Hi, I’m Dave, and I Make Things
I’m a conundrum—I contain multitudes; most of them being related to creativity. Ask any ten people that know me (yes, I have more than ten friends!) and each will likely tell you something different about me. Subscribe, and I may challenge your beliefs.
So, what’s the deal with Manual Transmission?
The name of the publication has two meanings.
Manual Transmission is about making creative work by hand—writing, designing, and getting our hands in the work without shortcuts. It’s about doing the work yourself and staying close to the process.
It’s also literal: I’m transmitting stories, tools, and ideas manually—one post at a time, built by hand, driven by instinct, and tuned for anyone who still believes analog effort matters in a digital world.
The Lessons are Free
Every week(ish), I send out a post built from lived experience—no theory, no posturing, just real stories from inside the creative grind. I talk about what I’m making, what’s working, what’s breaking, and how I keep moving through it all. I’ve always learned more from people in the trenches than from anyone speaking down from a stage.
Recently, a friend told me that something I shared helped them push through a creative block, and if they hadn’t stumbled across my work, they might not be the artist they are today. That hit me hard. It’s why I keep showing up.
This stuff is free, but I don’t treat it like throwaway content. I treat it like a craft—something worth doing well, by hand, with intention.
Becoming a Member?
Yes, I have a membership. It’s there for those who want to support my work beyond hitting the like and share buttons. I will give my members a special cookie once in a while to say thanks, but I enjoy these posts more when I get to share them with everyone. I’m sure you feel the same.
However, if you want to give thanks for all the free shit, you can do that too. If you pony up for an annual subscription, I’ll make you a juicy offer.
Just Be Here
Free or paid, it’s ok either way. The most important thing is to subscribe because you don’t want to miss out on the next post, which could be the one that helps change your life.
It could happen; if it does, I’d like to make it happen together. I’m also on YouTube, but I spend most of my time on Substack Notes, where you can send me a direct message at any time.
I’m sure I’ll see you around somewhere.
