Super Awesome: Shameless Self-Promotion

Talking up my work is not something I’m especially good at. But when it involves helping others I have no problem with it so please read on, fair reader(s)!

I’ve been trying for quite a while to figure out a way to make art and help people at the same time. Not too long ago I started reading “Start Something That Matters” by Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS. After reading his story, I realized that starting something that helps people doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. I kept hearing the voice of my friend Tammy O’Reilly in my head saying, “Bring what ya’ got!” and after some brainstorming and late nights planning, fifty/50 was born.

Fifty/50 is a card company that donates at least 50% of its profits to causes that help children and youth to live, learn, and create. (You can read more about the mission of the company on the website.) I’m really excited about this because I get to combine all my passions: creativity, communication, and helping others. And I also can help build a community of like-minded people that have similar passions and want to help change the world! I am sooo excited about this! I have started designing all kinds of cards and carving stamps and designing packaging… my graphic design degree is finally paying off! ;)

I invite you to check out the website and send me any questions, suggestions, or ideas you have for how to get the word out about fifty/50‘s mission. In May and June we will be giving the money to Village of Hope in Zambia. (You may remember a post I did about Hope Art recently.) I love that they are so committed to feeding and educating kids as well as providing homes for orphans and providing job opportunities to women. I hope to be able to raise enough to sponsor a couple of kids at the school, so I’d better get printing!

If you live in Michigan, you can pick up some of the cards at the 210 Main gallery in Milford. Hopefully I will have more locations soon. And if you live in the Blacksburg, Virginia area, I will be bringing some with me when I visit in May! If you would like to carry some cards at your location or if you would like to purchase custom-made holiday cards for your family, church, or business, please contact me!