3D Printed Pugtato the Result of a Successful Collaboration

IMTS

Share this Article

pugtato illustrationSome things just go better together. Where would gin be without tonic? Cookies without milk? Fred without Ginger? Bonnie without Clyde? Pugs without, er, potatoes? As historic pairings go, the latter may not be on your radar–meet the Pugtato, a delightful cross between the world’s most favored tuber and the undeniably adorable, snuffling, flat-faced canines that are one of the most popular dog breeds in the US these days.

Pugtato is the endearing creation of UK illustrator Sophie Corrigan, whose assortment of hybrid and anthropomorphic creatures, including her clever pun-imals, populate her website. One day, Eric Ho, social media specialist, digital marketing guru, and shop owner at Shapeways, was scouring Twitter for a design on which to base a new 3D printed cute figurine when he happened upon Corrigan’s Pugtato. He was immediately drawn to the adorable hybrid creature and wondered if Corrigan would be interested in collaborating.

Ho got in touch with Sophie and explained who he was, what Shapeways was, and why he was contacting her. He was surprised at just how easy it was to contact her and how open she was to discussing some kind of arrangement. He recalled the conversations that were the beginning of yet another great partnership:

“We discussed terms and conditions and agreed upon a licensing payment structure for the partnership. Once the licensing agreement was finalized and signed between both parties, I had the green light to make Pugtato into a 3D printed figurine.”

pugtato soloHo encountered what has certainly become a major issue in the world of open sharing and sourcing. He consulted Michael Weinberg, general counsel with Shapeways, who has written several helpful blog posts concerning issues like IP (intellectual property), fair use, and copyright. Ho got some crucial tips: get any agreement such as a license in writing.

“What that written agreement needs to include can vary (and it can be helpful to talk to a lawyer about specific cases you have in mind, especially in an area as new as licenses for 3D printing),” Ho explained.

pugtato with potatHo and Corrigan worked out a mutually beneficial agreement and soon after Pugtato went from 2D to 3D thanks to designer Kostika Spaho, who modeled the figurine on Corrigan’s illustration. Ultimately, the Pugtato 3D printed figurine was printed in full color sandstone–surely the ideal material for a potato, although perhaps less so for a pug. Shapeways offers full color sandstone printing at surprisingly affordable rates.

According to Eric Ho, the collaboration has already been quite a success. Pugtato, he said, “has already proven to be a favorable seller” not only on Shapeways, but also on other sites like Etsy and DesignByHumans. The diminutive pug-spud really is terribly endearing, as are most all of Sophie Corrigan’s peculiar and often funny hybrid creatures.

What are your thoughts on this rather odd 3D print?  Let us know in the 3D Printed Pugtato forum thread on 3DPB.com.As for Pugtato, it even has its own music video. Check it out:

Share this Article


Recent News

Liquid Metal 3D Printing Sector Emerges with Fluent Metal’s $5.5M Investment

3DPOD Episode 191: Amy Alexander, 3D Printing at the Mayo Clinic



Categories

3D Design

3D Printed Art

3D Printed Food

3D Printed Guns


You May Also Like

3DPOD Episode 190: Generative Design for 3D Printing with Novineer CEO Ali Tamijani

Ali Tamijani, a professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has an extensive background in composites, tool pathing, and the development of functional 3D printed parts,...

Featured

3DPOD Episode 189: AMUG President Shannon VanDeren

Shannon VanDeren is a consultant in the 3D printing industry, focusing on implementation and integration for her company, Layered Manufacturing and Consulting. For nearly ten years, she has been involved...

3DPOD Episode 188: Clare Difazio of E3D – Growing the Industry, and Growing With the Industry

Clare DiFazio’s journey into the 3D printing industry was serendipitous, yet her involvement at critical moments has significantly influenced the sector. Her position as Head of Marketing & Product Strategy...

Featured

Printing Money Episode 15: 3D Printing Markets & Deals, with AM Research and AMPOWER

Printing Money returns with Episode 15! This month, NewCap Partners‘ Danny Piper is joined by Scott Dunham, Executive Vice President of Research at Additive Manufacturing (AM) Research, and Matthias Schmidt-Lehr,...