A Cyberfunded Project for Haiti?

[flutterbychild.livejournal.com]

Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti, I, like many others, have been thinking about things I can do to help...and I am hopeful about the project I have in mind.

I want to create a piece of artwork with the help of my audience over on therebirthofme, my personal journal, and my Facebook fan page which will then be donated to a charity for Haiti relief (I haven't decided on a particular charity, but I am thinking about UNICEF). How will my audience help? In what way will it be an example of crowdfunding? They will have the opportunity to comment and critique (and, of course, donate) on the piece as it comes together, from first sketches to final product.

I think this has the potential to be a wonderful project...but what can I do to encourage participation? My audience isn't particularly large, and only a few of them seem to comment regularly. I've even thought of an incentive for those who donate--an ACEO sized print of the final piece.

What should I do? What would you do? Any thoughts on listing this piece on Etsy versus eBay, or another site? Any thoughts at all?

Comments

Go for it!

[ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com]

>>I want to create a piece of artwork with the help of my audience <<

This sounds like a great idea. I would love to help.

>>How will my audience help? In what way will it be an example of crowdfunding? They will have the opportunity to comment and critique (and, of course, donate) on the piece as it comes together, from first sketches to final product.<<

I have an idea: you could invite each person to suggest something to appear in the picture. It could be a plant, animal, other object, mythic or historic figure, etc. If some of those are Haitian flavored and others are from viewers' home cultures, then the end piece would have a message of unity. You might need to set a limit if you get a LOT of suggestions, but I think this concept would work for you because your paintings are often surreal and you are good with "pastiche" layouts that combine multiple images.

>>I think this has the potential to be a wonderful project...but what can I do to encourage participation? My audience isn't particularly large, and only a few of them seem to comment regularly.<<

Ask your friends to help promote it and attract attention. I'll echo it on my LJ if you wish. You might also try promoting your project on communities such as helped_haiti.

>> I've even thought of an incentive for those who donate--an ACEO sized print of the final piece.<<

Good idea!

Re: Go for it!

[flutterbychild.livejournal.com]

I love the idea of the audience suggesting parts to add to the image! I already have a part of a sketch ready that I worked on earlier in the week...

Re: Go for it!

[ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com]

Yay! I'm so glad you like this idea. Perhaps you could post the part you already have, and ask people what they would like to add?

[murrday.livejournal.com]

Etsy is art focused, so it's a well targeted market. They do have specific rules about how fundraising works on their site, so read and compare with the fundraising rules for eBay and see which is a better match for you.

Best of success, Murrday

[flutterbychild.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the reminder! I didn't even think about that bit of it...at least, not yet. I am leaning towards eBay; do you or anyone you can think of have experience with eBay Giving Works?