3D Printing
Maker Community
Mental Health
My Maker Story: Printing a New Path Out of the Darkness
How 3D Printing Helped Me Overcome Depression and Find a New Creative Outlet
Tyler Cooper••8 min read
Introduction: Why I'm Sharing This Story
In 2024, life threw me a curveball—a tough mental health battle that left me questioning who I was. I was no stranger to anxiety and depression, but this time, it felt different. I needed an outlet, a way to reconnect with myself and my creativity while supporting my ADHD. That outlet arrived in a box from Bambu Lab. And what started as a single print would soon become a new step in a Makers journey.
The Beginning: My First Print, A Simple Box Cutter
In September 2024, I unboxed my very first Bambu Lab X1 Carbon (X1C) printer. The moment was a mix of excitement and a bit of hesitation—would I even know what to do with it? My first print? A simple box cutter—not glamorous, not groundbreaking. But, it was a first step out of the fog I had been living with.
“Spoiler: I had never 3D printed in my life; but have always been the tech guy; how hard could it be?
Finding My Flow: Shapr3D, HueForge, and My First Model
By January 2025, I was hooked and needed to take the next step. I had spent countless hours learning from the incredible MakerWorld community with their creativity, resourcefulness and grit. Inspired, I dove into Shapr3D for modeling and HueForge for beautiful filament art/printing. That led to publishing my first MakerWorld model: an Astronaut HueForge piece.
Leveling Up: Hexagon Magnetic Wall Art
This wasn't just about making something pretty. I wanted something people could make their own with their colors of choice. This meant I had to learn how to implement more modeling techniques like: Tolerances, Dovetail joints, and Magnet embedding. This design challenged me technically—and creatively. And seeing it come together was a confidence boost I didn't know I needed.
Entering the MakerWorld Garden Contest: The Birth of GrowTote
Then came a happy little surprise. In May 2025, I stumbled across a Gardening Contest on MakerWorld. My partner Cory and I immediately had an idea: what if we created a modular garden caddy? Thus, the GrowTote was born. It was only my second full design—but we dreamed big. Modular, practical, and flexible. And then… it won 2nd place!
🏆Won 2nd Place + $200 Bambu Gift Card
The Real Story: Hiccups, Lessons, and Growth
Not everything was smooth sailing. Also in May, as I was preparing a new contest submission, my nozzle tip broke off—mid-project! Cue full-on panic mode and a frantic hunt for a replacement nozzle. But here's the thing: every hiccup is an opportunity to learn. I've dealt with failed prints, fought through self-doubt and burnout, and questioned if I belong. And every time, I've reminded myself: it's okay. Growth isn't linear.
Beyond the Printer: The Power of Therapy and Community
While 3D printing has been a major part of my healing, my real power-up has come from: Therapy, Self-love practices, Connection with the people important to me, and Daily check-ins using the Finch app. Some days are a grind, but what I've learned is this: community and mental health support matter more than anything.
What's Next: More Designing, More Healing, More Sharing
So what's next? I want to keep designing. I need to keep healing. I want to keep sharing this journey with all of you. If you've ever felt stuck in your own path—or if you just love watching ideas come to life—I hope this story resonates. Together, we can make more than prints. We can make change.
“To anyone out there fighting their own dark days—know this: Creating heals. Community heals. You can start with one simple box cutter. And who knows where it will take you!”