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Overview
3D 360’s 3D Printing, CAD and Industry 4.0 Skills Bootcamps supported freelance theatre designer Chloe Wynn to transform the way she creates scale models, props and installations. By adopting digital manufacturing methods, Chloe has reduced production time, increased accuracy and gained new creative and commercial opportunities.
Background
Chloe works as a self-employed theatre designer, producing sets, costumes and props for theatre productions, along with creative installations such as her Halloween work for Chester Zoo. A significant part of her job involves building 1:25 scale models for set builders, a process that is traditionally labour-intensive and time-consuming.
Inspired by a fellow designer who had started 3D printing, Chloe recognised that digital fabrication could improve accuracy and free up valuable time. With limited technical support in her immediate network, she joined the Skills Bootcamp to develop solid foundations in CAD design and 3D printing workflows.
“So I make a lot of models, like every set I design... and it’s massively time consuming to make multiples of the same chair or intricate things. the most time-consuming part of my job is I make a scale model of the set which then goes to the builders... and I just wanted a way to make my models like more accurate, neater and just quicker so I can do something else while they’re getting made."
Programme Delivery
The ten-day Bootcamp blended home learning, online modules and in-person practical sessions. Chloe valued the following:
- Exploring industry terminology and gaining wider context around advanced manufacturing.
- Learning Fusion 360, offering her a cost-effective alternative to AutoCAD.
- Understanding how digital manufacturing applies across different industries by collaborating with learners from varied sectors, which broadened her perspective and inspired new ideas.
- Hands-on experience that allowed her to design, model and print components closely aligned to her theatre design practice.
She found the tutors supportive and appreciated the structured, step-by-step approach that made technical skills feel achievable.
Outcomes & Impact
Increased Efficiency & Accuracy
- Previously, Chloe built two versions of every model: one in CAD and one by hand. Now she creates a single CAD model which can be directly 3D printed.
- Tasks that once required hours of manual crafting, like creating multiple identical chairs or a lantern base, can now be produced quickly and precisely.
- This shift has freed up substantial time, enabling her to attend rehearsals, refine designs and take on additional creative work.
Cost Savings
- 3D printing has significantly reduced her need for materials such as glue, foam, card and specialist craft supplies.
- Adopting Fusion 360 has the potential to replace expensive CAD licensing alternatives.
New Creative Opportunities
- Chloe now prints bespoke items for both theatre productions and personal projects, such as custom Christmas gifts.
- She is exploring ways to diversify her business, potentially selling printed pieces or expanding her service offering.
Business Growth & Confidence
- The course boosted her confidence in combining artistic design with digital tools.
- She has already recommended the course to peers, one of whom has since completed it and invested in their own printer.
Future Developments
Chloe’s next steps include:
- Mastering Fusion 360, refining her technical drawing skills and embedding CAD fully into her workflow.
- Experimenting with different print materials, allowing more detailed and varied model-making.
- Exploring resin printing for highly intricate miniature components.
- Continuing to access 3D 360’s support clinics to develop new skills as her business evolves.
With increased efficiency, reduced costs and stronger technical capability, Chloe is now well-positioned to expand her creative practice and pursue new commercial opportunities within theatre design and beyond.
Find out more about Chloe and her work at: https://www.chloewyn.com/
Looking to build practical 3D printing skills that deliver real impact and fast?
3D 360’s 3D Printing, CAD & Industry 4.0 Skills Bootcamps offer hands-on, industry-focused training that equips creatives like Chloe and other professions with the tools to solve problems, increase productivity, improve efficiency and drive innovation.
Places go quickly, so register your interest or request a call back to find out more.
Delivered in partnership with Enterprise Cheshire & Warrington. With current programmes also availbale across Lancashire and Merseyside.
Objective
As a self-employed theatre designer designing sets, costumes and props, Chloe wanted to cut the time spent building 1:25 scale set models, especially repeated or intricate pieces, while improving accuracy and finish.
Solution
Chloe joined 3D 360’s 3D Printing, 3D CAD and Industry 4.0 Skills Bootcamp to build a CAD – to – print workflow, so she could turn the drawings she already produces into printable, consistent model parts, backed up by practical sessions and ongoing support.
Outcome
Chloe can now produce neat, repeatable components and prop parts far faster, cutting spend on materials like card, foam and glue and improving the return on fixed project fees. The time saved also frees her up for rehearsals, script work and taking on more opportunities.
“Rather than everyone having to like be like, ‘oh, what are we going to make this out of?’... I just drew it and printed it... I love that.”
"I’d recommend it to literally everyone... it’s so straightforward and step by step"
