Fresh design graduates are being encouraged to get into crowdfunding early by a new initiative from London's Cass School of Art and Architecture.
The Cass Starters programme has launched four graduate projects on Kickstarter, including ceramics moulded from used coffee-cup sleeves and a cactus-shaped toy called Wobbly Peyote.
Wobbly Peyote by Tim Summers is a cactus slot toy described as suitable for the playroom, desktop or dinner table
The initiative was founded by the students' tutor in their final year at the Cass, Peter Marigold. The London-based designer is an advocate for the use of crowdfunding, having enjoyed Kickstarter success with his FORMcard, a remouldable bioplastic that can be used to modify or repair broken objects.
"I honestly think that crowdfunding is unrivalled," Marigold told Dezeen. "The alternative of using trade shows and exhibitions can be incredibly demoralising, but Kickstarter can reach the entire planet. I felt that my students had to be aware of this." Ray Gonzalez Brown's Cardboard Ceramics uses the Lost Cardboard Technique he devised at the Cass
Marigold assembled four students whose work was "internet-friendly" ? simple to communicate, mass produce and post ? for the programme.
While the graduates themselves took the lead on their campaigns, Marigold, the Cass and London Metropolitan University provided support on elements like video, photography and marketing. The university's student enterprise programme, the...