Meet Kevin Strand

 

We recently connected with Kevin Strand and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

With any creative process, there comes a point in time when one runs out of ideas. When I get to this point, I go on the internet and start viewing the works of the masters for inspiration. There is so much out there to see, that one will never run out of ideas or inspiration. I look at woodworking, 3D printing, CNC routering, laser engraving, epoxy, & airbrushing works that others have so graciously uploaded. I try to integrate all of my processes into my works, if I can. Mixed media allows one to expand the possibilities of what can be made. For example, I love to integrate my woodworking with epoxy, paint, & metal.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Kevin Strand and I am a woodworker/maker who lives in Berkley, Michigan. I am an automotive engineer by day & maker by night. My company names are Michigan Exotic Woodworking & TechCraft CNC. I specialize in wood projects like 3D CNC wood relief carvings, signs, Jewelry Boxes, small furniture, clocks, or anything related to handcrafting exotic woods. SOme of my favorites are; Bird’s Eye Maple, Padauk, Cocobolo, Wenge, Ironwood, Bubinga, Walnut, Rosewood, etc. I also have an FDM and a resin 3D printer. I use the FDM for shop jigs/fixtures and for fun toys and figures. The resin printer has 12K resolution, so I can print very highly detailed models. I also make custom products of all types, kitchen tables, river tables, end tables, cutting boards, Charcuterie boards, to name a few. I also integrate epoxy into my projects. I love to do custom jobs and love to make someone’s dream product a reality!

E-mail: michiganexoticwoodworking@gmail.com
Website: https://miexoticwoodworking.com
Blog: https://kmstrand.wordpress.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michiganexoticwoodworking
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExoticWoodWrkng
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Exotic-Woodworking/144712302328964
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHRfB23jxSq-8EqvoPDUPHA
Tiktok: http://tiktok.com/@kevinstrand752
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/kevinstrand

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I started drafting, sketching, and painting as a young man which helped me later on as I began to design and manufacture products to a high precision and detail.
I gained many of my woodworking skills in shop class at my high school in the 80’s, and my father loved making things out of wood. I also worked under a renowned artist for a few years.
My advice to anyone that feels they have the skills to make things, is to just dive in, buy some tools, and start making! Most equipment is fairly affordable these days since low cost options from overseas are available.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

My current biggest challenges are marketing & pricing. It’s one thing to be able to make great products, but if you cannot get them in front of people, it will be hard to sell. Another challenge is pricing. Most people these days have access to so many inexpensive options of ANYTHING & ca get them shipped in a few days, it’s hard to compete with their costs. It has taken me many years to learn all of the processes and buy the equipment and supplies, plus years of practice for a few successes. It is easy to charge more than what most people are willing to pay because of this. The price to just breakeven is more than what most cost-conscious people are willing to pay. This is why being an artist/maker is such a hard way to make a living. Most artists & makers have to have a main career and do their passion in the downtimes.

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