In the UniFormation Maker Stories Challenge, we received an extraordinary submission from Art Cotto — an architect whose 3D printing journey beautifully blends creativity, compassion, and craftsmanship.
What began as a simple father-son hobby evolved into a mission of purpose — producing over 8,000 lifesaving face shields during the pandemic, and later, a deep artistic pursuit through resin printing with UniFormation GK3.
Art’s story reminds every maker that true creation is not only about precision or tools — it’s about curiosity, persistence, and the desire to make something meaningful. His journey is proof that every print, every layer, and every lesson can build not just models, but also character and connection.
Let’s dive into Art’s inspiring maker story together.
Art Cotto Story：
What began as a father-son hobby and ended up becoming 8,000 lifesaving face shields, and turned into a passion that reshaped how I see creation itself.
It all started back in 2018, about a year before the pandemic, when my youngest son came home from school with a small 3D-printed figure they had made using an FDM printer. He proudly showed it to me, and I told him that in my work as an architect, I had already started to see other firms using 3D printing to create scale models for their projects.
I noticed how curious and excited he was about the process, so I decided to buy our first 3D printer, a small Monoprice IIIP with just a 6"x6" build plate, so we could share a hobby together. That’s how it all began: printing small objects, watching countless YouTube tutorials, and learning side by side how this fascinating technology worked.
By 2019, we were printing almost every week, adjusting settings, troubleshooting, and learning from every mistake. It was fascinating, we’d sit there mesmerized, watching the printer lay down each layer one by one. We ruined many prints, but as they say, you learn by failing. Eventually, we started exploring more complex character models, trying to minimize visible layer lines, a tedious but rewarding task. Over time, my son’s interest faded, but mine only grew stronger.
I upgraded to a larger FDM printer with a 320x320x400 mm build area and kept experimenting. Then came 2020, the year everything changed. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I decided to use my printers to help others by producing face shields for hospitals. Once other architects and friends heard about it, they began sending me rolls of filament to help. Together, we managed to donate over 8,000 face shields to hospitals and organizations in need.
A year later, in 2021, I transitioned to resin printing. I had grown tired of the endless sanding and filling required to hide FDM layer lines and was eager to achieve higher detail. At first, the idea of working with resin intimidated me, it seemed messy and unsafe, especially while living in an apartment. But when I discovered water-washable resins, with fewer VOCs and less odor, I decided to take the leap.
Printing in an apartment required creativity: I set up a small ventilation duct to the window and often printed at night to avoid sunlight. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked, and it opened the door to a whole new level of printing quality.
As time went on, I followed talented artists on YouTube and discovered Patreon, a platform full of amazing digital sculptors and modelers whose creations inspired me to push my skills further. I began subscribing to several creators and printing their incredible figures, mostly medium or large-scale pieces that allowed me to appreciate every sculpted detail.
By the end of 2024, I placed a pre-order for my UniFormation GK3(b), a huge milestone in my personal journey and a symbol of how far this passion has taken me.
What made me choose UniFormation?
I decided to choose UniFormation at a time when many people were frustrated about the delay of the GK3 Ultra release. To me, that moment actually showed the company’s true character. UniFormation had already built a great reputation with the GKTwo, and despite the challenges, they were transparent, responsible, and respectful toward their customers.
Any other company might have stayed silent or shifted blame, but UniFormation faced the issue head-on, communicated clearly, and worked hard to solve it. That level of honesty and accountability says a lot about a brand and its values.
So instead of walking away, I decided to give them my trust — because I believe a company that stands by its customers during difficult times is one worth supporting. In my view, UniFormation has earned not only a reputation for excellent products but also the respect of its community.
Now I’m focusing on improving my painting skills and exploring new materials, because in 3D printing, there’s always another layer to learn.
I’m still learning airbrush and brush techniques. For a long time, I preferred unpainted figures, where light and shadow naturally play across the resin’s surface, revealing the artistry of the sculptor. As an architect, I’ve always admired how light interacts with form, and that same fascination drives my appreciation for 3D models.
Even though my perfectionist side sometimes gets in the way (the curse of being an architect, LOL), I’ve learned to enjoy the process itself, the beauty in each layer, each mistake, and each small victory.
How has 3d printing influenced my life, work, or hobbies?
3D printing has completely changed the way I see creativity, design, and problem-solving. What began as a hobby with my son grew into a lifelong passion that blends my architectural background with my love for hands-on creation. It has taught me patience, precision, and the beauty of learning through mistakes.
During the pandemic, 3D printing also allowed me to give back — producing and donating over 8,000 face shields to hospitals. Today, it continues to inspire my artistic side as I explore resin printing, painting, and new materials. It keeps me curious, motivated, and constantly discovering new ways to turn imagination into something real.