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About
My strength is my passion for both the art and science of design for industry. I believe that through the careful application of these I can enhance people's lives in a small but important way by the thoughtful creation of meaningful objects. Below are some thoughts about first the science then the art of product design for mass manufacture. The Science of product design primarily involves creating value through efficiency. Here are examples of the questions I might ask myself about efficiency when designing or redesigning a product. What is the problem this product exists to solve for its users? Is there a more efficient solution to that problem? Regarding current solutions, can I reduce the complexity of manufacturing processes? Can I add strength through form rather than mass in order to conserve materials? Is there a different or newer material that would solve the problem more efficiently or cost effectively? Do I need to start over from scratch and re-evaluate my assumptions about the value of this product to customers or the company? The artistic side of product design involves the creation of value through beauty or style. Here are some questions I might ask myself regarding the artful side of a given design project. Who are the likely users and what are their preferences in terms of style or artistic sensibility? If appropriate, are there current style or taste trends I might apply? What differentiates this product stylistically from its competitors? What emotions would I like this product to evoke? What do I like about existing solutions (either my own, my collaborators, or my competitors) and what do I think could use updating and/or changing? What and how does the product communicate and connect with the end user? What is the story that the product/packaging tells?
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Education
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MFA Furniture DesignHerron School of Art and Design2011 - 2013
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BS Industrial DesignMetropolitan State College of Denver2006 - 2010
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Experience
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Design EngineerLafayette, INSep 2023 - Present (2 years 9 months)•Concepting, Ideation, Design, Engineering, Documentation and 3D modeling of new products for various industries including education, recreation, pet, automotive, etc..
• File preparation for factory DFM review including full Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) 2D drawing sets along with production ready 3D Step files.
• Creation of 2D and 3D visualization renderings of products using Solidworks Visualize, Keyshot, and Adobe CC.
• Operation of various 3D printing technology (SLA and FDM) to make prototype parts from CAD models using various slicing software applications.
• Communication with overseas and domestic suppliers and manufacturers to facilitate production of items to high quality standards. -
Product EngineerIndianapolis, INSep 2019 - Sep 2023 (4 years)• Design, 3D modeling, and CAM programming for on site manufacturing of amusement products using Solidworks.
• Output of CAD drawings for purposes of documentation and communication with shop floor.
• Creation of 2D and 3D visualization renderings of products using Solidworks Visualize, Keyshot, and Adobe CC.
• Operation of various 3D printers to make prototype parts from CAD models using 3D slicing software.
• Communication with overseas and domestic suppliers and manufacturers to facilitate production of items. -
3D DesignerIndianapolis, INNov 2018 - Aug 2019 (9 months)• Design and 3D modeling for manufacturing of various furniture items and parts using Solidworks.
• Output of CAD drawings for purposes of documentation and communication with factories.
• Creation of 2D and 3D visualization renderings of furniture pieces using Solidworks Visualize, and Adobe CC.
• Operation of Fusion F410 3D Printer to make prototype parts from CAD models using Simplify 3D slicing software.
• Communication with overseas and domestic suppliers and manufacturers to facilitate production of items. -
Product and Package DesignGener8 LLCIndianapolis, INMar 2013 - Nov 2018 (5 years 8 months)• Developed new products for mass manufacture overseas using Solidworks (Parts and Assemblies).
• Designed die lines and package graphics for new and existing products using Adobe CC. (Illustrator and Photoshop).
• Ideated and executed branding solutions, logos, color schemes, and graphic themes for new and existing lines.
• Coordinate design projects as directed through multiple associates from concept to final delivery of assets to factory.
• Handled multiple assigned projects with various and fluctuating priority levels and short deadlines simultaneously.
• Created vivid concept imagery and physical packaging mock-ups for sales presentations to clients. -
Adjunct InstructorIndianapolis, INSep 2012 - Dec 2013 (1 year 3 months)• Instructed students to design and build CNC based furniture using Adobe Illustrator and PartWorks 3D.
• Led 3D Design courses including instruction on power tools such as table saw, drill press, band saw etc... -
Production ArtistFundex Games - Product and Packaging DesignIndianapolis, INAug 2011 - Jul 2013 (1 year 11 months)• Developed new products for mass manufacture overseas using Solidworks (Parts and Assemblies).
• Designed die lines and package graphics for new and existing products using Adobe CC. (Illustrator and Photoshop).
• Created vivid concept imagery and physical packaging mock-ups for sales presentations to clients.
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Awards
Bronze Prize 23rd Annual Koizumi International Lighting Design Competition for Students - 2010
Brass Ring ‘Best New Product: Patron Participation Ride/Attraction’ IAAPA - for ‘Lucky Putt’ line - 2021 -
Industries
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Skills
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Elsewhere on the Web
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On Coroflot@nathantommer, member since 2011
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Following 10
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Followers 16
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