The unique kindness of a guerrilla maker
Thoughts on one of my favorite YouTube creators, Laura Kampf
Happy Friday, readers. In today’s essay, I share a few reflections and feelings on one of the most unique YouTube makers out there - Laura Kampf. If you haven’t seen her stuff yet, read my story then go check out her channel. I suspect you’ll be entertained - and motivated to do something good. ~JRC
Imagine a world where things get repaired one more time than they get broken. ~ Laura Kampf
Search for "maker," "woodworking," “machining” or even "HowTo" on YouTube, and you’ll soon find Laura Kampf. She is a genuine YouTube woodworking-machining-maker sensation, although she doesn't look or act the part. At least not the stereotypical one of a manly man in his man-cave. No, Laura - with her short blond hair and perennial smile - shows us there is no such thing as “typical” in making. She is refreshing. And watching her reminds us that creating, no matter the medium, is for everyone.
Laura lives and works in Cologne (Köln), Germany, crafting all sorts of unique creations in her shop. She soothes us into her builds with a mix of evident skill and natural humility - plus a well-curated soundtrack. Expertly filmed and edited, Laura's videos are alluring and engaging. Watch any of them and you’ll want to be there too, grooving along as she makes.
As you might have gathered, one of the most appealing aspects of Laura’s channel is her style. Rather than belaboring the step-by-step, which can be clinical and dull, her storylines (with little narration) float between processes, as artful as they are informative. With her, we move into and through the build.
Production and story aside, Laura’s creations are tops. She knows how to make. Wood and steel, plastic and leather, found objects and reclaimed junk - she creates in so many wonderful ways. And she does so as an artist, designer, and engineer rolled into one. But that isn’t even the main draw; it’s Laura herself, that keeps us watching.
See a few of her videos, and you’ll start to feel like you know Laura. We learn that she enjoys camping, motorcycles, her dog, and (most importantly) her friends. And she sometimes likes a beer or two while savoring the end of a project. These personal touches give us access to Laura’s inner workings. And in sharing, she ensures we become invested in Laura Kampf, not as a personality but as a person.
This knack for making each episode relatable generates success, but her penchant for caring deeply - and finding joy - is what’s truly extraordinary. Laura is always kind, always cheerful, and forever grateful. And it shows throughout all she does. We end up caring about why she is making as much as what she is making because of it. And in the process, her joy becomes our own.
Watching Laura work is almost like seeing Bob Ross paint a landscape back in the day. Not that their styles and medium are anything alike (frankly, they couldn’t be more different in their creating). But it’s about a feeling and intention they share. One doesn’t have to paint landscapes to appreciate Ross, and you don't have to make anything at all to enjoy Kampf. Both do their craft exceptionally while reminding us being nice is a good thing, no matter what else we do.
And although Ross was specialized, Laura, well, she seems to do it all. In each episode, she’s trying new stuff, experimenting with techniques and materials. This, no doubt, is another big part of the appeal - Laura isn't afraid to show us her missteps between triumphs, all the while pushing the limits of what she can create.
Yes, she demonstrates her expertise when things go well. But she is a consummate pro, even when she falters. A true test of character, Laura shares it all, and always with a smile.
I've watched Laura Kampf for a few years now. But I was only recently compelled to write this story after seeing her pair of videos, "I fixed a public bench...Guerilla Making!" and its not-long-after sequel, "They broke my bench...!!!"
From the titles, you can gather what happened.
She repaired a busted public bench near her shop (along the Rhine River - so cool). And after seeing her first attempt vandalized, she fixed it again. These random acts of creative kindness she dubbed “guerrilla making,” and it fits.
What is most remarkable about this incident is Laura didn't lament - at all. Not in the first, nor when it happened again. Instead, she saw the whole thing as an opportunity to "be more kind," as she is fond of saying. In the face of ugly vandalism, Laura found a way to be beautiful. And I get the feeling she always does.
It can be overly hard to find online content like Laura's that is both entertaining and kind. At least among the popular fare. After all, shock value is where most social media is these days. And people are so ready to fight - ready to hate the other side. The online culture almost demands it.
To be silent among the melee can be as damning as saying something offensive. "They" make us believe there is no room for us in this world unless we side up and prepare to battle, sell out, or give in. But Laura doesn't. Instead, she's kindly engaged, making her name in the virtual world - all the while by doing some good for the real one - our only true world.
Laura lives - and makes - by example. And it's a good one.
Honestly, I am inspired to the point that I am now scouring my city of San Diego to do some guerrilla making too. It makes sense, as I've been looking for ways to create more relevant and inclusive things. And I have been searching to better share my views without contributing to the self-defeating discourse online. I think going out there and fixing something for others is just what’s in order.
Thanks for the wonderful idea, Laura Kampf.
I wholly encourage you to check out Laura’s channel. Her message is compelling, no matter what you’re excited about. Be more kind - who can argue with that? And leaving things a little less broken than they were before? Beautiful indeed.
Laura encourages us to imagine a better world. And if we all followed her example, maybe even engage in a bit of guerrilla making along the way, imagine how much better things could be.
That's Laura Kampf. Being more kind with each and every build.
Until next time.
JRC
Interested in watching Laura Kampf on YouTube? Here are links to her channel and the two videos on her bench build.
She’s inspiring! 😳💥
How many times and in how many ways have we heard that kindness doesn’t pay, and that visions of a positive future are fantasy…simply a form of make believe? But I agree with John: making kindness a part of every day makes for a happier life, and makes the world a better place for all. Here’s to all the makers! Especially to those who make the make believe real.