Brian Hogan http://www.behogan.org is an artist who started a successful project on Kickstarter.

You have a great creative idea for an extraordinary artistic project, but it requires finances beyond your grasp. You've maxed out your credit cards, your personal account has seen brighter days, and your favorite patron Uncle Harry has reached his limit. What can you possibly do to bring your project to fruition?

These are difficult economic times that challenge even the most creative "Artrepreneurs" among us. However, with determination and necessity as the mother of invention and there are unlimited innovative solutions awaiting us due to the advances of technology, social networking and cyberspace.

One such solution is Kickstarter (www.Kickstarter.com), which has been revolutionizing the way creative people are funding their projects. As of December 2009 it was reported that more than 1,000 projects had been started on Kickstarter since its inception in April 2009. That same month The New York Times Magazine reported it as their annual Year in Ideas.

What is Kickstarter and How Does it Work?
Kickstarter is a new way to fund creative ideas and ambitious endeavors and it claims, "We're a great way for artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, writers, athletes, adventurers, illustrators, explorers, curators, promoters, performers, and others to bring their projects, events, and dreams to life." Individual artists as well as groups can start a project.

Although it is by invitation only, such as through someone who have already created a project, it is not that difficult to get an invitation. People find invites on Twitter (over 1000 existing users have invites to pass out) or through friends (or friends of friends), and others contact Kickstarter on their site.

How Can You Succeed on Kickstarter?
Yancey Strickler, one of the Kickstarter founders, states, "I am not nearly as interested in the aesthetics of (Project Creator's) project as I am how it fits into the Kickstarter ecosystem, and how well they understand how Kickstarter works."

If you want your project to be accepted on Kickstarter you should follow these guidelines:
1. Develop an aggressive plan to spread the news about your project to your networks, customers, galleries, organizations, friends and family. You must attract the funders, that is not the role of Kickstarter.
2. Offer several Rewards of real value at different prices.
3. Include a video. It's more personal.
4. Define your project's goal clearly and include specific details.

I believe Kickstarter will continue to succeed and grow. It minimizes risks for all involved, based on the theory that it is easier to obtain smaller funds from several people than large chunks of money from a few investors. It also motivates people to participate in helping artists in ways that were previously not accessible.

"Today New York, Tomorrow the World - A Painting Installation" Project by Brian Hogan
One successful Kickstarter Project Creator is Brian Hogan (http://www.behogan.org), an artist and art teacher at the Joan Mitchell Foundation living and working in Brooklyn, NY. His project is the development of a large Relief Painting Installation (RPI) that reflects the changing, dynamic landscape of New York City.

The artist wrote on Kickstarter, "I will be building a large scale relief of painted floating panels that reflects the environment that only New York can radiate. The shapes and sizes will vary but look very much like the colored floating panels you see between the buildings in the above photo and will resemble my most current work which can be viewed at www.behogan.org. I will also be including drawings and images in my updates."

Brian originally sent over a thousand emails to people in his database and offered a range of pledges from $1 to over $1,000. For $1,000 backers will receive a 4-6 panel relief painting approximately 2' x 2' x 10" of their own, with an original color scheme for their art collection. Hogan enticed backers by stating, "It's a great deal for an original piece of artwork that will bring you years of happiness."

Brian posted his goal as $7,000. By December 8th when the project ended he attracted more than 79 "Backers" and received $7,167 although the money keeps coming in. The wonderful part about Kickstarter is even when the project reaches its funding goal before the expiration date the project creator can continue to accept pledges until the deadline.

He stated, "I ended up raising $7,483 dollars in total so far. I have had many people contact me with interest in supporting the project, and are doing so by checks or cash. I am still offering the same pledge gifts with in the edition limits I had set at the beginning of the project."

Brian added, "One thing that I have learned over this past year is, that if you ask people to help and you have a good idea in which you are passionate about people tend to want to help and be part of that idea."

	Read more articles by Renee Phillips. Renée is available for private consultations in person or on the phone. Her mission is to help artists discover their strengths and reach their highest potential. Learn more.

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