We were lucky to catch up with Jonathan Minton recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jonathan, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Learning my craft started as a kid with play. As the son of an art store owner and letterpress operator I had access to myriad materials to experiment with. In my childhood bedroom I was sketching, building, glueing, spray painting, melting plastic – often to the chagrin of my parents. After studying product design in college I landed the most influential and life-changing job at a museum exhibit fabrication company. It was there I learned about so many materials and processes along with mentorship that proved invaluable to my current work. Molding and casting became the most useful of all the skills I picked up and still use regularly. I always felt that I learned skills right when I needed them. If I don’t know what I need to for a particular project, I figure it out. If I don’t have the facilities or the know-how, ie forging glass or CNC milling, I find someone to collaborate with.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My life as “The Breeze Block Guy” really started soon after my husband and I arrived in sunny Palm Springs, California. After only a couple of months and a fateful architecture tour, I discovered breeze blocks – the decorative concrete blocks used widely in midcentury structures. I’ve always been a tinkerer/maker person but never as an independent, full time job. I guess you could say it’s a passion/side gig and not something I depend on for a living. This gives me space to avoid pressure of having to produce, even though ideas for a new project are almost always rolling around in my head. Jobs I had before landing in Palm Springs included a plastics company that took me to factories in China and trade shows in NY. I also learned estimating and sourcing materials and services for a crazy array of large and small projects. This taught me resourcefulness and gave me an “it can be done somehow” outlook that allows me freedom to explore my pipeline of ideas.
Currently with my company, Minty’s Design, I have many breeze block themed designs I offer online and at some local Palm Springs retailers. The handmade items I offer include keychains, coasters, ice cube trays, magnets, nightlights, cocktail markers and more. But when a client contacts me for a custom design, say a breeze block themed room divider or wall hanging, I’m off to the races determined to figure out how to get it made and delivered.
Of all my work I am most proud of the table lamps I make from actual concrete blocks. In fact the first breeze block thing I ever made was one of these lamps, and to have customers smile when they see them gives me the same joy as the day I switched on that very first one.
Occasionally I’ll do a pop-up shop or show, selling my designs, proudly presented on a table for everyone to see and enjoy. Often I am asked by folks “what is a breeze block”? and I immediately put on my Breeze Block Ambassador cap. I share a brief history including how, where and why they are used, as well as show them how these blocks have inspired me. Once people learn about breeze blocks I often hear them later say “Now I see them everywhere”! I smile knowingly, happy that my passion has enlightened on others in some small way.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Before I was comfortable with social media, I was only posting a few things on my Minty’s Design Facebook page. Then one day a dear and wise friend, Quang Nguyen, took me aside and told me that I need to start an Instagram account. I believe I literally winced at the idea. Ugh, I thought, I really don’t feel comfortable with that level of engagement. Well, 995 posts and 2130 followers later I am SO grateful for his advice. I had no idea there were so many other breeze block fans I like to call “Block Heads”. I’ve made fiends, met some in person and connected with other makers who share advice, tips and contacts. It’s really supercharged my confidence and made me realize I wasn’t alone. I initially worried about the how, what and when of social media posting, then I read articles and watched others, realizing I should just be myself and post when and what I want and it’s working just fine for me. I don’t follow a plan to be a super-influencer. It’s about sharing that passion with others. If I’m excited about an idea, a new process, an upcoming show or even a new tool in my workshop, I share it.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I would have to say the community of people I’ve met along the way has been the most rewarding aspect of my experience as a creator. Karin Jeske at Tesselle, a premium breeze block and cement tile manufacturer in Riverside, California has been wonderfully inspiring and supportive. We’ve even collaborated on a project which made me very proud. Chris Raley of Route 9 Signs crafts inspiring and beautifully detailed miniature vintage signs and one small piece of advice that he shared with me completely changed and improved how I work. Another important person is fellow creator Erich Meager, a Ratiolaminartist here in Palm Springs. Erich and I connected through our love for the geometry of breeze blocks. We now share the occasional show booth space and have regular lunch “meetings” where we share experiences, resources, challenges and successes. All my work has been influenced in some way big or small, by the people I’ve met along the way. Envisioning, planning, creating, and selling my work on my own is immensely satisfying. But meeting people who share a love of breeze blocks, or have questions about 3D printing or challenges to finding a retailer – that’s makes what I do even more meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mintysdesign.com
- Instagram: @mintysdesign
- Facebook: Mintysdesign
