KINGS AND QUEENS
DESIGNING A CHESS PIECE TO BE 3D PRINTED FOR #DES100
Designing a custom 3D printed chess piece
I will be making a custom chess piece based off of the film ‘Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium’, which inspired me as a designer. The sense of wonder, whimsy and clutter all converge to create the aesthetic.
Spoons1, Beads2, Film3, Playground4, Godzilla 5, Rainbows6, Teddies7, Interior8
I sketched out lots of different ideas, and refined some of my favourites.
I decided that a more abstract chess piece would capture the aesthetic best, and translate into a 3D model clearly. I chose to use geometric shapes, reminiscent of childhood block toys, which will be painted in bright colours. I want the chess piece to look unbalanced, which I think will make it look more whimsical. The variety of different shapes will give it a cluttered look, and the almost circus-like aesthetic will lend a sense of wonder to my design.
I decided to include some thin squiggly ribbons connecting certain shapes, as this is reminiscent of kites, which are a strong motif throughout my film. I have included so many curves because it relates to the wonder of childhood.
I realised that my model would not be able to stand, so trimmed the sphere to have a sturdy base, and added the 10mmx6mm insert.
I realised that my design is reminiscent of a snowman, but I think that once I paint it, it will look better.
I think my final design fits the brief well. When placed next to my mood board it suits the theme, and once I print and paint it I think that will elevate the complexity of the design.
Reflection
Creating the model was quite time consuming, as I could not get the objects to be placed in exactly the position I wanted them. In the future, I would spend more time making deliberate placement decisions, but I think that I managed well enough this time around.