Exhibit Work
For my capstone project, I created Forged & Fable, a fictional company specializing in the design and fabrication of practical props and special effects for the film industry, with a specific focus on weaponry such as swords and knives. The project explores how narrative, symbolism, and craftsmanship can be fused to create physical objects that feel grounded in the worlds they inhabit—whether historical, fantastical, or somewhere in between.
The centerpiece of the exhibit is a commissioned prop blade titled “Battle of Wings”, designed and fabricated to reflect the company’s high standard for storytelling through steel. This large, tanto-style sword blends traditional and symbolic design elements to portray a celestial battle between Michael and Lucifer. The round guard features a Japanese-inspired print motif of the two archangels locked in combat, while the segmented handle is composed of black G10 at the top and bottom with a core of blue Snake Juma. These material choices were made not only for their visual contrast and durability but also to reflect the duality and conflict embodied in the sword’s theme.
The exhibit consists of three main pieces. The first poster introduces Forged & Fable as a concept company. It features a faded image of a fabricator at work in the background, while the “Battle of Wings” sword stands as the primary focal point. This piece communicates the company’s fictional mission and craftsmanship, framing it within the world of cinematic storytelling and practical effects.
The second poster provides a technical deep dive, displaying an exploded 3D render of the sword accompanied by stylized line art patterns. This poster emphasizes the construction, materials, and symbolism embedded in the blade’s design. It also highlights how each component—from the steel choice to the handle segmentation—contributes to both function and visual storytelling.
The final piece is the actual sword, forged from 5160 spring steel. This full-scale prop represents the culmination of design and fabrication, blending the narrative elements developed during concepting with real-world materials and manufacturing techniques. It serves as a tangible demonstration of the skills involved in knife and sword making, as well as a physical representation of the fictional company’s craftsmanship.
Through Forged & Fable, this project explores how imaginative storytelling, industrial design, and hands-on metalworking can come together to create believable, functional, and visually impactful props for film. It stands as both a tribute to the artistry behind the scenes in cinema and a personal expression of my passion for forging myth into metal.
