From Digital Sculptures to Physical Masterpieces: Mick Storm’s CNC Journey with Makera

Introduction: A Creative Intersection of Art and Engineering

Meet Mick Storm, a multi-talented designer and prototyping engineer based in Oakland, California. Professionally, Mick is a founding designer at a creative tools startup specializing in developing software tools for artists. With a unique professional background blending software design, engineering, and visual effects, Mick’s creative passions have always bridged the digital and physical worlds.

In recent years, Mick’s artistic journey expanded into woodworking, driven by his desire to transform digital 3D sculptures into tangible, lasting pieces. His quest for precision, ease of use, and creative freedom led him directly to the Makera Carvera CNC machine.

Discovering Makera: Precision Meets Convenience

Mick discovered Makera during an extensive search for CNC machines that could faithfully reproduce his digital sculptures into wood and metal. He initially explored resin 3D printing, but quickly realized that resin’s material limitations weren’t suitable for his creative ambitions.

Workspace and Workflow: A Seamless Integration

Operating from a converted bedroom workshop in his Oakland home, Mick values tools that minimize complications and maximize creativity. He began using the Carvera in early 2025, quickly integrating it into his workflow.

Artistic Evolution: From Digital to Physical

Mick’s artistic background encompasses traditional painting, sculpture, digital sculpting, and visual effects. His recent journey into woodworking stemmed from the need for a wooden enclosure for a 3D-printed diorama, igniting a passion for woodworking.

Featured Projects: From Small Boxes to Large-Scale Furniture

Currently, Mick primarily uses the Carvera for intricate 3D relief carvings based on digital sculptures created in Zbrush. He also utilizes it to create precise cuts for small components and intricate pockets for inlays, difficult to achieve through traditional woodworking methods.

One standout project involves larger-scale furniture pieces incorporating detailed carved 3D reliefs. For instance, Mick recently created speaker cabinets adorned with beautifully carved details using the Carvera.

Additionally, Mick enjoys crafting smaller projects like wooden boxes, leveraging the precision and ease provided by the Carvera.

Follow Mick Storm on Bluesky to learn more about his projects.

The Carvera Advantage: Key Features and Benefits

Mick highlights several aspects of the Carvera that have significantly impacted his workflow:

Transforming the Creative Process

The Carvera has notably expanded Mick’s creative horizons.

Advice for Aspiring CNC Creators

For those new to CNC, Mick emphasizes a creative mindset: “Make the art you want to make. Make the art you want to see in the world. As long as you’re working safely, don’t worry about doing it right—just keep making stuff. Get comfortable with being bad at doing things because that’s how you get good.”

Looking Ahead: Exploring New Possibilities

As Mick continues exploring CNC artistry, he's particularly excited about leveraging the Carvera's 4th axis capability for full 3D carvings of his digital sculptures. With the Carvera as an essential part of his toolkit, Mick eagerly anticipates new creative endeavors, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Conclusion: A Creative Partnership with Makera

Mick’s journey with the Makera Carvera exemplifies how technology can seamlessly blend digital creativity with traditional craftsmanship. From digital sculptures to finely crafted physical masterpieces, the Carvera empowers Mick to realize his artistic visions, transforming imaginative concepts into enduring art pieces.

As Mick continues to explore and innovate, Makera remains committed to supporting his creative endeavors, showcasing the limitless potential of CNC technology.