Everyday Props - Laser Cutter
Donation protected
UPDATE: IN PRODUCTION, REWARDS SHIPPING
Most of the backer rewards have been shipped or delivered, and the remaining orders are complete and will be sent shortly. As mentioned in my last update video, I've decided to skip getting the Pro version of the Glowforge and am sticking with the Basic + Air Filter version, which is slated to arrive by March at the latest.
In the meantime, I have used the surplus from the stretch goal to get a membership at the Columbus Idea Foundry, where I have begun laser cutting production runs in order to bridge the gap until the Glowforge arrives. Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement, and for making all this possible!
I'll be keeping this GoFundMe page open a little longer until the final orders are delivered, but will also be opening the full Etsy store in the next couple of weeks (www.etsy.com/shop/EverydayProps), and will be selling at several festivals later in the season -- keep an eye on my website (www.bensostrom.com) and my facebook page (www.facebook.com/everydayprops) for all the details!
ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION:
Life's a show. You need good props.
Being a theatrical prop designer means building things to last. Even though often your work gets scrapped right after a show closes, while it's up on stage it gets put through practically a lifetime of wear and tear in only a few weeks. My designs are created with that same quality in mind.
My name is Ben Sostrom. I design art and home goods under the brand name Everyday Props. I have over a decade of experience in props design and production, with a background in theatre and film, construction and remodeling, information technology, and a myriad of mixed media art forms.
Recently, I've been developing a new product line of laser-cut flat pack lighting and furniture, in an attempt to combine these skill sets, as well as reduce materials waste and shipping costs. With the help of friends, I've already produced a trial run of multiple designs and initial response has been great. But in order to expand and meet demand, as well as test new designs, I need to take the next step and buy a laser.
My apartment is also my design studio, and at 400 square feet, I'm somewhat limited on space and ventilation, so I have to plan carefully for what I can make work in the space.
(Here's the studio section of my apartment, with the tool and parts storage - aka the closet - in the background. How do I make the space work? Lots and lots of hidden compartments. Soooooo many.)
I've concluded my only good option is to pre-order a new Glowforge laser cutter with a built-in air filtration system. If I place my order within the pre-order period, I can do so for just under $3000, but the price goes up after that period ends (way up, to $5000) -- and nobody knows when the pre-order will end. Hints have been very soon (they're planning to start shipping in the next month or two), and so I've been attempting to pull money together...but I'm an artist, and I don't make much.
So, this is why I'm here. I need your help. If I can get this cutter, I can expand production and be able to keep up with demand in three stores, as well as finally expand into online and direct sales.
The proposition is a familiar one -- you give, you get something. You do it all the time in crowdfunding, or even on PBS. But this time, you don't get an app, or a tote bag -- you get something you can put in your house (or on yourself, in the case of the jewelry) that you can actually use and enjoy.
The proceeds will be going to obtaining the cutter, with any surplus going first to fulfilling backer rewards, then to related production costs (lumber, washi paper, etc.). Regardless of whether I meet my goal or not, all backer rewards -- since they're based around my existing designs and in many cases around existing stock -- will be fulfilled before the end of the year, and most likely sooner (I'll rent a cutter if I have to! Not the ideal solution, but still.)
If rewards tiers start to fill up, look for other rewards, and maybe even stretch goals, to be added in the coming days.
So go ahead, pick something out for yourself -- you'll not only be getting something cool, you'll be helping me to make more cool things come your way in the future.
Thanks so much for your time and your support,
Ben Sostrom
Everyday Props
www.bensostrom.com
Current rewards levels include:
Most of the backer rewards have been shipped or delivered, and the remaining orders are complete and will be sent shortly. As mentioned in my last update video, I've decided to skip getting the Pro version of the Glowforge and am sticking with the Basic + Air Filter version, which is slated to arrive by March at the latest.
In the meantime, I have used the surplus from the stretch goal to get a membership at the Columbus Idea Foundry, where I have begun laser cutting production runs in order to bridge the gap until the Glowforge arrives. Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement, and for making all this possible!
I'll be keeping this GoFundMe page open a little longer until the final orders are delivered, but will also be opening the full Etsy store in the next couple of weeks (www.etsy.com/shop/EverydayProps), and will be selling at several festivals later in the season -- keep an eye on my website (www.bensostrom.com) and my facebook page (www.facebook.com/everydayprops) for all the details!
ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION:
Life's a show. You need good props.
Being a theatrical prop designer means building things to last. Even though often your work gets scrapped right after a show closes, while it's up on stage it gets put through practically a lifetime of wear and tear in only a few weeks. My designs are created with that same quality in mind.
My name is Ben Sostrom. I design art and home goods under the brand name Everyday Props. I have over a decade of experience in props design and production, with a background in theatre and film, construction and remodeling, information technology, and a myriad of mixed media art forms.
Recently, I've been developing a new product line of laser-cut flat pack lighting and furniture, in an attempt to combine these skill sets, as well as reduce materials waste and shipping costs. With the help of friends, I've already produced a trial run of multiple designs and initial response has been great. But in order to expand and meet demand, as well as test new designs, I need to take the next step and buy a laser.
My apartment is also my design studio, and at 400 square feet, I'm somewhat limited on space and ventilation, so I have to plan carefully for what I can make work in the space.
(Here's the studio section of my apartment, with the tool and parts storage - aka the closet - in the background. How do I make the space work? Lots and lots of hidden compartments. Soooooo many.)
I've concluded my only good option is to pre-order a new Glowforge laser cutter with a built-in air filtration system. If I place my order within the pre-order period, I can do so for just under $3000, but the price goes up after that period ends (way up, to $5000) -- and nobody knows when the pre-order will end. Hints have been very soon (they're planning to start shipping in the next month or two), and so I've been attempting to pull money together...but I'm an artist, and I don't make much.
So, this is why I'm here. I need your help. If I can get this cutter, I can expand production and be able to keep up with demand in three stores, as well as finally expand into online and direct sales.
The proposition is a familiar one -- you give, you get something. You do it all the time in crowdfunding, or even on PBS. But this time, you don't get an app, or a tote bag -- you get something you can put in your house (or on yourself, in the case of the jewelry) that you can actually use and enjoy.
The proceeds will be going to obtaining the cutter, with any surplus going first to fulfilling backer rewards, then to related production costs (lumber, washi paper, etc.). Regardless of whether I meet my goal or not, all backer rewards -- since they're based around my existing designs and in many cases around existing stock -- will be fulfilled before the end of the year, and most likely sooner (I'll rent a cutter if I have to! Not the ideal solution, but still.)
If rewards tiers start to fill up, look for other rewards, and maybe even stretch goals, to be added in the coming days.
So go ahead, pick something out for yourself -- you'll not only be getting something cool, you'll be helping me to make more cool things come your way in the future.
Thanks so much for your time and your support,
Ben Sostrom
Everyday Props
www.bensostrom.com
Current rewards levels include:
Organizer
Ben Sostrom
Organizer
Columbus, OH