We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nolan Delgado a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Nolan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
I went to college at CalPoly SLO to study architecture. The program is designed around the concept of “Learn By Doing”. With the heavy focus on physical modeling, I took a liking to the laser cutter. It sped up the process significantly and easily translated the digital modeling into physical objects with just some creative spins to transition smoothly. I felt that the laser cutter was such an under-utilized tool and could have much more potential than architectural modeling. After graduating and getting a full-time job in the field, I couldn’t shake off the idea of using laser-cutting machines for a business. I saw potential in all of my hobbies, especially with board games/D&D. Eventually, I decided to take a dive, purchase a high-end one, and dive into the field of creative and artistic design with the machine. I learned how to engrave 3D and curved shapes and continued to expand the range of materials I was comfortable with.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
The main difference between myself and other laser engravers is my background and education in design and model making. My full-time job as a residential architectural designer is centered around creative design. I am a perfectionist in my craft, always ensuring that I provide the best possible piece, rather than just the most profitable one.
I work closely with clients, taking their general ideas and iterating them until they are completely satisfied. This collaborative process allows me to cater to clients who come with concepts like, “I want something to greet my guests at a wedding,” and design it with their involvement.
One of the main reasons I invested in a top-of-the-line machine is to ensure it can handle almost any task, regardless of scale. This capability allows me to take on any challenge a client presents. While custom glassware is the most popular, the most enjoyable projects are those where the client and I create something entirely new from scratch.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Initially, I was quite concerned and nearly overwhelmed by the idea of creating marketing content for my products, as it was not a comfortable skill for me. However, I have found that producing a quality product at a good price allows word-of-mouth to carry my business.
There are two main ways this happens: First, when someone sees a piece I created and likes it, they inquire about where the owner got it. Second, when a client shares a product with others, especially at events, the people they share it with enjoy it just as much.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
While there are plenty of resources online from forums and other helpful users to Pinterest and other idea-generating websites, the resource I should have realized earlier is my friends and family. I can get their opinions and sometimes even their hands-on assistance when needed. These are people I trust and know their capabilities to help me. I can pay them and feel good that my $$ is going to someone I want to support and in turn, they support my business. Before I had the mentality of I needed to do everything myself because it was my venture and its on me to succeed, but that was pushing away those who were wanting and willing to help.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: madetobemine.laserdesign
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Lauren Delgado