QUICK RECAP. What is the 3D printed Dreamer Regalia armor? The Shapeways-sponsored Dreamer Regalia armor (with 3D scanning provided by Cokreeate) was created to inspire people to fight for their creative ambitions and to believe we have what it takes to make something amazing.
It symbolizes the protection for our dreams and is being created in honor of the Dreamer within each of us. The Dreamer that wants to give life to the imagination, make a difference, change things, push boundaries, and not conform to the status quo. Actor and Geek & Sundry founder Felicia Day had all of these qualities and more, which made her the perfect match for the armor.
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Before I share my final thoughts on the amazing response we got on the Dreamer Regalia armor photoshoot, I thought I’d put together a little archive of the most vital links covering the Dreamer Regalia journey for anyone who wants the full details:
- On lacking “proper artistic credentials” & 3D printing the Dreamer Regalia armor for actor Felicia Day (provides a project overview, armor design timelapses, and evolution of my art)
- 228 hours later, the 3D printed Dreamer Regalia Armor for actor Felicia Day is finished! (covers painting, finishing, and finished armor preview)
- Shapeways interview series where I share my process in greater detail
- Geek & Sundry photoshoot / video + my interview with them (click here to see the entire gallery)
My final thoughts on the Dreamer Regalia journey…. Holy shit.
The response to the Dreamer Regalia armor reveal was beyond anything I would have ever imagined. I’m still having a hard time believing the amazing reaction after I’d spent so many days mentally preparing myself for the worst…
In fact, right before the photoshoot reveal on Geek & Sundry, I was staring up at the ceiling thinking to myself, “No one’s gonna like it. Everyone’s gonna hate it. Well…maybe a few people will like it. That would be nice.”
*Looks at the clock and realizes it’s almost time for the reveal.*
“No wait…OMG are you crazy? DAMMIT, THEY NEED TO TAKE IT DOWN. NO ONE SHOULD SEE IT. IT’S GONNA BE AWFUL. NOOOOOO. AAAAH.” My impostor syndrome was strong that night and I very nearly had a breakdown.
And then my social media notifications and email started going haywire. I didn’t look for a good half hour or so because I didn’t want to see how ugly it must have gotten. I thought, “They must be telling me to go to hell and to never make art again. Yeah.”
My breathing was strained with anxiety, my chest felt painfully tight, my face was burning hot, my hands were shaking…and then I finally looked.
Sure, there were expected criticisms here and there. But overall, there was an overwhelming amount of kindness, love, and support for my work…which I have never really experienced before.
“At no point am I ever threatened by people who question who I am, or why I like the things I do, or my legitimacy. Because I know who I am very strongly, and I think that’s what geek culture can reinforce.” —Felicia Day
For the longest time, the “authorities” in my life told me I could never be an artist. That art was a waste of time. That I could never create art that moved others. That I would be a laughing stock. And yet here I was receiving an enormous amount of appreciation for my art for the first time in my life.
I burst into tears. I watched the Geek & Sundry video and heard Felicia’s uplifting words and then I cried some more. I can’t help it that I’m sensitive…
As I write this, there’s a part of me that’s wondering if I’m still dreaming. Everyday, I used to fear that moment someone would call me out and tell me I have no right to be doing any of this. But then I realized…those people don’t matter because they didn’t really give a shit about my kind of art. My art wasn’t for them.
What matters is knowing what art I truly wanted to create and understanding who cared about my kind of creations…and then putting it out there.
Heck, I know my art isn’t for everyone and I don’t want it to be for everyone. Because if I tried to create for everyone, then my work would touch no one. My work is meant to appeal to some people and that’s more than enough. And I’m thankful I’m finally understanding who those people are.
So, know who it is you want to create for. But above all, know what it is you dream and geek out and obsess about creating. Chances are someone out there cares about it just as much as you.
<3 Melissa