Dude Daddy and Stranger Things
I'm a huge fan of Stranger Things. So when one of my favorite YouTubers, Dude Dad based in Fort Collins, CO, built a 14 foot Mind Flayer and life-size Demogorgon 20 miles from me, I knew I had to go check it out!
Taylor Calmus, creator of Dude Dad and Super Dad, is no new to building. Growing up in rural South Dakota, he learned to build from an early age:
"When you really grow up in the countryside, there's just not much to do. So my brother and I grew up having fun. My dad sells camping gear. building for a living. So there were always tools around and stuff and we got into BMX when we were young and started making our ramps and stuff."
By the time he was a senior in high school, he had built a huge 60-foot skatepark with his brother. Throughout high school and college, he worked for local carpenters, framing houses and other things. He also worked at a bike shop for five years to learn cycling and general mechanics.
"I learned to work with my hands very early and then, you know, other than that, it's like any project. I have an idea for you, just kind of figure out how to do it. And now I have that skill too, you know, so no real formal training and some of that stuff."
Taylor is down to earth, friendly and funny. He's exactly the guy you see in his videos. Taylor describes himself as "a husband, father and artist of sorts".
"I create content, whether it's comedy sketches or constructions. I'm a bit of a 'Jack of all trades'". When asked who inspires him, he said he draws inspiration from all kinds of people. From his wife to his postman, he finds inspiration all around him.
"I love seeing what other people are doing and then being like, okay, how can I take it up a notch? What would make that even cooler You know. So it's really fun. You know, this online collaboration process of just building from each other's ideas and stuff."
I'm a huge fan of Stranger Things. So when one of my favorite YouTubers, Dude Dad based in Fort Collins, CO, built a 14 foot Mind Flayer and life-size Demogorgon 20 miles from me, I knew I had to go check it out!
Taylor Calmus, creator of Dude Dad and Super Dad, is no new to building. Growing up in rural South Dakota, he learned to build from an early age:
"When you really grow up in the countryside, there's just not much to do. So my brother and I grew up having fun. My dad sells camping gear. building for a living. So there were always tools around and stuff and we got into BMX when we were young and started making our ramps and stuff."
By the time he was a senior in high school, he had built a huge 60-foot skatepark with his brother. Throughout high school and college, he worked for local carpenters, framing houses and other things. He also worked at a bike shop for five years to learn cycling and general mechanics.
"I learned to work with my hands very early and then, you know, other than that, it's like any project. I have an idea for you, just kind of figure out how to do it. And now I have that skill too, you know, so no real formal training and some of that stuff."
Taylor is down to earth, friendly and funny. He's exactly the guy you see in his videos. Taylor describes himself as "a husband, father and artist of sorts".
"I create content, whether it's comedy sketches or constructions. I'm a bit of a 'Jack of all trades'". When asked who inspires him, he said he draws inspiration from all kinds of people. From his wife to his postman, he finds inspiration all around him.
"I love seeing what other people are doing and then being like, okay, how can I take it up a notch? What would make that even cooler You know. So it's really fun. You know, this online collaboration process of just building from each other's ideas and stuff."
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