A Launchpad Into the Maker Movement
Maker is an inclusive term that simply means those who create. The maker community features a diverse range of interests and mediums. A small sampling of these mediums includes papercrafts, coding, woodworking, blacksmithing, and electronics.
The maker community is beautiful, talented, and a bit crazy. There are so many skilled makers creating content it can sometimes be hard to figure out who to follow.
Thankfully, many makers are active in the community and reference each other’s work. It is easy to find other makers after you subscribe to a couple that resonates with you. As with most things, the first step is the hardest.
If you are looking to start or expand your maker journey, then the list below should serve as ample motivation.
Laura Kampf
A lot of Laura’s projects feel relatable. Her projects include creating a public bench (twice), creating a switch activated by her keys for her workshop, and developing a bike trailer from old wheelbarrows.
A lot of Laura’s projects focus on repurposing what she can find. The resourcefulness of her projects stands out in an era of flashy projects. Many maker channels have large budgets. As a result, the videos they create are awe-inspiring, but they can feel out of reach for the average maker.
Laura’s channel is best for those who want to create but feel constrained by their resources. After watching some of her projects, you will likely find inspiration in the things all around you.
TheCrafsMan
While making can be therapeutic, you rarely find a channel that feels like a therapy session. TheCrafsMan has a soothing presence and some helpful tutorial videos. Similar to Laura, a lot of his content is lower tech.
Low tech does not mean low quality, however. Several of his projects inspire child-like wonder in the viewer. If you are looking for methods to make entertaining content without breaking the bank, his channel offers a master class.
If you are looking for a fun way to unwind after a long day, then TheCrafsMan is the perfect channel for you. His content will also show you how to use simple items to make miniature masterpieces.
Adam Savage’s Tested
Adam Savage is one of the most well-known people in the maker scene. He is of Mythbusters fame but has since pivoted into his own YouTube channel. His channel includes Q&A, one-day builds, and projects from other Tested team members.
Adam’s content often has a higher budget behind it. The final projects are often a joy to look at and serve as examples of how far the craft can go. You will also love his one-day builds as they are both entertaining and packed full of useful tips.
If you are looking to learn from someone who has been around the block, then Adam Savage’s Test is perfect. Adam is prominently featured, but you will also come to love his team that makes occasional appearances on the channel.
Emily the Engineer
Emily is one of the newer makers in the scene. She has done amazing work with her two Iron Man suit replicas. Her style is quirky and informative. While she is known for Iron Man replicas, she is currently looking to branch out to other game/movie props.
If you are looking for a laugh and helpful tips about 3D printing and design, then her channel is a must-watch.
Zach Freedman
Zach Freedman is of void star labs. He has a similarly quirky style and has a strong focus on 3D printing, electronics, and wearables. Zach’s content is less focused on education and more of a show and tell.
Recently, he has started a series about printing with every 3D filament. In a slight departure from his normal geeky comedy, he goes into great detail about different filament types. This series is valuable but still entertaining. It would also be great for anyone looking to expand their 3D printing arsenal.
If electronics/wearables are more your style, he also has several videos dedicated to these. Overall, if you are looking for some advice on 3D printing or electronics while getting a laugh, his channel may be just the thing for you.
Maker’s Muse
Another channel focused on 3D printing, electronics, and the occasional bird. Maker’s Muse is one of the larger maker channels, and for good reason. Not only is his content entertaining, but he has several tutorial series that are of high quality.
As a bonus, he is also from the land down under. So whether it is 3D printing, electronics, or even some EVA foam, you can learn a lot from his channel. He also actively contributes STL files — most notably his clearance castle — to help you tune your 3D printer.
Simone Giertz
Like many makers, Simone is quirky but talented. Unlike some channels, she often puts herself in the shoes of a beginner and takes us along for the ride. In her own words, she originally “focused on crappy robots” but wanted to change to functional design.
While her old robots are entertaining, it is a joy to watch her newer, more functional builds. She is best known for Truckla — her attempt at Tesla’s Truck. Simone also often shows prototyping builds with various levels of success.
Her channel is motivating for people who do not think they are good enough to start making. She enjoys the process regardless of the project outcome and that is a great lesson for all makers.
Xyla Foxin
Xyla is bold and the definition of a multipotentialite. She makes things using a wide array of objects, often in spectacular fashion.
Some of her recent videos include a Christmas tree rocket, a bulletproof ball gown, and a giant wooden rocket. She also recently made a reclaimed desk for maker secret Santa which is a fun video.
Xlya’s problem-solving skills and joy of creation shine through in every video. Her channel emphasizes people taking science/engineering into their own hands to go and create.
Nerdforge
Martina and Hansi’s range of artistic talents is impressive. Martina’s specialty is more firmly in the fine arts (painting, drawing, diorama creation), but she also has some hidden talents in needlework and bookbinding.
True nerds through and through, each project is an absolute joy to watch. Recently, she also rented and redid a new workshop. This video was memorable as it combined many of her talents into one stunning final result.
Her channel is highly recommended, especially for needlework and bookbinding.
Alec Steel
If energizer bunny was a person, I think Alec Steel is a top contender. His never-ending energy makes videos a bit crazy, but a sheer joy to watch. His content is strongly focused on Blacksmithing, but occasionally he indulges in other forms of making.
The production value of his videos is high. His editor Jamie is amazing at what he does. If you are looking for Blacksmithing advice, his channel may not be the best; however, if you are looking for motivation and to see the beauty of the craft, look no further.
Samurai Carpenter
Woodworking is a fine art and the Samurai carpenter proves it with each of his videos. A Canadian Carpenter by trade, his presentation style is blunt but his woodworking is gorgeous.
Recently, his videos have focused more on his off-grid cabin; but some of his older videos show small and intricate woodworking tips. His woodworking videos are different than many others on YouTube due to borrowing the style of Japanese joinery.
If you are considering taking your woodworking to the next level, his content will surely give you ample motivation.
Digikey Maker Update
Admittedly, this addition is a bit of a cheat. Every week, the folks at Digikey round up their favorite maker projects and videos for the week. The episodes are digestible (often under 10 minutes) but entertaining.
If you are looking for a way to see new makers or keep up to date with some of the best, this is a must-add to your YouTube subscriptions.
ElectroNoobs
Another channel focused on 3D printing and electronics. Unlike some of the other channels mentioned, this channel is focused much more on the education piece. If you are looking to learn and understand the projects you make, then his videos are a wonderful starting point.
Jeremy Fielding
Jeremy posts infrequently, but his videos are always a gem. He focuses extensively on mechanical engineering principles and projects. Aside from his projects being amazing, his videos are also highly educational.
Jeremy’s videos about various components are a must-watch for anyone curious about engineering. He has several helpful beginners’ guides. Overall, his content is useful and inspiring.
ModBot
Modbot’s Channel focuses heavily on 3D printing. Many of his videos are in a tutorial style. His channel is up and coming with some incredibly useful videos. Two videos of note are his video about CopperFill filament and his reflections about the Voron 0.1 (A DIY 3D printer.)
In addition to his Tutorial videos, he also has several helpful reviews of various 3D printers. Overall, this channel is one that anyone who loves to 3D print should have in their subscriptions.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you can see there is a wide range of makers on YouTube. Whether you are looking for needlework, electronics, 3d printing, or anything else, you can find a channel for you. These makers are a great entry point into the wonderful community of makers.
Which of these channels sparked your curiosity? Let me know in the comments below!
