We were lucky to catch up with Timothy Butler recently and have shared our conversation below.

Timothy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

When I started out, it was just me and a 3D printer. Then I realized some of the files I was buying would also work with a laser, so I thought, “Why not?” and added a laser to the mix. From there, I discovered those same designs could be used for sublimation and vinyl, so I picked up those machines too and taught myself those skills.

If I could do it all over again, I’d take my mom’s advice—funny enough—and stick to just one or two machines in the beginning. Branching out too fast can be more of a distraction than a benefit. I should have mastered one or two processes completely before moving on. These days, I’ve narrowed my focus. I don’t offer sublimation or vinyl anymore—not because I can’t, but because I want to put my energy into what I love most: 3D printing, laser work, and 3D photogrammetry.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

When COVID hit, I lost my warehouse job. I was a temporary worker, and when layoffs came, I was let go—while the full-time guy who spent most of his shifts hiding in the rafters somehow kept his spot. That was a turning point for me. I decided right then that I wasn’t going to rely on someone else’s decisions to determine my future. Instead, I was going to do something I actually enjoyed and learn everything I could along the way.

I’d always been curious about 3D printing, so I bought a 3D printer and a Raspberry Pi and dove in. For my first project, I chose to print Groot. It didn’t go well at first—several failed attempts had me questioning my choice—but one night, I sat there for 19 hours with a putty knife in hand, making sure every single layer was perfectly level and flat. When that print finally finished, something just clicked. I understood the process, and from that moment, I was hooked.

Since then, I’ve been fortunate to create pieces that mean something to people—whether it’s a custom 3D family tree, an ambigram, or a unique keepsake. I love the idea of preserving memories in a form people can hold onto for years to come.

I also make it a point to run my business the right way. If I design it, it’s original. If I use someone else’s design, I make sure I have the proper commercial rights. And if I don’t have those rights, it’s a freebie. Sometimes I even create items just for fun and give them away.

Quality is always my priority. I’m human, so mistakes can happen—but these machines aren’t perfect either, especially when it comes to 3D printing. There can be natural layer lines, slight variances in the code, or other small differences from one print to the next, even if it’s the exact same design. Some of these variations are simply part of the process and can’t be completely controlled. That said, if something isn’t right, I’ll always make it right. At the end of the day, anything you get from me is made with care, integrity, and a genuine passion for the craft.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I’m a proud Amazon Handmade seller out of Tennessee. I actually started on Amazon as a Pro Seller, but when I stumbled across the Handmade program in early 2025, it was like finding the VIP lounge for small businesses. I officially opened my Handmade shop in February 2025, and if you’ve got fewer than 20 people on your team, trust me — this is the door you want to walk through.

Then in July 2025, I decided to have a little fun and launched a Printify pop-up shop for merch and swag. Between that and my Handmade storefront, I’ve got two different outlets — one for my core handmade products and one for creative extras. The tricky part? Turning casual scrolling into real connection — and even if shoppers can’t visit in person, they can still collaborate with me on custom pieces through email, getting the same personal touch from anywhere.

Amazon Handmade – Pros: Think of it as setting up your booth at the busiest craft fair on the planet — millions of people walk by every day. Customers trust it, it’s tailor-made for artisans, you get your own branded storefront, and there’s just one flat 15% fee.
Cons: Honestly? I haven’t found any yet.

Printify Pop-Up – Pros: No boxes in my garage, no packing tape stuck to my elbow — they handle production and shipping. I can drop in a new design today and see it in my shop tomorrow.
Cons: I’m trusting someone else to keep quality and shipping times up to my standards, there’s no built-in audience so I have to drive all my own traffic, and I can’t tuck in freebies or small trinkets like I do with every Amazon order — which is one of my favorite personal touches.

For me, Amazon Handmade is still “where it’s at” for sheer visibility and trust factor. But pairing it with Printify keeps things fresh, flexible, and a little more fun — and that combo feels like the start of something big.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building My Reputation

For me, Google Maps has been a game-changer when it comes to building my reputation. It’s where people find real proof of my work through reviews and photos. Plus, I do a lot of custom work, which helps me connect personally with each customer and earn their trust.

TikTok is another major outlet I rely on to reach new followers and showcase what I do. The platform can be quirky — sometimes you get reported for things you didn’t even do, and that’s super frustrating. But I’ve learned you just can’t give up. If this is your dream, you have to push through the setbacks and keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: Https//:www.zaxdezignz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaxdezignzpro?igsh=MWJoOHU5eHExaDJ0aw==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zax-dezignz-329a81271?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zaxdezignz8698?feature=shared
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dragon..master?_t=ZT-8yjtoU5PSzF&_r=1