Abstract: Provided herein are methods for supporting a 3D-printed article while it is being produced. The methods can include printing the support structure along with the article, where the article can be removed from the support structure after the production process. In some embodiments, a method includes: determining a concave hull from an article to be 3D-printed, wherein the article to be 3D-printed comprises a plurality of fibers; determining one or more support pillars for connecting the article to be 3D-printed and a support surface; and printing the one or more support pillars and the article to be 3D-printed together using a 3D printing method. Also provided herein are methods for determining the geometry of the support structure and the supported 3D-printed article produced by the methods described herein.