Kickstarter

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Intro: “Hanging by a thread” is an idiom, a figure of speech that became so seemingly synonymous to a semi-recent phase in my life. I began questioning and analyzing, looking beyond the interior of my world, outside of my imagination and reflecting upon the realities that an artist must face from time to time. What was the purpose of my work as a freelance artist and furthermore how does my art effect my audience? I considered the impact of my personal decisions as an individual and how everything looks as a whole. Coming to a realization that I hone a lifestyle all of my own, and while its unlike any other its lead me to several favorable opportunities, invaluable connections, and creative collaborations that one can only dream of, yet I continually lack the possibilities and benefits of a storefront along with the recognition and growth that a business in a “traditional” sense offers; the accessibility and the one-on-one live connection and direct intermingling with clientele. My project not only pinpoints my needs as an artist by progressing my label, J-Chan's Designs from the underground into the public-eye but it also focuses on the restoration and renovation of a building within an urban development area. At the core, my goal is to bring elevated fashion to Denver, to cut the speculation that we're on the rise within the fashion field and take the initiative to prove that innovation and creativity comes in a wide-range of diverse packaging apart from your average cookie-cutter boutique. My hope is to be this change, or in the very least help pioneer this vision by using my experience within the industry as well as my unique aesthetic and cultured point of view to bring a taste of my reality to the real world!

Mission: My purpose on kickstarter is to bring my vision to the people, to provide a strong local source of creativity and self-expression that will not only provide customers with one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted products within a variety of genres ranging from high-concept avant garde to fashionable statement pieces, but also offer customization to clients who bear unique requests for individualized design. In addition, J-Chan’s Designs’ establishment will provide an artist's work-space and serve as an in-house styling source for photo shoots, music videos, television, and film. With technology and the utilization of social networking, I've developed a strong online following and customer base having sold my work throughout the United States as well as in various countries including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Ireland, Greece, France, Slovakia, Australia, United Arab Emirates, and Germany. Although, I've been successful in marketing myself online, a boutique would bring my work home and allow for ample growth and expansion as a business as well as an artist. Conjointly, my project will meet the needs of a community striving to improve its appeal in a Business Improvement District, benefiting not only the artist but the vitality and future of the locality. 

Location: Considering my target is met within the time frame allotted for this project, my aim is to occupy an address located in a Business Improvement District (BID) known as "The South Broadway Mile" (http://www.thesouthbroadwaymile.com/) in Englewood, Colorado. Thus far, I've pre-selected a building of interest with charming character that would not only compliment the aesthetics of my label but also provide a clean slate for prime restoration and revival of the foundation's exterior and interior structure. I've selected this location for several reasons, many which I've previously mentioned, but the first and foremost being that the location targets 'diversity' and 'distinction' of our locale while emphasizing and maintaining the need for "community." I feel that this area widely appeals to the independent business owner as well as the eclectic and artistic type; it would be a prominent and suitable location for a design label of my nature to plant its seeds for the future and thrive. 

Costs: Where is your money going? My initial investment will cost roughly $5,000, which simply secures my ticket through the door. A large sum of the $36,000 budget will be instilled into the renovating costs to all improvements made to the exterior and interior of the building's structure. In addition, the budget will help cover any expenses needed to repair defaults within the building's foundation and/or soundness. Funding will also cover compensation for all workers involved in the renovating process of this project, as well as the potential enlistment and hiring of a local mural/graffiti artist. Funds will help the production of large-scale prints of my design work which will later become window treatments and wall-hangings. Coverage for display pieces and other necessary thematic and aesthetically complimentary decor (i.e. mannequins, racks, cases, shelving etc.) are needed to help showcase my design work on a professional and presentable platform as well as consistently merge the liveliness of the exterior's improvements with its interior. These are simply a few aspects in realizing the success of this project which your funding will contribute to. 

Milestones: While $36,000 will heavily assist in the fruition of seeing this project through, additional funds will help cover the costliness in the down-time needed for the renovation process by eliminating deteriorating expenses and injecting more time and money into the actual supplies and re-design of the building. Ultimately, breaching $40,000 would secure the immense succession of this project and allow for extra perks in the design aesthetic.

