Meet a Maker: Jason Hill
With two months until Des Moines’ 2025 Mini Maker Faire, please let us introduce Jason Hill, Exhibits Coordinator for the Science Center of Iowa and 3D printing extraordinaire. Being a very creative nerd, Jason builds full sized, wearable Star Wars armor and props. He uses 2 3D printers (Elegoo Neptune 3 Max and a very modified Prusa mk2.5) plus a lot of sandpaper and Bondo to create his work.
We sat down with Jason learn how 3D printers are changing the game for makers.
What Makes a Maker?
Makers are anyone who can create something from ingredients or parts. Making becomes an art when you put your passion and creativity behind something to make something special you’re proud of.
Where do you show off your creations?
Comic cons and Halloween parties
What’s the difference between creating something for yourself vs creating it for someone else?
There are pros and cons to both. I like being able to try stuff on while I’m sanding to do test fits, but with someone else you have to put armor on them and ask them how it feels and what adjustments it needs. I also find I’m a bit more of a perfectionist when I’m making things for others vs myself and that can add a lot of time to the project.
What are your final preparations to get ready for a con?
It is always important to lay everything out the night before to make sure you have everything so you don’t end up forgetting something.
Do you do smaller-scale projects?
I have printed some models from one of my favorite videogames Horizon Zero Dawn and am planning to sand and paint it after wrapping up my current project. I also like to 3D print useful household stuff and make gifts for people.
What’s a mistake you’ve made that taught you an important lesson?
Giving yourself time to make mistakes. 3D printing takes a long time and if the print fails or I got the scale wrong, you’ll have to reprint. It’s just how it goes. Different projects will have different challenges. When I made my Mandalorian suit it was pretty easy to sand. My next project was an Imperil Death Trooper which was about twice the number of armor pieces and the amount of detail in each piece was much higher. I was not prepared for how long the Death Trooper was going to take and I missed my original deadline by a year. This was a great project because now I am more confident in my time frames for projects.
What do you think the future of making looks like? Are there any trends or technologies you’re excited about?
I think household 3D printers have changed the game for makers. 3D printing is only going to get faster and the prints are only going to get smoother.
What’s the first thing you ever made, and how does it compare to your work now?
When I was in high school I wanted to make a Boba Fett costume, I used cardboard, EVA foam, paper mache, and my grandpa helped make my gauntlets out of PVC pipe and wood. It felt fantastic to create something from nothing. In college, I learned how to 3D print and I thought making a Star Wars suit would be a fun way to practice my new skill. Now it’s a hobby that brings me great joy!
How do you balance creativity and practicality in your projects?
Practicality usually evolves around the cost of materials, but that is where the creativity comes in. How can I make this helmet look like it does in the movie without spending a ton of money? I think finding creative solutions to problems is one of the most rewarding parts of my projects.
What do you hope people feel or experience when they interact with your work?
I hope I can inspire people to create the thing they want and that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you’re willing to put in the time and work.
To learn more about Jason and the amazing creators local to Des Moines, check out the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire at the Science Center of Iowa on April 26th!