An indie maker or creator is someone who (1) engages in commerce outside of the mainstream, and (2) believes in an ethos that creates an independent economic sphere of mutual benefit. This definition excludes “influencers”, as they operate within the economic sphere of mainstream capitalist markets despite their “indie” associations.
This article outlines my aspirational goals to be an independent maker. It is a work in progress.
Foundational Practices for Independent Makers
Our commercial goal is profitable self-sufficiency within the capabilities of a small team. This is the prerequisite for funding our ideological goals. Like it or not, to have independence and freedom in a well-ordered capitalist society requires money.
Our foundational ideals:
- our consumer relationship is personal and direct, authentic and genuine
- we establish clear expectations to scaffold mutual respect in all transactions
- we maintain creative autonomy over what goods are made
- we accept the realities of unexpected consumer response to what we make
- we own and control our supply, fulfillment, and sales channels
- we scale production within the capabilities of our small team
- we seek economies of scale through collaboration with other small teams
Ideological Goals for Independent Makers
In addition to the commercial goal, sustained human empowerment as a qualitative measure of success. This suggests the establishment of a “participatory economic sphere” that can sustain itself financially, so everyone can benefit.
Our conduct is based on an ethos where:
- both makers and consumers are agents seeking mutual benefit with authenticity and transparency
- do the least harm in the pursuit of our desired benefits
- believe that sustained success comes from diligence in craft delivering excellent experience
- believe that fair pricing and living wages are the foundation for genuine good faith negotiation
Pragmatic Considerations for Independent Makers
The Independent Maker prefers a bubble where our structural and ideological ideals can operate. Growing this bubble, however, means engaging with mainstream institutions and society. To participate in these markets, some compromise is necessary.
Our pragmatic considerations:
- minimal dependence on capitalist gatekeepers
- minimal use of specious credibility indicators such as “hype” and “scale”
- acknowledge that our ethos is not shared with the majority of mainstream consumers