For this project, I explored designing using a laser cutter, specifically an Epilog Fusion. I explored two ways of using a laser cutter for design: 1) to create surface detail and 2) to cut out pattern pieces. For this design, I was inspired by the fine work of Iris Van Herpen, who notoriously uses technology to create her design. In. order to make digital patterns, I didn’t use digital pattern making software like Clo3D. Instead, I draped the bodice of my dress and patterned a smile circle skirt for the skirt of the dress. After transferring everything to pattern paper, I place the patterns on he wall and took a photo. Then, I imported this phot into Illustrator, sized it to the correct scale and then traced the patterns. I used this file to: 1) draw my design and 2) cut my pattern. I made a copy of this file and outlined my design on top. I did this because my surface design is a separate piece attached on top of the main dress and I wanted to ensure it would align. After both files were ready, I set the machine to cut. Fortunately, the scaling was perfect and I didn’t have to adjust. However, trying to get the settings correct so the pieces would melt/burn was a bit of a challenge. After all the pieces were cut, I constructed the final dress.