Daily project progress.
LED MATRIX CUBE.
Coming soon to my shop under 3D Prints is my custom-designed LED Matrix Cube. This cube is capable of displaying a wide variety of LED patterns, all fully programmable through Wi-Fi using its built-in ESP32 chip. Thanks to the pre-installed WLED software, you can connect with any Wi-Fi device to set patterns, colors, segments, and even timers for customized light shows.
The first version (the pink cube) features a circular LED layout with 144 individually programmable LEDs. The second version (the blue cube) takes things up a notch with 384 programmable LEDs for even more stunning displays.
My inspiration for this project comes from years of seeing creative LED cubes built by others some complex, some minimal but all fascinating. Whenever I look at my own design, it immediately reminds me of the Tesseract from the Marvel movies. As a superhero fan, it felt natural to let that inspiration guide me.
Each cube will include a custom stand and a rechargeable USB-C port for easy powering.
Product photos by zacharyrich.com
Redesign
Every graphic designer or artist usually has a go-to medium they feel most comfortable with or even excel at when creating an image. Some, of course, are versatile and develop skills across many mediums. I’ve always fallen into the second category. Since I was young, I’ve had a deep appreciation for all kinds of art and the different tools and techniques used to bring it to life.
One habit of mine maybe unique, maybe not is that whenever I look at an image, my mind automatically starts breaking it down. I picture how I would draw it, design it, or reimagine it in my own style, even if I have no intention of actually recreating it. It’s just a default way my brain processes visuals.
Back in grade school, one of my favorite things to do was try to recreate images exactly as I saw them. It didn’t matter what it was cartoons, realistic portraits, landscapes, architecture anything my eyes landed on became a challenge. Over time, I grew to not only focus on accuracy but also on pushing myself to add something new: a unique interpretation, an artistic twist, or just a subtle shift in tone that made the work feel like mine.
Below, you’ll see an example of this process. On the left is the original piece, a collection of colored-pencil drawings scanned into digital format and edited in Canva or Photoshop. On the right is my re-creation where the entire image was produced in procreate on an iPad Pro. Having worked in both methods, I respect the value of each approach.
I’d love to hear your thoughts what do you like or dislike about either version? Drop a comment below and let me know.
Animatronic Kirby build pt1
Here’s the first chapter of my animatronic Kirby build, and I think I’ve gotten a solid head start on the project. I’ll be releasing more videos in this series, plus a few shorts highlighting small fixes or behind-the-scenes work that won’t make it into the main video. If you enjoy what I do, be sure to follow my YouTube channel and stick around for more 3D-printing projects and art.
Digitally drawing an image using a photo reference.
Here’s a full start-to-finish timelapse of me digitally replicating an image of a striped shore crab. The process is very similar to traditional drawing with pencil or pen—the only major difference is the luxury of having an undo button. Back when I worked strictly on paper, I’d erase mistakes or, if I was using ink, find creative ways to cover them up.
When I’m working on something like this, my focus is on breaking the subject down into shapes. I concentrate on outlining each form as accurately as possible, comparing it to the reference image. That often means isolating specific areas and refining them individually until they match the original crab photo.
Once the full outline is complete, I evaluate how close it is to the source. If everything checks out, I trace over the base with a clean, solid black outline that becomes the final structure of the image. From there, I color it in—pulling the exact hues directly from the original photo to match the crab’s tones.
This particular piece actually started as a logo redesign, but later I expanded it into a full-body illustration, which you’ll see unfold in the timelapse.
The Art of Redesigning
I figured I’d start posting some official redesigns from time to time. What I mean by that is: occasionally, I’ll share projects where I was asked to rework or improve an existing design. Personally, I find that redesigning can sometimes be quicker than starting from scratch. Instead of building an idea from the ground up, you’re given a foundation a concept and composition to enhance with your own artistic touch. It’s like being handed a blueprint that just needs your unique style layered on top.
Fishy, fish, fissshh.
Here’s a batch of aquatic creatures I’ve drawn for Cabrillo Marine Aquarium using colored pencils. So far, I’ve completed about 31, but I’ve had to pause to focus on other art projects. Colored pencils were one of the first mediums I learned as a kid, and I’ve always had a deep love for working with them. There’s something special about seeing incredible images come to life through the work of talented colored pencil artists.
I still have around 200 more animals to draw, and I’ll be posting individual timelapses of each one on my TikTok. Check out my previous post for more info!
