The graph you drew really hit home. It's the most accurate description of how it feels to be an artist/creator that has bills to pay and doesn't have the luxury of a trust fund or spouse that can cover all the bills. Thanks for that!

Beyond the practical considerations of making a living, I'm floored by the concept of just focusing on the region of the graph where you're happiest. I think we could all bear to examine our own happiness graph...

I totally agree with your thoughts on the process being the part you love. A lot of times, my projects sit without finish on them because I want to move on to the next thing. I just love trying new things and learning from my mistakes. Well done on the sponsorship, you deserve it.

Always look forward to Sunday's video, thanks for being genuine. You will be great!!!

Congrats on working out what makes you happy and going for it! Something we should all be aiming towards :) I'm enjoying these vlogs just as much as the build videos, it's great to see how and why you make as well as what you make. Cheers!

Love the vlogs. Thanks so much for putting these out! Huge fan from Austin, Texas!

I appreciate how you candidly outline your goals and subsequent processes. Your thoughts are a valuable resource for all eager/capable artisans. Thank you for taking the time to turn your inner thoughts into digestible content for us all. If you've ever a desire to travel to the Bay Area to meet like-minded individuals and improve your craft, I've no issue with providing a flat to have while you stay. The world needs more people like you.

Love watching your KZfaq journey thus far. That happiness vs process graph sums it up perfectly. Not everyone understand why we make the things we do but the happiness derived from the process is more valuable than any final product selling price. Keep up the great work

I agree so much with what you say about the process! It's what I enjoy too, which is why I'll be setting up a channel soon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I particularly enjoyed watching your work while you describe what you are doing. Cheers from Argentina!

Thanks for discussing your process of intrinsic motivation Vs extrinsic motivation Laura. You just gave a great analysis for the origin of Occupational Therapy (Ergo Therapy in some European countries). Instead of mindlessly following an exercise regeime prescribed for them (extrinsic motjvation), patients willingly participate in an activity that involves the same muscles when the project is selected by themselves because they enjoy it (intrinsic motivation). That was the original reason for having workshops and craft activities in Rehab Hospitals around the world. That's why the Australian concept of Men's Sheds is now so useful in getting isolated guys out of their lonely depressed lives and interacting with others by making and fixing stuff in the company of others. Thanks for your thoughtful insights.

yes. The "happy" part of the process in in the design and making for me as well! Thanks for the great VLOG.

Great to hear you've found a sponsor! I totally understand your point of view on the process at hand. Best of luck to you Laura!

Laura, I loved this week's vlog. The explanation of your process was so interesting and it makes so much sense. It helped clarify some of my own thinking about KZfaq as my brother and I start our own channel. Keep up the great work and best of luck as you continue your journey!

Awesome, keep the videos fresh and I'll keep coming back, congratulations to your sponsors for spotting your talent and working to support you.

You - - - are a very smart lady! You know where you are and where you wanna go AND you explain it so well. You have passion and fire. We call it Brake Cleaner here too. Always have several cans on the shelf. Last but not least, Congrats on Rockler. April got me started with them. Great VLOG this week. Glad to see ya happy!

your youtube process/product theory is on point. You hit the nail on the head. I feel the exact same way about making stuff. Keep crankin!!!!

Your thoughts on passion and making are shared by me as well. All the best and congratulations on the sponsorship!

Hiya, it's fantastic that you've been sponsored!!! Hopefully this will allow you to grow in the way you want. For me the process is everything too, I sell some of my silverware, I'm into chains at the moment, still starting out, but I give many away... I'm way to slow, from the state of my hands, to video anything I do let alone post it. This is why I love people like yourself, April, The Wood Wisperer, Frank Howard and Keith Rucker - vintageMachiner et all. You have a complete package, concept, design, manufacturing, filming and editing. I am very envious of people like yourself who can do the whole package, and I strive in my own way to do the parts I can do not only to the best of my ability but also the greatest high I can achieve by my own endeavours. So for me the process is everything until I can do more.

