My husband and I are expecting the arrival of our daughter in a matter of days, which is awesome and exciting, and we've carved out a little space for her in our teeny tiny abode. Unfortunately, that space used to be my studio where I've been able to live my dream job for the last two years. We had plans to purchase our first home with some extra space where Penelope (aforementioned impending babyfriend) could have her own little room and I could maintain a studio space as well, and we all live happily ever after. 

Alas, between some recent financial catastrophes and unforeseen medical expenses, our savings have suddenly been depleted. Because we are both self-employed and our lives will be soon consumed by a tiny person, our ability to get back on track in time is pretty much impossible. That's the purpose for this campaign: To recoup enough of our savings that we can get back to our original plan without too much stress or delay.

First of all, I want to make sure this isn't just a charity effort, but an opportunity to make some cool, valuable, personalized gifts for all the amazing people who have supported my career over the years! We are attempting to raise $7,500, which, after Indiegogo's fees (9% if the goal isn't met, 4% if it is, plus 3% of every transaction), and after the cost of materials, shipping, and other expenses to bring the rewards to life, will allow us to pick up where we left off and, ultimately, help me to continue my career.

I've come up with a huge list of perks for contributors, many of which are items or services that have been long requested. The last time I was in a career-damaging situation (1.5 years ago), I ran a small crowd-funding campaign and was completely blown away by the generosity of complete strangers who believed in me and my work. The campaign was successful and I was able to complete the rewards for contributors 1-2 months before estimated delivery. We hope to be able to count on the love of my supporters again to get through this stressful time, and in return, I'll be working my new-mom butt off in my new studio space to fulfill these superfun rewards we've come up with!

So, risks and challenges? Virtually none, for you. Your rewards will arrive no matter what. I'm hugely grateful for the fact that this is my full-time job, and that means I'll be taking your support equally seriously. If we're unable to reach the goal in the allotted time, we'll still receive those funds minus 12%. One way or another, that money will go toward making a new studio space happen - even if that means remaining in our current situation and renting a studio space away from home in the meantime (though this isn't ideal, since I'll be toting an infant along with me).

Interested in contributing? Awesome! You've just gained +200 Eternal Gratitude, right off the bat. Here's all the information you need on the 20 reward levels available.

For $10, you can choose either Set A or Set B of my original postcard prints. Each print measures 4" x 6" and ships free to US contributors. For international backers, please add $3 to your contribution total for shipping. Expected delivery is July 2014 or earlier. Contributors will be contacted shortly after the campaign's end to be asked which set they'd like.

For $15, you will receive 8 postcard prints of some of my pop-culture themed artwork, available exclusively to this campaign. Two of these are a surprise as I can't yet show them off, but you won't be disappointed! Each print measures 4" x 6" and ships free to US contributors. For international backers, please add $3 to your contribution total for shipping. Expected delivery is July 2014 or earlier.

For $30, you'll receive the pop-culture postcard print set as well as both sets of my original postcards. This is a great option for those on a budget and/or have limited space to hang art that still want to collect some of my artwork. Each print measures 4" x 6" and ships free to US contributors. For international backers, please add $5 to your contribution total for shipping. Expected delivery is July 2014 or earlier.

For $45, you'll receive a DVD filled with lessons and information on my watercolor process, including techniques for achieving texture, mixing media, and stretching paper panels, as well as a full speed-paint of a piece from start to finish. A digital download may be made available upon request. The DVD will ship free to US contributors. For international backers, please add $10 for shipping. Expected delivery is December 2014 or earlier.

For $50 and those who love surprises, you can nab this grab bag of goodies that include all three sets of postcards, buttons, stickers, random prints, sketches, and drawings as well as a mix CD of my favorite music to paint to. The "Fancy Grab Bag Junior" will ship free to US contributors. For international backers, please add $10 for shipping. Expected delivery is August 2014 or earlier.

For $60, you'll be the owner of a limited edition giclée print of my "Illusory" painting, originally created for Gallery 1988's 7th annual "Crazy 4 Cult" show and inspired by the film "Pan's Labyrinth." This print will be 16" x 20" including a 1" white border and will come signed and limited to up to 25 prints (the edition will be determined by the number picked up during this campaign). It will also include a certificate of authenticity. The print will ship free to US contributors. For international contributors, please add $12 for shipping. The expected delivery is July 2014 or earlier.

For $85, you'll be the owner of a hand-embellished edition of the "Illusory" giclée print above, limited to 10 (the edition will be determined by the amount purchased during this campaign). The embellishments will vary with each print, added with iridescent acrylic for a subtle luster that will add dimension to the print, making each completely unique. The print will also include a certificate of authenticity and will ship free to US contributors. For international contributors, please add $12 for shipping. Expected delivery is July 2014 or earlier.

