It should come as no surprise that I’m a huge fan of Mythbusters. I like their “failure is always an option” maxim, meaning if you have an idea you should try it out, what’s the worst that can happen?
While watching the program one day, I noticed something weird about their forklift — it moved sideways. [...]
If recent projects are any indication, energy is a hot topic. From advances in sustainable production, to energy independence, to efficiency and control, the issues are boiling over and innovation is gathering steam. Above: Four solar energy technologies illustrated: photovoltaic panels, solar water heating, solar power tower and passive solar heating. Right: Cutaway illustration of [...]
Minneapolis-based Martin Ashal was charged with the task of communicating a broad range of thermal insulating access doors, viewports and wall panels for their client, an industry-leading manufacturer. The products are used in a variety of temperature- and humidity-sensitive applications, such as medical facilities, laboratories and clean rooms. The challenge was that the products are [...]
Way back in 2005, Mister Jalopy proposed an Owner’s Bill of Rights, a maker’s memorandum requesting repairability for the products around us. It became a manifesto for the maker community, a modus operandi for open sourcers and forward-thinking manufacturers.
I’m not the most capable maker – maybe only a tinkerer. But if something breaks I jump [...]
I’ve been receiving questions from a number of people curious about technical illustration. For the benefit of anyone else who’s interested, here’s some of the questions and answers:
What does a technical illustrator do? What is technical illustration?
“Technical illustrators create highly accurate renderings of machinery, instruments, scientific subjects…technology, cartography, or virtually any subject that requires precision [...]
New to the site is a phantom illustration of a cordless circular saw featuring the next generation of rechargable batteries. Nanophosphate lithium-ion batteries are said to recharge in minutes rather than hours, have ten times the life cycle and double the capacity of current rechargable batteries.
These batteries are currently being tested in consumer electronics, [...]
I’ve begun distributing a promo postcard, “Information Matters.”
Using controversial subject matter, the taser device, it explores the importance of information, and the clarity with which it can be communicated visually, in compelling and provoking viewers.
The images used on the postcard can be seen (and zoomed) in the technical illustration portfolio.
If you’d like to receive a [...]
Recently completed a cutaway illustration of an 80-foot flybridge megayacht and its cabin.
Technical illustration allows for the communication of a vast amount of visual information. In this case, the entirety of the vessel – inside and out – can be presented in a single image. The quality of design, materials and finishes can be emphasized. [...]