Celtic Calendar

Learning to design and deliver a functional form.

Laser

Typography

3D Design

An open design

I wanted the calendar to warm its surroundings and blend with the area it occupied. I was inspired by a series of books I was reading at the time : The Iron Druid Chronicles. It’s a series about the struggle to resonate with the world around us, centered on Celtic mythology. The calendar’s design features the celtic Tree of Life, features three concentric circles held together by celtic knots, and uses positive and negative space to blend with its surroundings.

Thinking outside the “blocks”

The challenge was to create a perpetual calendar. The example given was a cube-oriented design : blocks which could flip and switch to tell the user what date, day, and month they were in. We needed to create a concept, design the graphics and typography, and then apply it to the physical form.

I combed through my favorite genres for design cues : Sci-Fi, Diesel Punk, High Fantasy, and Urban Fantasy. I found the most inspiration from the stories and art that blended familiar objects and fantastical purpose. As I did, I wanted to explore an alternate form factor. Something that challenged the expectation of “blocks.”

Iteration and exploration

With the theme and concept in mind I started making design decisions. I studied various typefaces to find one that matched my vision, I created prototypes of the design to finalize the form factor, and I tested color options digitally before attempting to apply them physically.

I used 3D modeling tools to make sure each piece fit together as a whole. I started with a vector design for measurements, and then extruded those shapes into their 3D forms.

Creating components

The vector file was used to laser cut 1/4” craft wood. I sanded them to a smooth finish, stained them, and then assembled the parts using a combination of pressure joints, snap pieces, and wood glue.

Things don’t always work the first time. In this case, I found that the face was too heavy and too small. I adjusted the design and had the pieces re-cut.

Final thoughts

I enjoyed making the assignment my own. I ended up with a unique form factor that excited my “client” as well as challenged me to try new techniques.

I loved working with a laser cutter. It allowed me to quickly iterate on my form, and accomplish details that I couldn’t have with my skill level in woodworking.