Make With Joy

One of the core values of SlimFold is Make with Joy. Not because I always practice it, but because I find that when I’m frustrated by some business setback, I can usually trace it back to the fact that I’m not practicing the principle.

Sometimes I’m putting too much pressure on myself to achieve a certain outcome with a design. Sometimes it’s because I’m “playing office” too much and not making at all.

The couple I’ve held up as an embodiment of this principle is Charles and Ray Eames. They were incredibly prolific in so many disciplines and the way they communicated is fascinating.

My son just watched Powers of Ten in school and that reminded me of the documentary about their studio. I showed our team for inspiration. Taking a page out of their book, our studio is super modular, what allowed is to move slowly a year ago.

Recently I’ve been inspired again by my friends Che-Wei and Taylor of CW&T who have not only designed incredible products but created a life that amplifies the joy of making in every way.

I had the pleasure of meeting them at a design retreat a couple of years ago and have kept in touch comparing notes on running a small business.

But their home studios, short videos, and recent products really show how the joy of making can shine through in the objects that are made.

Perhaps they're my new “Make with Joy” archetypes? I can definitely say they’ve joined Charles and Ray as inspirations.

Can what you do or made be better if you do it with joy? Whether or not the result is better, the journey will be a lot more fun.