You see there were some camera straps that were innovative but were made of materials I didn't like, while other options had a more refined style but were uncomfortable to wear while casually shooting. So you know what I did? I searched, found some things I didn’t like, and then ultimately I gave up…
Fast forward to 2017, a year after I had left the wedding industry, by this time I picked up leather-working as a hobby. Initially, all I wanted to do was make a cool wallet, but it didn’t take long for me to become obsessed with my new found hobby. In this busy and noisy world, I’ve found the quiet and calm I desire with just being alone, working with my hands and making something that could one day be passed down to my kids.
As I learned more, I started making different things. Eventually, as you might guess, I thought I’d try my hand at making my own camera strap. On a personal level, I still shot quite a bit, but because I no longer shot weddings, the pressure was off for the perfect camera strap. So here’s what I came up with, the first camera strap I ever made. I know I know, it looks rough, and guess what, it felt rough too!
I was determined though, I wanted something that fit MY needs as a photographer, so I kept working and with each iteration, it became clear what those needs were. I wanted a strap that felt comfortable, looked great and made shooting easier.
To accomplish this I spent a lot of time deciding on the right leather, ultimately I chose a style that is tanned to require little break-in, making it feel great from day one.
In my mind my ideal strap needed to provide an elevated experience over other traditional straps. For this “elevated experience”, I decided a quick connection system was important, so I could easily adapt to my shooting needs.
With those principles in mind, I finally came up with a design I was proud of at the beginning of 2019. I had a bunch of other photographers test the design for me as well and give me great feedback. Later that summer I launched a successful Kickstarter campaign, I couldn’t believe it, the camera strap I wanted for myself just so happened to be the camera strap a bunch of other people wanted too. I learned a bunch in this process and even made some more design changes that would lay the foundation for our core lineup of camera straps using Peak Design hardware.
By the summer of 2020 we saw steady growth in the brand which led to my wife coming on board to help with our operations, making us a family team effort.
We exist to serve the artist, and we want every photographer to enjoy carrying their camera and be empowered to do more with their work. Even though our story is still being written, we're grateful for the chance to serve you, so we'll continue to enjoy the process, while you enjoy the carry.
]]>“Loving the process” is sometimes easier said than done, but I’ve found it worth pursuing.
Over the years I’ve become aquatinted with some of the mindsets that erode at this love of process, and I’ve found the biggest thief of this is when the “performance mindset” creeps in.
When the pressure to achieve, impress or prove myself rears it’s head, I’ve found I’m usually on the fast track to hating what it is I’m doing.
I’m in no way great at pulling myself out of this, but over time I’ve found there are usually some other deep-seated desires fueling the “performance mindset” and if I can address that I can start to get somewhere.
Anyone else out there relate? If so, hang tough we in it together 👊
]]>So you clicked this blog because you're wondering what the heck a leather crafter has to say about mental health, right? Hi, I’m Todd the founder and chief knucklehead of Clever Supply Co., I make all your Camera Straps and can provide you with worst Dad jokes at any time.
I know it’s probably a weird topic to associate business with, and maybe that’s the point. I do not see many conversations like this in the maker community, and I wonder why. Maybe it’s because we all have our sh*t together? Or perhaps the immediate community I’m connected to is predominately male, and talking about mental health is synonymous with admitting weakness? Or maybe it’s being talked about in this community, but not publicly, which is definitely fine. Or perhaps I’m just missing it all and should shut up! 😉
For me, I have experienced real depression and anxiety while running this business. Sometimes it’s felt closely linked to the business, other times that’s not been the case. I’ve thought about quitting this thing multiple times, and have been plagued with “imposter syndrome” thoughts, like how I’ll never be the best at my craft in any category.
I've wondered if there is anyone else that feels that way or similar at times? If you want in on a little secret, I'm not the only one. But maybe you’re nodding your head thinking “I’ve been there” or even “That sounds like me now!”.
If so, maybe this can be the reminder we all need at times, that you’re not alone out there.
I don’t have the answers, but I have found I’m more likely to get closer to clarity when I’m in a relationship with people in my life. I’m grateful for my wife, family, and great friends that make this beautiful messy life what it is, a gift.
While I think we need more conversations like this in all public environments, I realize that not everyone wants or needs it. This I guess is just an attempt to push against the tyranny and pressure of the curated life that is far too often just smoke and mirrors. A step towards me accepting something I’m not exactly proud of, and hoping it can encourage someone else to do the same.
At this stage of my life, I’ve received both professional support and support from friends and family who I’ve shared these things with. If you want help, it is possible and I’m a testament to the fact that it is worth taking that step. Reach out to me if I can be a listening ear. Share with someone you trust, and consider taking a step to getting professional support.
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Three years ago, a friend, Billy took this picture of me. It was my last wedding shoot as I was transitioning out of the industry and settling into my new career. It was around that time I decided I'd pick up leather-crafting to make myself a wallet. For a while, I was making all kinds of leather goods but stuck to wallets and bags mostly. Over time the camera kept calling me back though, and eventually, I tried making a camera strap. The truth is the first strap I made wasn't pretty, but I felt a lot of pride in making something that'd be used as I shot.
So I stuck with it and tried a few different variations, one of which is a variation of the current original camera strap I offer now.
Fast forward 3 years later and I decided to launch a Kickstarter for the Anchor Strap. What's funny is I literally had the idea for Anchor strap three years earlier when I attempted to make one for the first time. If I'm being honest though, I had a lot of thoughts that held me back...
'What if this strap doesn't work as well as you think it does.'
'You don't have the R&D budget to make something innovative.'
'There are tons of other options out there with a brand name behind it.'
In the midst of that though, created a camera strap I thought was useful. The first few I made I shared with my friends that were photographers, and they actually liked them... In fact, my friend Billy who happens to also own a film lab liked them so much that he told me "This will look awesome on my Leica" (pictured above) as I thought "what, are you kidding me?". He meant it too because he then made an order of 10 camera straps. He believed in what I was trying to do three years ago now.
He didn't know it then, but that gave me the confidence to keep at this, to not listen to the inner critic, but to let what I've made speak for itself...
The moral of the story is, never underestimate the power of supporting another person. It doesn't have to mean you back everyone's project either, sometimes a word of encouragement can impact a person more than you know!
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