Maximizing Productivity: Beyond the Workshop
Building a Maker
Last Modified: June 2024
As makers, we tend to focus on what we’re what we’re building or making. However, so much goes into every project outside the shop, from finding time to get in the shop and keeping track of your project list to learning about putting content online (if that’s your thing). All of this happens outside the projects, but the projects would not happen without all that.
Being More Productive
Like many others, when I am not in the shop, I work full-time or spend time with my wife and two young kids. The split of attention leaves less time available for the shop, so being productive whenever possible is essential—quickly knowing what the next thing to do can save precious time and allow you to get more done.
Managing Project List(s)
While I want to get more done, my project list started in 2016 when I had no workshop, a drill, and only keyboard knowledge about making things. Since then, I seem to add at least four things to my list for everyone. Keeping this list trackable and organized has become a project itself. It has also helped me know which projects I want to make full project videos about, which are side projects for Instagram and TikTok, and which I should knock out quickly rather than share them.
Making Better Content
Since I make social media content for both complete and side projects, I have tried to learn more over the years about cameras, lighting, editing, and how to get that content in front of you. It’s an entire dimension of making things that most don’t think about unless they create content. Every project is two projects in one: the making of the physical thing and the digital content about it.
While I constantly what to improve how I do things, I also wanted to share what has been working for me in these areas and others that have made me the maker I am today and will (hopefully) make me a better maker tomorrow.
What are some “behind the scenes” areas that you struggle with? What are you doing that’s working for you?
