Name:
LeeLee James
Where are you located?
Boulder, CO
What is your day job?
Student
Do you attend a makerspace/fablab/hackerspace?
Yes, Blow Things Up lab and Correll Robotics lab on CU Boulder’s campus, Solid State Depot in Boulder, and BLDG 61 in the Boulder Public Library.
What kinds of stuff do you make?
How-to style videos, featuring wearable tech.
How did you get started making stuff?
In my younger years performing as a drag queen, I was too poor to buy stuff or have things made for me. So, if I wanted a idea to come to life, I had to build it myself.
What is something that you’ve made that you’re really proud of?
The wearable that started it all, my ‘3D printed motorized head piece’ featured in episode 1 of my vlog. It started out as a final project for my wearable technologies course last semester. I got a ‘B’. lol
What is next on your project list?
A leotard covered in sound responsive LED lights.
what is something you’d like to work with but you haven’t yet?
A brand deal with Merrill, to create a pair of biometric hiking heels
Any advice for people reading this?
I advise you to go subscribe to my YouTube channel.
I see you’re an engineer, what kind of engineering?
Funnily enough, Software Engineering. I graduated from the frontend program at Turing School of Software & Design, and I’m currently getting my Computer Science degree at CU Boulder.
You state you’re Black, Queer, and an Engineer. Anyone that has been on youtube knows that there are lots of possibilities for toxicity there. Why do you feel it is important to represent those things, knowing you’ll have to deal with toxic comments?
Who are the people you’ve used as role models or inspiration for your videos?
I’m a huge fan of tech vlogs and self paced learning. I’ve taught myself to do so many things with tutorials. These days, most makers are used to digital learning, specifically with the how-to format that many YouTube videos follow. Some of my faves are mentioned in my episodes and include Svetlana from the “Kamui Cosplay” channel, Thomas Sandlander, and Marques Brownlee. Notably for their consistently high production quality and detailed content. Still, however, I didn’t see my intersectionality fully reflected in this space, so instead of waiting for someone else to show up and turn the party for me, I realized that I was perfectly suited to help move the needle myself.
Still, however, I didn’t see my intersectionality fully reflected in this space, so instead of waiting for someone else to show up and turn the party, I realized that I was perfectly suited to help move the needle.
Your video production looks great. Do you work alone or is there a team involved?
YAAAASSSSSSSS, the first season was definitely a team effort. Starting with the various makerspaces, which provided the beautiful environments and often the tools that I would need for the episodes. Then of course there was myself on the front end with project conception, script writing, and execution. Then there was the amazing Drummond West on the back end with media direction, production, and execution. His amazing talent is why it looks so good. Our powers combined to make ‘The TWIRCH Shop’. Shout out to Drummond West! There’s also the amazing support that both he and I receive from our families and friends, who have been so patient with us as we literally and figuratively blow shit up. It really does take a village..
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