Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
How can you find a custom bottle mould designer who understands structural engineering as well as aesthetic differentiation?
Members have successfully sourced custom bottle mould designers through peer recommendations within the community. The key is finding someone with practical experience in bottle structure and engineering, rather than relying solely on creative credentials. **How to find designers:** - Ask within the Kindred community directly; several members have vetted designers they're happy with and will make introductions via private message. - Request an introduction from someone who's already working with a mould designer—this peer-validated route is how most members have connected. **What to look for:** - Someone with proven experience in bottle structure and manufacturing constraints (not just design aesthetics). - A designer who understands the technical requirements of mould design, not just visual appeal. **Specific bottle referenced:** - Members have discussed sourcing **Apotheker white flint 500ml bottles with 18mm neck width**, suggesting this is a common specification worth enquiring about if it fits your product.
How can I get custom PET bottles manufactured based on an existing glass bottle design?
Members indicate that converting a glass bottle design to custom PET is feasible. The most reliable route appears to be connecting with someone experienced in this specific conversion process. **Jack Hawkins** (jackhawkins.io) has been referenced as a contact in this space. For detailed guidance, members recommend reaching out to others in the community who have direct experience—several people indicated willingness to make introductions via direct message.
Which freelance bottle designers with technical production knowledge do members recommend?
Members have successfully used freelance bottle designers with production expertise and are willing to share contact details privately. The community recommends asking for **designers who have handled composition work** (visual and structural design for bottles). When seeking recommendations, reaching out directly to members who have recently completed similar projects is the most effective approach—several members in the group have used trusted designers for years and offer to share contact details one-to-one. For specific projects like 5cl bottle design, members suggest getting in touch via direct message to access their vetted contacts.