Creative Studio for Solution Seeking, Product Prototyping, Development & Promotion needs support

About Me

My name is Katarzyna Drobner. I am from Poland, where I received my artistic education. I come from a family of artists and professors who have been teaching art for four generations. I have inherited a passion for teaching, sharing my knowledge, and supporting local communities.

I can also boast a strong analytical mind and keen observation skills, which have allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the situation in this dynamically developing country after 12 years of living in Dehradun, a village in Tehri Garhwal, and travelling across India.

With my 30-year career as a designer, I am confident that I have sufficient knowledge to share with others. I love India and its people, and I am deeply committed to the sustainable development of this place. I see its potential and would like to contribute to its growth. I am a very practical person and a workaholic, which is why I do what I do.

My personal goal is to create and promote a common building technique from pine needles so everybody in the mountains collects it - in place of setting fire to get rid of them.

Current Activities

I am currently leading a small investment in Bhopal Pani, on the way from Dehradun to the Airport and Rishikesh, which includes an initial machinery park. This is really just the beginning, we haven't received all the ordered machines yet.

In this space, we would like to focus on training both designers and craftsmen, supporting them in skill development and the introduction of innovative technologies. Our activities aim to assist small institutions in entering the market and developing new products, including cosmetic brands. Additionally, we are actively developing our own design brand, emphasising creativity and sustainability.

Creative Studio for Solution Seeking, Product Prototyping, Development, and Promotion “Art Factory”

Our studio, known as the Art Factory, is an innovative centre that combines advanced technologies for single-unit manufacturing with the education of young designers and craftsmen. Our primary goals include developing modern solutions, creating prototypes, and promoting new products, thereby supporting local small and medium-sized enterprises.

Currently, our studio is equipped with advanced CNC machinery, including milling machines, UV printers, laser cutting devices, and 3D printers. With these tools, we can execute a wide range of projects, from prototyping to small-scale production. Our studio functions as an educational centre where young designers gain practical experience working with various materials and technologies. Our activities also encompass the pursuit of innovative solutions and the development of new products.

This project was conceived to showcase our capabilities, skills, and vision to potential investors. It is a preliminary step towards a larger project, aimed at building trust and demonstrating the potential of our studio. We are creating a brand of creative education for designers, aspiring to be recognised as a centre of innovation and education.

Key Elements of Our Activities:

Training Designers and Craftsmen:

We conduct training sessions that teach designers how to collaborate with craftsmen, leading to better work optimisation.
Craftsmen gain knowledge of new tools and technologies, enabling them to work more efficiently.

Support for Small Institutions:

We assist small companies and institutions in developing their products and entering the market.
We provide support in creating and promoting new cosmetic brands.

Prototyping and Production:

The main goal of our activities is to create prototypes for individuals with innovative ideas who wish to realise them.
We offer prototyping on demand, allowing companies to test new solutions before full-scale production.
We execute short production runs for various products using our advanced technologies.

Workshops and Training:

We organise courses and workshops in design, production technologies, and new materials to educate and inspire the next generation of designers.

Promotion and Product Sales:

We are developing our brand and selling proprietary products, building recognition and customer loyalty.

Development of Our Design Brand:

We are developing our design brand in parallel, focusing on creativity and uniqueness, and embedding ecological solutions in our processes.

Values of Our Activities:

Innovation: Implementing new technologies and work methods.
Collaboration: Promoting cooperation between designers and craftsmen.
Support for Local Businesses: Assisting small firms and institutions in developing their products and brands.
Skill Development: Training and enhancing the skills of designers and craftsmen.
Sustainability: A strong commitment to using ecological solutions in all aspects of our business.

Festival of Design

What is Design?

Design is far more than traditional crafts or digital creations; it is a dynamic process that shapes everything around us. From the layout of a smartphone app to the ergonomic chair you sit in, design influences how things look, function, and feel. It's about solving problems and enhancing our experiences, whether through beautiful graphics, efficient products, or sustainable buildings.

Design is everywhere. It involves creativity, science, and technology, coming together to improve the way we live and interact with the world. It’s the reason a smartphone fits comfortably in your hand, a logo becomes instantly recognizable, or a city park feels inviting and accessible. Design is about making life better, more efficient, and more enjoyable by thoughtfully combining form and function.

Objective: To establish a premier annual or biennial design festival in Dehradun that celebrates and promotes the innovative spirit of Indian design, fostering creativity, collaboration, and sustainable practices within the industry.

Overview

The Festival of Design is the next project we would like to organize in Dehradun. Our aim is to create a leading design event in India that showcases the transformative power of design in urban and cultural development. By providing a platform for designers, artists, and innovators, the festival seeks to enhance the creative landscape of Dehradun and position the city as a hub of design excellence.

