Making Culture

The concept of Making is new to me this year. Within creative technology it’s the process of constantly producing or doing something that results in a creation. One has to constantly be trying to learn new skills or processes and use them to actually create something. This process is incredibly conducive to learning. Without the motivation to actually make something, one could read resource after resource but it isn’t until you try to implement what you read that you solidify that learning. Another thing that appears to be a cornerstone of making is something of a open source culture. The culture around making is inclusive, supportive, and community oriented.

Terms like “Makerspaces” or “maker fairs”, or “maker magazines” were never terms i was aware of before BDW. There is a community around making of like-minded people hoping to improve their skills and assist others in the same endeavor.

Makerspaces consist of tools in engineering, manufacturing, technology, etc that assist us with making actual items and learning about processes that make the products around us possible.

One example of this is a making studio nearby my apartment in Denver. They will allow you to come in, and make whatever you want, they will even help you do it and teach you how if needed. The only cost to you are the materials. Github is also a great example of making culture in which you can share your code publicly and receive feedback and suggestions from others interested in your projects.

The process of making rather than theorizing puts learning into action. When designing, I will rely on maker culture to continue to learn, grow, and collaborate with people who are passionate about making.