Designer Spotlight: Gabriel Prero - Shapeways Blog

Designer Spotlight: Gabriel Prero

May 26, 2015

This week we are highlighting Gabriel Prero, amazing owner of Cufflink Junkie. We interviewed Gabriel back in 2013 and wanted to catch up; looks like the shop has grown a ton, with lots of commision orders! We especially like that Gabriel has chosen two specific niches between cufflinks and Hebrew lettering – always great to look for those sweet spots for shoppers. The shop has clearly expanded into more than cufflinks, so make sure you take a look.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? Where are you located?

My name is Gabriel Prero, and I’m an Industrial Designer based in Chicago. I wear a few hats professionally. I design home storage, organization, and garment care items for Home Products International, I’m the co-founder and Chief Design Officer of BioSpawn Lure Company, and I run my own Industrial Design consulting studio, Prero Design LLC. I’m a proud Dad to 3 (and husband to 1). And I design cufflinks.

What’s the story behind your designs? What inspires you?

I’ve always liked “man-cessories.” I like watches, belts, shoes, and have always had a particular affinity for cufflinks. I’m also a humorist (or so I think), and enjoy a good pun now and then. It can often be difficult to make humor look good. I try to make that happen with my cufflinks. As a designer, I’m a stickler for detail, and am particularly technical. I think those often direct the shape my work takes. More recently I’ve explored into pendants and rings, and it’s been lots of fun.

What brought you to 3D printing with Shapeways?

As a design student in the early ‘aughts, 3D printing was often talked about, and we maybe got one or 2 opportunities to see one in action. Getting into the work force and getting to work with one hands on was, needless to say, thrilling. As I moved through my career, I found myself sitting feet away from an Objet polyjet printer. Whoa. The detail was amazing. It made me think of what kind of small, intricate things I could make. Push the boundaries. There had been cufflinks I’ve always wanted, but sadly they didn’t exist. So I started modeling a pair. As I was finishing up, I read an article about Shapeways. I uploaded my Button Cufflinks and ordered a pair. Awesome. Then I sold a pair. HOLY CRAP. Someone bought my cufflinks?! For reals?! I’ve been hooked ever since. How great is it that I can 3D print a custom ring for my wife for the delivery of our 3rd child? All with Shapeways.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS SHOP:

Thank you (again), Gabriel! So inspiring to see your shop grow so nicely but not losing its original charm. (Shop owners, take note!) Don’t forget to check out Cufflink Junkie and follow along on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Gabriel is also active on Pinterest, Tumblr, and has his own site. To be featured, email aimee @ shapeways.com.