post 9 - guillermo

 Guillermo Carrion 

Artist Statement

I am Guillermo Carrion, I am an illustration major, and I am from Puerto Rico. I became interested in art at a very young age, and I was in a STEAM program that had engineering students teach me how to make anything I wanted on a program called Fusion 360, and later 3D print it. My experience with creating my work is mostly self-taught since I got my 3D printer and PC to make my designs and print them. 

Most of my art has been sold or given away to clients and even YouTubers; most of it consists of helmets and props inspired by video games, comic books, or shows. My favorite materials are PLA, a plastic made from organic sources such as corn starch or sugar cane, used to make the prints and spray paint/airbrush. The most successful cosplay I've made is the Mandalorian outfit. Since I made everything in the outfit and even got compliments from professional cosplayers on the way I got the shine on the armor. 

My process of making work is long and consists of sanding with power tools, priming, covering imperfections, and spray painting. My influence is a YouTuber called Frankly Built, since he made a full Iron Man suit and showed his process while making it, without lying to people about the struggles of making it. 

I plan to work as a costume designer or a prop maker professionally for movies in the future. I make things because I want to make people happy by bringing out some childlike joy and wonder. I never want to go and bring outside world matters into anything I make, outside issues, or anything problematic. Which is why all the things I make are meant to be played with and enjoyed. I don't put a value on the things I make, and I also don't mind if any of it gets ruined because as long as I manage to go and make someone happy with something I make, even if they break it, that's all that matters. The things I make can all be remade or replicated, so I just tell people to have fun and not worry about the damage done.

I strive to be as good as the 3D print artists and cosplayers I saw on Instagram and YouTube. Now I've gotten to the same level they have with my custom outfits, and even in terms of the end product of props. I want to get better at what I do to surpass those people who taught me. As well as help and share my knowledge with others who want to start in the hobby of 3D printing and cosplaying.

Short Bio

I, Guillermo Carrion, was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and moved to Pennsylvania when I was 4 years old. After living in PA for a few years, I later moved to New Jersey. While in Middle school, I would draw my favorite gaming characters or fantasy creatures. When I turned 13 and went to an afterschool program, a STEAM program, and learn about 3D modeling and 3D Printing.  The first thing I printed was a sword. I was amazed, even by the instructors, at what I made and how well I handled the printers. I went back to the program when I was 15 and got to improve my skills. I asked the owner of the program and company if I could work with them. He told me that once I turned 16. Shortly after the program finished, I went back once I turned 16 and got my first job handling and managing 3D printers and learning about 3D modeling. 

After working for them for 4 years, I quit for a new job and lost access to my ability to 3D print things. A worldwide Pandemic happened, and luckily, my new job paid me better and enough for me to afford my first 3D printer and PC, which allowed me to start making my props and things from home. With the freedom of not having to worry about using up someone else's materials and other supplies, I started to try and improve my craft in what I make. Now I've gotten a lot better at prop making and can make my own custom outfits. I hope to help, inspire, and share my knowledge with others who want to start in the hobby of 3D printing and cosplaying.