Creation networks: interconnections between handmade creation processes, “do it yourself” and content sharing in digital platforms

Abstract

This paper investigates the recent popularization of ideals such as autonomy, manuality and “do it yourself” linked to creation processes in arts and design, dialoguing with the network culture. The content shared online via social networks, in the means of tutorials, reports and posts allow the study of manual creation processes along with the mapping of groups, collectives and initiatives that propose this line of action. Through a theoretical basis on crafts, design, creative processes and the network culture, as well as productive and informational dynamics in contemporary society, we were able to comprehend how some initiatives and productions resume ideas from the “do it yourself” movement, forming digital collective environments. We observe that, currently, the quest for manual practices is connected to a necessity of activities that maintain an artisanal timing and provide contemplation; and the interest in registering and accessing process documents reflect the pursuit of autonomy and of new meanings to the act of consumption.