{"id":20951,"date":"2015-05-26T14:22:51","date_gmt":"2015-05-26T14:22:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/?p=20951"},"modified":"2015-05-26T14:23:16","modified_gmt":"2015-05-26T14:23:16","slug":"designer-spotlight-gabriel-prero-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/designer-spotlight-gabriel-prero-2","title":{"rendered":"Designer Spotlight: Gabriel Prero"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week we are highlighting Gabriel Prero, amazing owner of Cufflink Junkie<\/a>. We interviewed Gabriel back in 2013<\/a> and wanted to catch up; looks like the shop has grown a ton, with lots of commision orders! We especially like that Gabriel has chosen two specific niches between cufflinks and Hebrew lettering – always great to look for those sweet spots for shoppers. The shop has clearly expanded into more than cufflinks, so make sure you take a look.<\/p>\n

Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?<\/em>
\nMy name is Gabriel Prero, and I\u2019m an Industrial Designer based in Chicago. I wear a few hats professionally. I design home storage, organization, and garment care items for Home Products International, I’m the co-founder and Chief Design Officer of BioSpawn Lure Company, and I run my own Industrial Design consulting studio, Prero Design LLC. I’m a proud Dad to 3 (and husband to 1). And I design cufflinks.<\/p>\n

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What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?<\/em>
\nI’ve always liked “man-cessories.” I like watches, belts, shoes, and have always had a particular affinity for cufflinks. I’m also a humorist (or so I think), and enjoy a good pun now and then. It can often be difficult to make humor look good. I try to make that happen with my cufflinks. As a designer, I’m a stickler for detail, and am particularly technical. I think those often direct the shape my work takes. More recently I’ve explored into pendants and rings, and it’s been lots of fun.<\/p>\n

What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?<\/em>
\nAs a design student in the early ‘aughts, 3D printing was often talked about, and we maybe got one or 2 opportunities to see one in action. Getting into the work force and getting to work with one hands on was, needless to say, thrilling. As I moved through my career, I found myself sitting feet away from an Objet polyjet printer. Whoa. The detail was amazing. It made me think of what kind of small, intricate things I could make. Push the boundaries. There had been cufflinks I’ve always wanted, but sadly they didn’t exist. So I started modeling a pair. As I was finishing up, I read a article about Shapeways. I uploaded my Button Cufflinks<\/a> and ordered a pair. Awesome. Then I sold a pair. HOLY CRAP. Someone bought my cufflinks?! For reals?! I’ve been hooked ever since. How great is it that I can 3D print a custom ring<\/a> for my wife for the delivery of our 3rd child? All with Shapeways.<\/p>\n