>\n

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS SHOP:<\/strong><\/p>\n