It’s no secret that online learning is more popular than ever. From easy screencasting software to dozens of video hosting platforms, learning new skills is easier than ever before. But have you ever considered creating your own online classes—whether to help others with your rockstar workflows or even secure a profitable side gig? The good news is that anybody can get started—all you need is something to teach and the motivation to do so. And with the How to Create an Awesome Online Course training, you can get started producing your own content immediately (yes—this an online course about creating online courses). In this highly self-aware course containing over 8…

Who could ever dislike Mario? The virtual plumber has been capturing the hearts of gamers worldwide since his first appearance in the 1981 classic, Donkey Kong, and has become synonymous with the video game industry as a whole. To celebrate the mustachioed mascot’s newest game on the Nintendo Switch, YouTube user TheDominoKing spent the last two months setting up a number of gigantic falling domino murals depicting some of the game’s most iconic elements and characters. Made from a staggering 148,777 dominoes, the project was supposed to be done in time for the game’s October 27 release—but TheDominoKing decided to put it off for an extra two weeks in order…

Few shop tools—yes, we’ll call it a “tool”—are as indispensable as a reliable work apron. While not a “tool” in the traditional sense, a good, durable apron can serve many purposes ranging from tool organization to even psychologically making yourself ‘present’ in the workshop. But no two aprons are alike—and striking the balance between functional and economical isn’t always easy. Which is why we like the Cross Back Adjustable Apron from Hudson Durable Goods. Made from thick and durable waxed canvas, this stylish work apron features design details that are as carefully considered as the long-lasting materials they’re constructed from. Additionally, the cross-back (X-back) straps ensure that weight from tools…

Get that stretch out of your system with this week’s Spotify-powered SolidSmack Radio Playlist. It’s fashioned up, ready to make you pull your shoulder blades back and knock out another week of meaningful work while you bob your head to the beat. Whether you’re in the shop milling aluminum, sketching the latest product prototypes or modeling up a 3D storm, consider these tracks as a tool for your process. This week we’ll get the groove going with “I Don’t Wanna See What’s Happening Outside” from Morgan Delt before diving into sweet melodies from And The Kids, Islands, Arbes, Ducktails, and others before wrapping up with “Garden View” from Hales Corner.…

Product design whiz Eric Strebel is at it again – this time with his personal guide on how to create a small batch of 200 vacuum-formed panels for display at a car show. Eric starts the same way he begins all his designs: in the ideation phase. Even though panels aren’t the most complex products, how they look and their ease of presentation to the public are still important factors to take into consideration. He settles on a simple half-pill shaped design similar to nail polish color samples used at nail salons. The panels come with two hidden hangers at the back which allow a person to hang them for…

Mondays might not be your favorite day of the week, but the good news is that we’re all in this together ladies and gentlemen. As purveyors of prime Grade A web content, the SolidSmack crew has done some of the heavy-lifting to make sure you get your Mondays started on the right track. Welcome to The Monday List. Each Monday, we’ll link you up with some of the most insightful, informative, and socially-relevant stories to keep tabbed, bookmarked, reading listed, pocketed, or what have you. Be sure to check in each Monday morning for a new crop of freshly sprouted words curated straight from the source of your favorite homegrown ‘Smack.…