Expanding the Creative Vision
Donation protected
Hi.
I'm called JahSun; I own and operate FariStudios - a small art business based in Charleston, SC. The way I serve the world is by creating beautiful paintings that inspire people to be the best version of themselves. The work I produce has healing energy in it that nourishes souls, encourages hearts, promotes peace and uplifts spirits. I truly feel privileged to use my God given talent to share positivity and light with everyone I can...
And, I could really use your help.
Before I get to the ask, I'd really like to share more of my story with you - for some this will be your first introduction – that way you’re fully aware of who you are investing in and what you can expect to see manifest.
I'm a professional, international artist who is completely self -taught. I was born in New Jersey; raised by a single mother --- my father was absent. My childhood was very abusive and left many scars. I'm still healing some of them today. And, a big reason my work supports inner healing, actually. I began drawing at a young age to escape my situation. Art was how I coped, what got me through many tough days growing up. It was always the thing - a constant - that I could count on when the world around me was completely upside down, chaotic and unstable. If I didn't have art, life would have swallowed me up a long time ago. But it had always been just that, for me - therapy. As a kid, I never dreamt of being a working artist one day; I was just trying to survive.
Fast-forward seventeen years where I joined the Navy because I had no other options - besides the streets. I left New Jersey and never looked back. During my twenties, I married, had a family and didn't have much time for art. By thirty-two I divorced, and that's when life became quit interesting for me. I had outgrown the church I’d attended for the last decade, and Rastafari became my way of life (I'll go more into that in another forum like my blog). At age thirty-three (2003) I heard the voice of God speak boldly to me while in prayer one evening ----- "It's time for you to paint what I show you." I knew the voice was not mine, that it was Spirit because I had a relationship with my Creator. I immediately listened without a second thought. For the next 9 months I sat in my one bedroom apartment, I had no furniture (literally slept on a pallet of blankets on the floor for years), and painted the "visions" I was shown. To this day, they’re just quick bursts of light that flash in my mind's eye (6th chakra), and then they're gone. I've learned to keep paper and pen handy because the "visions" can't be scheduled...they come without any warning...LOL. One day a friend discovered that I was spending my nights painting and saw work stacked up in my apartment. For months after he prodded me to show the work publicly, and I finally broke down and agreed. I was beyond shy back then so the very thought sent a chill up my spine. And, I went anyway. The event was a huge success and the rest is history. I began putting on art shows in Charleston from 2004 - 2005 and quickly garnered a following for the spiritually based work I was producing. My work has been featured in local papers, magazines and television. By mid-summer of 2005 it all came to a screeching halt, I was contacted by my son’s school principal with disturbing news that he failed 9th grade due to attendance. I was a very active, present father with weekend visitation but that was not enough, so I fought for full-custody of my son because of his living conditions with his mother. I won full custody. Subsequently, the art was put on hold for 5 years while I raised him from age 13 to manhood (men don’t always abandon their children). My job then was to get him stable and out of high school. We did! He's now married, in the Army, with two beautiful children (if you follow me socially, then you know all about them :)). The last few years have been about going after my dreams.
In 2010, I felt led to pick my art career back up. Since then, I've worked hard and have been a part of some of the most life-changing opportunities from children's books, to creating/donating community murals (domestic and abroad), the launch of my iconic character - Hoe Mama Check This Video OUT , working with a local orphanage, starting The Urban ARTs Club of Charleston - where I mentored a small group of teens and taught street art, I've illustrated a couple of children's books. The last title was nominated for a NAACP Image Award in 2013. I'm currently in the planning stages of my third book right now called: "The Seed Keeper", which I'm writing, illustrating and publishing myself in 2016. Plus, all of the easel paintings produced over the last two years.
I truly feel blessed.
In January of last year (2015), I took a HUGE leap of faith and changed my status to part-time at my day job. Yep! I've worked full-time the entire time while I've accomplished all of the things stated above. Many people are shocked to learn this based on my production rate --- but when you're truly passionate you find a way (I make many sacrifices too). My goal is to be fully self-employed (I still work 32 hours a week for my organization) and earn a living using my gifts and talents to help nourish the planet even more. We have to be the change we want to see, right?.
