Experimenting - Future Artifact
- Emma
- Oct 30, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 10
After prototyping 3D models for my product last week, I then created a foam cutting of the model, and vacuum formed a plastic mold.
I changed my model slightly from my last post. After gathering feedback, I decided to focus on the textures and shapes of my product, rather than adding any flashy or shiny things like lights or glass. This model has softer edges and is more subtle in my opinion. This means that I can play around with the textures and materials I add to the concrete.
After deciding on this model, I cut it out of foam using a CNC router. Then vacuum formed the mold from plastic. I also molded circles and a square to do some experiments on.
Experiments
I decided to experiment with different materials that could be mixed in with the concrete, to add texture, but to also symbolize gender dysphoria. By having broken, or ripped up pieces of material in the concrete, it could be a subtle way to represent the mismatch feeling of dysphoria, as if your body felt broken, or in pieces.
I picked out some crayons, felt, and glass to play around with.
I chose colours that represent transgender, pink, white and blue, as this is my demographic. Future variations of this product could have customizable colours and materials.
This was my first time using concrete, and it was very messy. The concrete mix I had contained aggregate, which are pieces of rock to strengthen the concrete. As my molds were very thin (1-3cm thick), I felt that the rocks were too chunky and big and if I were to do this again, I would use concrete mix that came with smaller rocks or use my own.
My experiments with adding materials to the concrete came out looking interesting. I felt that they had an exciting texture, but wasn't really necessary. These experiments were great to play around and understand how concrete works, but I didn't feel that any of them really followed with my idea, I wanted to keep the work honest with my materials and my ideas, so in the end, I decided to not use any additional material in my products.
I also took several attempts at casting my final mold. I learnt a lot about how to work with concrete, such as getting the right consistency, when is it best to start sanding it, how long should I want for it to dry etc.
It took me three attempts to my desired finish, I found that having a very hydrated cement mixture helped the concrete to sink into the corners of the mold, and I spent a lot of time shaking out the air bubbles. I found that taking my time and not rushing the process helped me create a better looking product in the end.
Re-Working my Logo
After experimenting with concrete casting, it was time to implement my logo. If you recall, these were my last iterations and the final logo idea that I came up with:
I drew these two ideas out more cleanly, and then using a laser cutter, engraved them onto a concrete tile.
Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the tiles, as I sanded them later, to experiment with the concrete finishes.
After I knew that the laser engraving looked good on the concrete, I continued to adapt my logo, as I felt it was quite complicated, and cramped. I also wanted to include my company name, BASK.
Final Logo
I used the rule of thirds to guide the placement of my elements. I simplified the shapes and added in the company name as well. I kept the font neutral and bold. I balanced the logo out by keeping the title to the left, and the logo to the right, making sure to have something in the top right third to balance out the diagonals. The square helped to contain the logo but the empty space helped to lengthen the square and not make it look crowded.
I tested out the logo on one of my previous casts to check the placement, and see how it turned out. Once I new I was happy with the outcome, I moved on to the final piece...
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