Friday, September 08, 2006

1000 Sketches

Some of you probably have been wondering what's with the sudden insurgence of art around here.

I was sitting there a few weeks ago on my birthday, and started in on a sketch. Having just turned 29, and realizing there was only one year left until I change the tens digit in that number, when a tingly sensation started to form. The one I get when I'm about to start something illogically large scale.

I've decided that by my next birthday, that being August 15th of 2007, wherein I will turn 30 years old, I will have completed 1000 of the daily sketches between now and then. I know that I can do this.

Now here's the part that's still all wrinkly but maybe you can help me iron it out some.

Many of you gracious souls out there have been inquiring about obtaining prints of your very own of the art that has been presented here. At this time, for my own ethical reasons, the only way I can go about justifying this in my mind is to donate all profits for something like this to charitable endeavors. I feel as though, with a project this large and the range of time involved that there must be some way to give back.

I have three inital ideas:

1) Make individual runs of prints as limited numbered sets and either auction them or set up a store where they may be bought for a donation.

2) Invite other artist bloggers to do a "sketch-a-thon" where once a month we would all sit down and draw all day for a specific cause, to raise awareness and funds.

3) At the end of the year, when all is said and done, collect the art into a book and have it's proceeds continue to give back.

I think this can work. However, the world of non-profits and charities are vast and as much as my mind tells me to give it all away, I remain indecisive as to where these things should go. I have some leads, and while I'm searching, I humbly request your feedback on any causes that might dig this particular idea and help run with it.

If you have any thoughts, by all means, please email me.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is my opinion, but I think you could handle it in a few ways. Have some "specific pieces" auctioned off from time to time to the highest bidder. Have a certain selection on a store with a set price for people to buy your work. You could also have a set or series of prints of the drawings in a limited number say 50. Have each one signed and numbered (1/50 or 10/50). You could even have 2-3 charites lined up for your donations and let people choose who they want the donation to go to or have you change the charity from time to time.

Just some ideas, cuz I'm crazy excited to get my hands on an original.

Flip said...

Hey Simon,

In spite of my recently developed hatred of capitalism I don't understand why all proceeds from your original works need to go to charity. You are very altruistic...but last time I checked you also have two monkeys who are getting closer and closer to driving and college every day. I know...that's a long way off. Well check back in about ten years and let me know how quickly the time went!

I can't speak for any of your other readers, but personally I don't think there would be anything wrong with selling your works to people who would like to buy them. You can do that and also sell some or donate some proceeds to charities, too.

Just my two cents worth...

F

Anonymous said...

I think you should tie them to dates. I'd own August 20th, #12/50 for example. Maybe August 20th is a special day to me - or any other day for that matter. This will help to "up" the values of the prints of certain days - depending on the people who want a print from THAT particular day. I also think it's insane that you don't claim some for yourself- perhaps not much, but perhaps you deserve it.

A book at the end - 365 pages, with prints from each day - or something of that nature, might be interesting, too - to see how they progress through the year might be cool.

There are publishing companies that would do this you know, gladly - they'd eat up the publicity and it's a great effort - people like that sort of thing.

Pursue it in SOME fashion, please. And keep us up to date - so we can all link to you when it's appropriate.

dpaste said...

Firstly, go to The Panopticon and check out his store on Cafepress.com and see if they would be a good distributor for you. I can hook you up with his email if you want to talk to him about his experiences, he is a really great guy.

Secondly, flip is spot on. Before your can remove the splinter in your brothers eye, take the plank out of your own. Don't become a charity case as you work to help other charities. Tithing was created for a reason. Give 10%, hell if you feel better about it, give 50% of proceeds to charity. But this is YOUR art, YOUR creativity. We want to buy it because YOU made it and that is what is special and important. That we will be helping a charity makes it all sweeter, but you should get a reward for your work. And college tuition does not grow on trees. Besides, if Franklin at The Panopticon is any indication, the proceeds after costs aren't going to be that spectacular anyway.

A book is grand, but unless you have connections to the publishing industry, do you really want to take on that headache?

Also, multiple charities is a nice idea but who is going to handle all the administrative details going into sorting out what monies go where? Are you planning on hiring a staff? Keep it simple. Whatever charity you choose, I'm sure we will approve. I say don't worry about our suggestions, go with something that resonates with you personally.

Whatever you do, make sure it takes only a minimum of your time. You don't want this becoming a burden. You want to keep the art something you enjoy doing. And have plenty of time for the monkees.

mwah

Anonymous said...

I wish that you would create a series of children's books. You seem to have such a love of your own children, and a truly beautiful visual style. I cannot conceive of a better use for your incredible talent.

tornwordo said...

The more I see your sketches, the more they grow on me. And I think it's such a cool goal to set for yourself this year.

Anonymous said...

When searching for charities or causes, being that there are so many, look for something that really means something to YOU. I did the charity thing with a show I wrote and produced. I really had a hard time figuring out what i wanted to donate to. But when you find something that relates to your life, something that you can REALLY believe in and really relate to... then it's a good feeling. but that's just me. i think you're awesome dood! you really inspire me and i'm sure many others.