Since 2011 I've been actively posting my creative work at Instructables.com and exploring projects contributed to the website by other members. Along the way, several of my projects were featured by the Instructables staff and favorited by thousands of viewers. In 2014, Instructables' parent company Autodesk contacted me about making a creative package to be used as a promotion of the Instructables brand and a showcase of my capabilities as one of the website's valued members. The complete project scope included a large showcase model for sales presentations, miniature papercraft kits for community giveaways, and assorted digital media for online publishing and advertising.
The client's primary request was to "create an ideal vehicle for the yellow robot of the Instructables logo which captures the fun and quirky elements of his appearance". After my three initial proposed options we proceeded with a conceptual 1960's BMW Isetta inspired bubble car completely modified by my imagination while being consistent to the Instructables brand.
Early on, my goal was to go beyond simply creating a fun artwork for a new client. I wanted to use this creative opportunity to bring maximum brand exposure for Instructables to the viewing audience. I accomplished this by obtaining branded apparel and various items from Instructables which I used strategically throughout the production with an emphasis on social media promotion. The result was an ongoing stream of creative content for my viewers, a highly educational experience for me, and more referrals for my client from new market groups.
The completed one of a kind showcase model measures 49x30x32" (125x75x82cm), weighing 10lbs (4.5kg). Because "fun and quirky" is very much a part of my design aesthetic, and the amount of creative freedom given to me by the client, this was easily one of my favorite and most fulfilling client projects to date.
Watch this video to see how the entire project progressed from start to completion.
Want to experience this project as I did? Watch this Artist POV video and immerse yourself in the creative process.
Instructabot visited many great companies during his travels, including Autodesk, Instructables and VisualSpicer.
Ergonomic steering is a must for long distance driving.
State of the art steering activated LED headlamps.
Ridin’ on 10s. Don’t hate, appreciate.
Every funky car must have a set of bangin’ woofers. Turn up!
Instructabot seems very pleased with his vehicle, another satisfied customer.
VisualSpicer and Instructabot chilln’ at the car park. Unfortunately he can’t exit the vehicle…
Design & Production
Autodesk approached me with a request for a paper engineered showcase artwork to promote their Instructables sub-company. The idea was to create a fun and quirky vehicle for the Instructables’ robot mascot.
After three proposed options, we narrowed it down to a conceptual vehicle inspired by the 1960′s BMW Isetta. Instructabot was very much in love with the idea.
After several sketches and 3D concepts, I pushed the fun and quirky aspect further by making Instructabot oversized as if he barely fit inside the car. This also helped to give him additional emphasis in relation to the car.
Once the 3D model was finalized I built a scaled down prototype using cardstock paper to see how it would come together and where improvements needed to be made.
Hand written numbers serve as a visual reference on a completely white model.
My Silhouette Cameo plotters get plenty of use during the prototype phase.
After the prototype was finalized and approved I textured the 3D model with colors and graphics consistent with theInstructables brand.
Once I finalized the layouts it was time to for large-format printing. Prints were made on one continuous roll of adhesive paper at AlphaGraphics Tacoma.
Here’s the printer at work. Unfortunately it wasn’t this fast in reality, with the 27 pages taking nearly 3 hours to complete.
The roll of paper was trimmed to 27 individual sheets.
Prints were mounted on individual chipboard sheets.
A large motorized roller press was used to quickly fuse the prints and chipboard.
The backing sheet was simultaneously peeled off from the printer paper as it passed through the press.
Any excess printer paper was trimmed off by hand to the chipboard boundaries.
The prints, up to 6 at a time, were cut out using a massive large-format flat-bed plotter at AlphaGraphics Seattle.
This machine was absolutely fascinating to watch, somewhat hypnotizing as well. (O_O)
Guided by special registration marks the plotter head moved in X and Y axis, while an oscillating blade moved in Z axis and 360 degree rotations at incredible speeds.
The entire unit was operated using an attached control console, or the “Mother Brain” as I like to call it.
Here the “Mother Brain” shows several vector paths which the plotter follows while cutting.
After receiving all the pre-cut prints I made a thorough observation making sure everything was in place and in order.
It was time to start building. Upper half of the vehicle came together quickly.
In no time the size of this model began to overwhelm my desk space.
I kept working my way down through the model.
My feline assistant did an excellent job making sure the prints were well grounded in case of strong winds.
Parts of the interior began to take form. Did I mention that every funky car must have a set of bangin’ woofers?
The interior was finalized, steering in place, pedals in place, we’re almost ready to roll.
Every car interior needs a thorough quality inspection. I hopped in to test the comfort, safety and leg room. All tests passed.
After completing Instructabot’s body and making him conformable in the car’s interior, I let him try on my big wearable head. I’m not sure if he was very pleased about his “big head mode” moment.
After successfully mounting the interior to the outer body frame, I proceeded to seal the bottom.
Car body and interior completed. So far so good, with the exception of Instructabot missing his head.
This yellow robot on the shirt I got from Instructables kept me pumped and energized.
Here I am completely in my element doing what I love to do most, being creative and hanging out with my wife.
It was time to assemble the wheels and all miscellaneous attachments.
Boom, finished!
I’m very pleased with the fold cuts done by the big plotter. Not having to print guidelines or cut parts by hand really brings the quality level to new heights.
A bit of engineering, a lot of hard work and 10 pounds of paper can do wonders.
My favorite part about completing a big project is feeling completely exhausted and extremely accomplished. Time for a nap.
It was time to ship this big model across the country. For this task I assembled a big cardboard box padded with poly-fill.
Once I fitted the model into place I kept thinking about Lakitu the cloud guy from Mario Bros.
It was a very big box… from a rodent’s point of view.
Shipping container finalized and ready for the adventure ahead.
Off it went from Seattle to New York...
It was time to eat. For some extra fun I created my interpretation of Instructabot in real life. The big question is, what would he grill for dinner?
Papercraft Kit
For part two of my Instructabot Goes To Town project, Autodesk and Instructables asked me to create a smaller simplified version of the showcase model to be used for promotional events and community giveaways. Staying consistent to the overall project theme, I created this 13 page papercraft design, complete with an instructional booklet, all meticulously crafted and themed to the Instructables brand. If you’re into fun craft projects, download and build this free papercraft kit, then share it with us on social media using #instructabot.
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Thank you for viewing.
To see more of my work or get updates on upcoming projects, find me at:
Website - visualspicer.com
Facebook - facebook.com/visualspicer
Twitter - twitter.com/visualspicer
( Colossians 3:23 - 24 )
Website - visualspicer.com
Facebook - facebook.com/visualspicer
Twitter - twitter.com/visualspicer
( Colossians 3:23 - 24 )
