The project that started it all
Ben bought his first 3D printer for the specific task of creating a mask for the character Rick from Rick and Morty. Here is the story of that project, with pictures describing how it was created. This was the project that motivated Ben to buy his first printer!
At the time the show only had two seasons and we both loved watching it. We were planning on attending Motor City Comicon in Detroit for the second year in a row and needed costumes. The previous year Ben was Arthur Dent from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and I was Laura Croft from Tomb Raider. We wanted new costumes that played off each other this year and Ben had the idea of going as Rick! So I decided to go as the character Unity from season 2 episode 3.
Ben ordered a Maker Select and some PLA plus filament and started on the task of making his mask!
He first had to print all the parts. The mask is still up today for free download by fallerd on Thingiverse (as long as you aren’t trying to sell it). Then he connected them all together with superglue and built the base of the mask. He also made a portal gun!
He then proceeded to apply drywall spackel all over the surface, sanding that to make it smooth so you couldn’t see any of the seams. He was sanding that mask for DAYS out in the garage. It was a meticulous process but soooo worth it.
Then our friend used an airbrush to paint it (see the pictures below). Finally, he added the pupils - using black electrical tape he made little stars. We ordered the remaining pieces of his costume and finally everything was coming together!
Ben also 3D printed the “horn” things that can be see on my head, and I painted them and glued them to a headband.
We were both stunned with how amazing the mask turned out. So was everyone else. At Comicon, Ben was basically a celebrity. Everyone wanted to stop and get a picture with him because the costume was so cool and the mask was so well done. It was so fun to wander Comicon and see everyone get so excited about the mask.
It just snowballed after that. Ben was inspired by what he had done and began printing all sorts of things for around the house, and he got really into 3D design. I love it when he designs because I can tell that he’s happy.
I hope this story inspires you to create something amazing. What have you made that you are proud of ? Comment below and we can chat about it! Send me an email with pictures. I’d love to see what you’ve created.
Happy creating,
Gabby
