Who Am I?

My name is J'han, and I'm an artist.

You've probably heard that line from people before, either online or in person, but it's probably also true that I wholeheartedly mean it, while not everyone else does.

That's because I'm a late-20s artist who has decided, a bit later in life than some, to be a professional artist and stake not just my living, but also my reputation and general wellbeing on my ability to produce high quality, high value, creative pieces of original artwork.

So far, it's been exciting and going well, but I'd like to take everything up a few notches and push myself beyond my own comfort limits, while engaging with fans in the process.  That's why I've created this kickstarter project.

Let me first explain why I want to do this project, before we talk about just what, exactly, the project itself is.

Why Am I Doing This?

I've loved art my whole life and always dabbled in it, but I feel that this is my moment to take a risk and see if I can "make it" as an artist.  This obviously requires trivial worldly things like the ability to pay rent, not starve completely, and have access to art supplies, and for the artist who isn't formally trained, the road forward can seem daunting.

However, given the Internet age we live in, I've decided I can build my career in the traditional way (personal pieces, galleries, art shows, commissions, selling prints, etc.) while also seeking a much more broad, but intensely personal, audience.  Through my website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, all of which are relatively new, I want to be able to connect and interact with all kinds of people who find me and my art interesting, and have a great time while doing it.  

But I don't just want to engage with my fans, I want them to be a part of the creative process, which is how I came up with the idea for this project.  Through the details outlined below, I'll be able to work exclusively on my art and take direction, inspiration, and motivation from all of you!

What's The Project?

The central idea is this:  thirty pieces of art completed in thirty weeks, one per week.  That's one piece every seven days for 213 days, since the project starts on June 1, 2012.  And, in case you don't know, that's alot of art, especially if it's any good.  My media are primarily ink, gouache, and pastels, so I couldn't cop out with some paint splashes even if I wanted to.  Lucky me!

All the funding tiers have been outlined on the right side of the page, to help clarify what each level receives in return for helping to fund this crazy project, and the rewards are honestly pretty great.  There's one thing, though, that was left out of the tier descriptions:  anyone who pledges $25 or more is allowed to provide a suggestion, or suggestions, for a piece completed during the project.

When the kickstarter funding cycle's been completed, I'll put all the suggestions in a list and pick thirty to directly draw inspiration from for the thirty weeks' worth of work.  Any donation of $500 or more guarantees that individual will have one of their suggestions used!

As each piece is completed, I'll post an update here and on my blog with a picture, and it will be immediately available as a print in any number of sizes and formats.  

All thirty pieces will contribute to my growing portfolio and budding career.  They may even appear in a gallery somewhere!

Why Fund This Project?

A good reason to fund the project is obviously the benefits already outlined in each tier:  thank you notes, blog mentions, free prints, direct participation in the creative process, art dedications, and even owning a piece of art.  

I can give you more good reasons, though, if you want some:  funding the arts, launching an art career, feeling good about yourself, brightening up your home and office, adding excitement to your life, donating to something other than NPR, or making actual human connections.  You could even use this as bragging rights when at a bar, hopefully to your advantage!

Anyway, with a goal of $20,000, to be spread over a six month period, I'm clearly not using a "get rich or die tryin'" strategy:  if you break it down into weekly chunks, you'll see it's just enough for me to be able to focus on art.  This is extremely valuable, because without some support, my art will quickly take a backseat to the fantastic joys that can be found in mundane office jobs and highways that behave like parking lots.

Hopefully I've made my case well enough - we'll all find out soon, either way.  

Please take the time to consider what it would mean to me if you could show some support.  Whether you consider it supporting my art career, my aspirations, my efforts, or the art world at large is up to you, but it's definitely support, and it would be greatly appreciated.

Pledge today so I can send you a "thank you" note!

J'han