I had an idea of what I wanted to do as a job, to make stuff, to create and have a certain freedom in what I do but I couldn't really pinpoint how. After having discovered you and your channel I'm absolutely sure that "Yeah, that's it, I want to do what she's doing." It's really inpiring watching what you do and especially to see your point of view on the whole process! Thanks!

Laura, I love how you depicted the process in that way and I totally get that! No one likes to have to sell the product and all that goes along with that. Keep doing what you love! Nice table by the way. Like the cool Rockler gear you have.

Yay! Nicely put! Figuring out what makes you happy early on will only help in the long run. Wanda is awesome, love the music and not a clue what they are singing about just a good beat. Thanks!

process: very well put and what i have ben toying with/struggling with/changing in my "business plan" as well. keep it up!

Hard work (most of the times) gets rewarded. Congratulations on the sponsorship and thank you for the great content you put out there for us to watch.

That is some strait wallnut love the look. the grain really goes well with the steel members. thanks for the inspuration.

The process explantion was perfect and to the point. Congrats on the sponsor ☺ you deserve it and more for all your hard work, creativity and content.

Well said, using your gift of life to do what you love, that is my plan except for me it has taken me much longer to work what it is that I love to do (most of all). Keep up your great work, you are an inspiration. Catchya later.

Good luck Laura! Going to check out your music recommendations.

love that example of revinue and happy. that is so perfict!

Keep up the good work Laura! Your diagram was so thought out, so true, and honest! Also, can't wait for you to hit 20,000 subscribers. Cheers, JRGM

I think that's an interesting topic on where in the manufacturing process you find the most enjoyment. For me I enjoy making things that fill a need or want. I enjoy the entire process but am the most creative when there is an aspect of problem solving. For me the video is the by product and the item I built is the main objective and some makers the item being built is just a means to an end, a video. I hope you discuss this further in the future and love watching you work and create. Keep up the amazing work!!!

I like how you explained the process & your happiness. I totally get it. I also like that cabinet that's behind you, looks old style.

I have a Feeling this is a KZfaq star in the making. At least to the level of Diresta or AvE

Laura I am metals teacher in Oregon in the United States. I saw your tape dispenser vlog on tested and then I subscribed to your channel. I love the projects you are doing and look forward to making some of them. I am going to share your channel with lots of my students especially my young ladies. You are an awesome role model. I became a “shop” teacher almost by accident. I worked as a fabricator for a number of years but went to college to become a mathematics teacher. The last two teaching jobs I got also asked me to teach welding so I have added the endorsements to teach what is called shop here in the US. You have inspired me with new possibilities for projects for my students. Thank you.

I really likeing the last link u have there.. even tho i dont know what they are saying its melodious and video is fun to watch... this is definitely opening me up to a new experience.. will be looking out for more of thee posts so i can experience new music.. im from the Caribbean..Trinidad to be exact so this is a new experience for me.. i love your videos... ur really talented.

Nice to see you planning ahead with the monetisation thing and keeping your happiness as the number one priority. I wish you all the best, you're doing great so far! Also, it's interesting to see your progress in these vids. You should definitely look at this again some 5 years from now. :-)

I found your channel when you collaborated with Simone Giertz and I'm really glad that I did. Your videos are fantastic to watch.

Well said. I live the process as well, and the fact that KZfaq can keep making the process fun long after it's done as people keep watching and commenting as time goes on.

It's interesting to me. As many VLOGs as there are you seem to be creating one that is truly unique and interesting. Congratulations !

I feel you on that. The process is what keeps me showing up to work.

I love that graph ... it totally makes sense to me!

Thanks for another great video. I liked the insight into your reasons for getting onto youtube. I have set up my channel to try to gain more customers for the work that I want to do because I like both the creative process and dealing with customers. I am happy with the canon 700D, thanks for pointing me in that direction. I didn't have the bucks to go for a 70D but I hope that the videos will bring more customers to my shop and allow me to upgrade in the future.

