Benchmark #1 - Laser cutting

I didn’t like laser cutting at first. My first attempt was a mess. I underestimated how specific everything needed to be.

I also struggled with creating the correct vector lines and understanding how stroke weight, color, and path type affected the laser. Some cuts went too deep, others didn’t cut through at all.

I kept going back to the ASU Makerspace and I adjusted one thing at a time: speed, power, frequency, material choice, or how I organized layers in the SVG file. I started doing test cuts instead of jumping straight into full designs.

After our cat passed away, I decided to make laser-cut paper projects for my mom and sister. I designed layered cat imagery and organic shapes that I plan to combine with scrapbook and textured paper, then frame.

At this point, I really enjoy laser cutting. I’m confident preparing Illustrator files and troubleshooting when something goes wrong. I know how to fix problems as they come up. I plan to keep using laser cutting in the future, especially for layered paper work and mixed-material projects.

Templates by the following Etsy authors, edited for laser cutting at ASU Makerspace by me. https://www.etsy.com/listing/4393411797/cat-flower-vines-shadow-box-shadowbox?ref=yr_purchases

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1888620489/cat-butterfly-digital-papercut-template?ref=yr_purchases