FLUID DESIGN THAT FULFILL YOUR NEEDS
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Master Control’s Woodshop & Toys has been designing and building fine handmade woodworking items one piece at a time since 1979. My approach to woodworking design is inspired by the clean lines and details, graceful proportions. Quality craftsmanship and focus on function that is the foundation of woodworking designs. We believe that the natural beauty of the wood was all the ornamentation a piece of woodworking needed. This approach to woodworking design results in simple, graceful, well constructed product that fulfills its function and is built from beautiful lumber.
STABILITY & DURABILITY
The ideal woodworking project must combine durability, functionality, aesthetics, and appeal. It should captivate like a gallery sculpture. Whether crafting a paddle or an SVG digital download, stability is key. When held, it should feel custom-made for your hand, creating a lasting impression.
IDIOMATIC SUSTAINABILITY
Each of my woodworking projects is designed to be individually connective and unique designed. They vary in shape, size, design, added detail, and of course wood choices. For me, to is important to make each product unique. Furthermore, we work from scratch on every creation. Sketching designs directly onto the wood before starting work with a saw. Using any number of other woodworking tools.
When designing a new woodworking project I try to make it unique. I try to keep in mind that most of my customers do not have a limitless budget. It is important to never compromise the integrity of a piece to reduce the price. I try to keep cost in mind when designing woodworking products. Often a little forethought in the design stage goes a long way. It can result in considerable savings in production.
FOCUS ON SUCCESS
Principles of Design
DESIGN FOR HUMAN
The central steps in the design process involve collecting the specific project requirements. The customer needs to respond to qualifying inquiries. These are determined by factors such as wood type, color scheme, and other preferences. They will be presented with initial design concepts for feedback. This process aims to capture and reflect their desires accurately.
The choice of using a type of wood is a personal one. Furthermore, while rooted in many practical advantages, it should use a sustainable material. Wood warmth and tactile qualities provide a welcoming elements. Structurally, it has its own form of expression. It’s structural qualities can inform and provide a logical clarity to the design.
SIMPLIC PHILOSOPHY
As design and form emerge, interpret client requirements, including wood, responsibilities, sustainability, and usability. Evolve without restraint during design process, re-evaluate during creation.
BALANCE
Everything you slap onto a blank sheet has weight. That might seem strange, as most designs are in the 2D realm. But weight doesn’t have to be just in kilograms or pounds to matter. In fact, it comes in a variety of forms like color, texture, and size. In the same way that you wouldn’t want everyone sitting on one edge of the boat that it capsizes, you don’t want to stuff all elements into one space either. That’s the importance of balance. Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium in a space, creating one unified whole. In balance, your work may either be symmetrical (when your composition’s weight is evenly distributed across an axis) or asymmetrical (when it’s unevenly distributed). While symmetrical compositions are typically more pleasing to the eye, asymmetrical ones can be more exciting and bold. This makes both of these types unique and beautiful in their own right.
CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS
Let the Wood Speak to you
Emphasis
Emphasis refers to the focus of your composition. This concept speaks to the element that grabs the most attention. When advertising a brand, you might think about bringing emphasis to their logo, name, or tagline. These are all key considerations depending on the specific message you want to put out. There are three classifications for emphasis: dominant, subdominant, and subordinate. Dominant elements have the most weight and grab the chunk of the spotlight. Subdominant elements are second-in-line to dominant elements in weight. Subordinate elements have the least weight and are usually found in the background.
Contrast
When people say something “pops,” they’re usually referring to contrast. How elements interact with the background by either blending or popping out is contrast. Contrast is especially important when you’re dealing with text. You want your target audience to be able to read a composition’s content clearly. This principle may also involve using boldface to a word to really emphasize it.
Proportion or Scale
Proportion is the size of one object in contrast to another on the same composition. Bigger isn’t always better in this case, as you can draw attention even with minute elements. Proportion is used to create a sense of visual order between the elements. Compositions may either be harmonious or unbalanced. Usually, when you master the other design principles, proportion sorts itself out naturally.
Movement
How you arrange the elements of your composition affects the visual story that your audience goes through. Movement means controlling the elements of your composition so that your audience follows the message and story cleanly. When done properly, movement conveys a seamless narrative, taking your audience on a visual trip.
Unity
Last but certainly not least, we have unity. When you put all of these principles together, you’ll want to ensure that everything works together harmoniously. After all, a design or composition’s whole is greater than the sum of its parts. You could figure everything out individually, but whether or not they come together to form a cohesive piece of work will make or break it. Ideally, each element you include will complement the other, creating this symphony of visual elements that captivate the human eye.
