I have launched my first Kickstarter Campaign for this project!
I have launched my first Kickstarter campaign for this project. It’s taken me ages to put together as I did a lot of research ahead of time to understand how the Kickstarter process works, but now its up for about one week. So far the project is at just under 60% with 21 days to go.
Its been incredibly surprising finding out who does and doesn’t – so far – support my project. I have read this is a standard experience of many who stage Kickstarter projects, you are warned you learn a lot in this regard but so far I have been genuinely surprised: often some I thought would back me for sure haven’t – so far – whilst others I hardly know have been very very generous. So far I’m not sure why that is; I’m both very touched and rather bruised by all this at the same time. Of course it’s not over yet but whilst in progress it is a very steep learning curve. Also, I’ve had to email people a lot, as its part of the process, but I am aware that some people won’t like being asked and sometimes that has been difficult to gauge. I’m not comfortable with this but it is necessary. But this process has also put me back in touch with a number of people who have been very supportive even of they couldn’t afford to officially back the project.
Overall though I do think that Kickstarter is good in principle; its a completely transparent and democratic approach to funding, which is great, however as as artist you are both liberated and made vulnerable by this at the same time. Liberated because funding is not based on hidden codes or quangos but then again if you fail this is also made public too; what the process gains in accessibility and generosity it lacks discretion, for artists at least. In some ways though the real lesson is you effectively take your existing networks with you, with a chance to expand this in surprising ways. You do have to be very realistic about the fact of whether you have a strong enough network around you to sustain a campaign, however this network does not have to be just your contacts and allies within the arts. This is a good thing. it can also include, for once, simply those who know love and support you, and who’s cumulative support can then fundamentally change the success of your project. That doesn’t often happen and it is a good thing. Just toughen yourself up to have revealed who really will and will not support you. It’s both beautiful and alarming simultaneously, however in the end this is good to know.
If you are reading this do visit my Kickstarter, and if you are prepared to back me I will be eternally grateful. It’s not over yet!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sebarnet/piran…
My Kickstarter video
