I then decided to use Illustrator as a software to map out my net for the model. I used some of the measurements that I developed on sketch up to do this. Initially when doing this project, I was going to use laser cutter which is another reason why I initially chose to use Illustrator and as a software. I also found it easier to draw out the measurements using Illustrator rather than using photoshop.
Having drawn out roughly the measurements, I decided to then print it and make a paper prototype because then I could see any flaws in the design, and I felt it was as very productive way to clarify the measurements and check they fit together before deciding what I wanted to laser cutter or not. Having printed it out, I noticed that I did not have enough tabs, so this was something that I went back to edit. When making the prototype, I was able to cut around each piece and roughly add tabs. I want to go back and unify the back three pieces and have one backing rather than 3 separate pieces being constructed and glued together. It looked more effective as one folded piece rather than 3 separate.
This led me onto my next realisation. I learnt and when doing the prototype that it was easier to of bend around the card rather than have several pieces to glue together. This was particularly true for the stairs. I also really liked the effect bending had on the stairs. It was less exact and a bit wonky, but I think this made the stairs look more weathered and rustic which is an effect I wanted to portray because I wanted the scene in this book nook to depict a forgotten Ancient Egyptian tomb that had only just been discovered. As a result of this, I decided not to yse the laser cutter as I feared it would look to calculated and clinical. The tombs were made by man, not machine and I wanted this to show in my work.
The paper prototype lastly also taught me that my card needed to be reasonable thick for the backing but thin for the stairs to allow for maximum flexibility.
After consulting the print room I decided to use 300 GSM card for the backing and found a thick paper at the Bonington art shop for the stairs.
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