Key Features of the Festival:

1. Exhibitions and Installations:

Showcase of Indian Design: Feature the work of both established and emerging designers across disciplines such as graphic design, product design, fashion, architecture, and digital media.
Interactive Installations: Create engaging installations that explore the intersection of technology and design, highlighting innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

2. Workshops and Masterclasses:

Skill Development: Offer workshops and masterclasses led by industry experts, focusing on sustainable design practices, innovative materials, and design thinking.
Creative Collaboration: Encourage collaboration among designers, artisans, and businesses, fostering a community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design.

3. Talks and Panel Discussions:

Thought Leadership: Invite influential designers and thought leaders to share insights on the future of design and its role in shaping modern society.
Cultural Impact: Explore how design can contribute to cultural and economic growth.

4. Networking and Business Opportunities:

Connecting Creatives and Investors: Facilitate connections between designers and potential investors, clients, and collaborators, encouraging partnerships that drive innovation and business success.
Marketplace: Provide a curated marketplace where designers and brands can showcase and sell their products.

Vision and Impact

Inspired by successful events like the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the Festival of Design aims to make a significant cultural and economic impact on Dehradun. The Biennale has transformed Kochi into a thriving art destination, attracting over 600,000 visitors per edition and involving multiple venues across the city, including galleries, public spaces, and heritage sites. The influx of visitors has boosted the local economy, generating substantial revenue for local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.

Long-term Goals:

Cultural Enrichment: Integrate design into Dehradun’s identity, fostering a vibrant creative community.
Economic Growth: Stimulate local businesses and tourism through increased visibility and participation in the festival.
Sustainability and Innovation: Encourage sustainable design practices that contribute positively to society and the environment, setting a benchmark for future design events.

Support and Collaboration

To bring this vision to life, we seek the support of local government, private institutions, and community stakeholders. By working together, we can create an event that not only enriches the cultural landscape of Dehradun but also drives economic growth and innovation.

Conclusion

The Festival of Design has the potential to become an essential destination for anyone passionate about design, creativity, and innovation. With the right support, we can establish Dehradun as a leading centre for design, fostering an environment of creativity and progress.

Startup in the Mountains

Concept:

To create a unique village dedicated to collaboration among designers, craftsmen, and investors, promoting innovation, education, and sustainable development in a picturesque mountain setting.

Vision

The startup aims to establish an innovative and collaborative space where creative professionals can immerse themselves in an environment conducive to personal and professional growth. The remote mountain location is ideal for focused work and creative inspiration, away from the distractions of urban life.

Key Features

Design and Innovation Village:

A community of separate workshops and studios, each dedicated to different aspects of design and craftsmanship, allowing participants to study and create in a hands-on environment.
Open spaces encourage interaction and collaboration among residents and visitors, fostering a culture of sharing knowledge and ideas.

Educational and Training Programs:

Comprehensive training for designers and craftsmen, focusing on skill development and the integration of modern technologies with traditional techniques.
Courses on business organization and entrepreneurship to equip participants with the skills needed to succeed in the creative industry.
Workshops and seminars led by experts in various fields to inspire and educate participants.

Support for Crafts Across India:

A focus on reviving and modernizing crafts from all over India, making them economically viable and environmentally friendly.
By attracting artisans from Uttarakhand and beyond, the project aims to inspire the spread of this model to other regions, offering alternatives to relocating to urban centers like Delhi.
Partnerships with local communities to document and preserve traditional techniques, ensuring their survival for future generations.

Prototype and Product Development:

Facilities equipped with advanced machinery for prototyping and small-scale production, allowing innovators to turn their ideas into tangible products.
Support for startups and small businesses in developing and marketing new products, particularly in the luxury and unconventional packaging sectors.

Integration of Design and Nature:

A commitment to sustainable practices and materials, emphasizing the harmony between innovation and the natural environment.
Use of eco-friendly building techniques and renewable energy sources to minimize the ecological footprint.

Long-term Goals

Community and Economic Development:

Create a thriving local economy by attracting investors and promoting talent and products from across India.
Organize events and workshops that draw attention to the region, boosting tourism and cultural exchange.

Innovation Hub:

Establish the village as a recognized center for design and craftsmanship, attracting global talent and fostering a spirit of creativity and innovation.
Form teams of designers and craftsmen from Uttarakhand and other regions to execute high-quality projects for a discerning clientele.

Preservation of Heritage:

Document and preserve traditional handicraft techniques through collaboration with master artisans from across India.
Integrate these techniques with modern design to create unique and marketable products.

Sustainable Growth:

Encourage sustainable development practices that respect and enhance the natural surroundings.
Develop a model of economic sustainability that benefits both the local community and the broader region.

Current Activities in Bhopal Pani

Our current efforts in Bhopal Pani serve as a pilot project to showcase our capabilities and potential to investors. By demonstrating the power of our innovative approach and the impact of our training and development programs, we aim to attract support and investment for the larger vision of the mountain village. This initiative is a registered startup under the Startup India program, underscoring our commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Katarzyna Drobner
Director & CEO Dobrostan Mission Pvt Ltd
Tel/Whatsapp: +91 81261 08759
Email: kasia@bin3.in