InsectOrama: Drawing Templates for Imaginary Creatures

A Tool to Stimulate Imagination and Creativity

InsectOrama stands out from other drawing templates by focusing on individual parts rather than complete shapes. The templates include insect parts, as well as pieces of other animals and humans, allowing users to mix and match and create endless combinations. By using a pencil to trace the shapes onto paper, users can bring their creatures to life and then color them in.

What sets InsectOrama apart is its ability to stimulate imagination and push the boundaries of what can be drawn. The templates are not meant to restrict users to the shapes provided; instead, they serve as a starting point for users to design things they may not have thought possible. Whether it's using a leaf, the shape of a hand, or any other object, InsectOrama encourages users to think creatively and explore their artistic potential.

The production of InsectOrama involves the use of clear acrylic (PMMA) that is 2 mm thick. The templates are created through the process of laser cutting, ensuring precision and high detail in the shapes. Each set contains six templates, with each template measuring 15 x 24 cm.

Stefan De Pauw faced several challenges during the development of InsectOrama. The main obstacle was the production cost, as he wanted to maintain high detail within the shapes while keeping the product affordable. Injection molding was not a viable option due to the intricate nature of the templates, and die cutting would require a high startup cost for creating cutting molds. Despite these challenges, De Pauw was determined to bring his creation to life and started a production run.

InsectOrama has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products category in 2011. This award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. InsectOrama's ability to inspire creativity and provide a tool for unlimited artistic exploration has made it a standout in the design world.

With its unique approach to drawing templates, InsectOrama offers a creative outlet for both children and adults. By providing a starting point for imagination and allowing users to design their own creatures, InsectOrama stimulates creativity and pushes the boundaries of what can be drawn. It's a tool that encourages artistic exploration and opens up a world of possibilities.