

Happy Day!
To help push the campaign over the mark I'm going to be
offering a small digi-craft gift as a thank you for anyone who pledges
for a series item. The object is a small wooden pen/pencil holder for
your desk. See the updates section for a rough concept rendering of what
I'll be putting together for you. A sincere thanks!
Matt _______________________________________________________________
This Kickstarter project will allow me to launch a unique product line through cottage industry in digital ceramics.
Here's your chance to get a first edition piece at a price much lower than retail and help me get my designs out into the world!
For six weeks I did an investigation into the value of digital tools with craft ceramics production. The results yielded a number of valuable techniques and 15 product designs. With this Kickstarter project I'm seeking funds to do a first production run of the best of these designs and launch my digital ceramics design studio now that I'm graduating..
Five selected designs of the research series will be produced in a first edition production run of 200 pieces. The porcelain night light will be the exception in a first edition run of 50 pieces.
Why should you make a pledge?
- Making a pledge for this project is laying the foundation of a studio practice for a devoted emerging designer who's ideals and enthusiasm you resonate with.
- You can also pledge just because you think the objects are wonderfully unique and beautiful and want one for yourself. (Nothing would make me happier)
- In addition to allowing the production of my selected research designs, I'm hoping to support the community of all makers to utilize these resources by providing this information on these processes.

The Details:
I'm graduating this year with a BFA in Product Design and unwittingly fell deep into ceramics after doing some research and prototyping looking into the value of digital tools in craft ceramics production. I'm hoping to realize a first edition production run of the best of these designs. The series from this project will be the first legitimate launch of my independent product design studio invested in natural materials and functional beauty in addition to responsible and democratic design.
I need small quantities to get this series on its feet but the costs for these smaller runs with local production houses are cost prohibitive. For these pieces to see the inside of any design shop or home I'm going to have to produce them myself to minimize costs. The basic tools I need for a first edition production run of the selected designs are a kiln, kiln furniture and slip mixer.
Even if you might not need one of these products yourself, keep in mind these designs make wonderful gifts that come with a great story and deeper meaning.

Milestones:
Any pledges beyond the basic slipcasting requirements will go towards a desktop CNC router so I don't have to outsource that process of the project, making it a true "digital ceramics" production shop. Adding a desktop CNC mill to the process would bring the total required to $7,600.
Secondary to the CNC would be adding a Hobby Laser Cutter which would allow me to create my own retail packaging in-house as well as assisting in other parts of the production process. This would bring the idealized total to $10,300 for a full service cottage industry digital ceramics design and production studio.
Thanks so much for taking a look at my digital ceramics project, I hope it gets you as excited as its gotten me.

Pledge Rewards:
For your support in making this possible I'd like to thank you with a piece from the end result of the project. There's a number of designs to choose from at a variety of pledge amounts so that hopefully anyone can contribute if they want to see these designs made.
In addition to the products, I also want to offer a special opportunity in facilitating the development and creation of your own design using a digital ceramics process. You'll get the mold so you can have even more pieces cast later. It requires a very generous pledge but you'll be employing your own personal product designer to make your design idea come to life and my hope is that you'll find that opportunity worth every penny.
(Shipping is already included in all domestic pledges)
International backers please see each pledge for details.
The Products:







Its important to me that you trust the quality of my work. I've been operating as a design/build studio on the side for 2 years to subsidize my tuition with a 100% satisfaction rating and the following are unsolicited comments on my work:
"GORGEOUS! Really, just absolutely gorgeous!"
"This piece is positively true in form and elegance. Its ability to complete an interior is highly mentionable. Friends of mine who have seen this marvelous vase cannot help but to take notice of its uniqueness. Its simplicity calls to its wondrous quality. Thank you Matt."
"Sleek, simple, solid and extravagantly beautiful. Thank you."
Thank you so much for your consideration and I hope you've found all this interesting (and beautiful). - Matt port rhombus design

Questions about this project? Check out the FAQ
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Funding period
- (30 days)