Capsule Artists: Startup Fund

Hi! My name is Courtney Garrett, and I’m a Brooklyn-based lover of all things creative and Founder of Capsule Artists. I’ve spent my career as a social engagement strategist who has led world-class brands and my free time advocating for creative talent across mediums – photography, film, animation, etc. After being laid off from my job earlier this year (you can read more about that on Essence.com ), I decided to go all-in with my dream of representing and advocating for creative talent of marginalized and underrepresented groups, thus Capsule Artists was born.

What is Capsule Artists?

Capsule Artists will be a creative collective and representation agency creating a space for creatives to tell their stories through art. We are committed to bringing ideas to life that nurture and celebrate the voices of those who feel silenced or unheard (people of color, women, LGBTQ+, differently abled, etc.). We will provide creatives of marginalized and underrepresented communities with the tools to develop and execute creative projects as well as representation to help them tell stories from their point of view in partnership with brands, businesses, projects and outlets. Along with creating content, as we grow, we will host our own events, such as panels and artist showcases throughout NYC and other major cities.

Right now, I need your help with getting started on our website, license fees and legal fees. I’m working with a fantastic lawyer, web designer and branding team. You can check them out here , here and here.

Your donation will provide funding for:

- Website design
- Coding and branding style guide
- License fees
- Legal fees
- Operating costs over the next six months

The goal for this campaign is $35,000 and I am confident that we can achieve this together. If you cannot donate, sharing with your network and messages of love and support are welcome. I am confident that we can push past that goal together in three months.

To thank you for your support, for those that donate at the described tiers, there are some awesome incentives thanks to my friends below.*

Donation Tiers:

Thank you – Pledge $1 or more

Includes:
- A special note from me

Self Care – Pledge $5 or more

Includes:
- 10% off the first 10 donors order from Terra-Tory Skincare 
- 20% off of your order with a special code from Pontie Wax Candles . The first 15 donors will receive a mini candle + promo code
- 20% off of your first order with a special promo code from Good Thoughts Tea Company 
- 20% off with a special promo code from Goodnight Darling Co. 

Fashion Icon – Pledge $25 or more

Includes Self Care, plus:
- 20% off with a special promo code from Kidd Bell 
- 15% off with a special promo code from The Wrap Life 

Muse – Pledge $50 or more

Includes previous packages , plus:
- 50% off a single image with a special promo code from TONL 
- an exclusive print from photographer Liselle Savitri 

Boss – Pledge $75 or more

Includes previous packages, plus:
- 25% off of a text-based logo OR $25 off of a custom Snapchat filter and a FREE 15-minute consultation with a special promo code from LAMFK Marketing 
- Tri State area donors receive one FREE hour with a 3-hour booking minimum from Vision Space NYC 
- 10% off two workshops (Branding and Sponsorship) and a FREE 30-minute consultation with a special promo code from THE ROEW 

Collector – Pledge $100 or more

Includes previous packages, plus:
- A special promo code from artist Cris LaNiese. The first 5 donors will receive an exclusive print!

Animator – Pledge $150 or more

Includes all packages, plus:
- 10 animators receive a one-on-one portfolio/reel review and demonstration with Disney·Pixar animator Frank Abney III 

There is no time limit to donate, nor is there a cap on the amount that you can donate.

Information is welcomed as well! Do you know a creative I should check out? A great speaker? Have a brand that you feel I should work with? Tell me about them!

I will keep you, my donor and now Capsule family, up-to-date on all things Capsule Artists over the next year.

Thank you for your support and feel free to spread the word about Capsule Artists!

- Courtney

* Incentives will be provided via email upon donation and all donors will be thanked via social media.

Photo credit: Bryon Summers