Dean Forss Bio – 2020
Dean started his artistic career at an early age with chalk drawings of wildlife, architecture, and landscapes. His love for mapping developed out of these early drawings. Through the years he developed a skill set that includes cartography, 3D architectural visualizations, animation, photography, and videography. His technical training as a Geoscientist wonderfully bridges “The Art and Science of Where” – the trademark of his current company Island Laser Design / Design Signature Maps.
He developed award winning digital displays and animations for clients like NASA, The Pacific Aviation Museum in Pearl Harbor, The Colorado Avalanche, Crested Butte Ski Resort, Tampa Bay Watch, University of Florida and many others. He taught multimedia mapping technologies at universities, tech schools and media training labs and has been a guest speaker at events nationwide.
The addition of a large format laser in 2014 expanded the offerings to include 3D art intermixed with the science of where – geography. Building multi-layered hardwood maps with incredible detail at scale is the mission of the mapping side of the business, Design Signature Maps. The nautical wall charts are extremely detailed maps of coastal areas around the world. Each design takes months of research, design and programming to build the GIS (Geographic Information System). Over twenty years of experience as a 3D animator, cartographer and Geoscientist helps Dean create unique and special products for any scale map needed.
Island Laser Design is the lamp, awards and sign side of the laser cutting business. The “Beach Accent Lamp” series features local attractions and activities that are all about beach life. Our silhouetted designs are laser cut out of Red Birch and Oak. All the lamps are original hand drawn designs.
As a proud Air Force veteran, (Flight line paramedic and Respiratory Therapist) Dean designs special awards for police, fire, healthcare, and EMS to thank those who serve all of us.