An amazing thing has happened over the past two years, but definitely over the 12 months - more and more Souls are showing up and "The Work" is shifting their lives in beautiful ways. Each and every day I receive the most heart-warming messages from people women, men, and children - from all over the world. Many notes have me in tears of gratitude as we share our truths with one another. And, it's my practice to reply to every person personally. Together...we've developed soul-full, authentic connections that I for one cherish.
And...
It's absolutely time to take things to the next level and I cannot do it alone.
As a small business there's a constant struggle for two things: cash flow and time. That's intensified when you're a one-man-show like me. I handle every aspect of my business single-handedly --- from producing product: creating actual art, sales: invoicing and payments, to content: photos and videos, to marketing: social media, to ordering supplies from vendors, to customer service: answering question and serving, to accounting: keep up with receipts and spending, to packaging/shipping: I put each print or package together by hand, and much more. Honestly, it gets overwhelming at times, but SO worth every ounce of effort!
As a business owner committed to my dream, I have to be truthful about the areas I need to improve in and address them accordingly. I've realized if I'm truly going to expand "The Work" I'm going to have to come up with a better strategy to accomplish my goals for 2016, and get the materials/equipment to make that possible. I’ve re-invested most of my sales back into my business.
Here's the amount I need to raise: $4,000.00
1. New Mac Air w/ accessories:
(I have a 2009 iMac with out dated software and no warrantee. Apple won't even service it. So for the last two years, I've literally been using my iPhone and tablet to handle 95% of my business affairs and ALL social media posts/interactions. I can't even use my iMac to engage/interact on social media because the browsers are all outdated. Additionally, syncing my newer phone and tablet with my iMac takes four times longer because of software conflicts - which means my efficiency is drastically impacted. I have some AMAZING ideas that I absolutely need a better computer for such as: "LIVE" painting sessions with Google Hangout and much, much more. Oh yeah, I've done the research – the reason I decided on an Air versus Mac Book Pro are for two reasons: 1. Price point. 2. Lighter to carry --- cause I plan to travel, and hopefully meet YOU. Pack light:)).
2. Printer:
(Presently, I have to generate hand-written mailing labels for each order because the newer printers don't sync with my old computer. This literally takes me hours depending on the volume of orders. A new printer will allow me to purchase postage online and print out mailing labels in a jiffy, drop shipments off to the Post Office without standing in line ---- giving me more time to do what I love --- paint!)
3. Software: Adobe Suite (Photoshop) and QuickBooks (accounting)
4. Digital Camera:
(I've never owned a quality digital camera; I've only used my iPhone for pictures and video. I'm not always pleased with the quality of the photos or videos of my work; to put all the effort that I do into the paintings, and then not present them in the best possible fashion gut wrenching for me. With the advances in the digital world like 4k ---- I can generate high quality videos for you to view. Additionally, with a camera I'll be able to better express my creative vision on a whole and capture the moments to share with you.)
5. Professional Lighting Kit:
(My studio is in my home, and the lighting is not great. I've found a vendor who offers superb lighting solutions at a fair price. This ties in with producing better videos and photography as well).
6. Travel Equipment: Easel, Hard Cases to store paintings and supplies in while traveling.
(I desire to be on the road and bring this art to the masses. There are some amazing opportunities being presented to me in 2016 and I have to be able to move my product safely. This professional grade equipment is just what I need. They are airline approved and make traveling much easier. They are pricey but so worth it. The case I traveled to California with lass September took a beating and will not hold up for future trips.)
7. Pen Tablet:
(My next children's book will be edited fully in Photoshop and a quality pen tablet is critical in executing work professionally and efficiently. With it, I'll be able to continue the progress on the story while I travel. Definitely a piece of equipment I will need to get this project complete. The tale is sure to inspire children (and big kids) for a long time.
