Admit it, you’ve always wanted to be Gaius Maecenas when you grew up, didn’t you?
Maecenas was one of the earliest patrons of the arts, and was renowned for funding all measures of artistic expression in Rome, including backing Virgil (yes, that Virgil). Whether Maecenas’ name is new to you, I’m betting the concept of art patronage is not. Patronage has been an important engine for the creative arts for most of recorded history. But long gone are the days when patronage is limited to the wealthy elite. The modern trappings of the internet, social media and micropayments have opened up the doors of patronage to anyone with even a dollar or two in disposable income.
Kickstarter is the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world. Every month, tens of thousands of amazing people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of music, film, art, technology, design, food, publishing and other creative fields.
A new form of commerce and patronage. This is not about investment or lending. Project creators keep 100% ownership and control over their work. Instead, they offer products and experiences that are unique to each project.
All or nothing funding. On Kickstarter, a project must reach its funding goal before time runs out or no money changes hands. Why? It protects everyone involved. Creators aren’t expected to develop their project without necessary funds, and it allows anyone to test concepts without risk.
Each and every project is the independent creation of someone like you. Projects are big and small, serious and whimsical, traditional and experimental. They’re inspiring, entertaining and unbelievably diverse. We hope you agree… Welcome to Kickstarter!
- $10 or more – 29 patrons
- $25 or more – 35 patrons
- $50 or more – 16 patrons
- $60 or more – 4 patrons
- $75 or more – 14 patrons
- $85 or more – 7 patrons
- $100 or more – 16 patrons
- $125 or more – 21 patrons
- $150 or more – 10 patrons
- $300 or more – 1 patron
- SWEETS by Kody Chamberlain — $4,633 pledged (154% funded)
- War of the Independents by Dave Ryan — $5,552 pledged (111% funded)
- The Sleepless Phoenix Comics Anthology by Michael Moreci — $4,409 pledged (122% funded)
Jason is a mutant with the ability to squeeze 36 hours into every 24-hour day, which is why he was able to convince his wife he had time to join the iFanboy team on top of running his business, raising his three sons, and most importantly, co-hosting the 11 O'Clock Comics podcast with his buddies Vince B, Chris Neseman and David Price. If you are one of the twelve people on Earth who want to read about comics, the stock market and football in rapid fire succession, you can follow him on Twitter.
Kickstarter is a wonderful site and awesome idea. I love the fact that it’s almost like those pledge drives you see on public broadcasting, and the fact that it’s an all or nothing type deal.
My buds and I are actually working on putting something together, and seeing the high amount of success rate for people reaching their goals fills us with inspiration and confidence.
Go Kickstarter!!
Kickstarter is pretty awesome, even though I’ve only supported one project (The Puppycow plush doll)
There are so many great stories out there wanting to be published. Please support Kickstarter! I was very happy to participate in Steve’s campaign, and like Wood, I’m eagerly awaiting that collected edition. But as Jason alluded to at the beginning of the article, I just like seeing brilliant, creative people creating. We’ll all be richer for it.
Very, very interesting.
I’ve not been one to brag about my name being in the credits of the latest Ras Kass album, but yes: Kickstarter is very cool and I can say that it works out well for everyone involved.
Did Rass Kass fund an album that way? I’d have pitched in for that. He’s nice.
I’m ashamed to admit that SWEETS looks awesome, but I’m crossing my fingers for the trade as my store missed the first couple issues. I’m keep my eyes open to see if he uses Kickstarter for the trade.
Also, I can’t help but wonder if this had been around when The Circle by Brian Reed came out if we’d still have that awesom series being published today.
My buddy got his graphic novel fully funded on Kickstarter a while back. He generated an insane amount of money in one month and surpassed his goals, enabling him to travel to cons and what not. If you have a great product, and a good network of people, kickstarter is an amazing resource for the independent creative.
Wood – karma to you for the Maecenas reference, and thank you for the article.