Making It Interview...
Maker interview with Billy Kheel
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.
Billy Kheel is a very creative artist and his medium: felt and thread. This maker is creating felt sculptures, wall hangings, installations, and more. His work’s aesthetic ranges from retro to abstract and is often created using unique felt appliqué techniques.
Check out this interview with Billy Kheel, maker from NBC’s Making It.
What inspires you to keep making things?
"I feel like making things is like starting a conversation with the people that are going to see it or see you making it. People are going to see what you make and they will let you know how they feel about it. I am constantly surprised by people's reactions to things I make and usually, their reactions inspire me to make more (and better) stuff. It can be a great, fun circle.
On a more day to day level, I seek inspiration from my neighborhood, riding my bike, art shows, sports, teaching kids, books, movies, traveling, fishing, my fellow makers, my upbringing, and doing projects with my family."
What one piece of advice would you give to other makers?
"Get after it!! Work on getting a great idea, look at your life, your surroundings, things that are meaningful to you, that you are passionate about and want to pursue. Once you lock into your idea, start the process of making it. Research how you might want to do your project, start making some drawings or assemble images for inspiration. Work it out on paper, think about it, break it down into steps and get going.
Even the longest journeys start with small steps, one in front of the other. Then as you go, keep yourself open to new ideas, new ways to do things. Before you know it, you will have something uniquely yours. And don't worry if it doesn't work out at first, keep after it. The process is actually the fun part."
"Even the longest journeys start with small steps, one in front of the other." — Billy Kheel
Be sure to check out Billy’s website and Instagram.
View and learn more about the Making It interview series.
Thank you all for reading this interview - get out there and make things!
