DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK

Hello everyone. 

My name is Malik; I'm the creator of How To Draw Black People. I'm on IndieGoGo to raise the necessary resources to bring HTDBP volume 1 back to print. It's a treasured resource for artists from all around the world from every walk of life, and with your help, Shabazz Arts can release a revised, updated version with new art, tutorials, and reformatted design. 

Dare to Learn What the Hype Is All About?

Brass Tacks

 

The funds from this campaign go directly to:

1. The labor of the artists and influencers selling, marketing, and promoting How To Draw Black People.
2. Production costs (including shipping and processing)
3. Consignment distribution of HTDBP
4. Multi-channel ad campaigns

Our goals are based on the costs of operation for the relaunch and the year following in which we focus on establishing relationships with indie bookstore owners in the Los Angeles area. The majority of the work is done and reaching our financial goal will allow the release of How To Draw Black People to happens sooner than later. Should we not reach our goal the release will take longer. Six month turnaround if we reach the goal; twelve month turn around if we do not. 

The Impact

The first campaign for HTDBP brought in nearly 600 backers and over $20k in pledges. It took 18 months to organize years of research and art into the first volume. Volume 2 was unsuccessful, however the campaign still raised 12k and 90% of the backers eventually bought a copy in the Shabazz Arts online store. 

I recetly finished up a Kickstarter campaign and there was a lot out pouring about when this copy would be back in print again. 

How To Draw Black People is a book that makes zero promises while delivering a reading and learning experience most find unexpected if not enlightening. That's why despite a pandemic, a shipping crisis, and nearly two years of absence from shelves, artists, educators and creatives of all types are still trying to get their hands on this book. 

HTDBP may not be destined for a best sellers list; books like this are more likely to be banned by the misguided. And yet, this book is a treasured posession because of it's unique approach to design, storytelling and cultural sensitivity.  Regardless of where you are in your art journey, How To Draw Black People is a series that will make you rethink character design, altogether. 

Risks & Challenges

The last few years have taught me the importance of preparation and planning and that things that are entirely out of my control can happen. Shabazz Arts plans to meet any challenge related to rising costs, shipping delays, and lost or damaged shipments in the foreseeable future. Beyond that, issues may affect the national or global supply chain, which may cause fulfillment issues. We'll always do our best to meet the established expectations. The experience gained during the pandemic has prepared us for almost anything. 

Other Ways You Can Help

All Support Helps! If you need an alternative to financial support, share the link to this campaign via direct message with anyone you think would be interested. You can also give us a shout-out on your social media using the hashtags #Shabazzarts and #HTDBP; you can also share our campaign via the IndieGoGo platform. Follow us on social media @Shabazzarts and help us spread the word. Also, share our campaign with a bookseller or indie bookstore in your neighborhood!