Making something with your hands brings special satisfaction to carpenters (like me) and other craftspeople. Some may not know this feeling, because many DIY hobbies are difficult to start, require expensive and space-consuming tools or special knowledge that cannot be found on the Internet.
I like it at work. These facilities are springing up across the country, giving people who love to create space, tools and equipment to practice skills such as carpentry, metalworking, ceramics, electronics, sewing and more. But most importantly, by subscribing to these open spaces, you're joining a community of like-minded people to learn and be inspired.
So, regardless of your interests and experience level, consider joining a local manufacturing company.
Some hobbyists need not only tools, but also the freedom to make a mess without worrying about your furniture.
"I wanted a dirty space, and I couldn't do that in my apartment," says Omar El-Din, founder and CEO of MakePlus in Los Angeles, California.
Although, as someone who has a 150 square meter workshop, I can understand that. My house is cramped and dusty, and there's little room to move without tripping over pipes, wires, or piles of wood. I cannot build large projects like dining tables or kitchen cabinets and this is not only difficult but can also be very dangerous. Because of this, I decided to join Mex of Lowell, Massachusetts, which offers only 3,000 square feet of lumber—more space than my entire house. While not all of them are that big, they can be much larger than any other workstation at home.
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Another advantage of Space that I didn't think much about when I joined my local workspace was the ability to work on more than one project at a time. In my workshop, once the glue or paint dries on one project, I can't work on another because I don't have room anymore. In the craft room, I can put craft boards glued together to dry and cure the headset set. The ability to distribute and edit projects saves a lot of time.
Then there are tools. I'm not going to lie - I spend a lot of money on tools and have everything a home carpenter needs. But production rooms offer equipment that I can't even imagine having in my home, either because of the cost or the space required. For example, the 25-inch circuit at my local manufacturing plant, which costs over $4,000, literally doesn't fit the standards in my room, so even if I spent a lot, I wouldn't be able to afford it. And if you don't have the tools, space crafts often have everything a beginner needs to get started and then some, so you can try out a new hobby before investing in anything other than materials.
Many people, myself included, turn first to workspaces and interiors. But the more I worked at Lowell Mex, the more I realized that the true value of a place like this is community. No matter what craft you choose for beginners, the class is a great place to learn.
"It creates a non-traditional learning environment," says Lowell Max co-founder and treasurer John Nota. "You can learn a lot in an internship, you can work with people [...] and a lot of people feel more comfortable with it."
Some workplaces have staff—usually volunteers—who are willing to answer some of your questions, but usually everyone is everyone's teacher. Don't be afraid to ask questions - experienced members can help you learn how to use the equipment safely, teach you the correct technique and give advice if you encounter problems.
Many places offer formal tutorials where the classes focus on different skills. If you're just starting out or interested in learning a new skill you've picked up on the job, it might be a good idea to sign up with them.
"A lot of people walk in with a device and then say, 'Gosh, I didn't know you had [that store],'" said Rio Sabella, chairman of the Lowell Makes membership committee.
In addition to learning and improving, only work for other content creation companies is eligible to become a member. Seeing what others are doing and talking about their actions can be a source of cooperation.
Makerspaces help businesses grow.Makerspaces can also be a valuable support system for seasoned content creators trying to turn their hobby into a business. Steve de la Cruz, director of business development and operations at MakePlus in Los Angeles, also runs his own interior design shop, Main and 38th, which has now been discontinued. For Steve, joining MakePlus lowered the barriers to entry for the company and saved him tens of thousands of dollars in start-up costs like equipment, insurance and utilities.
And saving money isn't the only job for business owners—they can help grow your business, too. Sabella is another entrepreneur who runs two Lowell companies: Sabella Woodworking and Pipe Dream Arts. In addition to support and training, the community is a valuable source of customers and recommendations.
"It's scary starting your own business or doing anything," Eden says. "It can be comforting to have a community of others who have gone through the same entrepreneurial experience," he explains, "and to know you have support." And being able to ask questions is one of Workspace's greatest assets.
What do you want at work?If you're looking for a place for local producers, there are a few things to consider.
First, make sure you have the tools and space you need for your craft. But you should also consider other aspects—for example, whether you offer on-site storage (so you don't have to move projects and materials back and forth), education and training, and 24/7 access if that's your thing. in
Finally, ask about the different membership levels and find the one that's right for you. For example, at my manufacturing site, the basic membership level has access to all stores, while the highest level includes storage space, shared offices, meeting rooms, and dedicated office space.
Once you know your workplace has what it takes to be successful, the next step is to find out if the community and culture fit your personality. The best way to do this is to visit, says Noto.
"Come to an open house [...] come in, walk around and really get to know the place. It's all about community. Talk to people."
Ask about equipment and logistics, but also ask community-oriented questions, such as: b. Member collaboration, opportunities to share knowledge and skills, and community building activities.
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You can also get ideas for work by visiting local craft and craft fairs in your area. Makerspaces happen often and you have an audience to answer your questions. Other sellers can become members themselves and share their experiences. By talking to creators near you, you can find out how active the community is in your local workspace.
Finally, there is no fear. Sabella, a member of Lowell's membership committee, said she's met many people who think work is good, but it's not for them. However, he urged everyone to stop if they are interested.
“Makerspaces can offer thousands of different things to thousands of different people. You don't even have to know what you want to do to participate.
So if you're looking for a place to finally do that project you've been thinking about or want to take your craft to the next level, maybe it's time to look for a job near you. You can find a community full of like-minded content creators.
