When it comes to starting a project, I need to have a design process. Mine begins with paper. I start by sketching out the basic shape and measurements of a project on paper, then use computer-aided design (CAD) to create a 3D model. I also use AI to get an idea of what different wood species will look like. If the project involves engraving, I take the original art and refine it to ensure it translates well when hand-engraved. This refined design is printed out and used as a stencil on the product. Finally, I use my designs and mockups to create the final product.

It is important to remember that each step listed above contributes to the process of making something from a concept to a real thing. Making a sketch enables me to experiment with proportions and compositions without restrictions. After creating the final version of the sketch, I move on to using CAD, where I turn these sketches into designs, taking all the measurements and accounting for details. Using artificial intelligence, I am able to see how my final product is going to look like using various materials; this step is especially useful when I have to pick a wood species for custom pieces. When I work on engravings, I carefully perfect my artwork, knowing how every line is going to be reproduced in the process of hand engraving.