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In a world of contemporary design, Lucía Coppolillo stands out for her innovation. From her early days exploring ceramics to her current mastery of 3D printing, her journey is a testament to an unwavering passion for art and creation. This interview hosted by Ezequiel Weicman of Lunfardo Lab dives into her career, creative processes, and future aspirations, revealing a designer unafraid to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for craftsmanship.
From Childhood Passion to Design Excellence
From a very young age, Lucía showed a natural inclination toward art. At ten, she was already attending ceramics workshops, where she created abstract and complex sculptures for her age. These early experiences not only honed her artistic skills but also instilled a deep appreciation for the tactile and tangible. Over time, this foundation in traditional craftsmanship influenced her foray into fashion and accessories design, before discovering her true passion: 3D printing.
“I remember making quite abstract and complex sculptures for my age,” Lucía comments during the interview. “Obviously, even at that age, I had a vision and concept of art that was quite developed.” This early inclination toward art continued during her adolescence, leading her to explore fashion design and goldsmithing. However, it was the arrival of a 3D printer in her home in 2021 that transformed her creative focus.
The Creative Process and Inspiration
Lucía finds inspiration in the latest decoration trends, frequently exploring Pinterest to analyze and adapt styles to her unique vision. Her creative process is a blend of research and experimentation, often beginning with sketches on paper before moving her ideas to design programs like Fusion 360. This transition from analog to digital allows her to explore forms and structures with unprecedented freedom.
Each of Lucía’s designs begins with a spark of inspiration, whether it’s a fashion trend, a natural texture, or an everyday object. She describes her process as a “dance” between observation and creation. “I like to observe the world around me and then translate those observations into something tangible,” she explains. This ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary is what sets her work apart. The 3D printer has become her favorite tool, allowing her to materialize ideas that previously existed only in her imagination.
A Distinctive Style
Lucía’s style is characterized by simple shapes and subtle curves that combine to create pieces intended for any space. She describes her approach as a cleaning of lines that follows current trends, always keeping an eye on functionality and aesthetics. Her neutral color palette allows her designs to integrate easily into various environments, offering versatility and elegance.
Lucía mentions that her brand, LuCop, always strives to be at the forefront of decoration trends. “I like to stay informed about what’s being used in colors and textures,” she says. “I always think about how a design could perfectly fit into those spaces I see on Pinterest.” This constant research and adaptation are what allow her to keep her style fresh and relevant.
Innovation through 3D Printing
The discovery of 3D printing was a turning point in Lucía’s career. Initially intrigued by the possibilities of materializing any idea conceived in her mind, she soon began experimenting and learning through tutorials. Her first collection of pots was an immediate success, prompting her to expand her repertoire to unique decorative objects like her innovative lamps.
The first wholesale order for LuCop was an order for 80 pots, which was an exciting challenge for Lucía and her team. “It was a beautiful push that we needed,” she recalls. Over time, the brand expanded its catalog and acquired more printers to meet demand. Today, her lamps and decorative objects are recognized for their originality and quality.
Sustainability and Local Production
Lucía is a firm advocate of sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices into her design process. She uses recycled materials and strives to minimize environmental impact through local production. This approach not only reduces the carbon footprint but also adds an ethical depth to her creations.
“I have always believed in the importance of creating responsibly,” Lucía states. “We use recycled materials whenever possible and produce locally to reduce environmental impact.” This philosophy of sustainability is not only good for the planet but also resonates with LuCop’s customers, who value the ethics behind each piece.
Favorite Room and Design
Lucía prefers designing for the living room, a space where functionality and aesthetics coexist harmoniously. Her lamps, in particular, stand out as decorative pieces that transform any room, infusing life and character into environments. “I love designing for the living room because it’s a place where people spend a lot of time and can truly appreciate the design,” she says.
Additionally, Lucía finds that the morning is her most creative time of day. “With some mates and in a space of solitude and tranquility, it’s when my ideas flow best,” she comments. Her creative process can start on paper, but often moves directly to the design software when she has a clear vision in mind.
The Design that Best Represents Her Style
Among her many creations, Lucía highlights the ‘Mini Isla’ as the design that best represents her style. Inspired by the waves of the Caribbean Sea and the organic freshness of the environment, this design encapsulates her ability to combine simple forms with exceptional decorative functionality. “The Mini Isla started as a sketch and evolved into one of our best-selling products,” Lucía explains.
This design is not only popular for its aesthetics but also for its versatility. “I’ve seen the Mini Isla in a variety of colors and it always looks great,” says Lucía. This adaptability is one of the reasons she considers this design to be the best representation of her artistic approach.
Vision for the Future
Looking to the future, Lucía dreams of dedicating more time to creating unique and exclusive pieces, combining art and design in limited editions. She aspires to break the limits of traditional 3D printing, exploring new dimensions in giant lamps and furniture, always focusing on innovation and customer loyalty.
“I want LuCop to be recognized not only for its products but also for its commitment to quality and sustainability,” Lucía says. Her vision includes creating art pieces that can be exhibited in galleries and that offer more than functionality: an aesthetic and emotional experience.
Conclusion
Lucía Coppolillo is a designer for the digital age, whose journey from ceramics to 3D printing reflects a profound evolution in design philosophy and practice. Her work combines respect for traditional craftsmanship with a visionary adoption of new technologies, promising to offer valuable insights into the future of design.
As she continues to explore the possibilities of digital manufacturing, Lucía is confident that her career will provide valuable insights into the future of design, marked by a commitment to sustainability, community, and innovation. For those passionate about the future of design, LuCop offers a window into the potential of design to be a reflective and progressive force in our lives.
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