10 Ideals of a Maker

Some Thoughts on What Being a Modern Maker Means

1. Responsibility to Share and Teach

If you know something, teach it. Pass it along. That’s how this whole maker thing keeps growing. Share your process, even if it’s messy. Show your mistakes—those are often where the real lessons are. Don’t just keep the wins to yourself. Whether it’s through YouTube videos, workshops, or a conversation in the shop, teaching is how we lift each other up and keep the community strong.

2. Balancing Practical and Theoretical

Theory is great for understanding the "why," but it’s the hands-on work that gets things done. Sure, watch the tutorials, read the manuals, and study the science—but don’t forget to get out there and make something. The feel of the material in your hands, the sound of a machine cutting through wood, or the smell of hot metal—those are lessons you can’t learn from a book. Let your head guide your hands, but let your hands teach your head.

3. Balancing Open and Proprietary Tools

Open-source tools bring people together and let anyone build on the work of others. Proprietary tools, on the other hand, often offer precision, reliability, and polish. Use both. Grab that free software when you need it, but don’t shy away from investing in a solid piece of equipment if it’ll make your work better or faster. The key is to pick the right tool for the job and keep your options open.

4. Balancing Getting Projects Done and Collecting Tools

We all love tools, but at some point, you’ve got to stop shopping and start building. That shiny new gadget won’t mean anything if it’s just gathering dust. Focus on the projects first. Let the tools serve the work, not the other way around. And when you do get a new tool, learn it inside and out. Mastery beats novelty every time. While it is good to acquire a few inexpensive hand tools when starting out, wait until there is an actual project need before purchasing more expensive tools. Don’t be afraid of buying a less costly or previously owned tool before making the commitment of purchasing brand-new expensive tools. Seek out a makerspace in your area if you have a one-time need for a very expensive tool. Remember to keep the focus on making, not buying or collecting tools.

5. Balancing the Humanist and the Technologist

This isn’t just about gadgets and gear. It’s about making things that mean something. Think about the people who will use what you create. How will it make their lives better? How will it make them feel? Blend the tech with the human touch. A project with heart will always stand out.

6. Balancing Working Smart and Working Hard

There’s a difference between cutting corners and finding smart shortcuts. Working smart means planning ahead, using efficient methods, and thinking critically about what you’re doing. But there’s no replacement for good old-fashioned elbow grease when the job calls for it. Know when to hustle and when to let the machines or processes do some of the heavy lifting.

7. Balancing Hand-made and Brain-made: Manual Tools vs. CNC Tools

Hand tools connect you to the work. They make you feel the material and understand the craft. CNC tools, on the other hand, open up a world of precision and repeatability. The modern maker knows when to pick up a chisel and when to fire up the CNC router. It’s not about one being better than the other—it’s about knowing which one to use to bring your vision to life.

8. Becoming a Jack of Many Skills and a Master of One (or Two)

Versatility is your secret weapon. Learn a little bit of everything so you can tackle whatever comes your way. But don’t spread yourself so thin that you don’t excel at anything. Pick one or two things to master—be it welding, woodworking, electronics, or design—and make those your calling cards. The rest will fill in the gaps and help you adapt.

9. It Takes a Community

No one does this alone. The maker community is full of people willing to share, collaborate, and support each other. Be one of those people. Give feedback, answer questions, and share your resources. You’ll get back as much as you put in, and the connections you build will take you further than you could ever go on your own.

10. Vitruvius Virtues 2.0

Stealing from the classics here, but it still holds up. Aim for:

• Firmitas (Strength): Build stuff that lasts. Think about wear and tear, and make things that can handle the long haul. Flimsy isn’t an option.

• Utilitas (Utility): Make things that work. A beautiful piece is useless if it doesn’t do its job. Focus on function first, then refine the rest.

• Venustas (Beauty): People connect with things that are visually appealing. Whether it’s the lines of a chair or the interface of an app, beauty draws people in and makes them care.

And let’s add some modern twists:

• Hackable: Leave room for others to customize, modify, and improve on what you’ve made. Make your work an invitation to create.

• Repairable: Build with longevity in mind. Things break; make it easy for them to be fixed.

• Sustainable: Use materials and methods that don’t trash the planet. Think about where your stuff comes from and where it’s going when it’s no longer useful.

Conclusion

Being a maker isn’t about just building stuff; it’s about putting yourself into what you create. It’s a mix of grit, heart, and skill. It’s a philosophy that embraces creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to improving the world through thoughtful, innovative design. These 10 ideals are just a guide to help you stay on track and keep doing what you love. Make things that matter, and make them your way.