FUNDING A JOURNEY

As an illustrator, I have always wanted to do more with my art - give back in some way by inspiring others - especially children. For the last several years I have been developing a portfolio to enter children's publishing in order to follow my dream. The work paid off. Out of a pool of applicants through the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, I was chosen to work with award winning illustrator, Yuyi Morales in the 2009 Mentor Program. It is an amazing honor and opportunity.
Perfect opportunities don't always come around when they're easy and I don't have the funds available for this one right now. I've never been one to give up, so I have come up with a creative way to share my journey, pay for the program, and replace income from illustrating when the program and work overlap. I am selling "shares" in my journey and will be sending more than double the value in my artwork to contributors at the $35, $50, and $75 levels. (Contributions to my Journey in any amount are very welcome.)

$35 LEVEL
6 - Notecards (Your choice of images from my online portfolio.)
1 - 8x10 Signed Limited Edition Print (Your choice from the images I produce in the mentor program. I will only produce 75 - 8x10 prints from each image.)
TOTAL VALUE: $87

$50 LEVEL
1 - 5x7 Signed Print (Your choice of images from my online portfolio.)
12 - Notecards (Your choice of images from my online portfolio or Mentor Program images.)
1 - 8x10 Signed Limited Edition Print (Your choice from the images I produce in the mentor program. I will only produce 75 - 8x10 prints from each image.)
TOTAL VALUE: $122

 $75 LEVEL
1 - 5x7 Signed Print (Your choice of images from my online portfolio.)
12 - Notecards (Your choice of images from my online portfolio or Mentor Program images.)
2 - 8x10 Signed Limited Edition Print (Your choice from the images I produce in the mentor program. I will only produce 75 - 8x10 prints from each image.)
TOTAL VALUE: $187

HOW DO YOU CONTRIBUTE?
1. Click on the ChipIn button below and you will be taken to a secure payment page where you can pay by credit card or Paypal.
2. After payment, I will contact you by the email address you used when paying to find out which images you want so that available images can be shipped right away. (Images can be seen at KristenSchwartz.com) Mentor images will be available after the program ends in October 2009 and can be chosen as soon as they are posted on this blog from April to October. (Make sure to follow my journey!)

In addition, I will be asking contributors (of any amount) to name favorite objects, fantastical creatures, and other ideas to work into the illustrations I create in the Mentor Program. I will work in as many of the top 5 ideas that I can. I want you on the journey with me!

Please email me if you have any questions at all.
Thank you for your support!