I'm with you on the beauty of walnut...I love working with it!

Great toughs Laura! Patreon is the way to go! Nice to hear your "Muttersprache" ! Checking out the Band you suggesting now!

hi, I just found your channel today and I'm glad I did. I like your style and presentation so now I will binge watch your old vids and catch up. good luck and thanks(big fan of jimmy diresta, too)

Super erklärt mit dem Schaubild. Kann ich gut nachvollziehen und ich finde es sehr gut, dass Du transparent damit umgehst. Es macht Spaß, Dich auf Deinem Weg und dem jeweils individuellen Herstellungsprozess zu beobachten. Keep it up ;-)

Your honesty and transparency is really refreshing :) I think as creatives we find the balance of making things we love and making money really difficult, even more so when a client is involved. It's something with my graphic design work I have really struggled with.

Awesome - like always. Wasn't able to comment on your latest videos but have to say I'm impressed with your work. Thumbs crossed the youtube thing will work out for you. Loved the way you levelled the shop stool using a spirit and styrofoam. Simple, clever, works. Again: Awesome!

Just watched 4 of ur vids. I'm just starting my channel so I found your breakdown of the process very inspiring. I'm subbed. Best of luck to you.

I love your description of where your happiness comes from and how to make money! I wish you the best! Keep making!

You explained my feelings in that drawing perfectly. I agree!

I totally get you, Laura! I keep pushing back the products I'm going to try to sell because it's just not that interesting. Just started making KZfaq videos finally and it's definitely very cool/addicting! Keep up the good work and congrats on the sponsor!

Process... Yeah. This really resonates on many levels. Thanks, I may need to watch that again

Dam it I love the space in your workshop!

Congrats to the help from Rockler. I could go broke really easy their. PS: loved the trick you used to level the stool a couple days ago. :)

I suppose it all comes down to having the freedom to learn in the way you want to, good luck

loving these vlogs! love your happiness chart!! i'm making custom stuff for clients full time 7 days a weeks with my pops. I wouldn't say we dislike it, but we are in the same boat as you and have a new motto in the shop of where we want to get to and that is " MAKE VIDEOS, NOT CUSTOM STUFF FOR CLIENTS. Keep up the good work!

What a great attitude, love the way you think..

awesome graph of happiness/money and very honest. I like and appreciate it! nice job

Hey Laura I really liked this Vlog! I too am more about the process than the final product and all that goes with it. I believe there are many people out there that feel the same so much so that I changed my descriptions on social media 6 months ago to: It's not about what I make. It's about the process of making it!!!" Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Great video and I love the music suggestion. I especially like "Schickt Mir die post" and "Luzia". Keep up the good work!!!

I agree with you Laura about the process being really important if one wants to be at something long term.

I like the table - walnut with just about any metal works. You'll find those bench cookies surprisingly useful in a lot of situations. And, the process graph - very insightful!

Hey Laura, I liked your plan, its good to know what makes one happy. Ive talked a lot with other youtube makers and it seems the best thing is to have diversity of income, you've already mentioned having a sponsor, patron and selling plans. all of which are great! another thing ive seen people do is self publish an E- book and they usually do a limited run of hard copies. the book could have projects, plans, tips and tricks, essentially condensing a bunch of stuff you've learnt whilst making your videos. Love your videos, ps. i'd totally buy your book :D

Completely understand you like the process, but not the part after. I do the same thing. My true passion lies in the idea and finding the solution to the problem, not necessarely making the product, but that is the only way to get to the problem........... Totaly understand you are more happy at the process. The real life, as you call it, is never to much fun. Just relocating my workspace, as you did some time ago. Although it is in my own buildings....... No more inconveniences with cars that need to be parked etc..... Loving it......

