not sure what you mean " but there must be something interesting going on in the process before you get the pretty output!" I print my project or have a print shop print it for me , then i trace it (digitize it) and load the file into vetric aspire 10.0 check the vectors and do some node editing if required and create a toolpath for cnc or no toolpath for the co2 laser and cut it
i also work with 3D i have a good printer 600mmx600mm and a 3D hand scanner , love all this tech stuff
but i use the drawing boards all the time , at least to start with
And I hope i don't come across blowing my horn , believe me i am not i am just posting some projects i do showing how easy it is
but this is not for everyone as its costly like the cnc and the co2 laser .
woodworking has gone high tech and costly