Support My Journey: Design, Storytelling, and Wellbeing

@designer_off_grid—follow the full adventure: Instagram | YouTube | Blog.

Quick note: We just launched these social accounts, so don't worry if things look fresh—content is coming soon. Follow along and watch the story unfold!

This isn’t just about better products—it’s about finding a better way of living, in balance with it all.

Hi friends, dreamers, and adventurers,

Alan here. I’m about to leap into the unknown—and I want you along for the ride.

After two decades of creating designs for physical and digital products, I’ve arrived at a powerful turning point: My best work can no longer happen ONLY behind a screen. A quiet but undeniable voice has been pulling me toward something deeper—toward real stories, meaningful connections, and designing from a place of authenticity and purpose.

Begining of June, my 3 yellow dogs and I moved deep-er into the mountains of Vilcabamba, Ecuador. Centainly off-grid but thanks to the power of solar panels and Starlink I won't be completely isolated. Accessible only by a two-hour hike (with supplies arriving by donkey), my new home will offer a profound opportunity to reconnect—with myself, nature, and purposeful work.

There’s nothing wrong with the way I’ve been designing or the work I’ve done in the past—it’s all been truly valuable. This is a rare chance to explore something different. As a person and a designer, it feels more aligned with how I want to create moving forward: grounded, intentional, and connected to something tangible.

I’ll be collaborating with two extraordinary people, Byron and Claire, who will be creating amazing wellness products: organic drinks, herbal remedies, natural skincare, and cacao harvested from their farms in Vilcabamba and Palanda. Byron and I met while volunteering to fight wildfires in Vilcabamba—a profound experience that deeply connected us to this beautiful land. From there, I met Claire and instantly knew these were truly special people whose values align with my own.

→ WHAT WE'RE BUILDING TOGETHER

While they grow, harvest, and produce with deep reverence for the land, I’ll be fully immersed in helping bring their vision to life through:

But more than that—I’ll be living what I’m designing. Drinking straight from the Cascada’s wild water source. Eating the herbs, roots, and fruits grown steps away. Planting, harvesting, and learning the origin story of every ingredient. I’ll be designing from within the product’s ecosystem—not just observing it, but coexisting with it.

This kind of immersion is unique. Maybe it’s exactly what the world needs more of: genuine creative expression rooted in nature, story, and soul.

→ WHY THIS MATTERS (AND WHY NOW)

Yes, creating better, more authentic products is important. But the true heart of this story is personal—it’s about courageously embracing something I feel deeply called toward. It’s about daring to find out what lies beyond the familiar, even if it’s uncertain and challenging.

I've fallen back in love with storytelling, and I am following this pull, to see what emerges from this leap into unknown territory. I’m trusting my intuition and hoping this experience opens doors to new meanings, new connections, and a fresh chapter that inspires not just me—but anyone who feels they have quietly shelved their dream, waiting for the right time.

My goal is to explore design in a way that truly resonates with who I am—hands in the earth, heart open, learning directly from nature and the brilliant people behind these products.

→ WHY I'M ASKING FOR SUPPORT

This is a self-funded, purpose-led project. My collaborators are generously offering me a place to live.

Let me cut through the noise for a second: they don’t have the funds to support me. This is me finding a way—at this point in my life—to do something meaningful, while learning more about myself and reconnecting with nature. I’m taking a leap into something exciting and uncertain, with the hope that it leads to deeper clarity, creative renewal, and shared success for everyone involved.

To make this journey possible—and to show up fully with the right tools and presence—I’m raising $5,400 to cover essential living costs and creative equipment during this 20-week immersion.

Here’s how the funds will be used:

→ IF WE SURPASS THE GOAL

Going beyond $5,400 would be awesome—and every extra dollar allows me to elevate the impact of this work AND future work :)

→ A LITTLE MORE CONTEXT

For the past four years, I've been fortunate enough to call Vilcabamba home. The culture, community, and breathtaking landscapes here have reshaped how I view the world. Last year, volunteering to fight local wildfires deepened my connection to the people and the place in ways I never imagined.

Recently, my partner and our two children traveled to the U.S., and due to visa constraints, they won’t return for several months. Although this separation has been challenging, it has unexpectedly opened a door for me to pursue this extraordinary opportunity. Financially and career-wise, the road has been rocky—especially navigating the ups and downs of remote work. My hope now is that this adventure guides me toward fresh clarity, renewed purpose, and deeper personal and professional meaning.

Most importantly, I want to thank my family—especially my wonderful partner. Her encouragement and unwavering belief in me have made this next step possible.

→ FINAL THOUGHTS

This is not just about me stepping into nature. It’s about showing what’s possible when creating in alignment with what we believe in.

Your support—financial, emotional, or simply by sharing this story—is invaluable. Each contribution helps bring this dream to life with honesty, authenticity, and heart.

With deepest gratitude ❤️

–Alan

→ STAY CONNECTED & JOURNEY WITH ME

I'll be sharing periodic updates here, but if you'd like to join me fully on this adventure—through behind-the-scenes moments, reflections, and stories—I'd love for you to follow along:

↳ Instagram

↳ YouTube

↳ Blog

Also, check out Mi Jardín—the soulful brand I’m helping shape from the roots up, blending organic ingredients with a story that’s pure magic.

↳ Instagram

Quick note: We just launched these social accounts, so don't worry if things look fresh—content is coming soon. Follow along and watch the story unfold!

Your presence and support mean the world to me.

Let's journey together!