2020-2021 Kickstarter

Launched

In collaboration with 5 other designers, all Chatham alum, I worked on a project through the pandemic to illustrate a deck of playing cards highlighting endangered species. I learned so much through this passion project, gaining confidence in my illustration abilities, working with a specialized printer, and embarking on the wonderful (and sometimes stressful) world of Kickstarter. The project was successfully funded, printed, and distributed. We still have decks for sale!

The Process

My illustration contribution included 8 animal illustrations, the back of the card, and a large portion of the playing card box, landing page assets, and promotional illustrations.

Marketing For
Kickstarter Success

In order to generate excitement and support for the kickstarter, I spearheaded a social media and marketing strategy while supporting admin and project management

Key features include:

  • Leveraging existing social media following of all 6 designers to generate excitement leading up to the announcement of the kickstarter

  • Establishing a brand and social media account for the collective

  • Highlighting each artist and showcasing work

  • Creating landing page content for kickstarter, stretch goals, and donation perks

  • Creating a consistent and planned calendar for kickstarter funding window to maintain interest and remind followers to support the project

  • Writing press releases and crafting hooks for to create additional impressions and generate local interest and support

Adapting

As this was a pandemic project, we faced resourcing issues and printing delays. We tried to keep updates interesting and regular in hopes to minimize any upset. I created these fun illustrations for those updates.

Big Wins

Our project was successful and I learned so much from this collaboration.

Project Highlights:

  • Our project was featured in 6 different publications + our alma mater newsletter

  • The cards were stocked in 6 local Pittsburgh stores.

  • We shipped cards to 23 different states and 4 different countries.

  • We reached all of our stretch goals.