After College Hardware/Software

Here's the thing, I'm about to lose access to a lot of technology and equipment that I've used over the past 4 years to create most of my cosplays and props. I run a cosplay web-store part-time that helps make ends meet and if I can continue with it, I'll be able to turn it into a full time job!

Before I lose access, and the ability to get student pricing on some technology, I need a kick in the bank to get the ball rolling. I need things like a new desktop computer, not a laptop, that I can actually upgrade and can handle some of my heavier software. My poor laptop is struggleing even now.


It's already barely survived a scrape with death once!!!

I specifically need hardware that runs Windows to be compatible with the 3D and illustration software that I use. At the very least I need a desktop computer and a larger monitor to have enough power to keep up with my work and grow my business.

You run a shop that sells tons of stuff, aren't you making enough there?

It's still so small. And the economy is still so broken for me to find a job that's applicable to my degree.

Lightning and Lace is still so small like you wouldn't believe, and as much as I've tried to find dedicated people and projects to help it grow, and we've had some major successes, it's no where near where it needs to be, but it's still growing. I still do 100% of the creation, customer service, packing, shipping, returns and designing all by myself.

On top of that, surprise! I've been in college the whole time I've been running Lightning and Lace, and that's something I don't talk about much on my blog or make very public (until mostly right now). It's not something that people may nessicarily realize when dealing with a cosplay-shop online.

I've been able to make ends meet, but without the ability to go full-time, I haven't been able to grow enough to invest in new equipment. But now, even on the cusp of being able to go full time, I now won't have the technology that would enable me to do so. Hence this campaign!

What do I need, specifically?


Tower Desktop + Software (hopefully!)

I need a machine that's going to be upgradable and powerful. In addition to that, having software like Rhino and a physical copy of Adobe Illustrator is very important.

I also have to run software for my embroidery machine, design software like Photoshop and openCanvas, as well as running a tablet and a possible second monitor for 3D design.

Want to see some more of my work?











If you're not familiar already,
Find me on tumblr at Lightning and Lace
Lightning and Lace on Storenvy
Lightning and Lace on Facebook


Thank Yous

I'm blessed every single day to have a following on Tumblr that cares about my work and the improvement of the cosplay community as a hobby, a growing industry and an art form. Any and all donations are appreciated, but I would like to especially thank those that have been following me for the past few years.

Please take a look at the reward tiers and consider donating, or if you'd like to recieve something from the Lightning and Lace store, any purchases made there also help greatly. The rewards here are simple, as this is a specific drive. Remember, crowdsourcing isn't meant to be a store, it's meant to be an investment.

I'M SO EXCITED TO ESCAPE COLLEGE FOREVER AND USE MY DEGREE TO IMPROVE THE COSPLAY COMMUNITY FULL TIME, FOR YOU!!!!