Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Feeling the Need to Cut? - July 15, 2008

Consumers want to see evidence of their own creative DNA, whether motivated by passions or attitudes, creative control and influence are their goals. This desire is manifesting itself across a multitude of media, but further evidence supports that technology and personal product creation are merging.

Creativity lives in the heart of everyone, and it is the nonlinear, surprising activities that extend a sense of our unique self in ways we might never think of. The evolution of the Internet now empowers people to do just that, and services from Café Press to Picnik to Zazzle to JumpCut are ever-helping bring their ideas to life.

I wanted to highlight two very cool services out there that truly enable individuals to flex their creative muscles. The first place is named 5280 Lasers...don't ask me why. They provide custom laser etching and engraving services, and they are all about trying to make your project happen for the most affordable price. Here are a couple samples of some skateboard decks they've been making:


The second service I wanted to share was Ponoko. Ponoko is the world’s first platform for anyone to share, buy and sell product plans to make individualized goods. Professional and hobbiest designers, crafters, hackers and artists can turn their ideas into real products using their web commerce and digital make-on-demand services. No upfront costs. No minimum orders. No inventory. Simply click to design, make, sell and deliver your creativity to the world, at your own speed. Pretty cool. Unfortunately, you will need some design software though.

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