The Studio

Nationals Park about 80% done!

 Since I announced the launch of my Kickstarter project (Painted Diamonds -30 Ball Parks in 30 Weeks) a few days ago I have gotten many questions from people who are new to Kickstarter that I would like to try to help clear up here. 

First I want to say thank you so much to the people who have already pledged to support my project. (There is a running list of backers in a box on the right side of my blog.)  It’s humbling and exciting at the same time.  Many thanks!  You can read about the project by clicking here which will take you to Kickstarter. 

Question 1:  What is Kickstarter?  Kickstarter is a website that started about 4 years ago as a platform to help creative people get projects funded.  According to the Kickstarter website, creative works were funded this way for centuries.  Mozart, Beethoven, Whitman, Twain, and other artists funded works in similar ways — not just with help from large patrons, but by soliciting money from smaller patrons, often called subscribers. In return for their support, these subscribers might have received an early copy or special edition of the work. Kickstarter is an extension of this model, turbocharged by the web.

Question 2:  How does it work?  Every project on Kickstarter is submitted by an artist/musician/videographer and then approved if it meets the guidelines.  Every project must be described in detail and must offer rewards for pledges just as centuries ago artists rewarded their subscribers.  The project may remain on Kickstarter for 1-60 days for pledges.

Question 3:  What is a pledge?  A pledge is the amount of money a backer (subscriber) is willing to give to see the project come to life and for the reward that is offered.  Kickstarter is an “all or nothing” proposition.  If the project gets pledges of 100% or more of the goal then the backers are charged for their pledges.  If the project doesn’t make it to 100% then no money or rewards are exchanged.

Questions 4:  How can you help?  This is the beauty of Kickstarter.  You can help an artist realize the goal of a large project by pledging as little as $1.  And all those dollars add up – fast!  Creative projects are expensive and for those of us who are making a living with our art we have had a very difficult time these last few years with this economy so this is a way for us to continue to mount larger shows and series or projects with the help of friends who appreciate the arts.  The second way to help is to share this with your friends.  The more people who see this the better chance I have of making this project a reality.  And I would REALLY appreciate it.

So I am asking for your help.  Please click here and go to my project page on Kickstarter and pledge to back my project.  Remember you can pledge as little as $1 and it’s all or nothing funding.  If my project gets pledges to 100% then your account will be charged at the end of the funding period which is May 7th. 

Thank you so much for considering my project and thanks so much to everyone for continuing to support my art.