Hi! My name is Aaron Hilado, and I am a third year art major with a minor in digital arts at the University of California, Irvine. In 10 years, I hope to have a job somewhere in the art field, whether it be an art director, graphic designer, or photographer. I would also like to have my own company that does a lot of design work and photography. My goal is to not just focus on graphic design but various fields of design such as interior design, industrial design, etc. The ultimate goal is to travel around the world as a photographer and designer, and get paid to do what I love doing. In regards to technology and hardware, I am relatively familiar with photo and video editing programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premier, Lightroom, and Sony Vegas. I have had experience with 3ds Max back in high school, so I have some experience with 3d modeling and animation. Last year I took a 3D modeling class, so I do have experience with Rhino 5. I imagine myself using the CAD/CAM skills that I will learn to potentially aid my graphic design skills.

The project that I am currently working on with my fellow peers involves researching the reusability of ABS plastic which is used in 3D printers as 3D printers become more readily available for people to use. As time progresses, the use of 3D printers will increase, as will the use of ABS plastic for the 3D printers. The goal for this project is to find a means of reducing the waste of ABS plastic when there is no longer a use for a 3D printed object that is made out of ABS plastic. For example, if a tool is 3D printed out of ABS plastic and the tool breaks, wears out, or becomes unusable, then the tool can be grinded down and melted to create a recycled ABS filament for the 3D printer, resulting in a reusable and more environmentally friendly means of 3D printing. Reusing the ABS plastic and converting it back to usable filament is a way that the waste of ABS plastic can be reduced. I am the main 3D designer in the project which means that I help design parts for machines that can aid in the process of recycling ABS plastic, and help design whatever else needs to be modeled and printed. This research project will help me hone my 3D design skills by allowing me to work more with 3D programs and printers, and will also give me more experience in working with a group of people from a different discipline and how we can all come together, communicate and provide feedback to each other, and work together towards a common goal. This will also give me experience for my future career in any field of design since I will learn many design based skills, and communicating ideas with those who I am working with. This project will also allow me to gain more experience with various types of 3D printers and learn more in depth about 3D printers. Throughout the course of this project I hope to become more versed with 3D modeling, printing, and fabrication. The 3D models that I create throughout this project will also provide excellent examples of work that I have done that I can add to my portfolio, and will help show my experience with 3D modeling and potentially open up more jobs that require some sort of experience with 3D design.