Mind of a Maker
A daily blog inspired by Matthew Dicks
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.”
To become better at something, you have to practice. What better way to become a better writer and storyteller than to practice by making a habit of writing daily?
In this daily blog, we’ll discuss Maker-related topics as well as what inspires projects, including YouTube videos, Movies, TV Shows, Disney, Star Wars, LEGO, Books, and more. Everything is on the table, and nothing is off-limits.
Disclaimer: The thumbnail images featured on this blog are often AI-generated. See Disclosure page for more information.
3 Unexpected Benefits For Corporate Professionals Who Start Making Things
I had been working nights and weekends for nearly a year, felt like I barely saw my new wife, and had canceled so many plans with friends that invites stopped coming. A YouTube video came across my feed of someone building something (what I cannot remember, although I wish I could) and I thought, "I can do that." I immediately started figuring out what tools I needed, what I could build, and what space I had in the garage.
Simple (But Effective) Pieces Of Advice I'd Give Anyone Starting To MAKE Things
I have been MAKING things for 8 years.
These are the 3 simple (but effective) pieces of advice I'd give anyone starting out (or who wants to get started):
If You're Interested In Learning To MAKE Things, Subscribe To These 3 YouTube Channels
Learning to MAKE things is hard.
Luckily, all the inspiration and education you need to know to get started and building projects of your own is available online—for free.
Just subscribe to these 3 YouTube channels:
The 1 FREE Application I Can’t Live Without For MAKING Things
Today, there is an app, website, or software platform for just about anything (including finding someone to walk your dog).
But when it comes to MAKING things, there is 1 application I can’t live without.
5 Easy Ways For Professionals Working From Home To Make Their Background Lighting For Video Calls 100 Times Better In Under An Hour
Boring backgrounds are a plague on video calls, which are here to stay, even as most people return to the office more frequently.
Instead of settling for boring, here are 5 Easy Ways to MAKE your video background 100 times better in under an hour.
2 Simple Tips For Busy Professionals To Maximize Their Time In The Workshop, Create More Projects, And Tap Into Their Creative Side
Time is a struggle for just about everyone, but especially busy professionals juggling work, family, friends, and other responsibilities ahead of hobbies.
Fortunately, I found these 2 simple tips helped me get more out of my limited workshop time, which helped me create more projects, and gave me the time to think creatively as well.
The Simplest Way For Makers To Overcome Procrastination Mid Build
Personally, I have struggled with procrastination for years, and it has caused months of delays.
Procrastination stems from being unsure of next steps and a lack of planning.
Here's how I started working on it:
The 1 Superpower Making Things Gives You (But It's A Duel-Edged Sword)
After I had been Making things for about a year, I realized it was an unexpected superpower.
The superpower? You believe that you can Make anything!
The kryptonite? You believe that you can Make Anything...
Something Weird Most People Don't Know About MAKING Things
There are a lot of things most people don't know about Making things.
Some things are common, like stains not looking as good as the actual hardwoods. But, here's the weirdest thing most people don't know about Making things:
The 1 Simple Change That Helped Me Enjoy Building Projects More Than Ever (even though I was in a creative slump)
Like many, I started making and building projects to solve problems.
However, the novelty of creating a solution to a problem wore off, so how could I get the creative juices flowing again?
1 Big Mistake I Made When I Was First Getting Started Building and Making Things
Like most beginners, I made a lot of mistakes when I first started Making things (and still do).
But this was the biggest one, by far:
1 Tip I Would Give Someone Who Wanted To Start Making Things For Themselves
I have been Making things for 8 years now. And what I can tell you (from experience) is that in order to succeed as a Maker, you need to be willing to learn, willing to fail, and willing to think big.
So, here's the 1 tip I would give you if you wanted to pursue being a Maker:
Will AI Make Creators Obsolete?
Over just the past year, AI has become more advanced and more accessible at a staggering pace. With AI generating images and videos in minutes, many creatives worry that it could replace them. Some companies have already downsized staff in favor of "outsourcing" to AI for a lower expense.
The good news for creators is that this has happened before.
The Best Piece Of Advice I Was Given About Making Things
In 2022, I was in a rut as a Maker and no longer enjoyed building things.
Until I read Adam Savage's "Every Tool's A Hammer," and he recommended giving in to obsessions. It changed my trajectory as a Maker for the better
Star Wars > Star Trek (At Least For Makers)
Before you pick up your nerd pitchforks, hear me out.
Star Trek has its merits, and I enjoy watching the shows and movies. However…
3 Reasons Why You Should Start 3D Printing
Several years ago, I got a 3D printer and was devastated when I couldn't get the results I was looking for. I found I was spending more time tuning and calibrating the machine than actually printing. In frustration, I turned away from it as a viable option till recently.
The First 3 Projects You Should MAKE When Starting Out
The opportunities for what you can build are nearly endless! Which is amazing, so you can always learn something new and continue to grow as a Maker. However, it's easy to become paralyzed by choices when first starting.
2 Years Ago, I Was….Exactly Where I Am Today (And I Hate That)
Recently, I realized that I have not grown as a Maker or Content Creator over the last 2 years. That changes today.
Why I’m (Re)Starting To Write Online
Earlier this year, I started writing online thanks to Dickie Bush & Nicolas Cole’s course, Ship 30 for 30. However, I didn’t follow through, which I didn’t like. Today, I’m restarting my 30-day writing challenge.