
How do you build influence while staying true to yourself? This episode explores ego, identity, and what it takes to create genuine community in the leathercraft world.In Episode 14, Brandon Corral of Swift Hammer Leather shares his journey of studying human attention, mastering social algorithms, and building spaces where artists can actually connect. From his cross-country move to New York to teaching business classes at major industry shows, Brandon challenges traditional approaches to maker business growth. We discuss being the "oddball" in your industry, turning social media into real community, the role of ego in creative growth, and why his Discord is intentionally not a business front - it's a safe haven for artists.GUEST: Brandon CorralOwner of Swift Hammer Leather, specializing in experimental leathercraft and content creation. Brandon has built a business by mastering social media strategy, teaching maker business classes, and creating intentional online communities where artists can share their struggles and wins.Instagram: @swifthammerleatherDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/5834yPbk2wWebsite: SwiftHammerLeather.comTIMESTAMPS:00:12 - Meet Brandon Corral03:16 - The Move from California to New York05:33 - Experimental Content & Studying Human Attention14:48 - The Role of Ego in Creative Growth21:33 - Being Different in a Homogenous Community35:42 - Swift's Discord Community - A Safe Haven for Artists42:19 - Teaching Business Classes at Shows48:55 - SEO & Selling Your Work Online1:07:40 - Challenging Norms While Building Community1:09:12 - How to Find Brandon & Join the DiscordWATCH THIS EPISODE:https://youtu.be/OZ35vLsBdLELISTEN TO THE PODCAST:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1boT5ABgRjIDEGyi7bEbjdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-workbench/id1816987809All Platforms: https://www.beyondtheworkbench.com/CONNECT WITH US:Odin Clack - Instagram: @odinleatherMichael Magnus - Instagram: @magnusopusBeyond the Workbench - Instagram: @beyondtheworkbenchABOUT BEYOND THE WORKBENCH:A podcast exploring leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (owner of Odin Leather Goods) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), new episodes drop every other Thursday.#BeyondTheWorkbench #Leathercraft #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #MakerBusiness #ContentCreation #SocialMediaStrategy #CommunityBuilding #SwiftHammerLeather