The same like me. I build so called Light Art. BUT, i enjoy the build and the process (also making KZfaq videos). Now, when it comes to the selling, i am like you. I am no marketing guy or a seller, i am a MAKER. Still trying to figure out, how to make money of KZfaq without selling my products by myself.....Can agree with your opinion and your mindset Laura!

that Walnut slab is beautiful!! -like the hair do:] looks nice as always good stuff laura!!

Laura - I'm with you. I love the process of making, I'm getting more and more into the process of making videos. I dream of making being my job, but I agree that the joy of it comes on the front-end for me. Building a client base, and operating a business sounds awful. I think you've got the answer.

I wish you all the best with your plan to sustain yourself with KZfaq. I know I will still be watching, sponsors or not.

I love the end product but just like you getting there is the happy spot.......issue is when the happy place and sell place start changing in percentage. I don't like to sell,but some people could sell anything anytime anywhere. Has long as your happy we will continue to watch your awesome work,cause we love that smile...keep up the awesomeness.

Hi Laura, love your vids, beautiful work. Re: brake cleaner/degreaser, I screen print and we use degreasers and they are real bad for your hands and skin, removes natural oils etc. Looking forward to Sunday' video, good luck!

Love your lathe tool storage!

Laura, follow your passion and the rest will fall into place in good time. Wishing you all the best & many thanks for inspiring my daughters (and me too)! @HoneyOnWales

Awesome way to graph your product development process!

I think you're going to do great on KZfaq, Laura. You definitely have the skills, style, and personality which is a great mix. Not to mention you are easy on the eyes (one of our sayings in case you've never heard it- means you're very cute) gentle, and feminine even though you completely kick ass with every bit of machinery in your shop. It's all a great mixture for success with your vids. Sharing everything including your doubts help others feel at ease and shows that we all have plenty to learn. April has been great with all of that and the formula is working. She just keeps pushing herself but not trying to prove anything. You two are a lot alike in that way. Anyway, can't wait to see the bed. Remember you don't need to know the whole process to produce an outcome. I do it all the time! ;-) (sorry msg so long) Troy

You and your music are awesome.

I'm super happy that you are finding the source of your happiness is the creation phase of s project. If that's where you want the income to be instead of the final piece or the maintaining of a clientele, the only real solution is to team up with sponsors who will compensate you for using their products in your builds, with the hope being that they will then sell their products to the people who watch you on here and wish to emulate you. However, keep in mind that it is an ever shrinking group of people who will be watching and emulating because they will be increasing their knowledge as they themselves make things and they hope to also be funded. This is why on my opinion the back end is just as important and cultivating the clients who buy from you. Those people will impress their friends with your creations and their friends will want you too. It's like selling produce from your own garden.

Hi Laura .. im pleased you have worked out what part of the process that make you happy .. i think sometimes that's half the battle, ....I on the other hand , dislike making the youtube clips , i dislike the filming , working out camera angles , the lighting and the editing . For me i'm happiest when i'm in my shop with a tools in the hand and not a camera ...But hey , that's the only real way i get my product out there ...So pleased you have a picked up a sponsor ...

Hi Laura, Very well thought out description of your process and soon to be business model. I know you will be a success with Y'tube. You think, talk and make very well.-*- I notice that you have a set of high carbon steel turning tools. They are cheap but require the most work to keep sharp. They lose there edge quick but sharpen quick. In my experience For ever minute you spend turning you will need to spend 1 minute sharpening high carbon steel. The better high speed steel tools allow you to spend 5 to 6 minutes turning to 1 minute of sharpening. A much better ratio. Now carbide tipped tools are the best ratio of turning to sharpening that you can get. They have 50 to 60 times the life of high speed steels. Some woods will dull your edge faster than others.-*- If I was going to screw a wood top to a steel stand I would worry the screw holes in the steel into slots to allow screws to move as the wood to expand and contracts. If you don't allow for expansion and contraction the top can split and crack.-*- There's a reason why woodworker woods have been popular with woodworker's for centuries. They not only look good but they are easy to cut, plane, joint and sand. They treat the woodworker well and make his/her work easier. Top of my list in no order, Walnut, Cherry, Mahogany, Maple and Oak. -*- The Bench Cookie does one other thing for you. Once you have invested time and effort milling and sanding the face of a table (or stool) you can turn it over and know that the surface will be protected from your workbench top. Small bits, dried glue, nails and screws left unnoticed on a bench can punch holes in the good face you just spent all that time putting on a glue up.-*- The bar clamps can be fit with a joining bar to double the length of a clamp when needed. Did Rockler send you any of them? They come in handy when you need to square up a large cabinet box assembly. G.

