Inspiring YouTube Channels
When you feel like you want to veg out, but still want to learn something or be inspired, check out these YouTube channels — today, tomorrow, anytime during the Christmas break, and even into the next year. They’re inspiring to us, and we hope they will be for you too. If you have another suggestion, let us know in the comments.
Description: Architect Eric Reinholdt lets you into his studio, tells you his secrets, and inspires you along the way. I hear design engineering in almost everything he says, even though he’s sharing an architectural perspective.
Why it’s on this list: I like that Eric is organized and structured about the way he thinks about design. His tips are down to earth and helpful. Not every episode will apply well to a design engineer, but many of them will. Eric has inspired my way of thinking about design and has given useful tips that I frequently use.
Try the episode titled: Architectural Design Process: Managing Time (Tools + Tips) https://youtu.be/fUxmTKnK304
Description: Sam Gwilt is a young industrial designer from the UK. He is an amazing sketcher that produces primarily digital sketches using an iPad. He is very talented and very knowledgeable about the realities of design and the design process.
Why it’s on this list: I’m a student of product sketching. I’m always trying to learn about techniques and practices that make sense. Sam is a great teacher in this regard. I tried his Apple Watch tutorial and frankly, I was surprised that I sketched a pretty awesome Apple Watch after just one video (https://youtu.be/YCuwS-1ku4I).
For something shorter than the Apple Watch tutorial, try the episode titled: iPad Sketching Challenge with Cult of Mac!: https://youtu.be/plyca-nnRGw
Description: Jimmy Diresta is a maker. He makes everything. He’s most known for his bandsaw work. He also welds, does leatherwork, and more. He’s an artist and prop designer. He’s pretty inspiring to watch, and he has so many great tips about how to make things.
Why it’s on the List: Jimmy Diresta was one of the first YouTubers I started to watch. I found his way of approaching problems refreshing and always insightful.
Try the episode: DiResta's Cut: Dovetail Bench https://youtu.be/gZYxBGfo2uM
Description: This is the Adam Savage from MythBusters. He’s super fun to watch and listen to. He’s totally knowledgeable about how things are made and how people prototype. He was a Hollywood prop/set designer.
Why it’s on this list: Adam’s videos are very good, particularly the ones where he provides the main content (he has assistants do things sometimes). He’s got an awesome shop, and his content is instructive.
Try the episode titled: Adam Savage's One Day Builds: LEGO Lunar Lander https://youtu.be/Srg47mr4X5A
#5 Laura Kampf
Description: Laura is also a maker, and friends with Jimmy Diresta (see #3 above). She’s talented and resourceful. She often makes whimsical things. She always has fun music and excellent video footage.
Why it’s on the list: I really love Laura’s material choices and her storytelling. She makes things the way I like to make things, especially in that she tries to make use of the materials she already has or can salvage.
Try the episode titled: Laura´s Mini Tabletop Workbench https://youtu.be/zjqWvpdNbms
Merry Christmas!
