Laser Cut Sample

Digital to Physical

Starting the process of converting to digital to physical.

A progress video showing the process of converting the design to grayscale. From just removing to all saturation, to tweaking the levels of which areas are darker and then the cut lines.

Then, we put it in the laser cutter and saw how it turned out. Peter's experience and knowledge meant he could tell with just one look that I was too subtle with how I used the blacks and greys and they they wouldn't come out with quite the same range of value on the wood. He was right.

Although I did it on wood, that was sort of a backup. What I really wanted to do was etch the design into glass. It was inspired by sea creatures so clear glass felt more fitting. We turned off the cut lines and then just did a small experiment, because if the values were too subtle for wood they would be far to nuanced for glass.

New Design

So I came up with a new design, limiting myself to only 4 steps of value. #000, #555, #aaa and #fff. I believe #fff is the same as nothing but I did leave some pure white in there to see what it does.

Due to a cancellation with the laser cutter I wasn't able to try this latest version yet.

To be continued ...