Luis Aguilera Photo

06/01/2026

Idea: A boombox lighter case.
I wanted to turn a standard lighter into something that felt like a miniature object you’d actually want to keep, so I built it as a boombox.

Step 1: Rough sketch
I start with a quick drawing to block out the overall shape and front details. Nothing detailed, just the proportions and main features.

Step 2: Clean render (AI)
I upload the sketch into an image generator and push it toward a cleaner, more object-like render. This becomes the reference.

Step 3: Image to 3D
That render goes into MakerWorld’s Image to 3D tool, which converts it into a printable 3D model.
makerworld.com > imageTo3D

Step 4: Check + slice
I adjust a few details to make sure the lighter fits correctly inside, then bring it into the slicer to prepare it for printing.

Step 5: Print
Send it to the printer. One color, simple setup. A few hours later, it’s done.

Step 6: Assemble
Insert the lighter and it’s ready to use.

From idea to physical object.
Boombox lighter case, part of the IDEA → OBJECT series.nyc

05/05/2026

Idea: A CDJ light.
I wanted to take something iconic from music culture and turn it into a small functional object, so I built it as a light.

Step 1: Rough sketch
I start with a quick drawing to block out the layout. Just the jog wheel, buttons, and overall proportions.

Step 2: Clean render (AI)
I push the sketch into an image generator and refine it into a clean, minimal render. This becomes the reference.

Step 3: Image to 3D
That render goes into Hunyuan 3D, which converts it into a printable model.

Step 4: Form update (from comments)
Someone suggested adding a hole through the body so you can press the tea light. I updated the model to make it functional from the bottom.

Step 5: Clean up
I refine the geometry and make sure the key shapes read clearly for printing.

Step 6: Check + slice
I bring it into the slicer, adjust supports and orientation, and make sure everything is ready.

Step 7: Print
Send it to the printer. One color at a time. A few hours later, it’s done.

Step 8: Final update
A lot of people mentioned heat, so I switched to battery-powered tea lights. Now you can turn it on and off from the bottom.

From idea to physical object.
CDJ tea light, part of the IDEA → OBJECT series.nyc

05/04/2026

🎉 I earned the emerging talent badge this week, recognizing me for creating engaging content that sparks an interest among my fans!

04/24/2026

Idea: A deco pool tray.
I wanted to see if I could take something architectural and turn it into a small functional object, so I built it as a tray.

Step 1: Rough sketch
I start with a quick drawing to block out the shape and layout. Just the pool form, steps, and proportions.

Step 2: Clean render (AI)
I push the sketch into an image generator and refine it into a clean, object-like render. This becomes the reference.

Step 3: Image to 3D
That render goes into MakerWorld MakerLab (image to 3D), which converts it into a printable model.

Step 4: Color + form
I use the paint height tools to define the different color regions and clean up key areas so it reads clearly when printed.

Step 5: Check + slice
I bring it into the slicer, adjust supports and orientation, and make sure everything is ready.

Step 6: Print
Send it to the printer. One color at a time. A few hours later, it’s done.

From idea to physical object.
Deco pool tray, part of the IDEA → OBJECT series.nyc

04/12/2026

03/04/2026

Idea: ICE cage.
I kept thinking about the shape of an ice freezer, but turning it into something more symbolic. So I decided to turn the idea into a real object.

Step 1: Rough sketch
I start with a quick drawing to block out the freezer shape and the front bars. Nothing detailed, just the main structure.

Step 2: Clean render (AI)
I upload the sketch into an image generator and push it toward a cleaner, more object-like render. This becomes the reference.

Step 3: Image to 3D
That render goes into Hunyuan 3D, which converts it into a printable model.

Step 4: Check + slice
I simplify a few details so the bars and letters will print cleanly, then bring it into the slicer to prepare it for printing.

Step 5: Print
Send it to the printer. One color, simple setup. A few hours later, it’s done.

From idea to physical object.
ICE cage, part of the IDEA → OBJECT series.

12/29/2025

Ridgewood ❄️

11/05/2025

L🔴ND🔴N

08/31/2025

Mind the gap 🟡.