my hobbies
when I’m inspired, I have fun
A lot of times I find objects around me that can use a little updating or just a complete overhaul. Being such a Curious George ever since I was little, I always took things apart, just to see how it worked or how it was assembled. Most of the time, I can never put it back together. And I do not regret a single thing that I broke - if I didn’t fix it! That curiosity and tinkering embedded many logical and mechanical instincts. I became naturally drawn to the act of “making” with my hands. That’s when the fun happens.
The Sink Caddy
pick your flavor
While doing the dishes (yes, by hand), I was staring at the sponge and brush holder and thought, “that thing is ugly!” Followed by, “how am I suppose to clean and sanitize the inside? Must be full of mildew and who knows what else.”
So I sought out to remedy those concerns. A day or so later, I sketched out, jumped on Shapr3D on the iPad and 3D printed the first prototype.
holds 2 sponges
holds dish brush
holds drain plug
disassembles into four pieces
mix n’ match color scheme
easily clean hard to reach corners
integrated water drainage
modular design saves money & materials by replacing individual parts only as needed.
sketch
Sketch out the idea, using Concepts App for the iPad.After a few iterations, I was satisfied with this design.
3D CAD
With a caliper in hand and the general dimensions set, I began to build the 3D model in Shapr3D on the iPad.
render
Like a client pitch, I want to get a visual of potential and color study by using Keyshot rendering software.
prototype
This idea looked good on sketch and 3D CAD in theory. Final phase was to prototype it on the 3D printer.
The Mood Ring
set your mood
This lamp design ran around my head for quite some time. Even before I taught myself 3D CAD software. While rearranging and installing shelves in my studio, a lighting solution was needed. But not just ANY lighting. It need to be practical, functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Inspired by my ring light, used in my photography, I went to work. Designed to cast a broad, soft area light. Utilizing LED technology, the lamp will have the ability to dim and change lighting color to match mood and decor.
Battery or AC powered
Low power consumption color changing LED
Frosted lens for soft ambient light cast
Swiveling base
mix n’ match color scheme
3D CAD
Design and build a 3D CAD with practical assembly, hardware and electrical layout. Prep file for render and protoyping.
render
Rendering enables forecast of material, light projections + behaviors, scale and color options.
prototype
Prototype 3D print with LED light strips with dimming, color change and smart home integration such Amazon Echo and Google Home.
possibilities
Modern lines open the door to numerous home or office decor. Where can The Mood Ring fit in your life?
The Dish Dash
who’s turn to do the dishes?
While we can never end the toilet paper orientation debate, we can at least determine if the dishes in the dishwasher are CLEAN or DIRTY - if you weren’t the last person to run the dishwasher!
Magnetically attach and move around: velcro or double-side adhesive
quick slide reveals “CLEAN” or “DIRTY” message
attractive color options
durable ABS plastic
design + 3D
Design and build a 3D CAD with practical assembly, hardware and electrical layout. Prep file for render and protoyping.
functionality
Rendering enables forecast of material, light projections + behaviors, scale and color options.
production
Look into the theoretical production process. Renderings and CAD illustrate scale, possible production issues, assembly, saves time, etc.
prototype
3D print prototyping puts an idea in real life and in real scale. Real-world test with these fully functional products proves to be a great success!
sketching & drawing
Technology has become such an integral part of our society. I try to take advantage of it’s capabilities to enhance my creativity. From a young age, drawing with a pencil or pen has been a very important part of my creativity - although I never comprehended it’s importance. With today’s powerful laptops, tablets and smart phones, I find myself never without a drawing or sketching tool.
Below are some examples of casual and fun attempts at digital sketching/drawing on an iPad, using the CONCEPTS app.
mechanical
I’m a big fan of many things vintage. In the past couple of years, I’ve managed to fall into vintage motorcycles. My garage has seen roughly 7 motorcycles. Below are examples 2 of my favorite garage builds: a 1974 Suzuki GT250 and a 1971 Honda CB500 Four.
Being a motorcycle rider, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of a very special community. The kind that will never hesitate to give the shirts off their backs! It also connects us, without actually meeting. Case in point, I met a fellow enthusiast by the name of Rick Forristall through Facebook motorcycle groups. Rick is a web developer and aspiring writer with a passion for motorcycles. He has an online blog called “The Madness of Motorcycle Riding”, where he wrote the story of my 1974 Suzuki GT250. You can read about it here.
Turn Pucks
When manufacturers fail to design something that’s functional and aesthetically pleasing, you just have to take matters into your own hands. I made my own turn signals for my 1971 Honda CB500 Four.
solid aluminum turned on a lathe
LED strips
weather sealed silicon
stainless steel hardware
