White House Plumber
Service
3D Modeling
Category
Television
Year
2021
For White House Plumbers, I was brought in as a freelance artist to create a detailed 3D model of an ornate fireplace mantel. Although it was a focused assignment, it introduced me to another side of production design where digital modeling and physical fabrication work hand in hand.
the challenge
The mantel wasn't simply a digital illustration. It had to be modeled with fabrication in mind. Once approved, the file was sent to a three axis CNC router, which carved the form from a large foam block. Every curve, edge, and decorative detail needed to translate accurately from the computer into a full scale physical object.
Seeing the finished piece emerge from the CNC process was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced the importance of precision and gave me a deeper appreciation for how digital design becomes part of a handcrafted set. It also expanded my experience beyond graphics and into architectural fabrication.
conclusion
Projects like this remind me that design doesn't always end on a screen. Sometimes the most satisfying part is watching an idea become something tangible, knowing it will eventually become part of a larger world built for the camera.