Kaleidoscope

Shein, Temu, and the Cost of Cheap Are Brands Like These Sustainable? In the wake of potential import tariffs facing fast-fashion giants #Shein and #Temu, the spotlight is once again on #sustainability. These brands may offer ultra-affordable prices, but what’s the hidden cost? For many, it’s stolen creativity, mass production, and unsustainable practices that leave both the environment and local creators paying the price. At Kaleidoscope, we see things differently. Our platform champions local artists, manufacturers, and materials. A number of our community members have had their work stolen by Temu and open-source AI sites, stripping away the value of craftsmanship and artistry. Without control, we risk diluting the true worth of artistic creation. But there’s another way. A way that empowers creators, supports local economies, and protects the integrity of art. What We Should Be Asking How many are investing in local creators and manufacturers? The answer, unfortunately, is far too few. Yet, the future of commerce lies in regenerative business models, not disposable ones. What We Stand For at Kaleidoscope Local Artists, Local Manufacturing, Local Materials: Our products are born from the community, made by artists and craftspeople close to home, with materials sourced from within the US. We don’t rely on mass imports—we believe in the power of local. Sustainable and Regenerative Practices - Our mission isn’t just to sustain; it’s to regenerate. The world cannot sustain much more, which is why we are building a company that helps communities, the environment, and the planet grow, not just survive. Ethics and Craftsmanship - We are micro craftspeople, dedicated to ensuring that the people and partners involved in our work are treated fairly. Every product is a collaboration built on respect for the artist, the craft, and the community. Agility in Growth - As our community expands, we remain flexible in our approach to design, technology, materials, and manufacturing. We are constantly adapting to improve every aspect of our process. AI to Empower, Not Exploit - Unlike the faceless AI models used to steal artistic works, we are harnessing the power of AI to reduce imports and create a direct connection between artists and consumers. With us, technology enhances creativity rather than erasing it. The future of art and commerce doesn’t need to be mass-produced. It can be meaningful, local, lasting and valuable on some many other levels. #SupportLocal #SustainableArt #EthicalAI #RegenerativeBusiness #InvestInArt #Kaleidoscope

AI blah blah blah. Ethical Blah Blah Blah. Let's face it: being ethical in AI is tough and even tougher when trying to do it in the art world. However, because Kaleidoscope is constantly in touch with our early adopters, our community of artists often surprises us. Things we have heard this week. "Fantastic! Thank you so much! You're amazing, and what you're doing is simply spectacular!" "What's the catch? I get to control my art, work with you, and make money! This is amazing." "I haven't been able to make work in 9 years. This will allow me to make art again. This is exciting." It only takes a few moments to show how much you can impact people's lives. Being ethical in the short term is hard, but in the long term, it will be impactful on many levels. Remember, AI is a tool, and being ethical means being nice to people. #ai #aiart #ethical #startup #art

Like PB&J or Martha and Snoop, some things are better together. With decades of experience, we understand that the world's most memorable brands and product experiences are found at the intersection of Design, Expertise, and Execution. That's why Would You Even and Tocci Made are partnering to help brands bring their ideas to life, from designing remarkable physical products that will last for generations to creating practical AI solutions that accelerate innovation. We believe that our world is tangible, whether in-store or online, and we bring it all together by crafting artifacts and experiences that people will never forget. All wrapped up with ethical, sustainable practices. If you're a digital brand looking to launch a physical product or become more present in the premium and luxury space. Reach out. https://lnkd.in/es76NqpE #brand #design #luxury #packaging #print #tech

Good design is beautiful. Great design solves problems beautifully. To be invited to Berlin is exciting, to be asked to be a judge for the iF Design Awards is an honor, to bear witness to the skill and craft on display from the entries in one room is humbling, and to meet so many warm, creative, innovative humans from around the globe at one time is truly enriching. Wrapping all that up across three days in one event serves the creative soul in many ways. For any designer or brand learning of the iF DESIGN Awards for the first time, enter your products and discover where it can take you as a winner. Established 70 years ago, the iF Design Awards is among the most prestigious accolades any designer, product, or brand can receive. Independent and pure in its approach, the team and committee are packed with international powerhouses of the design world focused on highlighting great design and how it’s wrapped up in user experience, sustainability, and execution. With former judges including Herbert Lindinger, Michele de Lucchi, and Dieter Rams, excellence is a must and is in its DNA. The highlight of any trip is always the wonderful people. So thank you to all the people I met: Anja Kirschning for being our sherpa, Lisa Gralnek for the invite, and my co-jurors  Janet Kinghorn, Isabelle Dahlborg Lidström, Dave Brown Ryuhei Nakadai, Katja Gerhards, and Lani Adeoye have learned so much from you all, and you are all amazing people. And to the whole iF Design family. Thank you for everything you have done. #design

👨🎨 We work with humans to keep our #ai ethical. Meet our artist-in-residence. From the FCC’s banning of AI Robocalls to the fear of #deepfakes in an election year, AI is undoubtedly the elephant in the room, but it is the future we will all live in, like it or not. While these are massive topics, we often forget that smaller cuts happen across industries and communities that can get swept aside or deemed unimportant. Over the past year, we have connected with artists and creators to listen to their stories about their fears and excitement about the impact of AI, and how their work has been stolen and resold on platforms like #temu . The life of an artist is always complicated. That’s why we work directly with artists to build our platform and technology. Meet our artist-in-residence, Bryant Small—one of the many fabulous humans behind Kaleidoscope and how we operate ethically to help artists monetize their art, craft, and hard work. As an artist, hear from him directly on why he has joined the team. #art #aiart #tech #creativity #humancenteredai #meettheteam #community

To be an artist today, you need; 🧠 - A mind for business 💗 - A heart of art  👿 - A body for sin “Bryant Small” Abstract Painter, Curator, and Makeup Artist. [SNEAK PEAK ALERT] Over the past few months, we have been talking to artists and creators about what it takes to pursue their craft in a world of AI today. As the LLMs march on, it often excites and polarizes the creative community. Like any new movements or tech, we will see how this can make our world better whilst supporting the artists of the world around us. More to come from us and artists soon. #ai #generativeart #tech #startup #art #artists #supportartists #curator #makeupartist #ecommerce Bryant Small