Today we’d like to introduce you to Garth Olivier.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Since I was little, I always liked to tinker with things, trying to figure out how they work. I started seriously on my artistic adventure about 8 years ago with pottery and Raku. I fell in love with Raku and wanted to see if I could make jewelry. My first 3d printer was to create the molds for these. I then got hooked into #D Printing. With several kilns, I was able to experiment by doing a lot of different things including upcycled wine bottles. Because my wife who was beginning to make jewelry. I also dabbled in making wire wrapped pendants and Raku beads for her to use in her jewelry. We started doing festivals and local craft shows selling both our products a few years ago. 3D printers came out on the market a few years ago at more affordable prices so I started experimenting with those. We came up with the idea to use 3D printed jewelry displays for my wife’s jewelry. I am constantly trying new things with my printers and am in a 3D hub where I make parts for others. Some of the items I have made are drone parts, parts for my 3D printers when they break, R2D2 parts, bracelet mandrels, dinosaurs. I have designed many vases and some androids. When I attend a show, I bring one of my smaller printers for demonstration and educational purposes.
For my future, I am experimenting with using 3d printing combined with electronics to create artistic pieces and push that boundary.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With every artistic venture, it is never smooth. I have tried different mediums and would still like to explore pottery, laser engraving, and electronic integration more. But with a full-time job and weekends spent at shows, it can be difficult to find the time,
Selling your products can be very rewarding especially if you are told how much your work is liked. But there are many times when my products do not sell and that is discouraging. You just have to persist in doing what you enjoy doing.
3DPrint.Direct – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an artist who works in many mediums. 3D printing is currently what I am primarily on. 3D printing is not considered handmade so I am trying to break that stigma. Am I any different than a photographer that uses computers and printers or a carpenter using a laser cutter?
My bracelet mandrel, which I designed has been a good seller in my Etsy store, AriGar Designs. This is a store that my wife and I share together. She sells her hand beaded jewelry and I sell 3D printed jewelry displays and bracelet mandrels. This is a tool that anyone who makes jewelry can utilize for sizing and it doubles as a jewelry display. The others on the market are wood which is heavy and expensive or plastic. My androids and vases are unique and modern. I also assist local businesses in 3D designs of products and rapid printing prototypes.
I enjoy educating both adults, teens, and children with a live 3D printer at shows.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
When I attend a local fair or festival with my 3D printer, I do a lot of teaching to people of all ages. It is very rewarding to see young talents eyes light up once they comprehend the possibilities of 3D design and printing. I also enjoy giving guidance to the parents regarding starting 3D printing at a reasonable cost.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://3dprint.direct/
- Email: garth.olivier@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3dPrintDirect/
Image Credit:
Ariel A Ortegon
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