Kickstarter

Project

The Kickstarter funding is dedicated to taking Design by Ini to the Wanted Design NYC design fair, which is held during design week, May 18-21st .  I am thrilled by the opportunity to bring my creative vision to life by producing prototypes of my signature pieces, Whorl and Stargazer, and taking these pieces with me to be shown at such an esteemed event.  As a recent graduate of the Environmental Design program at Art Center, I can't imagine a more ideal forum to display my work than at Wanted Design.  

The funds raised will be used specifically to build one Stargazer, two full-size Whorls, and five additional 1/4 scale Whorl models to demonstrate their modularity.  Additionally, the funding will provide for the cost of shipping the pieces to NYC, purchasing the floor space at the Wanted Design NYC design fair and ensuring that I am able to accompany my pieces to their debut. 

Whorl

This design represents my vision of the symbiotic relationship between simplicity and complexity.  Inspired by the inherent complexity in visibly simple forms found in nature, the Whorl is a product of the digital world: where "perfect geometry" is accessible and a hyperbolic paraboloid is as common as a planar surface.  

This form takes advantage of new 3D printing technology, developed by Solid Concepts, which will allow for a strong and lightweight, full scale functional piece of furniture to be realized.  The principles of the Whorl's design allow it to be thin and lightweight, with an embedded framework contained within its structurally ideal surfaces.

Stargazer

Reaching back to my Nigerian heritage, the Stargazer is a translation  of a West African typology to a 21st century market.  The Stargazer’s form references the sculptural anthropomorphic forms of old while utilizing advanced modern modeling technology. 

As a response to the task-oriented culture in which we exist, Stargazer represents a unique alternative.  A piece of furniture designed to provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of our daily experience, its steep angled back and low seat make its function inescapable...to gaze at the heavens whilst meditating on the vast scope of existence.  

Rewards

Thank you so much for your support.  I am very excited about creating my furniture and being able to show it off to the world in NYC.  I'm offering a wide range of awards that are a true reflection of my artistic capability and am pleased to offer these custom, unreleased designs to you in exchange for your support.  All rewards that are limited in nature will be accompanied by signature and certificate of authenticity.  All models will be painted in a Limited Edition "Kickstarter Green", with the promise that all further productions will not be available in this color. 

UPDATES - Follow my journey to Wanted Design.  I will provide updates on manufacturing and press related milestones along the way.

HIGH RESOLUTION WALLPAPER - High resolution images including renderings, photos, and abstract graphics. All works designed by me.  See an example of an abstract wallpaper above.

SCREEN CLEANER  - A self adhesive microfiber screen cleaner for your Apple or Android device, featuring a graphic silhouette of either the Stargazer or Whorl.

PRINT - Signed high resolution print of either a rendering, photo, or abstract graphic.  All works designed by me.

FRAMED PRINT -  Framed and signed high resolution print of either a rendering, photo, or abstract graphic. All works designed by me.

BOOK - A book of an original Design by INI furniture piece, such as the Stargazer or a Concept book, which includes the Whorl pedestal.

LA PARTY - An invitation to an exclusive event, hosted by Design by INI, and showcasing the designs in Los Angeles after the Wanted Design NYC design fair.  Refreshments provided.  Date TBD.

NYC PARTY - An invitation to the official Wanted Design NYC after party in Manhattan on Friday, May 18th.

EIGHTH SCALE WHORL - A numbered and signed eighth scale Whorl stool (2.75” x 2” x 2.5”) in Kickstarter green, with a certificate of authenticity.  Limited numbers available.

QUARTER SCALE WHORL - A numbered and signed quarter scale Whorl stool (5.25” x 3.75” x 4.75”) in Kickstarter green, with a certificate of authenticity.  Limited numbers available.

FULL SCALE WHORL - A numbered and signed full scale Whorl stool (21” x 15” x 19”) in Kickstarter green, with certificate of authenticity.  Limited numbers available.

EIGHTH SCALE STARGAZER- A numbered and signed eighth scale Stargazer model (2.25” x 5” x 3.25”) in Kickstarter green, with a certificate of authenticity.  Limited numbers available.

QUARTER SCALE STARGAZER - A numbered and signed quarter scale Stargazer model (4.5” x 10” x 6.5”) in Kickstarter green, with a certificate of authenticity.  Limited numbers available.

FULL SCALE STARGAZER - A numbered and signed full scale Stargazer (18” x 40” x 26”) in Kickstarter green, with certificate of authenticity.  Limited numbers available.

*all sizes approximate

Let's Do This!!

The project is set for 30 days and I am going to start doing as much as I can on my own to get this done while I am fundraising, but I need your help.  I cannot complete my project and get to NYC without your funding so thank you in advance for your consideration and I hope to write to you all from NYC, come end of May, when I am at the finish line.  No matter what pledge level you choose, you have my sincere gratitude, and I really appreciate your support and confidence in my work!

Check out additional background material on my design career thus far, and my upcoming events in NY:

Wanted Design NYC

Serif Table for Bernhardt Design

American Design Honors Student Designer of the Year 2010

ICFF Studio 2012