(Really Just Me)

Hello! I’m a security engineer by trade, but my interests stretch far beyond coding and cyber defenses. Living in the Philadelphia area for some time, I’ve become a familiar face on local walking paths, usually with my dog leading the way. It was on one of these regular strolls that I stumbled upon something that would spark a new passion project—the little free libraries scattered around our community. These charming nooks, where people exchange books freely, captured my imagination.

One afternoon (4/17/2024), after snagging a particularly engaging novel from one of these mini-libraries, I faced a small but annoying problem: no bookmark. Reluctant to bend the pristine pages of my new find, I was struck by an idea. Combining my love for AI, reading, and 3D printing, why not create something novel? (Yes pun intended)… Why not make bookmarks—not just any bookmarks, but ones designed by AI and that embody the spirit of our city?

That’s how The Bookmark Project began. Leveraging advanced AI, I set out to design bookmarks that are as unique as they are functional. Each bookmark is inspired by different facets of Philadelphia—the architecture, the history, the vibrant streets and quiet corners. Using 3D printing technology, I bring these digital designs to life, creating bookmarks that are both practical and collectible.

As a fan of geocaching, I see each bookmark as a hidden treasure, waiting to be discovered and to travel from book to book, reader to reader. This project isn’t just about keeping your place in a story; it’s about connecting people through the shared love of books and celebrating the character of our city, one page at a time.

Each bookmark from The Bookmark Project is a masterpiece in its own right, uniquely crafted to reflect the rich narrative of our surroundings. What makes these bookmarks truly special is their “birth certificate”—a QR code, printed on thermal receipt paper, attached to each one that serves as a gateway to its story. By scanning this code, you’re taken on a behind-the-scenes journey where you can delve into the origins and inspirations behind your specific bookmark. You’ll get access to a detailed narrative of its design process, the AI elements that influenced its creation, and even watch a captivating video of your bookmark being 3D printed into existence. This personalized touch not only enhances your connection to the bookmark but also celebrates the innovative fusion of technology and artistry that brings each piece to life.

Join me in this adventure—let’s make reading even more enjoyable while leaving our mark on the world, one beautifully designed, AI-generated bookmark at a time. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a voracious reader, or someone who loves to explore the cultural heartbeat of a city, there’s something here for you. Let’s create, explore, and inspire together.

1. Creation & Design: Each bookmark begins its journey in the realm of digital design, where AI and creativity converge to craft unique, city-inspired themes. Using advanced 3D printing technology, these designs are then brought to life, each bookmark being a small work of art, reflective of the cultural and historical essence of our community.

2. Distribution: Once printed, the bookmarks are carefully placed into various Little Free Library boxes scattered throughout different neighborhoods. These charming book exchanges are the perfect homes for our bookmarks, allowing them to travel from one reader’s hands to another’s.

3. Stocking Schedule: As this is a passion project fueled by my love for books, technology, and community engagement, I personally restock the bookmarks about every other week. Please understand that the schedule isn’t fixed—life as a security engineer keeps me quite busy! But rest assured, I am committed to keeping the flow of bookmarks as steady as possible.

4. Tracking and Interaction: Each bookmark comes with a unique “Birth Certificate” QR code. Scanning this code with your smartphone takes you to our website where you can discover more about your specific bookmark’s design story and view a video of its creation. It’s a great way to see the tech and creativity behind your bookmark and to feel even more connected to this community-driven project.

5. Engagement: We love to hear back from our bookmark finders! Feel free to drop us a note through the website or share your bookmark finds on social media. This project thrives on community interaction, and your stories inspire continued creativity.

Trending Design News