Designer Spotlight: Melissa Ng - Shapeways Blog

Designer Spotlight: Melissa Ng

February 16, 2016

The designer spotlight this week highlights Melissa Ng! Melissa creates beautiful, whimsical masks, that she’s transformed into intricate pieces of jewelry. She’s also working to help entrepreneurs and creatives navigate the 3D printing world through motivational writing and art.

Update (February 16, 2016): We’ve followed an inspiring project with Melissa; The Dreamer Regalia Armor. Take a look at her process from ideation to final touches on a truly beautiful 3D printed piece.

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

On my site, Lumecluster, I make intricate Dreamer Masks and fantasy wearable art for ambitious creatives who want to take people’s breath away. I’m a New York-based self-taught artist with a background in media & communications and public relations. When I’m not working on Lumecluster, I am managing two other small businesses.

I started 3D printing in 2014. Within less than a year in the 3D printing arena, I won the Adobe & Shapeways 3D Printing Design Competition with my very first 3D print, I designed the aesthetics on a gorgeous 3D printed prosthetic leg, and I worked on a JiHAE music video starring The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus.

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

Mask symbolism, and specifically Venetian masks, have fascinated me ever since I was a child. And being an entrepreneur who has to be many people, wear many hats, and constantly wrestle with my emotions, it felt natural that my day-to-day would influence the direction of my art. My masks portray the unpredictability of the entrepreneurial and creative Dreamer’s wonderlands, like how the pursuit of a passion can bring illuminating clarity (Dreamer Mask: Illumination) or consume us with fear and uncertainty (Nightmare Mask: Fear). Overall, the masks aim to raise a discussion on how we choose to wear our dreams (or nightmares) at rest, work, play, and life.

What do you love about 3D printing?

I feel like 3D printing is the thing I didn’t know I was meant to do. I’m so thankful I was born in this age to be able to appreciate and access this amazing technology!

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS SHOP:

Keep up the amazing work, Melissa! We cannot wait to see more of your imagination come to life. Start your 3D printing adventures today with Melissa’s motivational help: visit Lumecluster.com, and share the social love on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Facebook. As always, email aimee @ shapeways.com to be featured!