Get in the Halloween spirit and help me illustrate the spooky and fantastical world of the Magician's best friend, his feline!
Happy Halloween! And thanks for checking out my project!
With October fast approaching, I've been itching to work on something spooky and fun… which got me to thinking about a very Halloween-ish book I did a while back, The Magician's Cat.
The Magician's Cat is an illustrated children's book I created in high school. Written in verse, it tells the story of a bashful black cat that uses all the different things he does for the magician as a way of hiding his shyness from the other cats he'd like to hang out with:
"The magician's cat
is a busy cat;
He has no time
for his fireside mat.
He smoothes the cushions
where his master sat,
And a thousand other things
like that!"
The original book is 15 pages and includes 7 black and white ink illustrations and 8 full color illustrations. It was one of the winners of the Hubbard Foundation's 1990 "Written and Illustrated By…" scholarship contest. (Yah!)
Since high school, my style of drawing and painting has evolved quite a bit. I've included some of my more recent work to give you an idea of the changes. With this Kickstarter campaign, I would like to update and expand the illustrations for the Magician's Cat and give it new life online as public media: a free ebook for everyone.
To update the color and black and white illustrations, I'd like to really play with the spooky details and creatures you might find in a magician's home… And for the expansion, I'd like to bring the total number of illustrations up to at least 20, so at least ten of each black and white and color with the text incorporated into all of the illustrations.
The final product would be a fully formatted ebook available free online.
So what are some of the perks of pledging to this project?
- You help add to quality free media available to kids, schools and libraries and everyone.
- You employ an artist!!
- There are a number of unique Halloween-ish rewards from prints, to having your own monster illustrated -- be sure to check them out!
- 2 original illustrations will be donated to the Central Texas SPCA for them to employ in promotion and fundraising!
But Monica, I want a physical copy of the book!
No problem! I will be making the completed book available on one of the print on demand sites, such as Lulu, at cost. I'm still researching what's available, and if you have a favorite service, I'd love recommendations!
What will the campaign funds cover?
- Art supplies like illustration board, watercolors, etc
- Printing, parts and postage to fullfil rewards
- Any fees associated with ISBN registration, or for formatting for compatibility for different eReaders like Kindle, iPad, etc
- A percentage goes back to Kickstarter and Amazon as service fees.
- Upkeep of Jilly and Yoyo, my two black cats who are needed for research and modeling.
What is Kickstarter?
If you are new to Kickstarter, Kickstarter is an all or nothing funding platform for creative projects. You can pledge money at different reward levels, or at any amount you choose. If the funding goal is reached, as a supporter, you’ll receive a unique personalized piece of art as a thank you from me. If the funding goal isn’t met, the project ends and no money changes hands.
When will you be done?
Because I want to produce the best quality work for this project, and because I need to be able to work it around those pesky things that pay the bills like shows and commissions, I'd like this to be a Halloween to Halloween project. Most of the physical rewards will be able to go out this October (trick or treat!) and updates on art completed will post throughout the year with a goal of the finished book being ready for you by Oct 2013. It's like Now and Laters in your trick or treat bag - a little something this Halloween and even more next year!
So that's the plan! Jilly, Yoyo and I hope you'll get in the Halloween spirit and help make the Magician's Cat a reality!
Thanks so much for viewing my project and for helping spread the word!
And now for some more pledge reward artwork...
Did I miss something? Drop me a line and I'll add it on here :)
FAQ
-
Certainly! Just let me know and I will make a note of it. Also, I will try to include a question about this in the reward surveys too so I'm reminded twice ;-)
Please note: If you want a limited reward and one that does not have a limit, be sure to select the LIMITED reward with your pledge :)
70
Backers
$3,442
pledged of $3,300 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Sep 20, 2012 -
Oct 20, 2012
(30 days)
- 4 created · 22 backed
- Monica L. Knighton 297 friends
- Website: nobordersstudio.blogsp...
Pledge $7 or more
5 backers
Paws up! Exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book!
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $12 or more
12 backers Limited (188 of 200 left)
Welcome Kitty Print Level! A signed limited edition 5 x 5 fantasy print by the artist. Each signed and numbered print is professional 4 color process on heavy acid-free felt cover. There are two to choose from -- see the campaign description for images! Also includes exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Print rewards for this level will go out Oct 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013!
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $20 or more
5 backers
Happy Halloween! A signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration! Also includes exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Print rewards for this level will go out Oct 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $30 or more
10 backers Limited (10 of 20 left)
Little Black Cat Portfolio! A set of 3 signed prints! You get a signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration, PLUS two letter size prints on felt cover: Catnip Cocoa and Bump in the Night! See the campaign description for images. Also includes exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Print rewards for this level will go out Oct 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $35 or more
15 backers
Magical Locket Level! Your choice of one of two exclusive art pendants! Choose either "Readin' Poe", featuring the magician's cat enjoying some Catnip Cocoa while reading a little Edgar Allen, or "Ghost Mice" featuring the magician's cat with two of his spectral mouse pals. Check out the campaign description to see the completed Readin' Poe design and the beginning of the Ghost Mice art! Each antique bronze pendant with 24 inch chain is assembled by the artist and features a print of the artwork sealed under glass. For those of you who know I do locket pendants for art shows -- These illustrations and pendants will be exclusive to Kickstarter pledgers! Also includes exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Pendant rewards for this level will go out Oct/Nov 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $3 for shipping if outside the US)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $35 or more
1 backer All gone!
