Justin Thao, raised in the Midwest (USA), was born with an artist’s eye and a curiosity for origami.
But he began his adventure by challenging the status quo. He received his degree in Industrial Design and began working a nine-to-five job within a large corporation.
However, Justin’s artistic passion led him to seek creative outlets beyond his job. He began to develop innovative designs in the freedom of his own home.
In 2015, Justin began to experiment with paper-folding techniques and installed an LED light in his paper designs. His first design was a mushroom-shaped decorative lamp.
Justin unveiled his origami lamps, which began with homemade wooden bases, at his local farmers market and took patrons’ comments as the starting point for revisions to his designs.
“Through trial and error, I was able to grow,” said Justin.
Justin quit his then part-time job in 2018 to pursue his vision for bringing new dimensions to origami by incorporating the world of lighting design. With his savings, he formed his business, Incredifold LLC, and purchased a 3D printer, which he now uses to make the bases for his LED lights which are installed into the origami creations.
His lamps feature the option to use either batteries or a cord that can be plugged into any USB charger for a long-lasting glow that brings life to his original origami designs.
Justin is now developing a series of animal-shaped lamps, among other bouts of fresh inspiration.
He says, “I explore how origami can be more valuable, not just in practical terms, but also as a movement to creating new paths of inspiration.”
You can see more of his creations on his website, www.incredifold.com, or by following him on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (all @incredifold).
More info: Facebook
Origami burger (left) vs. Burger Lamp (right)
Image credits: makezine.com
Where traditional origami artists stopped, Justin expanded.
Burger Lamp: https://bit.ly/2SAfhrj
Incredifold Burger Lamp
Image credits: incredifold.com
He created an accordion-style burger lamp using the principles of origami.
Origami deer (left) vs. Deer Lamp (right)
Image credits: www.giladorigami.com
Traditional origami keeps things simple, but Justin wanted more.
Albino Deer Lamp: https://bit.ly/2GSFtfD
Incredifold Guardian Stag Deer Lamp (Albino)
Image credits: incredifold.com
His albino deer wows everyone who sees it.
Origami mushroom (left) vs. Mushroom Lamp (right)
Image credits: whatsorigami.blogspot.com
Justin spent many hours making the basic form of a mushroom into a lampshade that would be pleasing to the eye.
Cosmic Nest Mushroom Lamp: https://bit.ly/2RvhdnU
Incredifold Cosmic Nest Mushroom Lamp
Image credits: incredifold.com
Justin's Cosmic Nest is just one of many variations he's done on the mushroom style.
Origami panda (left) vs. Panda Lamp (right)
Image credits: www.giladorigami.com
Bored Pandas can surely appreciate a panda in any form.
Panda Lamp: https://bit.ly/2RuWW1B
Incredifold Panda Lamp
Image credits: incredifold.com
But Justin is the first to offer an origami panda that lights up!