Well, that's everything on my list.
Why I chose GoFundMe:
My aim is to keep my pricing at a level as not to make collecting my art hard to do. I believe art should be accessible to all, not just the wealthy. So by coming up with a "Go Fund Me" campaign - I won't have to generate debts that then are weaved into my pricing. PLUS I'm all about creative, fun WIN-WIN situations such as this!
So for all those who have desired to OWN a canvas piece of my work but have been financially challenged --- HERE’S YOUR CHANCE!
AND…if you’re inspired to support my hopes of having expanding my creative endeavors – even better!!
I offer you the chance to win "Blakk Pearl" - this BEAUTIFUL, INSPIRING and UPLIFTING Original Acrylic Painting (size: 36" x 36") – Valued at $2k!
For every $20.00 donated, one chance at winning will be in your name. So, if you donate $100 --- you've increased your chance of winning by 5 times. Imagine bragging to your family and friends about winning this for such a small investment.
Drawing will be held February 14, 2016,
* Minimum goal: $1,200.00
(Side note: I’ve done the math. Between my mailing list, and all my followers on social media, that number is over 13k Souls. To meet this goal, it ONLY takes 200 people putting $20 in the hat. Totally doable if we work together, RIGHT?!.)
Also, there are no additional costs to the winner I’ll cover shipping/packaging and insurance. The winner will have "Blakk Pearl" within (10) days of announcement. You'll have to find a great spot on the wall for her --- she makes a statement:).
IF any of the work that has come out of my studio (art, posts, etc.) has blessed you, your life, or your family in any way...please consider supporting this initiative. If you don’t have $20 but just want to show some love, any amount will be humbly appreciated. I won’t let you down.
Thank you, Thank YOU!!!
Let’s make 2016 AMAZING!
Peace and Blessings ~
I invite you to learn more about me:
www.faristudiosart.com
www.facebook.com/faristudiosart
www.instagram.com/faristudiosart
I'm called JahSun; I own and operate FariStudios - a small art business based in Charleston, SC. The way I serve the world is by creating beautiful paintings that inspire people to be the best version of themselves. The work I produce has healing energy in it that nourishes souls, encourages hearts, promotes peace and uplifts spirits. I truly feel privileged to use my God given talent to share positivity and light with everyone I can...
And, I could really use your help.
Before I get to the ask, I'd really like to share more of my story with you - for some this will be your first introduction – that way you’re fully aware of who you are investing in and what you can expect to see manifest.
I'm a professional, international artist who is completely self -taught. I was born in New Jersey; raised by a single mother --- my father was absent. My childhood was very abusive and left many scars. I'm still healing some of them today. And, a big reason my work supports inner healing, actually. I began drawing at a young age to escape my situation. Art was how I coped, what got me through many tough days growing up. It was always the thing - a constant - that I could count on when the world around me was completely upside down, chaotic and unstable. If I didn't have art, life would have swallowed me up a long time ago. But it had always been just that, for me - therapy. As a kid, I never dreamt of being a working artist one day; I was just trying to survive.
