Dani Epstein

I started writing code when I was 12 years old, and got into photography at the tender age of seven. I was always a tinkerer, fiddling around with various bits and bobs and taught myself a wealth of skills including developing my own negatives (those were  the days), learning over a dozen computer languages and carpentry. 

My 30+ years work experience has provided me with a broad set of skills including firmware programming for microcontrollers, a deep knowledge of most manufacturing processes including hands-on skills, photorealistic rendering, gold and silversmithing, metal fabrication and a host more.

Having worked with many clients who have no background knowledge of 3D or manufacturing, I have learned how to help clients realise their concepts without overwhelming them with the technicalities or complexities.

I provide a broad set of services relating to product design and 3D visualisation. In addition to designing products I can produce working prototypes (I own four 3D printers and have a well-equipped workshop) and photorealistic renders for visualisation and marketing purposes.

Working from sketches (even scribbles!), drawings or from photos, I can produce 3D models and renders of prototype products. My design process allows for client input at every stage to ensure the final product meets the clients requirements in full.

During all stages of design, the target manufacturing processes are kept in mind so the final product is ready for manufacture. This is something many designers miss, so when preparation for the manufacturing process is undertaken a slew of problems arise. I avoid that by ensuring designs - even at the early stages - are fit for manufacture.

Already at early stages I can provide 3D printed models to get a feel for the overall dimensions and look. At later stages I can produce models that are very close to the final manufactured model, either functional or simply visual.

If electronics are required, I can design, program and produce the PCBs, including prototype PCBs.

Working from photographs, I can produce 3D renders that are photorealistic. They can also be placed within photographs to look as is they were shot on-site.

I also provide animations for technical purposes.

In addition, I code apps that interface to existing APIs, based on Xamarin and therefore cross-platform.

I've been working for over 30 years in diverse industries such as jewellery, newspaper publishing, software development and architecture, welding and fabrication, technical support, product design and 3D visualisation.

In some positions I created and managed teams as well as training them up, as well as occasionally writing software specifically for that team.

With my formal education ending at high school I taught myself a wide range of skills, and continue to build them on a regular basis, as well as learn new skills and technology. Despite a lack of a degree-level qualification I worked in the City as a software architect and developer for advertising, financial institutions and a satellite broadcast company.

I was a member of three winning teams in the NASA Tournament Labs competitions - one was for a space suit waste disposal system, and two for CubeSat mesh systems.