From Full-Stack Engineer to Indie Maker: Why Failing is a Must

Introduction

As engineers, we spend years perfecting our craft—building applications, solving challenging problems, and writing clean, efficient code. With 3 to 10 years of experience, we start to see ourselves as experts in our field. But when it comes to transforming an idea into a successful product, why does it feel so overwhelming? Why can’t we, the builders of tech, just build our dream startup and succeed?

This is my story of transitioning from a full-stack engineer to an indie maker. It’s been a journey filled with hard lessons, failures, and unexpected growth. Along the way, I’ve realized what it really takes to turn a side project into something meaningful—and why failing is a must.

The Misconception

For the longest time, I thought being a developer gave me an edge. “Why hire someone,” I used to think, “when I can build it all myself and save money?” I was convinced that my technical skills were all I needed to succeed.

But here’s the harsh truth: building the product is just one piece of the puzzle. Many developers, including myself, fall into the trap of thinking that engineering is the foundation of a startup’s success. We undervalue the importance of marketing, sales, and business vision—the things a true CEO or business-savvy person brings to the table.

The result? We build something, launch it, and sit back, expecting users to flood in. Spoiler alert: they don’t.

Failing to Learn

The first step toward becoming an indie maker is recognizing that failure isn’t just possible—it’s essential. Your first product likely won’t succeed, not because it’s poorly built, but because it lacks a proper marketing strategy or sales plan.

I realized I wasn’t just a senior software engineer; I was a complete beginner when it came to sales and marketing. It was like starting a whole new career. I had to learn how to promote, sell, and position my product. Like a newborn taking its first steps, I had to start small—experiment, fail, learn, and try again.

One of my Japanese clients used to tell me, “Don’t worry, step by step,” whenever I felt overwhelmed by complex tasks. That simple phrase stuck with me, and it’s now how I approach indie making. It’s not about trying to sprint to the finish line—it’s about taking small, consistent steps forward.

Balancing Two Worlds

Being an indie maker is like balancing two very different jobs. On weekdays, I code—pouring my expertise into building products. On weekends, I step into the world of marketing and sales, which still feels unfamiliar. It’s not the fastest path to success, but it’s the only way I’ve found to make steady progress.

It’s also a journey of learning and self-discovery. I’ve met incredible people along the way, from technical leads to marketing specialists, social influencers, and content creators. Launching my project, Craft Your Startup, was a big milestone, not just because of the product itself but because of the amazing people I connected with through the process. Their stories and ideas continue to inspire me.

What Keeps Me Going

Early mornings have become my sanctuary. At 5 a.m., coffee in hand, I sit alone and write down my thoughts and ideas. It’s a moment of clarity in the chaos—a chance to think, reflect, and plan my next steps. I’m not saying this is for everyone, but for me, it’s a tradition that keeps me grounded.

I’m also inspired by the slow but steady growth I’ve seen on platforms like X. Every day, I meet cool people and have meaningful conversations, which remind me that I’m on the right track. It’s not just about building products—it’s about building relationships, too.

Advice to Aspiring Indie Makers

If you’re an engineer dreaming of becoming an indie maker, here’s my advice: start small. Build something valuable, even if it’s simple, and try to sell it. Don’t expect overnight success. The reality is, you’re not just building a product—you’re building new skills in sales, marketing, and storytelling.

Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s the path to it. Each mistake teaches you something new, whether it’s how to market better, connect with an audience, or position your product.

The journey isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Step by step, you’ll figure it out.