Bleeding Heart Zombie Level! Original 5 x 5 inch ink and watercolor painting of my poor lovelorn zombie! Won't you be his Halloween sweetheart? This art reward will come unmatted and also includes a signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration, exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Print and art rewards for this level will go out Oct 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $45 or more
5 backers All gone!
Magician's Librarian Level! "Your Book" included in the magician's library! Always thought you'd write "The Migratory Patterns of the North American Sasquatch"? Haven't gotten around to it yet? Well, immortalize it anyway! Yep, the magician's library is huge and includes many volumes of quaint and curious lore -- one of them could be yours! For you I will tuck the title and author you submit onto one of the spines of a book in the magician's library. Finding it can be your very own Where's Waldo game! Also includes a signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration, exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Print rewards for this level will go out Oct 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $55 or more
1 backer All gone!
Quoth the Raven "Nevermore" Level! The original miniature watercolor painting for my current raven pendants I sell at shows/etsy. Very detailed, this dapper guy is about an inch and half tall and is matted in a gold 3.5 x 5 inch mat. See the campaign description for images! Also includes a signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration, exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Print and art rewards for this level will go out Oct 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $65 or more
2 backers Limited (1 of 3 left)
My Monster Level! It's alive! It's ALIVE!!! Okay, well, it's in print! The magician has a lot of strange creatures in and around his house... At this level, YOU get to decide one of them! Harpies? Hinkypunks? Banshees or bogarts? The monster of your choice will be included in one of the illustrations! Also includes a signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration, exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Print rewards for this level will go out Oct 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $75 or more
1 backer All gone!
Original Art - Tip Monkey! Original pen and ink and water color - see campaign description to view the image. Artwork is aprox 5 x 4 inches and will arrive matted. A one of a kind work! Also includes a signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration, exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Rewards for this level will go out Nov 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $75 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Original Art - Banner Monkey! Original pen and ink and water color - see campaign description to view the image. Artwork is aprox 6 x 4 inches and will arrive matted. A one of a kind work! Also includes a signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration, exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Rewards for this level will go out Nov 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $95 or more
1 backer All gone!
The Real Deal Ghost Mice Level! Original artwork for the Ghost Mice locket design! This pen and ink watercolor piece measures aprox 4 x 3. Work will be oval matted. A one of a kind work! Also includes a signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration, exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Rewards for this level will go out Nov 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $95 or more
1 backer All gone!
The Real Deal Locket Level! A locket featuring the original watercolor painting of the magician's cat enjoying some Catnip Cocoa while reading a little Poe. This antique bronze pendant with 24 inch chain is assembled by the artist and features the original watercolor artwork sealed under glass. A one of a kind work! Also includes a signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration, exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Rewards for this level will go out Oct 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $150 or more
2 backers All gone!
I Love My Cat Level ! A whole gang of cats features into the story -- one of them could be yours! Based on photos you submit, your kitty will be included in one of the color illustrations! Also includes a signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration, exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Print rewards for this level will go out Oct 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $250 or more
1 backer Limited (2 of 3 left)
Original Art Level 1 You will receive one of the original 7 x 9 black and white illustrations. Pledgers will be allowed to select their piece when all artwork is complete on a first to pledge, first to pick basis. Also includes a signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration, exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Print rewards for this level will go out Oct 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $375 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Original Art Level 2 You will receive one of the original 7 x 9 color illustrations! Pledgers will be allowed to select their piece when all artwork is complete on a first to pledge, first to pick basis. (If the "Love my Cat" pledge reward is claimed, the art for that level will not be reserved to fill that reward.) Also includes a signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration, exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Print rewards for this level will go out Oct 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013Pledge $475 or more
1 backer All gone!
I REALLY Love My Cat Level A whole gang of cats features into the story -- one of them could be yours! Based on photos you submit, your kitty will be included in one of the color illustrations AND you will receive that piece of original art! Also includes a signed 7 x 9 black and white print of the Witch learning to Tat illustration, exclusive access to backer reports, including 'First Look' access to the ebook, and a heartfelt thanks by including YOUR NAME on the backer list in the completed book! Print rewards for this level will go out Oct 2012 with completion of the ebook set for Oct 2013! (Please add $2 for shipping outside the US.)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
