Check Out Travis DeRose’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis DeRose.

Hi Travis, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The first time I remember making something was back in 7th grade, when I modified a Guitar Hero controller that was made for Xbox so it could work on a PS2. I had to swap the guts, do some cutting, bonding, and painting. It actually came out surprisingly good! I shared it on a Guitar Hero forum, and to my surprise, someone offered to buy one from me. That was the spark that got me hooked on making and showed me that creativity could also be something people valued enough to buy.
Not long after, my mom got laid off from her corporate job at Bank of America and started her own business making and selling promotional products. Watching her build something from scratch was my first real look at entrepreneurship. And it also gave me access to an incredible set of tools: a vinyl cutter, laser cutter, heat press, screen printer, and more!
From there, I just kept experimenting. I’d make whatever I was curious about or thought was fun, and with every project I learned something new. Over time, I stacked those skills and kept leveling up mostly learning from YouTube and a lot of trial and error.
Fast forward to today, and that has naturally evolved into a full-blown creative business! I design and build weird, fun, and functional pieces. Everything from prop replicas and art to quirky products and fully themed spaces like my horror-inspired Airbnb.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning everything on my own. I didn’t go to school for design or fabrication so most of what I know comes from YouTube tutorials, trial and error, and figuring things out the hard way. For every cool finished piece, there are usually a few failed attempts and a pile of scraps that didn’t make the cut.
Another challenge has been balancing creativity with practicality. Turning making into a business means you have to think about materials, time, pricing, and shipping. And try to do that without losing the fun and weirdness that makes the work special in the first place. There’s a constant push and pull between the creative side and the business side.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love making things that are fun, nostalgic, and quirky. A lot of what I do is inspired by retro design, classic movies, and pop culture, and then I add a twist by giving those ideas a real-world function. I like to think, “Okay, you need something practical… so why not make it awesome, too?”
For example, you’ve gotta have a container to hold your dog food so it might as well look like the Spaceballs: The Cereal prop from the movie. Or if you’re going to have a bike, why not make it a Pee-wee Herman replica? I just love taking those kinds of ideas and turning them into something that brings a smile to people’s faces.
After my mom passed away, I built a rotary phone that plays her old voicemails when you pick up the receiver. It’s one of my favorite and most meaningful things I’ve ever created.
I also enjoy creating kits and parts that let other people build their own versions. There’s something really rewarding about giving someone the tools and confidence to make something themselves.
My proudest project so far is my horror cabin in Big Bear, a fully themed Airbnb that feels like stepping into a spooky movie set. It’s a mix of art, storytelling, and craftsmanship—and it represents everything I love about making: creating experiences that are unique, immersive, and fun.

How do you define success?
For me, success is all about happiness and fulfillment. I define success by how often my work puts me in that flow state where I’m completely immersed in what I’m doing and lose track of time. I love those moments when I look up and realize hours have passed without even noticing, because I’ve been so locked into creating something that excites me.
If I can spend my days doing work that makes me feel that way and make enough to live comfortably while doing it, that’s success to me!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://travisderose.etsy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travisderose/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@travisderose