A Maker in our Midst - Dave Mendoza

I've spent the past few months understanding what it means to be a maker.  I know now that it means that you make something.  That everyone is a maker.  That making often tries to bring technology and art together, but it does not have to.  That by making something... anything... we are adding to our experience base that will help us the next time we make something.

I have a new mission... To seek out Long Beach makers, to connect them together, to present them to the Maker Community and to create Maker Spaces... places that facilitate creativity.

I'd like to present Dave Mendoza.  Before I knew that I should call Dave Maker, I knew that he made things.  I'd like to share with you a little bit about Dave.

Some makers make little things, some makers make BIG things.  When I think of makers who make BIG things - I think of a certain maker - Dave Mendoza.

There are many Dave Mendozas, perhaps you know one.  You may know Honey Dave - the husband of Lowell volunteer and Patch blogger, Stephanie, or Daddy Dave, the father of Matthew, Chris and Alec.  Or perhaps you've met Easygoing Dave at some social or non-profit gathering.

Perhaps... perhaps.. you've heard whispers of Maker Dave.  I'd heard those whispers... first at a Movie Night committee meeting... then on other occasions.  I had to see for myself. 

I was not disappointed!  Maker Dave is best known to that group of folks that seeks to implement large scale magic, award shows, concerts, theme park rides, floats, or even giant M&M’s.  He opened, for a few minutes, a window to that world.  A world of robotics, mechanics, electronics, metal, foam, fiberglass, paint, artfully swirled together into masterpieces for a glittering array of clients.

Maker Dave's past client list includes a long list of celebrities, theme parks, award shows and more - David Copperfield... Criss Angel... Michael Jackson... Britney Spears... Van Halen... Jonas Brothers... Christina Aguilera... Disneyland... Universal Studios Japan... Grammy Awards... Scream Awards... Cirque du Soleil... Super Bowl... Spike TV... and yes, even Mrs. Brown, the 20' M&M.

I had the pleasure of meeting Maker Dave's mother and as everyone knows, mothers love to talk about their kids, whatever their age!  Here's what I learned.

Before Maker Dave's magical start, working on projects for another well-known David, there was a large roll of paper.  Every chance he'd get, Young Maker Dave would take out that large roll of paper and it would 'thump' on the kitchen table as he rolled it out to draw. 

Later, in his teen years he joined a magic group.  Magic became the stepping stones of his career.  Maker Dave worked to craft on-stage pieces for BIG magic shows.

A Maker never stops making.  Even on their honemoon, Making was on Maker Dave's mind, as he and his lovely bride Stephanie discovered a 1947 Lincoln at an automotive resting place (junkyard).  That car would end up on-stage with a magical Dave.

Perhaps the most significant accomplishment of this maker is the Universal Studios Japan Fantastic World piece, which stands 13 meters high, 20 meters wide, uses over 6K LED tiles and 60 tons of mechanics/electronics.  These custom vehicles drive into the park for performances.  Acrobats, dancers and costumed characters perform on the pedestals.

But mistake it not, Maker Dave does not only make BIG things.  He is also accomplished at making tiny little things.  You can find some of Maker Dave's little (but no less impressive) works at Pixie Hollow in Disneyland.

Maker Dave was kind enough to share some in-progress photos of his work - past and present.  Photos of amazing, wonderful, pieces that show the breadth and depth of Maker Dave's talents.  The concert stage, the theme park parade vehicles, the scenery at the park as you walk by, the unfolding petals of a robotic flower... they do not scream "My Maker is Dave!"  Here you get to see a few of Dave's projects some teeny tiny and some HUGE!  I enjoyed the photos - photos that you can't find anywhere else - I'm sure you will too!

I had the pleasure of visiting Maker Dave’s workshop when we made a hover board with our kids.  An accomplished maker and craftsman, Maker Dave wielded a saw as skillfully as a pen.  The solution?  Simple but effective and SOOOOO much fun!  Delighted voices from young and younger as we each took rides on the hover board!

Now… Maker Dave Mendoza… When can we make those hover-shoes?

Dave Mendoza would like to give credit to his fellow makers at ShowFX! who contribute to the success of his many productions.