For $100, you'll get an upgraded version of the "Fancy Grab Bag Junior" filled with goodies that include all three sets of postcards, buttons, stickers, random prints, sketches, and drawings, a mix CD of my favorite music to paint to PLUS the "Process & Technique" DVD, as well as one open edition print of your choice from my shop! The "Fancy Grab Bag Supreme" will ship free to US contributors. For international backers, please add $15 for shipping. Expected delivery is August 2014 or earlier. The DVD will ship separately by December 2014.

For $125, the real fun begins: Commissions! At this level, I will create a 5" x 7" watercolor painting based on one of two themes: either a portrait of my re-imagining of a fictional character of your choice* or a piece inspired by an abstract word of your choice**. This is sort of a 'Commission Lite' in that you'll give me a place to start, and the rest will be up to my interpretation. It's a win-win: affordable for you, and a fun creative exercise for me! Shipping is included for US contributors. For international contributors, please add $15 for shipping. Expected delivery for all commissions is December 2014 or earlier.

*I recommend contacting me with your character idea before committing, since I may not be comfortable painting characters I'm not familiar with. But I'm familiar with a lot of 'em, so just ask!

**Some examples of an abstract word would be the titles of my paintings, such as "concede," "vestige," "fester," or "entropy." I most likely won't accept concrete words like "pirate," "kitten," or "mermaid" (that's totally cheating!), since the idea is to choose a word that leaves room for interpretation. However, if you're not sure or you think you've found the one amazing exception to the rule, feel free to ask!

For $150, you'll receive a graphite and gouache portrait! The subject can be anyone you choose - I'll just need you to provide a high-resolution photograph. The face will be completed in graphite pencil and hair as well as any embellishments will be added with a flat painted coat of gouache in the color of your choice. This means it can be coordinated with any decorating scheme, making it a great gift idea! The piece will be 9" x 12" on heavy Bristol paper. International contributors, please add $15 for the cost of shipping. Expected delivery for all commissions is December 2014 or earlier. 

For $150, you can be one of up to nine students in an online watercolor class with yours truly. The class will meet once a week for two hours for six weeks. The lessons will be tailored toward the interests and skill levels of those who sign up, but whether you're a total art noob or a veteran looking to get into a new medium, you'll be able to benefit! The class will be held via Google Hangouts or a similar free service, and we'll also keep a private Facebook group to help with communication before and between class sessions. The class will begin in August or September depending on the schedules and availability of the students.* The classes will also be recorded for those that aren't able to be present, and may be used as a part of the DVD mentioned above. Several people have asked for a watercolor class, so I'm excited to finally be able to offer it! 

* A refund will be offered to those students who sign up that are unable to find a schedule that works with the class.

For $200, you can nab this original painting at a discount! "Aether" was created for my May 2013 solo show at Subtext Gallery. The piece measures 8" x 8" and 1.5" deep and packs a punch for its size! The piece is painted with watercolor and comes varnished and ready to hang - no framing necessary. Shipping is included for US residents. For international shipping, please add $25. Expected delivery is July 2014 or earlier.

For $200, you can claim "Axiom" at a discount! This piece was created for my May 2013 solo show at Subtext Gallery. "Axiom" measures 8" x 8" and 1.5" deep. Despite its size, it's a striking piece in person with hints of iridescent embellishments. The piece is painted with watercolor and comes varnished and ready to hang - no framing necessary. Shipping is included for US residents. For international shipping, please add $25. Expected delivery is July 2014 or earlier.

For $300, I will create an 11" x 14" painting inspired by an abstract word of your choice*. This is sort of a 'Commission Lite' in that you'll give me a place to start, and the rest will be up to my interpretation. It's a win-win: affordable for you, and a fun creative exercise for me! If you would like the piece on cradled watercolor paper, which comes varnished and ready to hang (no framing necessary), please add $25. Otherwise, the piece will be done on flat watercolor paper that will require framing. Shipping is included for US contributors. For international contributors, please add $25 for shipping. Expected delivery for all commissions is December 2014 or earlier.

*Some examples of an abstract word would be the titles of my paintings, such as "concede," "vestige," "fester," or "entropy." I most likely won't accept concrete words like "pirate," "kitten," or "mermaid" (that's totally cheating!), since the idea is to choose a word that leaves room for interpretation. However, if you're not sure or you think you've found the one amazing exception to the rule, feel free to ask! 

At the $400 level, you've got a private full day lesson with me! We'll work on a small piece from start to finish in watercolor with a delicious lunchtime break, on me. I'll provide the supplies, but you'll need to take care of your own travel and lodging in Nashville. Superfun Art Buddy Lesson Time can be claimed at any time starting in September 2014, based on my availability. Don't worry, my schedule is super flexible!

At $450, you'll commission me for an 11" x 14" watercolor painting in my established aesthetic*, discounted from my regular commission rate for this size. We will work closely together on the subject and motifs and you will be consulted at every step of the way to be sure that you're getting a piece that you'll love. If you would like the piece on cradled watercolor paper, which comes varnished and ready to hang (no framing necessary), please add $25. Otherwise, the piece will be done on flat watercolor paper that will require framing. Shipping is included for US contributors. For international contributors, please add $25 for shipping. Expected delivery for all commissions is December 2014 or earlier.

