Help us launch Faunia Studio!

Who am I

My name is Gilles, I’m an author, single dad, teacher and I have a PhD in Art history. I have already written two plays: Phaedra and Wolf. In 2018 my first illustrated story De Wolkenschilder en het Sterrenmeisje (translated: The Cloud Painter and the Star Girl) was published in Flanders and Holland. My first book is an illustrated story to help parents who miss a child. This book helps to find each other in loss. I realised that my stories could empower people.

The belief that I can make a difference in the publishing world encouraged me to strive for what is right through helpful storytelling. I created my own publishing and production company. Faunia Studio values sustainability, diversity, gender equality and fair trade for all. We aim to form a platform in which our words connect straight to emergency workers. Vulnerable people are on waiting lists to get help. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone matters.

First book: The Cloud Painter and The Star Girl

My first book is an illustrated story to help parents and their loved ones who lost a child.

As from 2018 my book became part of the ‘Koesterkoffer’ or translated ‘a suitcase to cherish memories’ of the organisation Berrefonds and goes directly through a network of Flemish clinics to all parents who lose a child between 1y-12y. It has been helping the parents, the little brothers and sisters who are left behind to talk with each other and to remember their Star Brother or Star Sister. For them it is a big deal of comfort.

I’m so grateful to announce that my first book is almost completely sold out by now in Flanders. Because of the limited copies, this story became only accessible to a small group of people. I wish I would have been able to help more. Sadly there are parents and children from all over the world who miss a child.

Second book : From Black to White

I’m finishing my second story at the moment. This novel conveys the story of a chess horse (knight) who turns into a real horse, an appaloosa (a white blanket). He wants to escape the war between his parents, the black queen and the white king. Painted with eight symbols, he embarks on a spiritual journey toward self-discovery, self-love and self- esteem.

The metaphorical messages address traumatic situations young adults experience when faced with a troublesome divorce of their caretakers. The process of the main character offers comfort and assistance during those difficult moments. Because a first step towards help and connection, is feeling understood.

Why we need your help

We are using this crowdfunding to launch Faunia Studio and to guarantee a successful start-up.

On top of that we want to fund the first printing edition of the second book and launch the first book internationally. And in the future: a film project about women’s rights! Yeah!

The number and pricing of my republished novel will depend on you! The costs of printing decline when more copies are made. This means that the more donations we receive, the lower the cost of the two books will be. That way, more people will be able to enjoy the story. As a contributor to this project you are not only supporting our vision, you are actively making the book more accessible for less fortunate families!

Furthermore, this crowdfunding will enable a study trip in order to finish the second novel. The journey of the main character is the Nez Perce flight in the US. This trip will add to the visual correctness of the book. We love the Nez Perce tribe! We want to give them a voice too. Let their voices not be forgotten!

Our gift to you

Thank you for your interest in our dream! Asking for help is never easy, but as a founder of Faunia Studio I appreciate yours gratefully. That’s why I want to give you a little something in return for your help.

• Early birds, you are our first supporters and we are forever grateful! In return for your investment in our goals, you will receive a very special edition of our book!

Early birds (within the first 3 days) with a donation of 27 USD (25 euro), will receive a limited edition hardcover of our second book. This book will be signed by the author.*

• On day 4: with a donation of 16 USD (15 euro) we will send you an ebook.

• On day 4: with a donation of 54 USD (50 euro) you will get a signed first print publication (softcover)!*

• On day 4: with a donation of 108 USD (100 euro) you will get a signed first print publication (hardcover)!+ hand drawn illustration.*

*postage costs for gifts outside of Belgium are not included. The book will be sent on the date of publication *

We provide a Dutch and English version.

What do we prioritize?

We are grateful for every donation and we believe working together will always pay off. However, if we don’t reach the target, we’ll prioritize the printing of both our books. That way, we can still hold up to our promise to gift every donator their rightful reward!

Help us grow

If you are not able to attribute to this crowdfunding monetary, you can still help us!

We are looking for likeminded people, willing to address the problems we are faced with today. We want to make a difference, but therefore, we need to be heard. Share our story on your social media, bring us in contact with others who also seek to evolve and help us tell our ideas. Help us make this dream come to life!

You can find us on social media:

Instagram: fauniastudio

Facebook: Faunia Studio

Tiktok: Faunia Studio

Website: www.fauniastudio.com