Fast-forward seventeen years where I joined the Navy because I had no other options - besides the streets. I left New Jersey and never looked back. During my twenties, I married, had a family and didn't have much time for art. By thirty-two I divorced, and that's when life became quit interesting for me. I had outgrown the church I’d attended for the last decade, and Rastafari became my way of life (I'll go more into that in another forum like my blog). At age thirty-three (2003) I heard the voice of God speak boldly to me while in prayer one evening ----- "It's time for you to paint what I show you." I knew the voice was not mine, that it was Spirit because I had a relationship with my Creator. I immediately listened without a second thought. For the next 9 months I sat in my one bedroom apartment, I had no furniture (literally slept on a pallet of blankets on the floor for years), and painted the "visions" I was shown. To this day, they’re just quick bursts of light that flash in my mind's eye (6th chakra), and then they're gone. I've learned to keep paper and pen handy because the "visions" can't be scheduled...they come without any warning...LOL. One day a friend discovered that I was spending my nights painting and saw work stacked up in my apartment. For months after he prodded me to show the work publicly, and I finally broke down and agreed. I was beyond shy back then so the very thought sent a chill up my spine. And, I went anyway. The event was a huge success and the rest is history. I began putting on art shows in Charleston from 2004 - 2005 and quickly garnered a following for the spiritually based work I was producing. My work has been featured in local papers, magazines and television. By mid-summer of 2005 it all came to a screeching halt, I was contacted by my son’s school principal with disturbing news that he failed 9th grade due to attendance. I was a very active, present father with weekend visitation but that was not enough, so I fought for full-custody of my son because of his living conditions with his mother. I won full custody. Subsequently, the art was put on hold for 5 years while I raised him from age 13 to manhood (men don’t always abandon their children). My job then was to get him stable and out of high school. We did! He's now married, in the Army, with two beautiful children (if you follow me socially, then you know all about them :)). The last few years have been about going after my dreams.
In 2010, I felt led to pick my art career back up. Since then, I've worked hard and have been a part of some of the most life-changing opportunities from children's books, to creating/donating community murals (domestic and abroad), the launch of my iconic character - Hoe Mama Check This Video OUT , working with a local orphanage, starting The Urban ARTs Club of Charleston - where I mentored a small group of teens and taught street art, I've illustrated a couple of children's books. The last title was nominated for a NAACP Image Award in 2013. I'm currently in the planning stages of my third book right now called: "The Seed Keeper", which I'm writing, illustrating and publishing myself in 2016. Plus, all of the easel paintings produced over the last two years.
I truly feel blessed.
In January of last year (2015), I took a HUGE leap of faith and changed my status to part-time at my day job. Yep! I've worked full-time the entire time while I've accomplished all of the things stated above. Many people are shocked to learn this based on my production rate --- but when you're truly passionate you find a way (I make many sacrifices too). My goal is to be fully self-employed (I still work 32 hours a week for my organization) and earn a living using my gifts and talents to help nourish the planet even more. We have to be the change we want to see, right?.
An amazing thing has happened over the past two years, but definitely over the 12 months - more and more Souls are showing up and "The Work" is shifting their lives in beautiful ways. Each and every day I receive the most heart-warming messages from people women, men, and children - from all over the world. Many notes have me in tears of gratitude as we share our truths with one another. And, it's my practice to reply to every person personally. Together...we've developed soul-full, authentic connections that I for one cherish.
And...
It's absolutely time to take things to the next level and I cannot do it alone.
As a small business there's a constant struggle for two things: cash flow and time. That's intensified when you're a one-man-show like me. I handle every aspect of my business single-handedly --- from producing product: creating actual art, sales: invoicing and payments, to content: photos and videos, to marketing: social media, to ordering supplies from vendors, to customer service: answering question and serving, to accounting: keep up with receipts and spending, to packaging/shipping: I put each print or package together by hand, and much more. Honestly, it gets overwhelming at times, but SO worth every ounce of effort!
As a business owner committed to my dream, I have to be truthful about the areas I need to improve in and address them accordingly. I've realized if I'm truly going to expand "The Work" I'm going to have to come up with a better strategy to accomplish my goals for 2016, and get the materials/equipment to make that possible. I’ve re-invested most of my sales back into my business.
Here's the amount I need to raise: $4,000.00
1. New Mac Air w/ accessories:
(I have a 2009 iMac with out dated software and no warrantee. Apple won't even service it. So for the last two years, I've literally been using my iPhone and tablet to handle 95% of my business affairs and ALL social media posts/interactions. I can't even use my iMac to engage/interact on social media because the browsers are all outdated. Additionally, syncing my newer phone and tablet with my iMac takes four times longer because of software conflicts - which means my efficiency is drastically impacted. I have some AMAZING ideas that I absolutely need a better computer for such as: "LIVE" painting sessions with Google Hangout and much, much more. Oh yeah, I've done the research – the reason I decided on an Air versus Mac Book Pro are for two reasons: 1. Price point. 2. Lighter to carry --- cause I plan to travel, and hopefully meet YOU. Pack light:)).
