There’s one name we think of when it comes to hair clippers and trimmers. That name is Wahl. They’ve defined the professional and home grooming industry for nearly 100 years, expanding globally with six manufacturing facilities and products available in 165 countries. Just as their products remain the global standard for integrity, value and efficiency, so to do their style and function. They trust KeyShot to help convey this through the visuals for each product. Joshua Howard has been at the forefront in refreshing the brand’s image, delivering product shots in a fraction of the time it would take through traditional methods. We ask him how he got started and how KeyShot has helped create amazing visuals for Wahl.
Wahl / Joshua Howard
Modeling software used: Rhino, SolidWorks, NX
Website: wahl.com/
What sparked your interest in pursuing Industrial Design?
I have always had a curiosity about the way products look and how they were made. It was not until college that I found out about Industrial Design and loved the idea of crafting these beautiful forms into products that share a connection and appreciation with people around the world.
Where along the design to marketing process is KeyShot used?
At Wahl, KeyShot is used throughout the entire design to marketing process. Once a new concept is created, our marketing team wants to see it in multiple colors for focus groups. We naturally turn to KeyShot because of its very simple and efficient interface. I can create several different styles in only a few minutes. On top of quick renderings, we also use KeyShot for the fine detail product renderings that grace our packaging. Recently, I have experimented with the animation feature, creating stunning product videos that are used around the world in everything from trade shows to commercials.
How has KeyShot helped save time, money and/or improve quality?
Instead of having to request samples, I can achieve far better results in a fraction of the time using KeyShot. We have also save a ton of money that would have been used on professional product photography thanks to the convenience of this program. As far as quality is concerned, the renderings I have created look better than the actual products at times!
What advice would you give to someone interested in doing what you do?
Design is a very competitive career field. Always be as versatile as you can. Some basic 3D knowledge coupled with a little digital savoir-faire and a great eye for design will get you a long way in the professional design world. Be ambitious and observant. Some of the best design work is inspired by the most random muses–like how the bright colors for the first iMac desktop were inspired by hard candy–you never know when inspiration will strike.
