Design Projects
Graphic design, vector art, and physical customization — experiments with Inkscape, plotters, case mods, and the occasional OS design critique.
Inkscape & Cutting Plotters
Exploring how Inkscape's bundled HPGL extension — included since version 0.91 — drives pen plotters and cutting plotters over serial and USB connections. From vector paths to physical output, bridging the gap between screen and craft.
The intersection of design and technology is where the most interesting projects come to life. Using vector tools like Inkscape, it's possible to create artwork that transitions seamlessly from screen to physical medium. Plotting with HPGL allows for precise, repeatable output that bridges the gap between digital creativity and tangible craft. Whether it's a detailed illustration destined for paper or a precise cut pattern for vinyl, the workflow rewards patience and an eye for geometry. The process of translating a complex vector path into a smooth physical line is deeply satisfying, and it opens up possibilities for everything from custom decals to architectural drawings.
Customizing computer hardware is a natural extension of the design mindset. A plain case or keyboard can be transformed with thoughtfully placed vinyl cuts and subtle logo work, turning a functional tool into a personal statement. The process involves careful measurement, clean vector preparation, and steady application. Small details like a chamfered edge or a carefully chosen color accent can make a build feel cohesive and intentional. This kind of hands-on customization blends graphic design with practical craftsmanship, resulting in hardware that feels uniquely yours rather than something pulled off a shelf.
The design community thrives on sharing techniques and tools that make creative work more accessible. Inkscape's bundled HPGL extension is a perfect example of how open-source software empowers makers to experiment with plotters without needing expensive proprietary solutions. This kind of functionality encourages tinkering and iteration, which is at the heart of any good design practice. Whether you're cutting stickers, plotting intricate line art, or prototyping a simple enclosure, the ability to move from concept to physical output quickly is invaluable. It's a reminder that good tools enable creativity rather than constrain it.
There's a certain charm to projects that embrace the imperfect and the experimental. Not every design needs to be polished to perfection; sometimes the most memorable results come from trying something new with the tools at hand. Playing with vector distortions, layering unexpected colors, or repurposing a plotter for an unconventional material can lead to happy accidents that teach more than a perfectly executed plan ever could. The spirit of the maker is about curiosity and exploration, and design work benefits immensely from that mindset. It's about enjoying the process as much as the final product.
Beautifying Computer Cases
Adding personality to hardware with custom logos and vinyl-cut designs. Taking a plain case and turning it into something that reflects the builder's taste — no airbrush required, just vector work and a steady hand.
Apple vs Windows Design Commentary
Casual observations on the design philosophies behind the two dominant desktop platforms. What works, what doesn't, and why interface decisions matter to the people who stare at them all day.