The Maker Movement Comes Alive
Advances in technology have helped people create items using affordable 3D printers, bringing them back to their DIY roots.
Creative people and consumers around the world are embracing the "Maker Movement," a term that defines the practices and habits of millions of people who are returning to pre-industrial roots by self-producing everything from robots to handmade crafts.
The trend's momentum has been documented in the book Makers: The New Industrial Revolution, by Chris Anderson, editor-in-chief of WIRED, released Oct. 2.
Makers' tools of production are epitomized by the rise of 3D printers that have become affordable for the masses. However, despite such advances, many people lack the time, tools, or creativity necessary for the Do It Yourself (DIY) culture.
In addition to online homemade crafts giant Etsy, startups are taking advantage of this trend by offering consumers the "maker" experience by combining their ideas and dollars with those who can turn them into reality. One site, Quirky, allows its community of "inventors" to submit ideas that they'd like to turn into products. If the idea gets enough traction, Quirky works to mass-produce the item and sell it through its retail partners. (The "inventor" keeps a royalty from the sales.)
Makeably, the newest site to enter the market, was founded by two long-time ex-Googlers, Anastasia Leng and Ryan Hayward. Leng says, "We enable our users to work with makers to create custom objects, including art, home decorations, accessories, and unique wedding pieces. Users browse from hundreds of 'custom project templates' submitted by their curated network of makers and collaborate with a maker of their choice to turn their idea into reality."
In addition to these sources, Kickstarter and other crowd-funding platforms have given inventors the funds they need to create the products they envision.
But online retailing isn't everything, as community interaction forms a major component of the Maker Movement. Sonja Rasula runs StateOfUnique.com and organizes events that connect makers with consumers, such as her upcoming Unique NYC. She said, "While the Maker Movement traditionally refers to people creating DIY technology-based products and solutions, in my world the Maker Movement is much larger and more diverse. To me, a maker is someone who solves their own problems, uses do-it-yourself methods, forges their own path, and is quite simply passionate about creating things."
Ryan Blumstein, 27, who co-founded Surface Grooves LLC with his fiancee Elissa Masin, 28, recently exhibited home furnishing and lighting products at New York City's Maker Faire. He said, "The Maker Faire was a great representation of different people creating new and fresh experiences. It brings the community together through education and innovation."
As at-home creative technologies become better and cheaper, traditional retailers may face increased competition from both the little guys and producer-consumers.
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