DVH Props shop and vac table build
Donation protected
Who am i and why did i decide to set this campaign up?
My name is Lou and i am the sole owner operator of my small costuming and prop business DVH props . I am currently working out of a small space in my in-laws garage, which is far from ideal, but i make it work. However, Iv'e been struggling as of late to do some much needed upgrades to the business. Doing prop/costume stuff for a living, though fun, is feast or famine. Some months im doing very well, others im struggling to pay rent or bills, or even eat sometimes, so trying to get money together for a shop and vac table is near impossible. I know that if i get a proper shop built (a 10X14 shed basically) with the inclusion of the vac table, that it would expand what i am able to offer and help the income become more consistent. It will also streamline my work routine to be more efficient and in turn, shorten turn around times.
So, after talking to some of my friends and customers, a gofundme was mentioned. I never wanted to do it because i HATE asking for money, but its come down to the last straw. Its either do the gofundme or knock this back to hobby level and get a regular 9-5. I dont want to do that until i know i have tried every option to do what i really want for a living, something that will make me very happy and keep myself and my family well supported.....so, here we are.
Im hoping to get the building going by this coming May.
Why did i choose the amount i did?
Working the way i am now in a 7X7 foot space in the corner of a garage, is difficult to say the least, and keeping this organized is a task in itself. There is also no climate control, so super hot and humid, or super cold days i cant work, which in turn, slows down production. The shop would be built as a 10X14 "shed" with proper A/C, humidity control, and heat. I will have designated areas for painting, sculpting and casting to save time. Currently im basically cleaning up one single work space to switch between painting, and casting, and finishing. It becomes very time consuming and in turn, also delays production.
The shop will also have proper ventilation set up for the different work areas. All of this will help me work more efficently and get items out more quickly. All of these things have costs that were factored into the amount i asked for.
The vacuum forming table will in turn expand what i can offer, so it will help keep my cash flow more steady, and also allow me to offer many more items to you all. It will be built, not bought, to keep costs down, and id like to get the better pump and oven for it so it lasts and there is little down time, if any, if anything needs to be replaced on it over time.
By helping fund these things you will get in on the initial runs of some of the items that will be made within the next year. There are reward levels you can check out to see what you get for certain size donations ranging from patches, pins and t-shirts to sets of armor.
Due to fluctuation in prices over time or differnt suppliers, once we have $4000-$4500 i am going to attempt to order everything needed for the shop and vac table if possible. If its all covered at that point, i will end the campaign.
Keep in mind that i can't make the reward items until after the shop and vac table are built, so the wait will likely be fairly long, and id estimate 6-9 months. The patches, pins and t-shirts will be ordered as soon as we make goal. i will only have large and XL for the t-shirts and will ask which size you'd like when im ordering them. In case we do not meet the goal, and are unable to build the shop and vac table, everyone will be refunded.
Once the shop and table are done wait times will be drastically shorter.
Anyway, thank you so much for concidering helping me finally live my dream job, i hope i can be of service to you now and in the future!
My name is Lou and i am the sole owner operator of my small costuming and prop business DVH props . I am currently working out of a small space in my in-laws garage, which is far from ideal, but i make it work. However, Iv'e been struggling as of late to do some much needed upgrades to the business. Doing prop/costume stuff for a living, though fun, is feast or famine. Some months im doing very well, others im struggling to pay rent or bills, or even eat sometimes, so trying to get money together for a shop and vac table is near impossible. I know that if i get a proper shop built (a 10X14 shed basically) with the inclusion of the vac table, that it would expand what i am able to offer and help the income become more consistent. It will also streamline my work routine to be more efficient and in turn, shorten turn around times.
So, after talking to some of my friends and customers, a gofundme was mentioned. I never wanted to do it because i HATE asking for money, but its come down to the last straw. Its either do the gofundme or knock this back to hobby level and get a regular 9-5. I dont want to do that until i know i have tried every option to do what i really want for a living, something that will make me very happy and keep myself and my family well supported.....so, here we are.
Im hoping to get the building going by this coming May.
Why did i choose the amount i did?
Working the way i am now in a 7X7 foot space in the corner of a garage, is difficult to say the least, and keeping this organized is a task in itself. There is also no climate control, so super hot and humid, or super cold days i cant work, which in turn, slows down production. The shop would be built as a 10X14 "shed" with proper A/C, humidity control, and heat. I will have designated areas for painting, sculpting and casting to save time. Currently im basically cleaning up one single work space to switch between painting, and casting, and finishing. It becomes very time consuming and in turn, also delays production.
The shop will also have proper ventilation set up for the different work areas. All of this will help me work more efficently and get items out more quickly. All of these things have costs that were factored into the amount i asked for.
The vacuum forming table will in turn expand what i can offer, so it will help keep my cash flow more steady, and also allow me to offer many more items to you all. It will be built, not bought, to keep costs down, and id like to get the better pump and oven for it so it lasts and there is little down time, if any, if anything needs to be replaced on it over time.
By helping fund these things you will get in on the initial runs of some of the items that will be made within the next year. There are reward levels you can check out to see what you get for certain size donations ranging from patches, pins and t-shirts to sets of armor.
Due to fluctuation in prices over time or differnt suppliers, once we have $4000-$4500 i am going to attempt to order everything needed for the shop and vac table if possible. If its all covered at that point, i will end the campaign.
Keep in mind that i can't make the reward items until after the shop and vac table are built, so the wait will likely be fairly long, and id estimate 6-9 months. The patches, pins and t-shirts will be ordered as soon as we make goal. i will only have large and XL for the t-shirts and will ask which size you'd like when im ordering them. In case we do not meet the goal, and are unable to build the shop and vac table, everyone will be refunded.
Once the shop and table are done wait times will be drastically shorter.
Anyway, thank you so much for concidering helping me finally live my dream job, i hope i can be of service to you now and in the future!
Organizer
Lou Platania
Organizer
Oceanside, NY