2. Printer:
(Presently, I have to generate hand-written mailing labels for each order because the newer printers don't sync with my old computer. This literally takes me hours depending on the volume of orders. A new printer will allow me to purchase postage online and print out mailing labels in a jiffy, drop shipments off to the Post Office without standing in line ---- giving me more time to do what I love --- paint!)
3. Software: Adobe Suite (Photoshop) and QuickBooks (accounting)
4. Digital Camera:
(I've never owned a quality digital camera; I've only used my iPhone for pictures and video. I'm not always pleased with the quality of the photos or videos of my work; to put all the effort that I do into the paintings, and then not present them in the best possible fashion gut wrenching for me. With the advances in the digital world like 4k ---- I can generate high quality videos for you to view. Additionally, with a camera I'll be able to better express my creative vision on a whole and capture the moments to share with you.)
5. Professional Lighting Kit:
(My studio is in my home, and the lighting is not great. I've found a vendor who offers superb lighting solutions at a fair price. This ties in with producing better videos and photography as well).
6. Travel Equipment: Easel, Hard Cases to store paintings and supplies in while traveling.
(I desire to be on the road and bring this art to the masses. There are some amazing opportunities being presented to me in 2016 and I have to be able to move my product safely. This professional grade equipment is just what I need. They are airline approved and make traveling much easier. They are pricey but so worth it. The case I traveled to California with lass September took a beating and will not hold up for future trips.)
7. Pen Tablet:
(My next children's book will be edited fully in Photoshop and a quality pen tablet is critical in executing work professionally and efficiently. With it, I'll be able to continue the progress on the story while I travel. Definitely a piece of equipment I will need to get this project complete. The tale is sure to inspire children (and big kids) for a long time.
Well, that's everything on my list.
Why I chose GoFundMe:
My aim is to keep my pricing at a level as not to make collecting my art hard to do. I believe art should be accessible to all, not just the wealthy. So by coming up with a "Go Fund Me" campaign - I won't have to generate debts that then are weaved into my pricing. PLUS I'm all about creative, fun WIN-WIN situations such as this!
So for all those who have desired to OWN a canvas piece of my work but have been financially challenged --- HERE’S YOUR CHANCE!
AND…if you’re inspired to support my hopes of having expanding my creative endeavors – even better!!
I offer you the chance to win "Blakk Pearl" - this BEAUTIFUL, INSPIRING and UPLIFTING Original Acrylic Painting (size: 36" x 36") – Valued at $2k!
For every $20.00 donated, one chance at winning will be in your name. So, if you donate $100 --- you've increased your chance of winning by 5 times. Imagine bragging to your family and friends about winning this for such a small investment.
Drawing will be held February 14, 2016,
* Minimum goal: $1,200.00
(Side note: I’ve done the math. Between my mailing list, and all my followers on social media, that number is over 13k Souls. To meet this goal, it ONLY takes 200 people putting $20 in the hat. Totally doable if we work together, RIGHT?!.)
Also, there are no additional costs to the winner I’ll cover shipping/packaging and insurance. The winner will have "Blakk Pearl" within (10) days of announcement. You'll have to find a great spot on the wall for her --- she makes a statement:).
IF any of the work that has come out of my studio (art, posts, etc.) has blessed you, your life, or your family in any way...please consider supporting this initiative. If you don’t have $20 but just want to show some love, any amount will be humbly appreciated. I won’t let you down.
Thank you, Thank YOU!!!
Let’s make 2016 AMAZING!
Peace and Blessings ~
I invite you to learn more about me:
www.faristudiosart.com
www.facebook.com/faristudiosart
www.instagram.com/faristudiosart
Organizer
JahSun Mitchell
Organizer
Charleston, SC
