Aesthetics in Design Project Portfolio

Portfolio Blog: Creative Engineering Projects 

Welcome to my project portfolio! This post showcases a selection of my work focused on our upcycle project and main project – showcasing sustainable design and aesthetic engineering. From upcycling 3D printer waste into functional art to designing a custom LED sign inspired by neon and pop art, each project is a hands-on exploration of designing, recycling, and creativity. 

Upcycling Project: Coasters from 3D Printer Waste 

Upcycling 3D Printer Scraps 

I started with a box full of PLA waste from 3D printing – failed prints, supports, and scraps. This post introduces my goals for transforming waste into something useful and aesthetically pleasing. 

Link: https://www.aesdes.org/2025/01/29/upcycling-3d-printer-scraps/  

Project Progress 

Early tests involved melting PLA waste into sheets and experimenting with molds. Challenges included managing uneven heat and warping, but I began seeing potential in layered textures. 

Link: https://www.aesdes.org/2025/02/05/upcycle-project-progress-4/  

Final Result: Coasters from Waste 

I created colorful, durable coasters by melting and pressing PLA scraps. Each piece is unique, showcasing vibrant patterns while giving plastic waste a new life. 

Link: https://www.aesdes.org/2025/02/19/upcycle-project-coasters-from-3d-printer-waste/  

Main Project: Pop Art-Inspired Neon LED Sign 

Initial Plans and Inspirations 

For my main project, I drew inspiration from neon signage, pop art, and retro-futurism. The goal: a custom LED sign spelling out my gamer tag, TheGreasyPotato, using 3D-printed parts and embedded lighting. 

Link: https://www.aesdes.org/2025/02/26/main-project-plans-and-inspirations-22/  

Design Preview 

I sketched out early concepts, chose the font, and modeled the sign’s shape in CAD. Key features included curvy tubing-style letters and vibrant and eye-catching design. 

Link: https://www.aesdes.org/2025/03/12/design-preview-pop-art-neon-inspired-led-sign/  

Project Progress 

The assembly began by printing the sign frame, testing print tolerances, and refining how light would interact with the materials. I also explored how to mount the electronics cleanly behind the sign. 

Link: https://www.aesdes.org/2025/04/14/progress-on-my-neon-inspired-3d-printed-led-sign/  

Final Report Part 1 

This post covers my fabrication process in detail—printing, wiring LEDs, and dealing with trial-and-error challenges in fitting everything together. 

Link: https://www.aesdes.org/2025/04/22/neon-inspired-3d-printed-led-sign-final-report-part-1/  

Final Report Part 2 

I reflect on the final outcome, successes, and what I would improve next time. The sign works beautifully as an eye-catching, personalized art piece for my office setup. 

Link: https://www.aesdes.org/2025/04/29/neon-inspired-3d-printed-led-sign-final-report-part-2/  

Conclusion 

These projects allowed me to blend hands-on fabrication with aesthetics and sustainable thinking. Whether turning waste into decor or designing expressive lighting, I learned a lot about material behavior, iteration, and creative problem-solving.