Building My Crowd
Step 1 - Learning from those who've done it
One piece of advice I keep seeing about crowdfunding is: slow down and spend time engaging with people who are already doing what you want to do. Look at their projects, learn from them, ask them questions.
In A Crowdfunder's Strategy Guide: Build a Better Business by Building Community, author Jamey Stegmaier insists on engaging with people without mentioning your own project. I get what he’s saying, “you don’t want to come off like you’re only talking to someone for the chance to pitch yourself.”
But honestly? When I tried to avoid talking about my project, I just felt like a creep. If I don’t say I’m also working on an indie series, my interest feels disingenuous. Like I can feel them waiting for me to reveal my true evil intentions. That’s why the key is to be upfront with a little here’s how I found you, here’s where I am in my own process, here’s why I want to learn from you. Then I never have to talk about my project again, unless it comes up naturally. The point is this isn’t about me.
I Kinda Forgot What It Felt Like to Be Inspired
I’ve been in a bit of a brain fog trying to work out the way forward and in doing that I forgot to be a fan of cool ass animation.
Work-wise the animation landscape right now is a total bummer. BUT when you talk to the people chasing their own visions, the optimism is contagious AF. It feels good to be around people who refuse to wait for permission to create (did I just discover a new rhyming mantra!? I love those!)
Here are some of the projects and creators I spoke to who lit that spark for me-
Cami Kwan – Paper Daughter
A breathtaking, deeply moving stop-motion short currently in production. Cami approaches every step with sharp focus and intention, right down to her behind-the-scenes Instagram. Her stunning Seed and Spark page is a work of art in itself (so it’s no wonder it surpassed its fundraising goal.)
Apartment D – Ruff Ruff Danger Dogs
A kinetic, nostalgic stop-motion action-adventure series on YouTube. Max Lopez shared how he leaned into what moved his audience, building something viewers felt a part of, and through his use of Patreon, learned that people are willing to pay for things that move them. I think people are so hungry for things that feel weird, and authentic, and specific, and this series is doing exactly that. Thank god.
Emily Brundige – Li’l Toughy Studio
Emily turned a professional setback into a whole new creative identity. On her Substack, she writes raw and honest posts about her journey to create a fully voiced animatic for her indie series Strawberry Vampire. Her Kickstarter killed it, raising over $10,000 from 102 backers.
Logan Webb – Lunatic Fringe
Logan is making an animated feature about Bigfoot and cryptids, and I was floored by his clarity of vision and tenacity. He told me he personally reached out to the stars he wanted for the film and attends cryptid conventions to build buzz directly with future fans. Also, he’s super early in his fundraising journey, so there’s still time to jump on this bandwagon.
Figuring Out My Way Forward
So while I build my crowd, I’m also juggling next steps. Right now I need development funds for sample animations and pitch decks, you know, the tools to convince donors that this show is worth backing.
But I will admit I’m a little lost as to where to start. And by that I mean, I go after all of these options at once in random order as they strike me, one day I’m researching Grants then I’m making lists of potential corporate sponsorships. I’ve been teasing the idea of reaching out to celebrities and my talk with Logan really made me excited to do so. BUT the order I do these things feels important, and I don’t want to blow my chances by approaching the wrong people too early. And working out a clear way forward seems important.
So, as my therapist always says: “Are you drinking enough water?” But also: “Make a pros and cons list.” So here we go.
Funding Routes: Pros and Cons
Corporate Donations
Pros: Larger donation amounts, potential ongoing sponsorship, aligned brands (REI, The North Face). Something that says Adventure! and Kids! And reminding kids of the importance of adventure!
Cons: If I approach too early without polished materials, I might not get a second chance, right? Is that even true? Maybe!
Wait Until: I have a producer who can help with a more solid budget, a fierce-ass deck, and undeniable storyboards.
Grants
Pros: Besides the prize money, there is also prestige, the right contest could boost my credibility with donors. Preschool series angle could open more doors to grants outside of just filmmaking.
Cons: Hard to find grants for short-form web series, time-consuming both with the endless search for the right grants and waiting for the seasonal deadlines/ decisions, not to mention entry fees. Applying for the wrong grant is a waste of money, which is why the extra research is vital… but time-consuming.
Wait Until: I have a few short animations to strengthen applications?
Celebrity Outreach
Pros: Star power brings legitimacy, attracts fans, and could open doors even if they don’t directly join the project. I know I can appeal to celebs with young kids (looking at you, Elijah Wood) since they, too, are seeing the drought of emotionally stimulating preschool content.
Cons: Am I far enough along to get their attention? Do I need a grant win first?
Wait Until: I’ve secured some funding or other credibility markers.
Writing this all out made one thing clear: I need a producer ASAP. Someone with the experience to turn my tangled thoughts into a real-life plan.
But even in the uncertainty, I’m holding tight to this: I AM building my crowd, feeling utterly inspired, and refusing to wait for permission.
Now let’s not pluck this up.
(Also need to add “workshop fun catchphrases” to my to-do list.)