Maker interview with Robert Mahar

Having recognized the passion, drive, and pure enjoyment of making things that each Making It contestant illustrates, Makerviews is excited to have the chance to highlight, feature, and share insights from each contestant. This Making It series gives a deeper look into these makers’ lives. The format: Makerviews asks these talented individuals two questions. That’s it, two questions. Learn more about this series.

Robert Mahar is a very talented artist, designer, and maker who’s shadow puppets project on episode one shows his keen attention-to-detail. Robert enjoys teaching imaginative DIY projects and is sharing video tutorials on YouTube, CreativeLive, and in in-person workshops.

Check out this interview with Robert Mahar, maker from NBC’s Making It.

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Making It Interview...

with Robert Mahar

What inspires you to keep making things?

"I’m drawn to vintage craft traditions and cultural folk art that's been passed down from previous generations. One of my happy places is the library, where I can delve deep into books that explore these histories.

When I find a project or idea that sparks my imagination, I’ll explore ways to recreate it in a way that’s uniquely my own - often through the use of modern materials or construction techniques. Making these connections between the past and the present inspires me to continue making."

What one piece of advice would you give to other makers?

"Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to fail - it’s part of the learning process." — Robert Mahar

Be sure to check out Robert Mahar’s website, Instagram, and Pinterest profile.

View and learn more about the Making It interview series.

Thank you all for reading this interview - get out there and make things!

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More about NBC's Making It:

Presented, produced, and hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman with judges Dayna Isom Johnson, Simon Doonan, and featuring other guests. Season 1 was set in a serene cabin near Malibu, Season 2 premiered during 2019's Holiday Season, and Season 3 started airing on NBC on June 24, 2021.

"In this six-episode competition, eight of the most talented makers from across the country will take on a variety of handmade projects with the hopes of impressing Poehler, Offerman, and judges. Poehler and Offerman both share a love and passion of craftsmanship, albeit from different perspectives. Poehler is a self-proclaimed crafting novice who has long harbored a secret appreciation for those who can imagine and execute incredible things by hand. Offerman is a New York Times best-selling author in the woodworking space and is well known for his love for making a variety of objects himself.

Every show will revolve around a central theme that draws inspiration from hugely popular, nationwide trends in crafting and DIY, which the whole family can enjoy.

Each episode of the competition will consist of two projects that allow the makers to demonstrate their specialized talent, while sharing skilled insights and touching personal stories. First, the "faster-craft" round will be a timed challenge that will test their ability to not only work quickly but imaginatively as well. Next, the makers will move to the "master craft collection," a one-of-a-kind themed challenge in which the competitors will need to use their expertise and get inventive in order to assemble a winning craft that fits the theme of that week.

Blending the atmosphere of a serene outdoor setting and innovative cinematography designed to showcase the beautiful craftsmanship at work, this friendly competition will focus on the character and camaraderie of the crafting community and through it all, Amy and Nick will provide heartfelt encouragement, guidance and plenty of laughs."— sourced from NBC's Making It