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.
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.
3 Simple Ways To Transform Your Builds From Boring To Exciting
If you’re like me, you started Making things in part because you weren’t happy with cookie cutter things available in stores.
Top 3 Simple Tools I Use During Every Build
Tools help us get build projects done (and are just fun to collect), but there are 3 simple tools I have used on every project for over a year.
3 Common Pitfalls Makers With Day Jobs Fall Into (And How To Overcome Them And Build More)
Making things is an incredible superpower that most people wish they could achieve, but there is a problem: we’re all busy all the time.
Being A Maker Requires You To Be Uncomfortable
In 2021, I was so overwhelmed with a project, that I almost quit making things online.
The Number 1 Thing New Makers Struggle With On Their First Project (And How To Get Past It)
When I decided I wanted to be a maker, I did my research, got some tools, and wrote down ideas, but didn’t actually make something for months.
The Secret To My Maker Creativity? Star Wars!
A few years ago, I was in a creative slump with no projects I was excited about. Today, I have a massive list of projects I am excited to build and not enough time to work on them all. How? By rewatching Star Wars.
Want To Improve Every Aspect Of Your Life? Start MAKING Things!
Making things has improved my relationship with my wife, my enjoyment of entertainment and travel, and even my full-time job.
How I Decided To Make Custom LED Lighting
Why I decided to ditch the jarring overhead lighting and create my own.
Tired Of Boring Overhead Lighting? Create Your Own Custom Lights By Learning Arduino To Ditch The Jarring Overhead Lights, Program LED Strips, And Integrate LEDs In Your Builds
What's the alternative to jarring overhead lighting? Making your own with a micro-controller and LED strips