This is a guest post that was originally published here on the Madesmith blog.
As creatives, it can be hard to pick our heads up and look past what is currently inspiring and moving us. We get caught up in our projects, our art and the potential in front of us, sometimes without seeing the support and resources that are readily available to push us even further.
Ultimately, it’s the continuing self-education, learning and growing that will help us realize an even greater potential within. Whether you work solo or with a team, on the internet or off, these five resources have something to offer:
Kollabora
Created as a community for makers sharing DIY projects, Kollabora epitomizes beauty and connection. Founder Nora Abousteit created the online platform to unite makers, crafters and DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels to get inspired, share projects, and buy and sell patterns. Whether you can knit, sew, dye, quilt — or want to learn — Kollabora is a creative outlet for both the novice and the expert.
Textile Arts Center (Magazine)
For those in NYC, the Textile Arts Center is a haven for learning new techniques and skills. Classes range from Shibori dyeing to crochet to leather working, with so much more in between. For those who aren’t local, TAC has debuted the Textile Arts Center Magazine through their Indiegogo campaign. If the final edition is nearly as beautiful as the video, every maker will want to get their hands on a copy.
Factory45
Factory45 is a six-month, online accelerator program for Made in the USA. Created for designers and makers, I built the program I would have wanted when I was first starting out in the sustainable apparel industry. Divided into three two-month modules, the course takes you through the process of building a supply chain in the U.S., branding and marketing your product, and going into production with a crowdfunding campaign. Applications are now open until April 28, 2014.
MAKE
The launch of MAKE Magazine in 2005, followed by Maker Faire in 2006, jumpstarted the worldwide maker movement, transforming innovation, culture and education. This global platform connects makers with each other, with products and services, and with partners. Ranging from crafts to electronics to art & design, MAKE is one of the best resources out there for gaining education, project ideas and collaboration opportunities.
Core77
Started in 1995, Core77 is an online industrial design publication that provides a gathering point for designers and enthusiasts alike by producing design competitions, lecture series, parties, and exhibits. The platform publishes articles, discussion forums, job listings and hosts a database of design firms, schools, vendors and services. It’s basically everything a designer would need in one spot.