New Tik Tok Series
Excited to share that I’ll be posting a brand new series of timelapses on my TikTok featuring drawings, paintings, and digital artwork in progress. The series, called Work Hours, will showcase different time lapses of my creative process throughout the day from quick sketches to full-on painting sessions and everything in between. If you're into art, process videos, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at how my pieces come together, make sure to give my account a follow!
Let’s create and grow together! ✌️
Change of Plans.
In previous posts, I shared that my animatronic, Kirby, would be featured at Coachella this year. However, there has been a change of plans, and my animatronics will now return to Coachella in 2026. In the meantime, I’m excited to announce that I’ve designed a special greetings card for Coachella in collaboration with Global Inheritance, which will be available for purchase at the festival this year.
I’ve poured my heart into capturing the spirit of the festival—everything from the vibrant atmosphere to the experience of camping under the desert sky, soaking in the music, and the weather. If you’re attending, make sure to stop by the Global Inheritance booth to pick up your card. I’ll be at Coachella for Weekend 2, and the card will only be available during that weekend.
For more information about Global Inheritance and the important work they do, be sure to visit their website.
Stainless Steele gears from PCBway.
In my latest YouTube video, I demonstrate how I utilized stainless steel gears provided by PCBWay to enhance the movement in my Big Robot Head project. I've been developing this mechanical robot head for approximately a year, and the process has been progressing smoothly. This project is loosely inspired by a full-scale robot I'm also working on, but that's a separate endeavor. In this video, I explore various actuators, their functions, and the specific ones I've integrated into this project. With PCBWay as a sponsor, I'll be incorporating their products and services to bring my ideas to life and improve the functionality and mobility of the robot.
Kirby animatronic update
The full Kirby shell is nearly complete; however, there's been a slight change in our timeline. Unfortunately, this project, along with my other animatronics, will not be featured at Coachella this year. On the positive side, this adjustment allows me more time to focus on the mechanical intricacies and internal components of the design. Stay tuned—this is all for now, but I'll be back soon with more updates on the progress!
1st Half of Kirby shell
I've completed 3D printing the first four shells for the lower half of my Kirby animatronic. Over the past weekend, I meticulously sanded and glued each piece together. Printing the full shell in eight separate sections has allowed me better access to areas that would be challenging to reach if it were printed as a single piece. As I write this, the final four pieces are currently printing. If all goes well, I anticipate assembling the entire shell within the next week and a half, though I remain cautiously optimistic.
Many may not realize the challenges I face with issues like warping, measurement discrepancies, and occasional machine malfunctions—problems that are sometimes unavoidable. However, the key is perseverance and striving to achieve the most accurate design possible.
Kirby blower
I'm unveiling a new design for Coachella 2025. In a previous post, I shared my intention to create this, and it's amusing because many will likely wonder why Kirby is sporting red shoes that differ from his usual round ones. The inspiration stems from one of my earliest digital illustrations, created on my iPad in 2020. The artwork, titled No More Nightmares in Dreamland, features Kirby wearing the iconic Kanye West "Red October" Air Yeezys atop a girl's head. Initially, my Kirby design included the standard red boots, but I decided to revisit and pay homage to that 2020 piece by incorporating the Yeezys into this year's design.
Currently, I'm in the process of 3D printing the entire shell. Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses. You can expect to see this full animatronic at Coachella 2025!
Dimensions.
I'm considering naming my upcoming solo exhibition "Dimensions," slated for 2025, if everything falls into place. This year, I've been diligently working on a series of new canvas pieces, some of which will complement the 3D-printed works featured in the show. The choice of venue and timing are crucial factors for me. I've always envisioned what my ideal solo show would look like, but until now, I haven't had the opportunity to bring that vision to life. While I've participated in group exhibitions where I had some input on the selection of my pieces, the solo shows I've had didn't feature a cohesive series that I felt strongly about presenting. I'm hopeful that this time will be different, aiming for a collection of at least 40 pieces, all unified under one theme, displayed together in a single location.
Fully Vandalized. 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, I'm reflecting on the mural I painted in 2021, which has unfortunately been fully vandalized. While it's disheartening, I view its three-year run as a success—bringing color and vibrancy to 3rd Street and the community. Fortunately, I'll be repainting the wall with a fresh design and new colors.
For those interested in seeing the original mural before the damage, you can visit the "Work" tab at the top of this page. Additionally, I have a three-part time-lapse video of the painting process available on my YouTube channel.
