My project is to design and develop the initial Brighten giftware products using bold and beautiful nature-inspired art.
My project is to design and develop the initial artwork and products for Brighten. I will create at least eight paintings and determine and design the products that will feature the artwork.
What is Brighten?
Brighten is a line of gift merchandise featuring nature-themed artwork. The art is bright and bold, with a slight abstract feel. This project is to help me design and develop the initial products for Brighten.
I plan to start with two Brighten suites. A Brighten suite is a group of themed paintings that repeat on the various goods offered in the suite. Each suite will consist of at least four different pictures, so consumers can have a set of matching yet different items. For example, a "Fields of Flowers" suite might be made up of Poppy Hill, Lupine Meadow, Lavender Valley, and Sunflower Fields.
Here is an example of artwork that may be featured on Brighten giftware:
The goods offered will start off with basic gift items, like mugs, hors d'eouvres plates and platters, coasters, note cards, candle holders, and more. In the future, I hope to introduce clear glass items (wine glasses, window glaziers, more), home decor items, stationery, holiday ornaments, and even perhaps casual jewelery.
Brighten is a wholesaler and design firm and our target market is individually-owned gift retailers. The gift and collectables industry is a $15 billion a year market with nearly 70,000 retailers, so there is no shortage of marketing and sales opportunities.
I estimate that I will need $10,000 in capital to launch the initial product offering of Brighten. I have already secured about half of the total funds needed.
Timeline for this Project
December 2012-January 2013: Raise capital, work on paintings for the Brighten designs, determine the themes and the artwork featured in each theme.
February-March 2013: Work with manufacturer to design the items that the Brighten artwork will appear on and make final determination of what the first group of items will be. Have the order to the manufacturer by March 31st.
April-May 2013: Manufacturing process and shipping takes approx 45-60 days. Goal is to receive merchandise by May 31st. As soon as it is received, I will be shipping the items to those who pledged immediately.
If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, please do not hesitate to contact me at whwilkins@whwilkins.com. You can also visit my website to see more of my artwork and other projects: http://www.whwilkins.com. Finally, remember to follow me on Facebook to receive updates about Brighten and my other projects: http://www.facebook.com/whwilkins
All images and the video is copyright 2012 by Wendy H. Wilkins.
Please contribute generously today! Thank you!
Here are a few more Brighten art images for your enjoyment:
Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
One of the main challenges that I see in this project is working with the manufacturer. I want to make certain the items are of good quality and comply with all regulations, like making sure they are safe for food consumption. I am currently working with a third party firm that will help me with this process, and they will advise on where the items will be made and oversee quality and safety issues. This should make this challenge go more smoothly.
I have many other challenges to face with Brighten, including marketing strategy and copyrights. Those challenges are not directly related to this project, but could influence the timing of when the goods are received as well as the overall success of Brighten.
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
16
Backers
$4,140
pledged of $4,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Dec 6, 2012 -
Jan 5, 2013
(30 days)
- First created · 2 backed
- Wendy Wilkins 28 friends
- Website: whwilkins.com
Pledge $5 or more
1 backer
Receive a hand-written thank you note from the artist.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $15 or more
2 backers
A small candleholder featuring a Brighten design. All items will come hand-signed by the artist with a certificate of authenticity. You will also receive a hand-written thank you note.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013Add $10 to ship outside the USPledge $25 or more
0 backers
A Mystery Gift! You will receive a medium item (or group of items) featuring the Brighten artwork. The item is yet to be determined. All items will come hand-signed by the artist with a certificate of authenticity. You will also receive a hand-written thank you note.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013Add $10 to ship outside the USPledge $50 or more
4 backers
A large hors d'oeuvres platter featuring a Brighten design. All items will come hand-signed by the artist with a certificate of authenticity. You will also receive a hand-written thank you note.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013Add $15 to ship outside the USPledge $55 or more
3 backers
Set of four coffee mugs featuring Brighten designs. Each mug will have a different picture, but will match and have a similar theme. All items will come hand-signed by the artist with a certificate of authenticity. You will also receive a hand-written thank you note.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013Add $20 to ship outside the USPledge $75 or more
1 backer
Set of four small plates featuring Brighten designs. Each plate will have a different picture, but will match and have a similar theme. All items will come hand-signed by the artist with a certificate of authenticity. You will also receive a hand-written thank you note.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013Add $20 to ship outside the USPledge $100 or more
0 backers
A Mystery Gift! You will receive a large item (or group of items) featuring the Brighten artwork. The item is yet to be determined. All items will come hand-signed by the artist with a certificate of authenticity. You will also receive a hand-written thank you note.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013Add $20 to ship outside the USPledge $175 or more
3 backers
A full suite of Brighten giftware: four mugs, four small plates, and one large hors d'oeuvres platter. All items will come hand-signed by the artist with a certificate of authenticity. You will also receive a hand-written thank you note.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013Add $25 to ship outside the USPledge $375 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
"The Firebird" Receive this one-of-a-kind original piece of artwork by Wendy Wilkins. The painting itself is 8 x10 and comes matted and framed in an 11 x 14 frame. The painting is signed and will come with a certificate of authenticity. You will also receive a hand-written thank you note.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Add $25 to ship outside the USPledge $500 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
"Last Leaf" Receive this one-of-a-kind original piece of artwork by Wendy Wilkins. The painting itself is 11 x 14 and comes matted and framed in an 16 x 20 frame. The painting is signed and will come with a certificate of authenticity. You will also receive a hand-written thank you note.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Add $25 to ship outside the USPledge $500 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
"Autumn Storm" Receive this one-of-a-kind original piece of artwork by Wendy Wilkins. The painting itself is 11 x 14 and comes matted and framed in an 16 x 20 frame. The painting is signed and will come with a certificate of authenticity. You will also receive a hand-written thank you note.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Add $25 to ship outside the USPledge $500 or more
2 backers Limited (3 of 5 left)
Mystery painting! This piece has yet to be created, but will be similar to my other artwork. Receive this one-of-a-kind original piece of artwork by Wendy Wilkins. The painting will be 11 x 14 and will come matted and framed in an 16 x 20 frame. You will likely get to choose from several different paintings. The painting will be signed and will come with a certificate of authenticity. You will also receive a hand-written thank you note.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Add $25 to ship outside the US
