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 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 Discord--------------------------------------------LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1boT5ABgRjIDEGyi7bEbjdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-workbench/id1816987809YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcastAll Platforms: https://www.beyondtheworkbench.com/FOLLOW BEYOND THE WORKBENCH:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheworkbenchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheworkbenchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Beyond-the-Workbench-61576775047322/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbenchHOSTS:Odin Clack - https://www.instagram.com/odinleatherMichael Magnus - https://www.instagram.com/magnusopusBeyond 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.Enjoying the podcast? Please share it with someone who you think would find value in the conversations. If these conversations have helped your business and you're interested in supporting the show, visit our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbenchEdited and produced by Instrumental Media: https://instrumental.media/#BeyondTheWorkbench #Podcast #Leathercraft #LeatherWorking #Entrepreneurship #MakerCommunity #SmallBusiness #MakerBusiness #BusinessStrategy #SocialMedia #ContentCreation