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.
4 Reasons Why Movies & Shows Should Inspire Your Builds (Even If You're Not Creative)
Anytime you try out some creative endeavor, you get in your head and choke. You don't believe that you're able to get the ideas out of your head and into a project. If you're making projects to sell on Etsy or Shopify, the stakes seem even higher and you're letting the pressure get to you.
3 Maker Topics I’m Obsessed With For 2026 Builds
It’s that time to start thinking about what projects I want to tackle next year (and which are in my goals from a previous article).
This year, I haven’t built as much in my garage workshop because I’ve been focusing on building out the business. In 2026, I’m still focused on building the business, but it will also involve making more projects. For example, I’m going to be filming in my home office more, so I want that background to look better than the cluttered wall it currently is.
3 Reasons Makers Shouldn’t Stop At Solving A Problem
Most people start Making to solve at least one problem.
Saving money is usually a reason people get started, but that usually goes out the window after the initial DIY projects around the house and you start building from scratch. No, we make to solve something tangible with a solution of our own. If we have a bed and a lamp, but no nightstand, it could be starting with that.
5 Reasons Why I'm Thankful To Be A Maker
Like everyone else, earlier today, I was caught in a round-table where everyone said what they were thankful for.
Now, not to sound like a cynic, but I've never been a fan of that particular Thanksgiving tradition. Don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that we have so much that we should be thankful for and we should be thankful. I mean the generic answers most people give like family, friends, and spending time together.
But it did get through my cynical side and it made me think about why I'm thankful to be a Maker.
Moderation Is For Cowards (If You’re A Maker)
Growing up in the 90’s and 2000’s, we were told we could be anything we wanted, that if we could dream it, we could do it. Then college and the real world slapped us with nonsense like “adjust your expectations,” “realistic goals,” blah blah blah. The best and most successful Makers I know build ridiculous things because they can and are passionate about them.
5 Functional Star Wars Projects That Should Be On Every Fan's "To Make" List
There is something about the galaxy far, far away that speaks to my soul and inspires me to theme my build projects as if they lived in that world.
One of the biggest reasons I didn't make Star Wars projects at first was that they seemed to be lacking something. The ideas looked amazing and would make me happy, but they still didn't feel complete.
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.
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:
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
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.