Am I Stupid for Using the Most Complicated Backpack – a Camera Bag – to Test a Factory?

Some might say yes. Maybe even I thought so at one point.

Camera bags are notoriously complex. They demand precision, structure, organization, protection, and thoughtful design. Zippers, compartments, padding, rigidity… it’s not something you start with when you’re new to bag development. But I chose it – not because it was easy, but because it was the ultimate test.

This was my first prototype. It’s not good-looking. It doesn’t scream "premium." But it exists. And that’s everything.

This bag isn’t just a prototype. It’s a teacher.

Through every awkward curve, every stitch that’s slightly off, every flaw – I’m learning. I’m practicing. I’m getting better.

I chose to start with something hard because I wanted to learn fast. And that’s exactly what’s happening. I now understand more about construction, material tension, padding behavior, and the reality of factory communication than I ever would have from starting "safe."

I’m not here to build perfect bags right out of the gate. I’m here to build meaningful ones – and to share the messy, rewarding journey behind the scenes.

So… am I stupid?

Maybe. But I’m learning fast. And I’m not stopping.