Last Thursday night, I had the opportunity to be a guest on the LayFrame Podcast along with Surface Nick, joining Holy Moses and Bearded Beauty for a deep dive into automotive culture, technology, and how the scene has evolved over the years.
One of my favorite parts of the conversation was reminiscing about the old days. We discussed whether it’s harder to start out in the automotive scene today versus 20+ years ago. Back then, information was harder to come by—you had to rely on magazines, forums, and word of mouth. Now, with social media and YouTube, it’s easier to learn and connect, but at the same time, the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming.
Another big topic was the changing landscape of automotive media. We talked about the decline of traditional magazines, which used to be the holy grail for exposure. Getting a feature in a print magazine was a huge milestone, but with the internet, that world has completely changed. Online platforms and social media have made it easier for builders to showcase their rides, but has that made it less special? That was part of the discussion—has the ease of access diluted the sense of accomplishment?
We also dove into AI and emerging technologies, especially 3D printing and scanning. The ability to reproduce hard-to-find parts is something that could be a game-changer. Instead of scouring junkyards or waiting for someone to remake a discontinued part, imagine being able to scan an old piece, tweak it, and print a perfect replacement. It’s still early days, but the possibilities are exciting.
Now, if you watch the episode, you’ll probably notice me sipping coffee here and there. That’s because the show kicks off at 8 PM Mountain Time, which isn’t too late—unless you’re on the East Coast like me. And let’s be real, in my 40s, that feels pretty late!
During the podcast, we also talked about our current projects. When it was my turn, I brought up my unconventional "UN-body drop" project. Let’s just say it wasn’t the most popular idea, but it definitely got some reactions! It was fun seeing everyone’s responses and hearing different perspectives.
Surface Nick also brought a ton of cool examples of his work, including new wheel designs and even custom car coloring books! I’ve always loved this idea—being able to practice different paint jobs on paper first before committing to the real thing is a great way to experiment without the risk. It was awesome seeing the creativity he’s bringing to the scene.
Being on the podcast was a great time, and I appreciate the invite. If you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend giving it a listen. It’s always cool to sit down and have real conversations about where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and how technology is shaping the future of custom builds.
What do you think—was it harder to start in the scene 20 years ago, or is it more challenging today? Drop a comment and let me know!
Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5f5jGOzmSg
LayFrame Podcast Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/LayFramePodcast
Surface Nick Products
https://surfacenick.com/
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