I'm a Maker Because...with Tanner Claridge
Tanner Claridge, Handmade Leather Goods - Maker Miniviews series. These interviews are quick and to-the-point, check it out.
By Scott Mathson, Makerviews
Makerviews exists to share the stories of and advice from a variety of talented makers, designers, and artists.
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Miniviews series - No. 43 with Tanner Claridge
You’ve landed on the forty-third installment of the Maker Miniviews (mini, two question interviews) series. Learn more about these maker interviews and view a list of all Miniviews.
Tanner Claridge is a family man, designer, and founder of Claridge Leather - custom leather goods from NW Montana. This maker’s attention-to-detail shines through in his work and the handmade goods he sells. Tanner’s craft includes a combination of hand-stitched and modern sewing processes, of which makes for truly amazing end products.
Check out this interview with Tanner Claridge.
I'm a Maker Because...
Tanner Claridge interview
What inspires you to keep making things?
"I’d bet that some other makers can relate when I say that it's just in my bones to create! There is nothing like turning an idea into a tangible, usable, and even beautiful thing. Some people read books to let their imagination wander, but I would rather daydream about how to make something.
I really enjoy the PROCESS of conceiving an idea, carefully planning all the steps to make it, and then just going for it. Whether or not the result is perfect, each new project builds a repertoire of skills that will make the next project possible. I do not want to stagnate in my skills... I want to keep progressing in this craft in order to continually offer the best stuff I can."
What one piece of advice would you give to other makers?
"Set a mini-goal, and make a plan to achieve it. To the person who has never touched a leather tool but wonders, "Gosh, I wonder if I could make my own wallet..." Good news, you can! If I've learned anything in this endeavor, it's that a person can learn to do anything. Get online, find a tutorial, send a message to a maker on Instagram, watch YouTube videos, find the very basic tools to get started, and then go for it! Keep it bite-sized, or you might get paralyzed!
Your skills will slowly build, and you will be empowered to set your sights on the next mini-goal. Also, get in touch with real people if you have questions. Send a well-formed question to your favorite maker on Instagram, and more often than not, he or she will happily give you a tip to point you in a good direction. I learn A LOT from other makers this way, and I try to be a resource to others if there is any way I can help."
"Set a mini-goal, and make a plan to achieve it..." — Tanner Claridge
Follow Tanner Claridge’s work: Tanner Claridge website • Facebook • Instagram profile.
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