Everybody wants access to something.

I’ve found that many of us at Factory 3 became members looking for access . We joined looking for affordable access to high quality and well maintained shops and tools. Many of us were even looking for access to something as simple as “a space larger than [our] one bedroom apartments” or “warmer than our garage”. More space for our craft – and particularly, more affordable space considering the rising rent costs in Portland. For many members, we’ve found the cost of renting a one bedroom apartment and a shelf or studio at Factory 3 has been financially a better choice than finding a larger apartment that can accommodate all of our tools and equipment. This common sentiment ties us all to the very reasons why Patrick created Factory 3 in the first place. (More on that here.)

Factory 3’s mission is to create a space that empowers makers to realize their full potential by removing as many barriers as possible. So that “access” we were looking for, is really what Factory 3 is all about.

*A peek into the Metal Shop. Check out that* *organization*!

While access is great and what many of us came here for, I’ve found that we’ve have stuck around for another reason – community. Some members certainly just come in and do their work and leave, and that is what works for them and what they enjoy doing. However, many members have found that through collaboration and community at Factory 3, we’ve been able to do more than we ever could have on our own.

Learning a new craft or skill can be daunting. A common feeling amongst members is that it has been much easier to build confidence when learning something new while having other skilled individuals around for advice and guidance. Sure we could google how to do something or watch a YouTube video, but that just is not the same as human connection and instruction. Whether it’s a full class or just a quick question in passing, that human connection at Factory 3 stands out.

*Two individuals compare their sewing projects.*

What I’ve learned too is that this is not just an experience that beginners have enjoyed – many experienced makers and members have benefited from community and collaboration at Factory 3 as well. Whether it be working with others to adding to one’s skillset, expanding knowledge, or refining one’s craft – there’s much to benefit from when being part of a community. (Heck, I joined as a painter and now almost exclusively turn wooden bowls and teach wood turning – a skill I picked up at Factory 3 from instructor, Ric Day.)

All this is true for those who run entire businesses out of Factory 3 too. Running your own business can often be a lonely experience. Similar to some who work remotely, a common complaint of being self-employed is not having coworkers to bounce ideas off of or even just chat with during the day. As a long time member who runs their business out of Factory 3, sharing community with other members fills the social void that not having coworkers had left. And, just like with any good coworkers, these people have become wonderful close friends outside of our work environment.

So like many others, I joined for access. Now, I stay for the community too. All I wanted was to use a table saw, but I’ve gotten so much more – mentorship, skillsharing, makers market opportunities, dinner party invites, rock climbing partners, a kickball team, amazing friends – all from Factory 3. So at the end of the day, a makerspace is all about access, but it’s the access to community and connection that sets a makerspace, and specifically Factory 3, apart from your standard workshop or studio rental.

Come for access, stay for community