*Established aesthetic means that I'll be creating a piece that is similar in style and theme to my usual work. Certain subject matter (family portraits, contemporary settings, etc.) might be too far outside my usual realm, so if you have an idea that's different from my existing work, please get in touch first - I will work with you to the best of my ability. That said, this commission option is more in-depth than the "Word Interpretation" pieces, as I'll be working directly with you to make sure you get a piece of artwork you love!

For $650, I will create a 16" x 20" painting inspired by an abstract word of your choice*. This is sort of a 'Commission Lite' in that you'll give me a place to start, and the rest will be up to my interpretation. It's a win-win: affordable for you, and a fun creative exercise for me! If you would like the piece on cradled watercolor paper, which comes varnished and ready to hang (no framing necessary), please add $30. Otherwise, the piece will be done on flat watercolor paper that will require framing. Shipping is included for US contributors. For international contributors, please add $35 for shipping. Expected delivery for all commissions is December 2014 or earlier.

*Some examples of an abstract word would be the titles of my paintings, such as "concede," "vestige," "fester," or "entropy." I most likely won't accept concrete words like "pirate," "kitten," or "mermaid" (that's totally cheating!), since the idea is to choose a word that leaves room for interpretation. However, if you're not sure or you think you've found the one amazing exception to the rule, feel free to ask! 

For $700, you can claim "Illusory," an original watercolor and acrylic piece on a paper panel, measuring 14" x 18" and 1.5" deep (the painting continues onto the sides). Originally created for Gallery 1988's 7th annual "Crazy 4 Cult" show and inspired by the film "Pan's Labyrinth." Framing is unnecessary (the piece itself is varnished and ready to hang). Shipping is included for US residents. For international shipping, please add $55. Expected delivery is July 2014 or earlier.

At $800, you'll commission me for an 16" x 20" watercolor painting in my established aesthetic*, discounted from my regular commission rate for this size. We will work closely together on the subject and motifs and you will be consulted at every step of the way to be sure that you're getting a piece that you'll love. If you would like the piece on cradled watercolor paper, which comes varnished and ready to hang (no framing necessary), please add $30. Otherwise, the piece will be done on flat watercolor paper that will require framing. Shipping is included for US contributors. For international contributors, please add $45 for shipping. Expected delivery for all commissions is December 2014 or earlier.

*Established aesthetic means that I'll be creating a piece that is similar in style and theme to my usual work. Certain subject matter (family portraits, contemporary settings, etc.) might be too far outside my usual realm, so if you have an idea that's different from my existing work, please get in touch first - I will work with you to the best of my ability. That said, this commission option is more in-depth than the "Word Interpretation" pieces, as I'll be working directly with you to make sure you get a piece of artwork you love!

For $1,000... Well, wait a minute. First of all, can I just say how lovely you're looking today? OK, moving on... At this level, you'll be recognized as a true amazing lifelong supporter, and beyond the +9000 Eternal Gratitude bonus, it'll get you an AP (Artist Proof) print of every limited edition print I've ever released - yes, even AP prints of sold-out editions, from the depths of the print vault! - as well as every limited edition print released for at least the next 5 years. This also includes the possibility of custom sizing (depending on the size of the original piece and quality of the master scan), as well as access to unreleased prints (by request, assuming I've retained the legal rights to the image or can get approval). Naturally, this also comes with all the little buttons and stickers and postcards you can handle! Shipping? Don't worry about it, you Elite Creative Sponsor, you. You're much too gorgeous to pay for shipping. Expected delivery begins July 2014!

Shipping: Shipping is already included in the reward levels for US contributors. All original paintings will ship USPS Priority with insurance and tracking. All other rewards will be shipped USPS First Class with tracking. International contributors will need to add the specified amount to their chosen rewards. Original artwork will come insured with tracking when available. All other rewards will come with tracking information, also if available (depends on the country).

Commission Delivery: While December seems like a very far time off, I don't expect to be able to begin any commissioned rewards until July or later (babyfriend!), and just in case the bulk of contributions are commissions, I want to be sure that 6 months is ample time to complete them so that no one is let down. It's quite likely that commissioned pieces will be finished well in advance of the December 2014 delivery deadline. If for some reason you would like your commission completed by a particular date, please let me know and I'll do my best to accommodate your request.

Combining Rewards: Each reward, or "perk," is made as a single transaction, so combining multiple rewards isn't possible. In order to claim more than one reward, you'll need to complete the process for each one you'd like to claim. Sorry for the hassle!

Specifying Choices: For the postcard prints (choose A or B) as well as commission word choices and other details, I will be in touch shortly after the campaign has finished (April 15th) to follow up with you. For those going with commissioned pieces, you'll have until July or a little later to let me know what you have in mind since I won't be able to begin work on those until then.