Meet Your Maker – Jadon from Sitka Studio

Crafting a New Path – the journey from a CNC induction to creating a new business and fulfilling a dream.

Jadon began his career as a graphic designer in New Zealand, but life took a turn when he moved to Scotland. Meeting Sarah, the girl of his dreams and settling on an estate in Aberdeenshire, he initially picked up joinery and general DIY work – hands-on skills that brought a new kind of satisfaction. With his creativity reawakened, Jadon began to imagine a way to blend his digital design background with the pleasure of making.

Following a recommendation from Alastair at Studio Hideout, Jadon travelled to Edinburgh to check out Edinburgh Open Workshop and take part in a CNC induction with workshop manager, JJ.

“I was pretty nervous coming into the workshop. I felt like an imposter – everyone seemed to know what they were doing and I was very much a beginner. I mentioned this to JJ but he was so kind and lovely, and reassured me that most people doing these courses are in the same boat.”

What started with uncertainty quickly grew into confidence. Jadon spent the day running through the course, learning what the CNC was capable of, and carrying out some preloaded jobs.

“I came away buzzing. I knew it was the kind of tooling and machinery I wanted to get into. I didn’t know at that stage it could become a business, I just wanted to do more of it.”

Over the coming months, Jadon returned to EOW several times to practice on the CNC machine, work on his own designs, and create signs for the estate he lived on. Often, he would stay overnight in Edinburgh just to complete a project. But the cost and time involved in traveling back and forth began to add up.

Eventually, Jadon decided to invest in his own CNC machine, a Yeti SmartBench, since there was nothing similar to EOW near where he lived. JJ helped him track down a second-hand unit in London, and Jadon made the trip south to collect it.

He says:

“I couldn’t speak more highly of JJ. Anytime I have reached out he has given me such in-depth advice. He has his own job to do, but he always takes the time to help.”

Over the next eight months, Jadon balanced full-time work on the estate with honing his CNC skills and upgrading his setup.

“I realised that sign making was a passion in my heart and a direction I wanted to steer towards. But I needed time to get my craft to a point where I felt comfortable charging appropriate rates for my work.”

Jadon gradually started to carve out time from his estate work – first a day, then more – to dedicate to his growing business, knowing he had to take a risk to move forward.

“During this period of investment and growth, I was deeply grateful to God, and to my family and friends, for their endless encouragement, support, and provision. There’s now a real sense of excitement and anticipation as I look toward the future.”

After Jadon set up Sitka Studio he discovered that his grandmother, who had passed away when he was just three years old, had been a sign writer in rural New Zealand for a period of her life. So the talent is obviously in the genes!

After Jadon set up Sitka Studio he discovered that his grandmother, who had passed away when he was just three years old, had been a sign writer in rural New Zealand for a period of her life. So the talent is obviously in the genes!

“Now my dream would be to spend five days a week making signs for shops and new buildings around Aberdeen,” he says. “I’d also like to offer some predesigned sign options for homes and gardens through the website. There are so many stunning homes around Aberdeenshire, and I feel a good sign is like the icing on the cake.”

Jadon still finds excuses to return to EOW, where he continues learning and values the time JJ gives him to talk through projects and materials. He’d even be willing to pay for ongoing coaching, just to ask questions and exchange notes on best practices.

“I am so grateful,” he says. “EOW has been so helpful to me. The CNC course sent me in the direction of starting my own business. I never thought I’d be that type of person, but I was aware I needed to steer my career in a way that fulfils my passion and skillsets. Thanks to that first induction course, and the support and encouragement I have received from JJ, I realised that was possible.”

With thanks to photographer Shaun Barton.

“Now my dream would be to spend five days a week making signs for shops and new buildings around Aberdeen,” he says. “I’d also like to offer some predesigned sign options for homes and gardens through the website. There are so many stunning homes around Aberdeenshire, and I feel a good sign is like the icing on the cake.”

Jadon still finds excuses to return to EOW, where he continues learning and values the time JJ gives him to talk through projects and materials. He’d even be willing to pay for ongoing coaching, just to ask questions and exchange notes on best practices.

“I am so grateful,” he says. “EOW has been so helpful to me. The CNC course sent me in the direction of starting my own business. I never thought I’d be that type of person, but I was aware I needed to steer my career in a way that fulfils my passion and skillsets. Thanks to that first induction course, and the support and encouragement I have received from JJ, I realised that was possible.”

With thanks to photographer Shaun Barton.

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