Last month, we launched Futureworks Shops, a network of nine advanced production spaces who are opening their doors to you. In July, we’re inviting you to a series of free events that will help you hone your product and grow your business. The lineup starts July 7 at the Brooklyn Fashion and Design Accelerator (BF+DA) in Bed-Stuy with an intensive workshop on wearable technology. You’ll learn about conductive yarns and fabrics, thermoreactive threads and color-changing filaments. On July 11, head to Voodoo Manufacturing to tour their Bushwick 3D-printing factory; you’ll also get a chance to win up to $600 in printing credits. Then on July 12, Craftsman Ave in Gowanus hosts an evening workshop that’ll take you through the core elements of positioning and branding your business. Check out the events and RSVP below. Space is limited.

TEK-TILES DESIGN JAM: CONNECTIVITY, MONITORING AND ACTIVATION
Pratt Institute’s Brooklyn Fashion + Design Accelerator
Friday, July 7 from 10am-4pm
RSVP link – use passcode: fwshopsbfda

Join a group of creative technologists, designers and textile engineers for a day of discovery and a deep dive on envisioning the future of apparel. The BF+DA has challenged a multi-dimensional group from eight universities to explore the intersection of technology, manufacturing, sustainability and textiles in the form of TEK-TILES – 10″ x 10″ knit swatches activated by a variety of technical materials.

In collaboration with Futureworks NYC, BF+DA is opening its doors to a select group of industry leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators to help us envision how to take our TEK-TILES to the next level. Three ideas, based on our themes of “Connectivity, Monitoring and Transformation,” will be manufactured and put on display in an upcoming exhibition.

Pratt Institute’s Brooklyn Fashion + Design Accelerator is redefining the apparel industry to benefit the environment and society. BF+DA provides workspace, manufacturing services, mentorship, and programs designed to build financial success alongside ethical production. A community initiative of Pratt Institute, it has supported more than 40 emerging ventures and collaborated with close to 200 organizations over the past three years. NYC entrepreneurs who called BF+DA home include  Maddy Maxey, Mandy Kordal and Tara St. James.

 

VOODOO MANUFACTURING HAPPY HOUR & FREE 3D PRINTING
Voodoo Manufacturing
Tuesday, July 11 from 6:30-8:30pm
RSVP link – use passcode: futureworks_shops_voodoo

 

Voodoo Manufacturing is building a digital factory to make manufacturing as fast, affordable, and scalable as software. The Brooklyn-based factory of 160 3D printers can make thousands of plastic parts and products in astonishingly short periods of time.

This event is held at Voodoo’s facility in Bushwick, Brooklyn, and sponsored by Futureworks NYC. Voodoo Manufacturing is excited to be a part of the Futureworks Shops program, and open up its space to the community of local makers, entrepreneurs, designers, engineers, and hobbyists who are looking for fast or high volume 3D printing services.

 

HOW TO BRING YOUR IDEA TO LIFE
Craftsman Ave
Wednesday, July 12 from 6-9pm
RSVP link – use passcode: MakerMind

A three-hour workshop that covers the basics of what it takes to launch a product company. You’ll develop an entire roadmap to blueprint the launch of your idea, product or company. Craftsman Ave will break down the evening into five steps with a short interactive session in between each one:

• Step 1 – Validate your idea – 30 min
• Step 2 – Prototyping – 30 min
• Step 3 – Market testing – 30 min
• Step 4 – Branding – 30 min
• Step 5 – Launch strategy – 30 min
• Presentation and pitches.
• Beer and networking

Craftsman Ave opened up their 1500 sq-ft space in 2015 to help New Yorkers bring their ideas to life. Since then, they’ve had more than a thousand students come through for workshops in everything from product design to woodworking and prototyping. For curriculum and teaching, Craftsman Ave partners with instructors at Pratt and Parsons. Six of them were awarded Best Instructors by CourseHorse in 2016. They also teamed up with Soho House to bring their maker education to Manhattan.

Founder Taras Kravtchouk also runs Gravity Hill – a digital design agency that helped FIKA develop their brand identity, packaging and interior design and works with brands like Earos Acoustic, Cobble Hill Juice and Roomi. Craftsman Ave has a wood and metal shop as well as hotdesking and events space. Check out Craftsman Ave’s full list of resources, explore the space and workshops and join them on Instagram.