Influence and Introspection w/ Brandon Corral, Swift Hammer Leather | Beyond the Workbench #14

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 a 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 Corral

Owner 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: @swifthammerleather

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/5834yPbk2w

Website: SwiftHammerLeather.com

TIMESTAMPS:

00:12 - Meet Brandon Corral

03:16 - The Move from California to New York

05:33 - Experimental Content & Studying Human Attention

14:48 - The Role of Ego in Creative Growth

21:33 - Being Different in a Homogenous Community

35:42 - Swift's Discord Community - A Safe Haven for Artists

42:19 - Teaching Business Classes at Shows

48:55 - SEO & Selling Your Work Online

1:07:40 - Challenging Norms While Building Community

1:09:12 - How to Find Brandon & Join the Discord

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HOSTS:

Odin Clack - https://www.instagram.com/odinleather

Michael Magnus - https://www.instagram.com/magnusopus

Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather marketing expert and founder of www.learnleathercraft.com), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making.

New episodes are released on the first and third Thursdays of every month.

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Edited and produced by Instrumental Media: https://instrumental.media/

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