Kickstarter Launch - $8,000+ Raised
Planned, launched, and managed a Kickstarter campaign that raised $8,102 from 112 backers- over 8× its original funding goal- turning a personal creative project into a community-supported product line.
Quick Stats
$8,102 raised
810% of funding goal achieved
Original funding goal: $1,000
112 campaign backers
10/10 Kickstarter-exclusive rewards sold out
250+ member Discord community
350–440 votes per milestone poll
Successfully fulfilled physical and digital rewards
Designed and launched a custom Squarespace e-commerce website
Connected a custom domain and online storefront
Transitioned products from Kickstarter to ongoing sales
Accepted to FlippedNormals' curated CG marketplace
Sold products through FlippedNormals' curated marketplace and later Gumroad
Project Overview
To expand my dragon sculpting project and fund future product development, I launched a Kickstarter campaign centred around collectible dragon models inspired by the Wings of Fire book series. The campaign combined digital rewards, physical products, and community participation, allowing supporters to directly influence the direction of future releases through milestone voting events.
Using my existing online audience and community, I developed the campaign strategy, created promotional materials, managed communications with backers, and coordinated fulfillment planning. The campaign successfully funded and helped establish a dedicated community that continued to follow the project long after the campaign concluded.
Software Used
ZBrush
Photoshop
Blender
Lychee Slicer
Final Cut Pro
My Roles
Developed the Kickstarter campaign strategy
Designed and built the Kickstarter page
Created campaign graphics and promotional materials
Produced product renders and reward visuals
Marketed the campaign through YouTube and social media
Managed campaign updates and supporter communications
Answered community questions throughout the campaign
Organized milestone voting events for future product development
Managed the project Discord community
Planned reward fulfillment and production logistics
Designed and built a custom Squarespace e-commerce website
Configured a custom domain and online storefront
Created product listings and digital delivery workflows
Managed ongoing online sales and customer support
Process
Product Development
Before launching the campaign, I developed a collection of dragon models and reward concepts that could be offered as both physical collectibles and digital files. The campaign was built around transforming these designs into products that could be manufactured and delivered to supporters.
The first 3 dragon tribes before launch; the Mudwing, Seawing, and Rainwing
Painting the Queen Glory prototype for the kickstarter backer exclusive reward
Campaign Creation
I designed and built the Kickstarter campaign page, developed reward tiers, created promotional graphics, and prepared the presentation materials used to communicate the project's goals and offerings to potential backers.
Kickstarter page screenshots
Stretch goals
Marketing & Audience Engagement
To promote the campaign, I leveraged my existing online audience through YouTube, social media, and Discord. Throughout the campaign, I shared updates, answered questions, and encouraged community participation through milestone voting events that helped shape future product releases.
Kickstarter announcement video
Full process of how I made the dragons
Youtube community posts, voting form, and Discord community announcement
Funding Success
The campaign surpassed its $1,000 funding goal, ultimately raising $8,102 from 112 backers. Community engagement remained high throughout the campaign, with hundreds of supporters participating in milestone votes and discussions.
Fulfillment & Growth
Following the campaign, I fulfilled physical and digital rewards while continuing to expand the project through online marketplaces and community engagement. The campaign helped establish a dedicated audience that continued to support future releases and product development.
Process of making the Kickstarter-exclusive rewards; Hand painted Queen Glory figures
Shipping dragon figures and signed prints
My storefront of Flipped Normal’s curated CG marketplace
When Flipped Normal’s marketplace closed, I moved my STL store to Gumroad
Post-Campaign Growth & E-Commerce
Following the Kickstarter campaign, I designed and launched a custom e-commerce website using Squarespace (the one you’re on right now :D!) to continue selling physical dragon prints. I configured the storefront, connected a custom domain, organized product listings, and developed the site's visual presentation to create a professional purchasing experience for customers. The website became the primary hub for the business and allowed the project to continue growing beyond the campaign itself.
Reflection
Launching this campaign taught me that successful creative projects rely on more than just a strong product- they require trust, communication, and ongoing community engagement. Exceeding the original funding goal by more than eight times demonstrated the value of involving supporters throughout the creative process and maintaining transparency at every stage of the project.
Beyond the campaign itself, I learned how to build and manage an online storefront, maintain customer relationships, and create systems that supported long-term growth. The experience strengthened my skills in marketing, web design, project management, and community building while showing me how creative ideas can be transformed into sustainable businesses.