Creating a Playful 3D Printed Stand to Showcase Unique Artwork
The Client
A local artist known for their whimsical vegetable-themed illustrations approached Protomolecule Ltd to create a custom art display for an upcoming show. Their request? A 3D printed carrot that could support and frame a small original print — something eye-catching, functional, and perfectly on-brand.
The Challenge
The piece needed to be:
- Instantly recognisable as a carrot — playful, but not cartoonish
- Capable of supporting an A6-sized print securely and upright
- Stable on both shelf and tabletop displays
- Easy to assemble and durable enough for transport and reuse
- Made in time for a local arts market launch
We also needed to strike the right balance between form and function — turning a vegetable into a display tool.
The Solution
We started with sketch-based references and worked up a playful but stylised 3D carrot design using our CAD software. Key features included:
- A tapered base for upright stability
- Slotted “leaf” structure at the top to hold the print in place
- Bold surface texture and shape for visual appeal
- Printed in vibrant orange PLA with green top details
The final product was lightweight, reusable, and strong enough to support mounted prints without tipping.
The Results
- Delivered within one week from concept to final print
- Used at multiple art fairs and retail displays
- Helped draw attention to the artist’s table and brand
- Sparked social media engagement and customer interest
- Design now being explored as a small batch product for other artists
Services Used
- 3D Concept Development
- CAD Design
- FDM 3D Printing (PLA)
- Functional Art Display Prototyping
“The carrot was perfect — it made people stop, smile, and ask questions. I sold more prints just because they noticed the display.”
— Artist & Illustrator, Nottingham