I aim to begin the new painting in the coming month, before the new year. I'll be sharing the thumbnail or concept designs here soon, so check back if you're curious about the upcoming artwork.
3d Printing with Everyday plastic bottles
I'm excited to share the latest update on my Re-Creator MK1 build with part two of the series. In this video, I delve into troubleshooting tips for those encountering issues when printing with recycled bottle filament. If you've been facing challenges with extrusion or print quality, this guide aims to provide practical solutions to enhance your experience.
Looking ahead, the final video in this series will focus on the plastic bottle cutter—a component I initially struggled with. I'll also be undertaking a larger print using the recycled filament to showcase its capabilities on a bigger scale.
Stay tuned by subscribing to my YouTube channel to catch the concluding video and see the full potential of the Re-Creator MK1 in action.
Animatronic Kirby Idea…
I've been conceptualizing an animatronic Kirby for some time now, and I'm excited to share the first draft of my design schematic. The concept centers around a Kirby that can expel air from its mouth, which would open and close in a looped timing sequence. This would essentially transform Kirby into a giant, animated air-blowing fan, adding a dynamic element to the character.
While the shell design and assembly are straightforward and won't take long to complete, my current focus is on refining the mechanics to ensure everything functions seamlessly. Achieving smooth operation is crucial, and I'm dedicated to perfecting the internal systems before moving forward.
Once I begin designing the shell, I'll keep you updated on the progress. Feel free to check back here for future updates on this project.
Animatronic Spongebob Build pt1
I'm thrilled to announce that I've completed the first phase of my Animatronic SpongeBob project! While there's still much work ahead, I'm excited about the progress and how it's all coming together. Currently, I'm filming part two of this three-part series, focusing on refining the mechanics and adding more interactive features.
The original design was conceived late last year, but due to my busy schedule, I've had to juggle multiple projects. Now, I'm dedicating more time to push this project forward and aim to complete it within the year.
If you're interested in following the journey, please like and subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated on the upcoming videos!
4 Canvases make one whole piece
I'm excited to share a short video showcasing one of my recent paintings, created using four 16x20 canvases to complete the full piece. This artwork marks the ninth piece for my upcoming solo art show. Each piece in this series is primarily crafted with spray paint and an airbrush gun.
What makes this series special is my approach: I don't produce thumbnails, sketches, or drafts before executing each painting. This spontaneous method allows me to work without constraints, leading to a clearer and more intuitive creative process.
Currently, I'm building a custom box frame to showcase this piece. Once completed, I'll share the process and final result. In the meantime, digital prints of this artwork are now available in my shop. If you're interested in purchasing one of my original canvas paintings, please feel free to email me.
Recreator MK5 full build.
I'm excited to announce that the Recreator MK5 build is finally complete! This machine is capable of recycling most plastic water bottles into usable filament strands. In a previous post, I mentioned repurposing my old Ender 3 for this project, and I'm pleased to share the full build video above.
While there are limited instructional builds on this machine available on YouTube, I hope this video serves as a helpful resource. Additionally, there's a growing community dedicated to enhancing the efficiency of this machine and addressing challenges related to working with recycled PET filament. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel.
Looking ahead, I have a few follow-up videos planned to demonstrate how to operate the machine and print with recycled bottle filament. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated on these upcoming tutorials.
Fontana Artshow
I’m happy to share that I finally had my first solo art show at Fontana’s Community Arts Center, also known as The Art Depo, located in Fontana, California. For those unfamiliar, Fontana is a small city about 45 minutes east of downtown Los Angeles. The show ran from February 17 to March 16 of this year 2024.
Most of the artwork featured in the show was created between 2018 and 2020, with a few exceptions. Originally, I had planned for this exhibition to take place in 2020, but with the onset of COVID-19 and the subsequent quarantine and lockdowns, everything was delayed. As a result, I focused on developing as much new work as I could over the next few years. I’m still in the process of developing this particular style of painting, and there’s more on the way!
It was incredibly meaningful for me to have this show in my hometown. Having been born and raised in Fontana, many of my personal experiences here have greatly influenced my art. Over the years, I’ve also participated in various local events, creating live art and displaying my work. So, it felt amazing to finally hold an official solo show in the city that has been such an important part of my journey.
I want to thank everyone who came out to support the show, especially my family and friends, as well as the staff at The Art Depo and the City of Fontana. It’s always a special experience to bring my loved ones together in one place, especially when I’m sharing my art with my community.
