User Story

Not every creative journey starts in a studio—some begin with whatever space is available. For Kristián, laser engraving began outdoors, using an old kitchen table as a workspace. What started as casual experimentation slowly developed into a strong interest in engraving and creative production. With the Longer Ray5 10W, Kristián built his foundational skills, learned through practice and online resources, and eventually converted an unused storage space near his home into his first small workshop. His experience reflects steady progress shaped by learning, patience, and an emphasis on quality.

Starting Small and Learning by Doing

Kristián’s first steps into laser engraving were practical and uncomplicated. Working outside his house with limited space and equipment, he focused on experimenting and understanding how the process worked. There was no clear plan at the beginning—only curiosity and the motivation to learn something new.

Over time, engraving became a regular part of his routine. After roughly six months, it was clear that this interest had grown beyond a simple pastime. To support that growth, Kristián decided to rebuild an old storage area near his home, turning it into a dedicated workshop where he could focus more seriously on his creative work.

Throughout this phase, the Longer Ray5 10W made it easier to move forward, offering a user-friendly starting point for learning engraving techniques.

Building Skills with Longer

As Kristián spent more time engraving, Longer became an important part of his learning process. The Ray5 10W helped him understand core engraving principles while allowing him to practice consistently. Access to guides and instructional videos online further supported his progress, making it easier to solve problems and improve results.

This combination of hands-on experience and available learning resources allowed Kristián to gradually refine his approach. His growing focus on clean results and careful execution shaped the work he now shares under GravArt, primarily through platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Instead of pushing for fast results, Kristián chose to improve steadily, letting his skills develop through repetition and experience.

Progress Through Patience

Today, Kristián’s creative path reflects gradual, sustainable growth. With an approximate annual revenue of $3,000, his work continues to evolve at a pace guided by learning rather than speed.

His advice to newcomers reflects that same approach:

“Don’t be afraid to spend time learning laser engraving — it’s a broad field. Take your time and focus on the quality of your work.”

From working on an old kitchen table to creating in a personal workshop, Kristián’s story shows how commitment, time, and the right tools can turn initial curiosity into a meaningful and lasting creative practice.

From Dream to Reality: How a Laser Engraver Helped Me Start My Creative Business

The idea of owning a small business—one where I could create meaningful products that people truly want—has always been a dream of mine. Over the years, I explored different creative ideas. Some worked reasonably well, others didn’t, and a few simply required more time than I could give once I became a mom and began homeschooling my children.

Like many makers, my journey took a turning point online. I started following several crafters on Facebook who were using laser engraving machines to cut and create their own materials. Watching them turn raw materials into finished products was inspiring. I found myself researching different laser engravers, comparing machines, and imagining what I could create one day.

That dream became reality during Christmas 2024, when my husband surprised me with a Longer Ray5 10W laser engraver. I was beyond excited—but also a little intimidated. With his help, I got the machine set up and began experimenting with LightBurn software. I managed to cut a few projects over the next couple of months, but eventually the laser sat unused. The software learning curve felt overwhelming, and I wasn’t confident enough to keep going at the time.

Everything changed in the fall of 2025.

I remembered all the ornament design files I had purchased after getting my laser engraver. Around the same time, my family planned a volunteer trip to help victims affected by Hurricane Helene. I wanted to create something meaningful to give back—personal, thoughtful pieces that carried heart behind them.

So I dusted off the Ray5, committed myself to learning, and started watching tutorial videos step by step. I’m still learning every day, but the progress came faster than I expected. That season, I successfully held a Christmas ornament sale, opened my own Etsy shop, and even signed up to attend my first craft show this April.

At the moment, my setup is fairly simple. Along with my Ray5 laser engraver, I use a honeycomb bed and air assist. With the profits from my ornament sales, I invested in the XY extension kit. For Christmas this year, my husband surprised me again—this time with an air filtration system and a rotary attachment. We’ve already installed the filtration system, and he’s planning to build a full enclosure for me soon.

Looking back, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. The projects I create now look polished and professional—something I never thought I’d say when I first powered on the machine. What started as curiosity has grown into genuine confidence.

This laser engraver has completely changed how I see my creative future. It’s honestly become a bit of an obsession—in the best way possible. Every morning, I wake up thinking the same thing:

“What can I cut or engrave today?”