Avoiding frustrating project mistakes, like parts being too short or features not working as planned, is key to successful builds. In this article, I share three essential strategies to help reduce those issues, inspired by lessons from Mark Rober's engineering course. From getting your ideas on paper and creating small-scale models to testing specific features before the full build, these techniques can save time, money, and frustration. With thoughtful planning and prototyping, you can tackle more complex projects with confidence.

Challenging yourself with a new skill or ambitious project often comes with unexpected setbacks. While building a power-carved Mythosaur Skull, I faced multiple failures—from broken tusks to unsatisfactory cuts—that nearly made me quit. Despite extensive planning, mistakes and frustrations piled up, but pushing through led to one of my proudest creations. This article shares the ups and downs of that journey and the importance of perseverance, even when it feels like a project is going off the rails.

As makers, the work doesn’t end with the physical projects. Balancing time between family, work, and the shop, managing an ever-growing project list, and creating engaging content for social media adds another layer of complexity. In this article, I share how I stay productive with limited time, organize my project lists, and approach content creation to improve as a maker. Join me in exploring the "behind the scenes" tasks that make the creative process possible, and share what strategies are working for you.