Backstory
You’re probably asking yourself, how did this thing come to be?
All in the name.
Is it where root vegetables and classic cars collide? Well no… But it does have a good ring to it? Yes.
Ruedemaker (or roughly ‘Maker Street’) created this image in my mind of an evolving gathering place of everyday people building their livelihood. This idea of a bustling street is where ideas come to life. It’s where people find themselves and even where creative journeys come to an end. No matter where on this Rue you find yourself, this is a place dedicated to makers.
Who is this for?
Makers in this case, aren’t specifically traditional ‘artists,’ ‘craftspeople’ and ‘designers’. I believe everyone is a maker in their own right. It’s those who make food, write music, live their lives, make things, sell things, and bring people together. It’s also those with a creativity that’s never seen the light of day. Everyone is making something whether it’s their life or a spreadsheet.
In the local and seemingly mundane, there is a shared warmth in the journey.
What’s this about?
You know the articles - interviews with creatives who have completed something great and are being rightly celebrated for something wonderful. But they’ve all been where we are - that could be struggling, in progress, experimenting, quitting and in a rare beautiful moment feeling a true sense of success.
Lately, I have been trying to find my own voice. On that journey (which I’ve discovered should never really end) I started to wonder how others deal with the high’s and low’s of making. All we see published most often are the celebrations, awards and moments of clarity. But making things is murky and by comparing ourselves to the accolades and wonders we read about, we set ourselves up for failure. That’s why this place is dedicated to the whole journey. Every hill and every valley, every shadow and every bright spot.
Why now?
In a world moving at a pace that is new to mankind, this site exists to slow down and appreciate good things, good thought and good people. Each of us is on their own path and we must own, nurture and question that pursuit. This is not a place for bragging and bolstering but instead for honest revelations.
Who’s behind the curtain?
My name is Abbie Drake Williams. I’m a graphic designer by trade and photography has always been a part of what I do. I tell stories and ground concepts. As the daughter of an entrepreneur and a creative, I have been fascinated with small businesses and their impact on people and the community they create. I aim to join the fold of small business to help them thrive.
A meeting of the makers. We are all a work in progress.
Ruedemaker is a passion project. It’s a chance to share perspective and honest revelations. If this reminds you of someone that needs a spot to share, send them along. The more wonderful everyday people we can feature the better.