Some outside the 3D printing community have a hard time connecting with the latest happenings. It can be quite technical at times and it’s even more difficult to relate that technology to one’s personal life. This connection is critical for 3D printing companies because that’s how you persuade the public to buy your products: find a useful purpose for 3D printing and then successfully explain it to the market.
For years MakerBot’s secret weapon in this regard has been and still is Bre Pettis, their dynamic CEO. Pettis’ frequent appearances on mass media, his down-to-earth explanations of 3D printing and seemingly boundless energy have made MakerBot the most well-known 3D printer company to the public today.
Meanwhile, MakerBot/Stratasys’ most notable competitor, 3D Systems, has had a more difficult time delivering their message to the public as they did not have a spokesperson with equivalent charisma to Pettis.
But that’s changing, and changing very quickly. As we mentioned earlier, recording artist and philanthropist Will.I.Am was announced as 3D Systems’ Chief Creative Officer. You might suspect this is merely a celebrity endorsement arrangement, but it isn’t. Will.I.Am is truly interested in 3D printing – and is already engaging on the topic with some of his 11M+ Twitter followers. We’re certain that even a mere mention of 3D printing by Will.I.Am will generate new members of the 3D printing community.
Will.I.Am’s massive reach into consumerland immediately provides 3D Systems a public platform at least equal to Pettis.
