The world of 3D is huge and continuously growing as more industries, software and tools are added to the list of 3D possibilities.

The eleventh NEPA Creative of the year is Cole Hastings of Scranton, and 3D modeling is his passion. Cole brings creativity to the area through his background merging traditional craft techniques and advanced manufacturing to create home and office furniture that focuses on high design.

When asked how he would describe 3D modeling in one sentence to the everyday person, he said, “Using a computer program to create complex virtual shapes out of polygons.”

Simple enough!

Hastings expressed that he feels the creativity in his work is its hybridized use of historical references in art, craft and design-fabrication techniques. He has effectively broken down the boundaries between those mindsets and continues to try and free himself from historical constraints.

“Creativity is creating something out of nothing,” said Hastings. “Challenging the design of an object and not accepting that its design is the best it can be. Buckminster Fuller once said, “make more with less.” I see that as a challenge he handed out.”

In the last year, Hastings has focused on creating lighting pieces, particularly lamps. He considers lamps to be one of the most important objects in a person’s life and feels he could have the strongest impact by making those objects function and look better.

Hastings has been interested in 3D modeling for over 15 years, and he knew he was going to choose engineering as a career path early on. Roughly 12 years ago, he started getting into combat and armor reproduction for reenactment fighting. He even ran an armor and blacksmithing business for about four years.

“It was when I was accepted to Kutztown University that I became really serious about designing again and making my own work,” Hastings explained. “While I was there, I worked on a lot of my modeling skills and bought my first 3D printer almost 6 years ago.”

When being considered as an NEPA Creative, individuals are asked to explain how they bring creativity to the area, how long they have been doing it and why, and finally what being creative means to them. Once chosen, the next step is to bring each creative into CoalCreative’s studio space to be filmed for a 60 second video that is shared every Wednesday across all their social media platforms. The series plans to highlight all sorts of creatives throughout the rest of the year. There are no limits to who could be considered. Photographers, musicians, barbers, magicians and improv artists are just a handful of the submissions CoalCreative has received thus far.

Cole Hastings uses 3D modeling to design lamps that are more functional and better looking than their predecessors.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_PB_ICA_ThesisDocumentation_2016-31-of-43-.jpg.optimal.jpgCole Hastings uses 3D modeling to design lamps that are more functional and better looking than their predecessors. Courtesy of CoalCreative

Creative Cole Hastings
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_Screen-Shot-2017-03-10-at-9.49.32-AM.jpg.optimal.jpgCreative Cole Hastings Courtesy of CoalCreative

Cole Hastings said he is motivated by ‘challenging the design of an object and not accepting that its design is the best it can be.’
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_cole_hastings_3d_printed_lamps_lighting_083.jpg.optimal.jpgCole Hastings said he is motivated by ‘challenging the design of an object and not accepting that its design is the best it can be.’ Courtesy of CoalCreative
Cole Hastings improves lamp design using 3D modeling

By Holly Pilcavage

For Weekender

To be considered for the series, submit a consideration form at www.coalcreative.com/are-you-a-nepa-creative or send an email to holly@coalcreative.com.