A MakerBot 3-D printer in the Media Arts Maker Space transforms a digital design into a finished product.

Program forges a new future

The lower level of Washington Hall hums with electronics.

A bank of 3-D printers uses thermoplastics to transform student concepts into tangible creations. The Media Arts program’s new Maker Space connects design theory with the latest production technology for a more hands-on educational approach.

The lab opened during the summer and will expand into a larger space in the spring as the Media Arts program grows into newly renovated space upstairs in the building.

“We’re just really in its infancy,” Nick Paigo, professor of graphic arts and the chair of the Technology division, said of the possibilities for the Maker Space.

Although created for SUNY Adirondack students, Paigo would like the space to become open for use by community members, especially local high school students who may not have access to similar technology.

“I envision it being a place where sixth- through 12th-graders could work on projects. I think it is important to engage students early,” he said.

The advanced technology also opens up new possibilities for the college’s academic programs.

“We want people to be able to use it in different classes across the campus, and it gives us the opportunity to build some new curriculum within the Media Arts program,” Paigo said.

 

Nick Paigo, right, bonds with celebrity graphic designer Aaron Draplin of Draplin Design Co. during a 2017 visit to the college. The Media Arts program plans to bring Draplin back to campus in Spring 2020 for a student workshop and public lecture.

Maker Space equipment list

• Glowforge Pro 3D uses a beam of light the width of a human hair to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials, including wood, leather, acrylic, fabric, cardboard and paper.
• Carbide 3D Nomad is a CNC milling machine that offers precise engraving and relief printing.
• MakerBot printers use high-temperature extruders to melt thermoplastic filament into 3-D creations.
• Formlabs printers use lasers to mold resin or ceramics to create extremely smooth 3-D prints.
• Vinyl Cutter creates precise designs on vinyl and other materials.
• Screen Printer creates professional quality silk screening.

MEET OUR STAFF

Jessika Erickson prepares a digital file for 3-D printing in the college's Maker Space.

“The most fun thing about my job is that I never know what is going to happen when I come to work. I look forward to running students loose on the new machines and seeing what they come up with.” — Jessika Erickson, Media Arts program assistant and alumnus

 

MEET OUR ALUMNI

SUNY Adirondack graduate Anna Burns is finishing a bachelor's degree at Savannah College of Art and Design.

Art meets commerce for college grad

Anna Burns is focused on a successful career.

A native of Queensbury, Burns found a passion for photography while studying at SUNY Adirondack.

She graduated in 2018 with an associate degree in Media Arts and transferred to Savannah College of Art and Design. She is finishing her last credits toward a bachelor’s degree while working as a freelance digital retoucher for Hudson Yards Studio, an affiliate of LSC Communications. The job involves digitally enhancing photos for major advertisers, including Victoria’s Secret.

Burns credits SUNY Adirondack with giving her the technical skills needed to build a career.

“The most helpful class I took would be the Advertising Photography class taught by Brandon Segal,” Burns said. “It gave me an idea of the photography, graphic design and retouching that is necessary for an advertising assignment.”