Doran makes Avatar-style 3D printed sea monsters

Irish designer Amy Doran created a large 3D printed sea monster, inspired by one of James Cameron's upcoming Avatar sequels. The film was first released in early 2018, and there are rumors that Cameron is planning to offer free 3D glasses, which may result in delayed movie release. Although the movie is not currently released, we can appreciate Doran's model, which is 55 cm from start to finish.

Doran studied 3D design, model making and digital art at the International Film Academy in Dublin, Ireland. This work is part of her class assignment, and it took us a total of six weeks to complete from concept to manufacturing. Among them is i.materialise, which produces designs for designers around the world, offering 20 different materials, more than 100 combinations of colors and finishes, and instant pricing.

Although her homework only requires a smaller print, Doran wants to surpass herself. “I want to challenge myself, I can do more than just a small 3D print, which can be part of my university profile,” she said. However, her 55cm print was too big for a desktop printer, and Doran didn't want to break it down and print it again, so she contacted some 3D printing companies and chose i.materialise.

Doran said: "The biggest challenge in the design process is to find a company that can print my entire marine life. If the model is divided into several parts and then sewn up, the stitches will be exposed and affect the appearance." There is a company that can complete her design.

The design process involves clay engraving and 3D scanning. She created a 3D model with 3DS Max, whitewashed it with Mudbox, and finally delivered it to i.materialise. She chose a paintable resin because it is lightweight, low cost, and the level of detail and smooth surface do not require post-treatment. “I have already shown my work, installing the raw original sample on an acrylic rod and attaching a hand-made substrate,” explains Doran.

Doran is pleased that the 3D printed marine life has left a deep impression on students and mentors. The model has been exhibited at the IADT Graduate Exhibition in Dublin, the emerging artists' exhibition in Wicklow County in 2016, and the New Blades Graduate Exhibition. For this "newborn calf", it is a good thing. Doran recalls: "I am from a girls' school. We have never used computer or technical design, so when we learned how to design and produce digital models in college, I was fascinated. I like to learn new materials. And practice, including physics and digital, is that they let me try 3D printing."

Doran is now preparing for professional 3D design and currently works at MacroWorks, an environmental consulting firm. She is mainly engaged in photo synthesis and some artworks to reflect the potential visual impact of large-scale construction projects and infrastructure projects. This is a world far from fantasy and underwater sea monsters, but even here, Doran says that 3D printing is indispensable in her life. “It gives a sense of realism,” she said, “especially when viewers are used to watching 3D digital models on the screen.”

Doran and i.materialise will have more works. Good students may be taken away by the design studio, or they may continue to study the model because of their interest. Like other 3D model enthusiasts, she just likes the feeling of creation. Although her course may end, the motivation for making models still exists. I am looking forward to her next work.

(Compiled from 3Ders.org)

(Editor)