Matt Geiger, interior design faculty, has launched a creative project, Blank Brand Bags, funded through a social media campaign.

His campaign on Kickstarter.com had a goal of $6200 — and $15,492 was pledged. So he is now in production.

Matt's story:
I have been a designer for about 15 years, and about seven years ago, I had the idea to make a bag as a gift for my wife. I was able to get a hold of some recycled vinyl and borrowed a friend's sewing machine. While I was making that first bag, a number of friends were interested and asked me to make one for them. I quickly fell in love with the process and have been making bags for friends and family ever since.

The current design started as a personal project and came from the need for a bag that could change and adapt to the various demands in my life. As a husband, father, designer and teacher, I wanted a bag that could do just about anything and go just about anywhere. On a daily basis, I needed a bag that I could take to a meeting with a client, use to carry home groceries on my bike, or pack up everything my family needs for a trip to the park.

Blank Brand is based in Portland, Oregon, and is focused on designing and producing functional, beautiful, affordable and locally made items. Local sourcing and production is often the best approach in multiple ways, and some of the most beneficial aspects to us are the building and sustaining of local community, along with bringing the highest quality products possible to market.