Joel Tatarek-Gintowt

I’m originally from Leeds in the heart of Yorkshire, but I was swayed by the number of Greggs when I came to Manchester. I love both cities for the people and the rolling countryside connecting them.

In high school, it was hard for my teachers to keep me out of the design and technology department. I love science fiction, which fuelled an interest in using CAD for laser cutting and 3D printing. I started with experimentation, eventually leading to running a club for younger students and finding ways I could apply my skills in other subjects. My passion led me to MMU where I achieved a 1st in BSc Design Engineering. There I was able to develop my technical and communication skills both through industry led projects and in my job as a 3D printing mentor.

There is such a thing as a stupid question (I know from experience), but you’re not stupid for asking them, this is especially true in engineering. As a problem solver, questioning the limits of a subject is freeing in how it invites creativity. What I love about Design and Additive Manufacturing is how it intertwines with almost every other subject. I’m fascinated by areas that have adapted to connect digitalisation with traditional work, especially studio prop production, scale miniatures and contemporary prosthetics.

I have always loved improving and designing things. As a child, I loved playing with Lego and K’nex, and I would build all sorts of science fiction inspired models. It was always fun to dream up new worlds and come up with original solutions with the limited parts I had. I still love science fiction and fantasy, genres that inspire people to dream of alternate realities and feats of engineering that seem impossible today. I am seeking to make a positive difference to our planet and people, whether it’s through making someone’s life better with a great design or just putting a smile on their face with something fun.