Scaling Creativity with 3D Printing:
What does nearly 30 years in additive manufacturing look like? For Shawn Zindroski, Co-Founder and COO of SNL Creative, it’s a journey of constant innovation, creative passion, and redefining what’s possible in product design and production.
On a recent episode of the Additive Snack podcast, host Fabian Alefeld sat down with Shawn to talk about his path through the evolving world of 3D printing—from his early days as a model maker to becoming a leader in creative, end-to-end additive manufacturing.
From Rapid Prototyping to Product Innovation
Shawn began his career in the late ’90s at one of the first service bureaus spun out of 3D Systems. Starting with stereolithography and rapid prototyping, he quickly developed a hands-on understanding of the full additive workflow—knowledge that would shape his entire career.
After working in the automotive concept studio world and founding a service bureau focused on show car development, he was tapped by electric vehicle startup Faraday Future to build their in-house additive manufacturing department. This gave him deeper exposure to production-scale applications across the entire vehicle.
The Birth of SNL Creative
The idea for SNL Creative was sparked during a moment of family fun—customizing avatars on a Nintendo Wii. Shawn and his wife, a software engineer, saw the potential to combine digital customization with 3D printing, leading to the creation of Carbon Kids: fully customizable figurines. That passion for creativity and digital-to-physical workflows still fuels the company today.
SNL’s early success caught the attention of Disney, who became their first major client. Since then, SNL has evolved into a full-scale product development and additive manufacturing studio serving fashion, medical, automotive, and consumer industries.
Partnering with Wilson on the Airless Basketball
One of SNL’s most talked-about collaborations is with Wilson Sporting Goods on their groundbreaking airless 3D printed basketball. The ball’s unique design and bounce performance generated global buzz—demonstrating that additive can not only perform but also captivate.
SNL helped take the ball from concept to production, managing complex processes like vapor smoothing and deep dye coloring. It was a true team effort, involving close collaboration with partners like EOS and DyeMansion.
Looking Ahead: Materials, Traceability & Smart Products
Shawn sees a bright future for additive—one that includes automation, robotics, sustainable materials, and even parts that do more than just function. SNL is already experimenting with embedded nanotechnology for secure digital fingerprints inside resin-based parts, enabling full traceability and counterfeit prevention.
In addition to high-performance applications, Shawn is passionate about relocalizing manufacturing in the U.S. and helping companies rethink their supply chains through digital tools and scalable production.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a fashion brand looking to create bespoke wearables or a global sports company seeking performance innovation, SNL Creative is leading the way by combining engineering, artistry, and strategy under one roof.
As Shawn puts it: “We’re helping create experiences and connections between products and people. That’s what drives us.”
Want to learn more about how SNL Creative can help bring your ideas to life with additive manufacturing? [Contact us today →]
