Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on April 6, 2011.
I’ve just added a new section to my website where clients can share their experience commissioning a custom portrait from me. If you’d like, I’d love it if you would take a minute to tell your story about backing one of my Kickstarter projects.
Thanks in advance and happy holidays, Rachael
Just a note that there are three days left in my 400 Portraits in 400 Days project! And...your questions, answered:
Why Kickstarter? Kickstarter allows me to reach a larger audience, as well engage new clients who are just browsing the site or have been referred. As an independent artist, pre-selling art in this fashion allows me to budget for my business and my family because I know exactly how much income I will have for a period of time rather than waiting for commissions to trickle in. It also provides a lump sum that can be invested into my business (e.g. my new studio). This is a huge advantage for an independent creative or any small business person.
Have you done other Kickstarter projects? Were they successful?
This is my third Kickstarter project and all have been successfully funded by hundreds of unique backers.
How can I be sure I’ll get my reward?
My reputation depends on the fact that I do what I say I’m going to do. I’ve painted hundreds of portraits for hundreds of clients and they’ve all arrived safe and sound (and to five continents, no less!) I’ve deliberately scheduled my start date for the 400 in 400 project to begin after completion of all of my Dia de Los Muertos portraits AND the Christmas rush.
Are your prices different on Kickstarter than through your website?
My prices are the same through Kickstarter as on my website, but there is a bit of a break on shipping through Kickstarter for some sizes. There are also unique rewards via my Kickstarter platform like sponsoring my new studio (just like Nascar!) or in-person portrait sessions that I don’t ordinarily offer.
Do I have to send you my photo right away?
No, but I’d prefer to have it by December 31 so I can start painting January 1 as planned.
Can I order multiple portraits?
Yes! Just add up the amount for all the portraits you want to order and select the reward level that makes the most sense. When you send me the photos, let me know which ones to paint in which size (if they’re different.)
Are there additional shipping costs for international backers?
Nope.
Can I request that my painting be done by a certain date?
I’ll try my darndest.
Will you paint my pet?
Yes. Except tarantulas. I have a strict No Spider policy. *shiver*
Will you paint me with Day of the Dead makeup?
You bet.
Will you paint my pet with a top hat and monocle?
Of course.
Will you still be taking regular commissions next year?
Yes, but the wait time might be longer than the usual 12 weeks. Backing the 400 in 400 project is the best way to insure your spot in the queue.
How do I sign up?
Visit my Kickstarter page, watch the video and click “Back this Project.” You can support the project for as little as a buck.
How else can I help?
Even if you don’t financially back this project, you can still help by getting the word out! Click the Facebook “like” button on the project page, tweet about it, or send a link to this blog post to someone who might want to be a patron of the arts. And while you’re on Kickstarter, take a minute to browse some of the amazing creative projects. There’s a lot of good stuff out there.
As a supporter of my Calendar Project kickstarter last year, I wanted to let you know about my latest portrait series - 400 Portraits in 400 Days - which is funding through September 16.
The goal of the project is to start painting on January 1, 2013 and paint a portrait a day for 400 days. In a row.
Right now, I have 59 backers and only 6 days left.
If funding is successful, I will have insured solid, steady portrait work for the next year. That's a big deal for an artist. If funding is SUPER successful, I will be investing in my business by renovating a vintage mid-century Spartan trailer to use as my new studio. The success of this project could be a turning point in my career. And you can be a part of it.
My hope is that you have loved the painting(s) I've done for you in the past, and will check out this new project. Like it on Facebook. Tweet about it. Blog about it!
Every pledge, post, tweet, tumbl and good vibe is truly appreciated - especially in these last funding days.
And thanks again for your support!
Cheers,
Rachael
I'm picking up my 2012 calendar from the printer tomorrow and should have them packed and ready to mail out early next week. They look great!
Happy Holidays,
Rachael
Funding period
Feb 19, 2011 -
Apr 6, 2011
(45 days)
2 backers
Project updates and my unwavering affection.
13 backers
Signed copy of the 2012 Portraits of Man and Beast calendar!
9 backers Limited (356 of 365 left)
Image of a previously-painted Rachael Rossman painting in any day of the year. Includes a signed copy of the calendar.
6 backers
5x7 Original portrait of the (1) subject - man or beast - of your choosing. Image will also appear on one of the days of the year. Includes a signed copy of the calendar.
6 backers Limited (5 of 11 left)
8x10 Original portrait of the subject - man or beast - of your choosing. The image will also appear as the main image for one month of the 2012 calendar. I'll let you choose the month, but first come, first served! Includes a signed copy of the calendar.
1 backer All gone!
11x14 Original portrait of the subject - man or beast - of your choosing. The image will also appear on the COVER of the 2012 calendar. Includes five signed copies of the calendar.
