News RSS

I’ve been exploring crowdfunding platforms beyond Kickstarter to see how they compare in terms of usability, pre-launch tools, and innovation. After testing Backerkit and Gamefound with identical campaign setups, some clear strengths, and missed opportunities for Kickstarter, have emerged, particularly around pre-launch engagement and campaign design.

Ever wondered what it takes to design your own collectible coins? From laser-cut prototypes and Illustrator tracing to Blender modelling and 3D printing, this post dives into the process behind InCointation - a puzzle project that’s equal parts artistry and obsession. Join the creator’s journey through trial, error, and the joy of turning digital designs into tangible treasure.

Back the pre-launch on Kickstarter and get a sneak peek at the coins that started it all.

10 Proven Kickstarter Campaign Tips from a Puzzle Creator Who’s Raised Over £100,000

Running your 10th Kickstarter campaign teaches you a thing or two about what really works—and what doesn’t. If you’re looking for practical crowdfunding strategies that actually convert backers into long-term supporters, here are the biggest lessons I’ve learned while raising over £100,000 for my puzzle projects.

1. Skip the video stress – Campaign videos are overrated. Focus on your real passion (in my case, puzzle design) instead of spending hours on stressful editing.

2. Forget generic ads – Facebook, Google, Reddit, Kicktraq ads? Time-consuming and low return. Test them outside campaign season, not mid-launch.

3. Go ultra-niche – Partner with websites your audience already loves. For puzzles, sites like Decodex and Puzzmallow delivered real results with affiliate-style ads.

4. Build a strong track record – Deliver on time, communicate often, and backers will come back. Reliability is your biggest asset.

5. Set the lowest possible goal – Fund the crowdfunding phase only, not your entire production run. Smaller goals fund faster and boost visibility.

6. Cut pre-launch costs – My first campaign cost just £25 in setup. Don’t sink thousands into email ads before you even launch.

7. Every link leads to Kickstarter – Skip complex funnels. A direct Kickstarter link converts far better.

8. Leverage add-ons – Previous projects are gold. Nearly half my current backers grabbed add-ons from older campaigns.

9. Encourage backer sharing – Turn word-of-mouth into a game. Tribe challenges and share-to-solve puzzles spark organic buzz.

10. Ditch review copies – Share work-in-progress instead. It generates feedback, excitement, and trust—without wasted copies.

👉 Want to see how these strategies are working in real time? Check out my latest puzzle Kickstarter here:
Sjandiva on Kickstarter

Designed for immersive escape rooms, this repurposed fire extinguisher features a custom-designed label that omits a single alphabet letter. Players must deduce the missing character using contextual clues, all while assuming it’s just another prop.

• Looks authentic, feels puzzling

• Printed gloss label blends seamlessly with hardware

• Ideal for logic-based or alphabet-themed challenges

• Optional: beginner and advanced versions (coloured vs. missing letters)

• Inspired by real-world office settings for maximum immersion

Inspired by the famous “Einstein” tile (the shape that tiles infinitely without repeating), this hands-on puzzle challenges players to reconstruct a hidden phrase using cleverly cut tiles and letter fragments. The join-points between shapes reveal ambiguous letterforms—your job is to decipher them.

Featuring a laser-cut black MDF base, clear etched acrylic overlay, and hand-painted letters, this beautifully constructed puzzle spells out a two-word mystery phrase across nine connections. Perfect for escape room enthusiasts, puzzle solvers, and anyone who appreciates mathematical elegance in design.

Can you solve the crafty job?