This series, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth, unveils the backstage of contemporary creation. Tackling various topics from personal designer processes to the position of collectible design on the global design market, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth offers different views to suit all tastes. Today we speak with Xaver Kuster. 

C: What has changed the past couple of years in the young scene of collectible design?

XK: I feel like collectible design has become more interesting for young designers like me. It’s in a way more accessible than massively produced design pieces.  because you don’t necessarily need a big budget, care about financing or work together with a big brand. You can do everything on your own and  just focus on the object and the design process and that’s exactly what you want to do when you are young and and starting out.

C: When designing a collectible object how do you think about its various environments where it can end up?

XK: I think the appearance of an object changes significantly depending on the environment it's in. When I work on an object, I always view it in a virtual environment that suits the object and its concept. I believe it helps me to not lose track of my concept and aesthetics. I also started trying to share this vision I have and not take pictures of my object in front of white backdrops if it's not necessary.

C: How do you understand collectible design’s unique story from your concept to a piece someone lives with (and perhaps forms an emotional connection to)?

XK: To me, the beautiful thing about collectible design is that it evokes genuine emotions in people. It's about you, the object, and the connection you have with it, regardless of what others think. It's pure and relatable in a way. Viewing an industrial design project can sometimes feel overwhelming because you often find yourself in a position where you don’t know what to think due to its complexity, and therefore, you have to rely on others' opinions.