As I watched this, I realized that I want to know, if I hired you or Jimmy Diresta, I would watch the videos, I get a certain happyness from watching Creation, seeing a thing come together. I am also very big into "Let the artist do their thing." in other words, I would come to you, give you my 'Idea' and then let you have fun.. create an just play with that idea.. Considering all the art I have gotten from people.. and I let them play with concepts.. I am confident this is the best way. =)

20,000. soon. ❤️

awesome video. GREAT work!!

I love seeing what you make when you are passionate and happy about it. I hope you can figure out KZfaq $!!

Go for it and do what you love!

Follow your passion. I picked up the bench cookie kit last year; love it. BTW: I listened to your record of the week recommendation. Headphones on and not watching the video. It works without the lyrics but it is weird. :)

Yep. Brake Cleaner. Looks great!

Great Video. looking forward to Sunday's video. Your graphic sums up exactly what I feel about making things. Thanks for that! I'm trying the music, but a lot of the magic is in the words, and I'm not German, so it does not really translate. I find the same with the Afrikaans music that I like, that the tune is a carrier for the words and the words are awesome!

Hi Laura! Thanks again.

go for it, hope you can do it all the way you want ! Music : we don't get to hear much German-language music around here (I was awake and listening back in the initial years of Nena and Falco, but since then ?) so thanks for sharing this. Still scratches my ears a bit but oh well, I guess I'm not too much into punk revivalism... Anyway, keep on trucking ! (from France)

As with all your videos very inspiring and i could not agree more. I love the making and am terrible at selling things.

Love your blog I think it is what makes KZfaq great "Youdo"

Nice video Laura, thanks for sharing. :)

Some English bands I cant understand what they say anyway so Wanda`s music is just as good. Finishing a project leaves me wanting to do another but most are on my house, apart from a candy cart I`m building but my wife said she is going to hire it out after my sons wedding. Thanks for sharing

It's like making music, your favourite song is the one you are working on. The most exciting thing about finishing a project is that you can start another one. As for making money on KZfaq; as Jimmy DiResta says keep uploading good content and that stuff will follow.

Wanda ist fantastisch. Ich mag die rotzige Art, diese beiläufige Art mit der gesungen wird und die sich kurz vor Arroganz bewegt, aber durch den österreichischen Akzent immer charmant ist.

Balance is probably the hardest thing to attain in life. Put your thumb on everything, like you did with the one steel showing corner. Little things like that are the guitar riffs nobody forgets. Your a thinking women keep at it.

Just for the record, you got my hit on the like button when you said where on your diagram you wanna focus.

I think that being more interested in the development side of things is a common trait for creative people. I enjoy development however I also get a kick out of seeing a product going to market and (hopefully) being successful. I don't mind doing the day to day running of a business although I'm not a huge fan of book keeping! However, being my own boss is worth it. I'm not good on camera or skilled in video editing so don't have the option to make money from KZfaq content. If you keep creating interesting content on par with what you have done so far I'm sure you will have success and I wish you all the best. Michael

AvE sent me, and I liked what I saw. Keep it up. :)

Make sure you only use the brake cleaner after you're done welding. The residue can react with the high temps during the welding and make a deadly gas. Be Safe! :D

Very well said, Laura! I really dig the graphic. oh yeah, brake cleaner is correct in English! Alles gute!