Scott Gibson – Idea Smith

This is Scott Gibson, 43 years old and father of three boys. I run my own design studio in Highland, NY fabricating, designing, importing and distributing products. My job title in Europe might be Miller or Millman, but here in US there seems to be no clear classication for what I do. I design and build things, and help others do the same with new and emerging technology. I like to think of what I work on as bridging art and industry. I find American titles like “jack of all trades” demeaning, and like it when people put their own title to my pursuits. My favorite this year has been IDEA SMITH.

Can you tell us a little bit about the kind of projects you work on?
I am a gun for hire, I have had 4 separate bosses in 12 months but work for myself. My last endeavor included market research for ceramic metal engineers finding market applications for a new material they developed. I spend alot of time trying to simplify what engineers complicate for the general public. I don’t like talking about what I do because of Non Disclosure agreements, but I can tell you I have to have 4 irons in the fire at once just to manage the delays that occur and are outside of my control.

Working for yourself is way more efficient then working inside a collective, once you know what you’re doing. But figuring that out by yourself is brutal and if you don’t get outside input you can get paralyzed by second guessing yourself.

It is quite a paradox, but I like those.

What actually pays the bills?
If I told people what work pays my bills they’d go after it, sorry. But if you have a problem I can help you solve it…..:)

Do you consider yourself financially stable?
“Financial Stability” to me refers to balance, is my scope of work well balanced yes, therefore I would say it’s financially stable. Is it secure… security means a level of control and I don’t think many self employed people really have a high level of control over their marketplace. I could be wrong but it seems to me our control is down to whether we get out of bed and get done what needs to be done without someone else telling us what to do.

Are you passionate about what you do?
I am extremely passionate about my projects, and at times feel like I am channeling outside forces and just trying to catch a ride. it can lead to extreme manic behavior and I often balance work with complete days of shut down. There is no 9-5, 5 day a week schedule, when it’s on it’s on, and when my brain shuts down, I am on the couch or working a European schedule with lots of naps.

How did you get started in your own business?
I got started designing and then making wallets for cell phones in 1995, using experience as a sewing machine mechanic along with my design degree. I rode the wave, built up a small Made in USA factory , took it offshore, brought it back, and I am still distubuting a House brand for adventure cycling and racing called Wingnut. I still love to cut and sew and consider myself a patternmaker first.

Do others support you emotionally or are they always asking you to get a “real” job?
My wife is a saint and believes in what I do, there are lots of discussions about getting a real job, and I am looking for ways to that, but it takes time and until I figure it out, or find the right synergy with current clients, the projects keep coming in and back packs keep going out.

Do you have health insurance and if so, who pays for it?
My health insurance is through my wife’s job.

What do you think about the path you’ve chosen after so many years at it?
I would not have changed my path except to have had more confidence in my side ideas early on and established a plan B or partime work that facilitated my interests.

At 43 with kids heading towards college the pursuit is somewhat irresponsible and financially turbulent and I am only as good as my last project. I work at this all the time.

You can read more about Scott Gibson’s pursuits at EcoPioneer and New Sun Productions