About
After nearly four years of crowning pit bulls in animal shelters around the U.S., I am beyond excited to bring the Pit Bull Flower Power book to life! This large coffee table book (9x12 inches, 250 pages) has your favorite Pit Bull Flower Power portraits, outtakes, as well as inspiring stories of these dogs on their way to new homes, and touching adoption updates.
I need your support to make this happen! The book can only be produced and printed if we reach the minimum target goal. The more money we raise, the more books I can print (and hopefully the more exhibits/book signing events I can arrange), furthering the reach of Pit Bull Flower Power. The book will be released in October 2018, just in time for Pit Bull Awareness Month and Adopt A Shelter Dog Month!
PIT BULL FLOWER POWER, THE SERIES
Pit bulls have been demonized by society for decades. As a result, they are more prone to being abused, abandoned, and euthanized. Hundreds of thousands of them languish in shelters, with their stories untold. To combat the stigma surrounding these dogs, I decided to adorn them with handmade flower crowns, and share their stories with the world. I wondered if art could change their fate.
I myself was intimidated by pit bulls, but I knew my feelings were based on fear-mongering media stories I had read, rather than personal experience. As I discovered their gentle, obedient nature through our photo-shoots, to my surprise I was propelled into the role of a pit bull advocate. Hundreds of pit bulls later, and with huge online success, what started with a crazy idea (wrapping flower crowns on the heads of abused dogs who hadn’t met me before) has become a defiant, iconic project that saves the lives of many.
I always dreamed of a book. I want these portraits to be printed in all their glory, and the stories to be preserved forever. I owe this book to all the dogs who are judged unfairly for the way they look, and to the people who care for them.
PIT BULL FLOWER POWER, THE BOOK
Two years ago, I started reaching out to mainstream publishers, but was met with indifference or even contempt: “Nobody cares about pit bulls.” “There is no marketing potential.” “Why don’t you photograph pugs and poodles with flower crowns? Then we’ll talk.” It was depressing but I was determined to make this book happen.
The prospect of doing this book by myself was daunting until I met Lantern Books, an independent publishing house based in Brooklyn and committed to artists with animal causes and social justice. It was a match made in heaven! We’ve gathered the most incredible team (producer, editor, designer, printer...), all dedicated to animal welfare, so we can make sure this book is the best it can be. It will be printed here, in the United States, to ensure the highest quality. I will be very hands-on throughout the process to guarantee that the spirit of Pit Bull Flower Power resonates on every page.
But remember, none of this is possible without you backing this Kickstarter! So THANK YOU for joining me on this journey!
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THE REWARDS
Here is a look at what you can expect with the reward level you select. If you have more questions, please visit our FAQ page or email hello@sophiegamand.com.
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$5 or more: Thank you
I want to give everyone the opportunity to support this project, and every bit counts. Even if you aren’t getting the book itself, by pledging at this level, you get to be an important part of this adventure, and will have access to exclusive updates all backers will receive throughout the making of the book. I will whisper your name into MacLovin's ear and will post some videos in my Instagram stories.
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$75/85: The book
The book is 9x12in (23x31cm), 250 pages. It’s a large coffee table book with over a hundred images and the most powerful stories of my dog models. Only a limited quantity will be signed. Please note that the signature will be just my name. Unfortunately I cannot include any other names or personal messages, for logistical reasons. There will be a release party / book signing in New York in October (TBD) where you will also be able to get your book signed / personalized. Additional book signings might be organized in other cities, pending funding and availability (TBD).
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$250: The book and a little extra
This level is for the special Pit Bull Flower Power fans who are excited to get a signed copy of the book, and want to give a little extra to make sure this project comes to fruition. The name of your choice (yours, your pet, your friend) will be listed in a special acknowledgment section of the book.
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$500: The book and a special Frida print
This is a unique, exciting opportunity to purchase a large 16x16in (40x40cm) print of my work. You will also receive a signed copy of the book, and the name of your choice (yours, your pet, your friend) will be listed in a special acknowledgment section of the book. Only 75 special Frida prints will be available in that size, forever, worldwide. PLEASE NOTE that the print comes unframed.
Frida is a paralyzed pit bull I helped rescue from Mexico in January 2018 (you may have followed our adventures on my Instagram). Her story will be central to the book, as she is exactly the kind of dog I created Pit Bull Flower Power for. Her crown was inspired by her journey, from Mexico to New York, and she will be my last flower model before the book is finalized.
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($2,700-$5,000): The book and a limited edition print
If you have ever considered purchasing a fine-art limited edition print of my Pit Bull Flower Power collection, now would be a great time to do it. The prints are priced at current market value, as seen in galleries. This level also grants you two signed copies of the book, with the name of your choice (yours, your pet, your friend) listed in a special acknowledgment section of the book. The prints come in limited editions of 5 (please contact me before purchasing this reward level, so I can help you choose the image and make sure it is still available). The prints are mounted under acrylic and framed in a float frame (usually white, but more options are available). If you do not see your country in the shipping options, please contact me as we might be able to figure something out.
HOW WILL THE MONEY BE USED?
The goal I have set is the minimum amount I need for this book to happen. That amount covers:
- a book designer (to design the pages and cover),
- an editor and a copyeditor (to polish my writing),
- a producer (to help coordinate everything),
- an intern (to help with the Kickstarter pledges and other things),
- marketing and other costs
- the printing of the book itself
- the printing, production and shipping of the fine-art prints
- the Kickstarter's fee (between 8-10% of the total pledges)
If we exceed the goal I have set (hopefully!), I will be able to print more books and/or organize more events / exhibits / book signings across the country (maybe even in other countries), furthering the reach of Pit Bull Flower Power.
Your support means the world to me, and to all my models!
Much Love,
Sophie G.
Risks and challenges
The material for the book has already been created, and I am in the process of writing the text. With the help of Lantern Books, we have gathered a team that has extensive experience in publishing. Lantern has had considerable success in bringing crowd-funded book projects to fruition, and I have a proven track record too.
Learn about accountability on KickstarterQuestions about this project? Check out the FAQ
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