Help Me Build a New, Safer Life

Hello, I'm Bryce Carrington and I'm 22 years old, and I've been working hard to turn my hobby into a career, and when most people had their doubts, I showed them it was more than possible. I’ve put years into my art, projects, and generally helping others through creative work. Drawing has always been my joy and my way of connecting with people. I’m not asking for luxury since drawing is my luxury. But lately it’s felt like everything I’ve built is slowly slipping away.

I try not to rely on family support because there’s always been a gap between us. When they're in need, whether it be money, an ear to lend, or any type of help in general I always do what I can to help them out. But when it's vise versa, that same support rarely comes back. I’ve learned to survive on my own because of that. Still, even with everything I carry, I go out of my way to help people because I know what it feels like to be alone and in need. My mom taught me to go the extra mile, and I carry that with me in everything I do.

Right now, I’m in a place where I’ve been threatened physically and emotionally. I’m pulled into arguments I can’t win, and it’s gotten to the point where I’m not seen as a person, just as a source of money. Almost every conversation revolves around what I can give, not who I am or how I’m doing. I’ve had no real privacy, no keys to the apartment, and the door is often left unlocked. Anyone can walk in at any time, and the fridge is usually empty or most of what’s around is superficial. I feel drained. There’s no safety or room to breathe.

Despite this, I’ve kept working on projects including my own and doing commissions, pushing myself because I don’t want to let anyone down. But the truth is, motivation is hard to hold onto in a space that doesn’t value me. I want to keep working and creating to inspire others. I’ve had people reach out and tell me that my art gave them hope or helped them push through tough times and that sticks with you. That reminds me of what my art not only means to me but to others as well. And I don’t want to lose that spark just because I’m stuck in a place that doesn’t recognize what I do, who I am or how it inspires others to do better.

Thankfully, I’ll be moving in temporarily with a friend whose family knows about my situation and is willing to help. It’s a massive relief to not be completely alone anymore. But this isn’t a permanent fix, I’m hoping to use this time to save enough money to eventually get my own place. New York is expensive, and I want to build something stable and safe.

I don’t need any fancy tools or art supplies thankfully, I have a laptop and a drawing tablet, though lately they’ve been breaking down. If I’m able to, I’d like to either replace them or start saving to build a proper PC once I’m on my own. Having reliable equipment again would make a huge difference in keeping my creative work going strong.

What I really want is to get back to the life I had before: working on the things I love, having time to enjoy life after a good day’s work, helping others when I can, and finally keeping a little something for myself too. I don’t want to give up on the dreams I’ve fought so hard to hold onto, especially not because of a situation that doesn’t value me or my work.

This is the first time I’m really asking for help like this. And I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t truly need it.

I want to show the world what I’m capable of, but I also need that same world to show me that I’m not alone in this. If you’ve read this far, thank you. Whether you’re able to share, donate or just send support my way, it honestly means more than anything.

If you’ve ever loved the art I make and want to see more, donating would genuinely help give me the motivation and the means to keep going. I want to get back to creating consistently, to pumping out art not just for myself, but for others too. Every bit of support brings me one step closer to that.

Cost Breakdown – How the $5,000 Will Be Used:

-Housing & Essentials – $2,000

To cover rent, food, and daily necessities while staying somewhere safe.

-Emergency Savings – $800

To avoid falling back into crisis if something unexpected happens.

-New Art Equipment – $1,200

To replace my broken tools so I can keep creating, taking commissions, and working on my indie game.

-Moving/Setup Costs – $500

For transportation, small furniture, and getting set up in a new, stable living space.

-Medical/Mental Health & Transit – $500

To afford travel, medications, or therapy while rebuilding mentally and emotionally.