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Photo of Trina Weiland with leaves in background

ABOUT

Hi! I'm Trina Weiland, an Industrial Designer based in Chicago, Illinois. 

I am interested in exploring and researching what it means to be able to make connections with each other through our environments.
 

    Experience

    Accounts Receivable Specialist, Virginia Transport LLC

    January, 2024 - Current

    Chicago, IL

    • Receive payments, invoice customer, record and reconcile accounts monthly via QuickBooks

    • Managing bookkeeping, performing account reconciliations, and processing invoices for both accounts receivable and accounts payable to ensure accurate financial records and timely transactions

    • Utilizing Power BI to analyze and visualize lane data, enabling data-driven insights to optimize traffic patterns, improve operational efficiency, and support strategic decision making

    • Maintaining records to ensure the timely, efficient, and accurate processing of fuel deliveries by overseeing bookkeeping, verifying the accuracy of Bills of Lading (BOLs), and ensuring invoice data aligns with system records

    Design Associate, Williams Ski and Patio

    January, 2020 - March, 2023

    ​Highland Park, IL

    • Assist clients to create floor layouts, material selection, based on preference, budget, environment and space needs

    • Create a full experience of end to end budgeting planning, coordinating material, and arranging delivery via white glove service

    • Initiated and nurtured client relationships, understanding their needs and preferences for personalized design solutions

    • Curating the showroom to reflect brand style, heritage and identity, enhance visual presentation, and drive client engagement

    Primary Lab Assistant 3-D Fabrication Lab, Art and Design College UIUC

    March, 2017 - August, 2019

    ​Champaign, IL

    • Maintain power equipment

    • Assist students with equipment

    • Maintain safety for students and use of equipment​

    Education

    University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana
    Bachelors in Industrial Design Champaign-Urbana, IL 
    ▪ DIS Furniture Design Studio DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia- Copenhagen, Denmark

    Awards+Shows

    • The Theresa Funke Memorial Scholarship

    • The Matthew Richard Voss Memorial Scholarship

    • UIUC-FAA Talented Student-Art and Design Scholarship

    • Foundations Undergraduate show Student Choice Award

    • SOFA (Sculptural Object and Functional Art show) 2016 CONNECT

    • Industrial Design Portfolio Show

    • DIS Furniture Design Showcase

    Experiments

    Three decorative masks of varying colors and designs displayed on a surface.

    CARVING

    This is the first project that I worked on really diving into carving. I later used what I learned here in the back and seat  of the Gingko Chair.

    This was a fun project using a few scrap pieces of pine. I learned a lot about depth and control.

    I

    Wooden mask from the game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim with stats and description.
    Princess Mononoke with mask and fur, animated movie scene in forest at night.

    Modeling Curves

    with Solidworks

    This was a project to explore how far I could push Solid Works with curves and convex shapes, and play with 3D sketching tool.

     

    The CAD Model was also a way to experiment with creating a simple model that had no supports when 3d printing ultimately. 
     

    I mostly used this project to explore how to use the 3d Sketching tool. Especially how to use references with the tool in order to be able to explore certain design elements; like the eyebrow and lower line that go across the mask.

    This taught me a lot about how to manage my 3d files and the order of cuts that I do. As well as exploring surfaces tools. 

    Especially in combination of how certain angles would relate to the manufacturing process of a certain part. In this case being 3d printed I focused on having the domes of the eyes and mouth tapered so that no supports were needed at all while printing. 

    No-Face stands on bridge in Spirited Away, scenic background with trees.

    Vacuum Forming

    This project was my first exploration that eventually helped me in my watering can project. This was mostly a quick study to allow myself to get familiar with how much I need to heat the plastic before its able to strech from the heat for a thicker sheet. 

    I used 1/8th in ABS sheets for this. I needed to make sure I was able to get the correct thickness to strength I needed. I also wanted to explore how cutting out holes from a vacuum formed plastic would behave. 

    I used a mask STL that was sourced from thingverse.com as a template to use the vacuum form against. I printed used expanding foam on the back to create a solid but quick mold that would not buckle under heat.

    The surface was then sealed with automotive sealer so that the 3d print would not stick to the Melted ABS sheet. Sanded and it was good to go.  ​

    White mask with black eyes and pink cheeks, studio shot on wood backdrop.

    Take Aways

    My mask experiments are all projects that I used to explore and hone my own understanding and skills with fun projects. I enjoy exploring and learning new techniques in my free time. These were all ways that I could do that while having a few fun wall decoration in the end. 

    I will have more masks to add here in the future. So please keep an eye out and come back!

     

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