In the workshop, we covered the basics of using Kickstarter to fundraise for your independent, creative projects.

5 things to Ask Yourself When Considering a (Kickstarter) Fundraising Project (remixed from here)

1. How will you tell people about your project?
   What is the 'story' of your project.  The key to a successful project is asking your networks, audience, friends and family for help. Kickstarter is a tool that can turn your networks into your patrons; it is not a source of funding on its own.

   7 Ideas on How To Tell the Story of Your Project Online
   

   • Twitter: post 'excerpts' from media you make
     
   • Use HootSuite - allows you to cross-post to different social networks
   • Upload a video (http://www.blip.tv)
   • Use software that turns your blog/RSS into an eNewsletter like MailChimp
     
   • Make a blog post on your website
   • Email your friends
     
   • Collect ideas for improving your story: Wufoo
     
   
   
2. Rewards are very important.
   Offer something of real value for a fair price. And more experiential rewards, things that loop backers into the story, are incredibly powerful. Most of the successful projects include them — take a look around the site and you’ll see some great examples. PS: Three or four reasonably priced rewards seems to work quite well (think of it as S, M, L, XL).

3. Include a video. It’s more personal.

4. Be clear and specific about your project’s goal.

5. Raise as little as you’ll need to move forward. Projects can raise more, but never less.

• Attendees:
  
  • Thorn Sully: author with publishing company.  Currently sponsoring a writing contest with cash prize: http://www.awordwithyoupress.com
  • Carrie Waddell: graduate film student, doing a documentary on the impact of fatherlessness.  Wants to learn about other funding sources.  Looking for collaborators in San Diego, Los Angeles and New York.  Freelances for MEDIA ARTS Center San Diego
    
  • Moses Rodriguez: film, graphic design and business student.  Recorded his adventures in Israel, producing 10 DVDs.  Recorded different landmarks of Israel.
    
  • Nicolas Simonin: screenwriter, making a series of short movies.  Want to attract people to participating in the creation of these short films.  Also works at Media Arts Center San Diego.  http://www.detour.fr/
    
  • Aliyah Marr: creativity coach and author of Parallel Mind, The Art of Creativity (companion blog here: http://parallelmind.wordpress.com ) Background in Design and Marketing.  Helps people with personal creative life all the way through creating new businesses.  http://www.aliyahmarr.com - "Inspire, engage, empower"
    
  • David Krimmel:  http://www.wheatharvest.org / http://www.krimmelarts.com community public artist.  Currently working on the Wheat Harvest Project at Art Produce Gallery September 11, 2010.  Very involved with local community and developers. 
    
  • Miguel-Angel: does a lot of multi-media projects locally.  http://fronterafilmmakers.ning.com

 Kickstarter Example Projects:

• We Operate Best Together
• Little Brother vs. Big Brother