4 Mistakes to Avoid While Working On 3D Etching Products

The process of 3D etching is a great method for turning even the most simple of items into works that breathe life from every angle – perfect for both mass-produced gifts and one-of-a-kind works of art. Creating these three-dimensional works, however, can be a bit tricky for those new to the process. Here are a few of the more common mistakes you need to avoid.

1. Failing to work with an expert – one of the worst things you can do is to go straight to a printer with a simple drawing - or worse, a vague idea in your head. There is a good reason why some graphic designers devote their professional lives to studying the art and the science behind the procedures. It may be tempting to hire a random person for less, but a dedicated 3D etching designer will ultimately prove to be more effective when it comes to translating your ideas into a workable three-dimensional image for the printers.
2. Assuming all designers think alike – the second-worst thing you can do when working with a 3D etching expert is just throwing your ideas at him or her. The problem here is that every creative person has a different way of gathering ideas about your project. Start by asking what he or she needs from you in order to see your project through to the end. This ought to help you understand how they work. A word of caution, though: if they are clueless at this stage and asks next to nothing from you, stop now and find another person to work with.
3. Attempting to micromanage everything – you would be doing more harm than good if you keep on dictating every little thing that your craftsperson should do. You do, of course, need to check up on the progress of the piece and evaluate if it is to your liking. If the proposed design is not to your liking and you have changes in mind, stop and ask yourself why you want to change it. This will allow your designer to come up with a solution to your primary concerns without you getting in the way of the creative process. It may be tempting to just go ahead and tell them to do this or that, but remember that you are trusting the good judgment of your designer to come up with an image you can work with.
4. Give your expert time to ‘percolate’ – a clean and simple 3D etching may look deceptively easy at first glance, but even a simple image could take days – even weeks – to get right. This is especially true if you are looking for customized three-dimensional designs. Some old hands can very quickly come up with a piece that suits your personal or corporate needs, but the vast majority will need sufficient time to visualize, draw and then refine their works.

Keep these simple tips in mind and you’ll be able to avoid quite a few headaches when working this exciting process.

George Berdichevsky is the Founder of 3Design Center, which designs image files to be used in 3D etching machines. His team of talented artists can create bespoke images for 3D engraving from any idea or image. Visit the website for more information.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.