03 - Dang Paddles
Brief
Dang Paddles is a custom woodcraft brand specializing in precision-engraved paddles and products for events, teams, and individuals. I worked at Dang Paddles as a Graphic Designer, where I helped bring client ideas to life through production-ready design.
I created over 70 precision vector designs and artwork conversions optimized specifically for laser cutting, ensuring clean, high-quality physical results. Alongside design work, I collaborated directly with clients to refine concepts through feedback loops, maintained organized production and event timelines, and supported engraving setup and calibration to guarantee accuracy from digital file to finished product.
Design
The process began with a standardized design template (size/typography/elements) to ensure consistency, efficiency, and production accuracy. From there, each design was customized with client-requested text, graphics, and layout adjustments while maintaining the structural requirements for laser cutting.
After feedback cycles were completed, the file was finalized and sent to be laser cut into the wood.
Base
The first physical step of production started with the large base pieces of wood, which form the foundation for the design. These pieces were carefully cut and prepped to provide a stable, smooth surface, ensuring that all subsequent layers and details could be added accurately and efficiently
File Preparation
"With the large base pieces cut and ready, it was now time to work on the smaller, detailed wood elements that would add depth and intricate features to the design. The design file was first prepared in RDWorks, with edges marked for cutting, engraving, or leaving intact, ensuring each piece would match the final product accurately. Once prepared, the detailed wood pieces were cut and readied for assembly on the base.
Final Product
Once the laser cutting was complete, the finished pieces were handed off to the art team for painting, finishing, and any additional detailing. This step brought the designs to life, resulting in a polished, ready-to-ship product for the client.
Depending on the client’s preference, pieces could also skip the art team and be returned for assembly prior to shipping, or clients could choose to paint and finish the pieces themselves. This provided flexibility in how the final product was completed.