When I first started designing jewellery, I found it incredibly difficult to translate what was in my head into a finished piece. I relied heavily on sending my drawings and dimensions to CAD designers, often based abroad, and although they were skilled, there was always a margin for interpretation. What I saw in my mind and what came back on screen were rarely the same. Sculptural pieces were especially difficult because many people simply would not take them on, they took too long, they required too much back and forth, and the constant tweaking and corrections became exhausting.
The process was slow, frustrating, and it began to limit how far I could really push my designs. I realised that if I wanted full control of my work and my vision, I had to stop relying on others and start learning the tools myself. That was the turning point. I locked myself away, pressed every button, made mistakes, broke files, rebuilt them, and slowly started to understand how Rhino and CAD actually worked. It was difficult at first, overwhelming at times, but it completely changed how I design.
Once I became confident working in a 3D space, everything opened up. I could rotate my designs, view them from every angle, adjust proportions instantly, and explore how the metal might flow before anything was ever cast. Instead of trying to imagine how a drawing might translate, I could see it in front of me, change it in real time, and refine it with precision. It gave me creative freedom that I had never experienced before.
It also transformed how I work with clients. Being able to show them a realistic 3D model gives them far more confidence in the design process. They can understand the scale, the feel, and the structure of a piece before we commit to production. To take it even further, I started building my own digital render environments and learned how to create high end visuals that feel close to real photography. These renders can then be used for client presentations, portfolio building, and social media long before anything has been physically made.
This is where The Illustrated Academy was born. Not everyone starting out in jewellery has the money for gold, gemstones, or full production runs, but that should not stop them building a collection or growing a brand. By learning CAD, digital rendering, and AI placement, you can create professional visuals, experiment with materials, change stone colours, test design variations, and present entire collections without ever needing to cast a piece. It allows you to build portfolios, mood boards, and a strong online presence at a fraction of the cost.
CAD has become one of my favourite parts of the design process, not just a technical tool but a creative one. These courses are my way of sharing the tools, knowledge, and shortcuts I wish I had when I started. Everything I’ve learned through trial, error, frustration, and obsession is poured into these workshops, so that others can skip years of struggle and step straight into their creative power.
If you feel like this path resonates, whether you are just starting out or already designing and wanting more creative control, you can explore The Illustrated Academy Courses and Workshops directly on the website. Each course has been designed to take you step by step through the process, from sketch to CAD to final visual presentation. To enquire or secure your place, visit the Academy page or use the contact form to get in touch. Places are intentionally limited to keep the experience focused and personal, so early booking is strongly recommended.