Recycled Collection:  In effort of coveting a Go Green mentality, I started a collection in January of 2012 called “Recycled” which has become an ongoing collective project based on the conceptual thought of diminishing “designer waste” and turning it into product.  Provoked by the mass amount of inventory that I had accumulated over the years, I decided to decrease the continuation of consumption and accumulation and create a collection of pieces which solely utilize found materials and supplies which I then “recycle” into product. The collection thus far has ranged from urban, street-wear to decorative headdresses. In meeting my kickstarter goal, I will be able to bring my Recycled products to the people by stocking my storefront with items from this collection as well as help encourage customers to embrace alternative routes in other aspects of their life, starting with their fashion!

REWARDS: While every pledge received, regardless of the value amount, is humbling and greatly appreciated, I've worked hard to show my thanks to each contributor by offering the following unique incentives pictured below! By donating to my project, not only will you help impact the future of J-Chan's Designs but you will also receive these rewards exclusive to kickstarter contributors only! If you feel that you are unable to offer monetary pledges toward my kickstarter campaign please help me by generating attention through spreading the word among your social networks. I need all the help I can get!

$5 OR MORE: A personal thank you e-mail from Jessica Rowell of J-Chan's Designs and updates on her progress!

$10 OR MORE: A J-Chan's Designs desktop wallpaper sized at 1600X1200!

$25 OR MORE: One large (3" inch) sized J-Chan's Designs button!

$35 OR MORE: An 11X3 water-resistant vinyl-print J-Chan's Designs bumper sticker!

$50 OR MORE: Official J-Chan's Designs t-shirt with logo!

$75 OR MORE: A 5-piece 8x10 print set featuring images from the "Flora" series! ONLY 100 AVAILABLE! Printed on E-surface paper in a matte finish with rich, sharp color that won't fade or yellow and will stand the test of time. Comes with authentication/print number.

$100 OR MORE: A signed copy of J-Chan's Designs "Alice in Wonderland" book collaboration with Porcelain Poet Photography!

$200 OR MORE: From a selection of four options, your choice of one "rare" signed 8x10 art print from my 2007 portfolio. ONLY 50 AVAILABLE! Printed on Metallic paper in a pearlescent finish with vibrant, saturated color that will last a lifetime. Comes with authentication/print number. From left to right: 1,2,3, or 4!

$300 OR MORE: A 20 minute skype conversation with Jessica Rowell of J-Chan's Designs or if you're a resident of Denver, Colorado you have the choice of swapping the skype conversation out for an in-person lunch date!

$500 OR MORE: A signed 11X14 print set featuring portraits of the characters, Athena and Medusa from "Athena's Curse, Medusa's Fate" editorial release as seen on Coilhouse.net! ONLY 50 AVAILABLE! Printed on Metallic paper in a pearlescent finish with vibrant, saturated color that will last a lifetime. Comes with authentication/print number.

$1,000 OR MORE: A custom commission from J-Chan's Designs tailored to your size with a value up to $1,500. Your choice in an original design or a design based off of a reference!

About Jessica: 22-year-old self-taught artist, Jessica Rowell has been actively involved within the art field since her adolescent years, having progressed from an immense background in Drawing and Painting into the current work she produces within the Fashion Design, Costume Design, and Styling fields today. With over 7 years of experience, Jessica quickly paved her way into the industry becoming nationally published in Gothic Beauty Magazine at just 18-years-old and later collaborating with various prominent LA-based talent at just 19-years-old. In 2009, Jessica designed exclusively for break-out star, Nina Flowers from LOGO/VH1 series RuPaul's Drag Race (Season 1). Later collaborating with several other RuPaul's Drag Race contestants including Jade, Shannel, and Yara Sofia; other talent that she has worked with include Danni Daniels (Transsexual Porn Star), Lisa D’Amato (America’s Next Top Model), and Prince Poppycock (America’s Got Talent) to name a few. Her work has appeared on national TV, as seen on Pit Boss Season 2 (Animal Planet) and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 (LOGO/VH1) as well as in Escape the Fate's "Gorgeous Nightmare" music video (MTV/Interscope Records) and in Pop Evil's "Monster You Made" music video (E1 Music Group). In late 2011, she contributed her Costume Design & Styling work to the film "One Small Step" by the Digital Bolex (kickstarter) and in 2012 she designed the costume for character 'Trauco" in the feature length film "LIMBUS" (kickstarter). Jessica has been published regionally, nationally, and internationally in the UK, Paris, and Spain! Consistently active in her passions and pursuits, you never know what to expect next from Jessica!