artisteconnectPassion, passion, passion. We all have passions and a dream to make it big, but sometimes we don’t know which way is up — and well, we don’t know where to get the funds.
Thankfully, in the Philippines there’s a site called ArtisteConnect.com, a crowdfunding service that can help artists and creatives to launch their projects. Diego Mapa and Jason Torres, the brains behind this awesome site, shared a few tidbits about their startup.
According to Diego Mapa, the site’s marketing and web manager:
Artisteconnect.com is a crowdfunding site based in Manila open mainly to artists who need funds for their creative ideas or projects. However it is also open to all artisans that can use the tool to their advantage. So most of the projects in the site are now in the areas of music and film, but also we are open to events, product testing – it could be any creative idea.Can you explain to us how this works?
DM: You sign up with site, put up a project. Let’s say I am going to make a music album and print 300 CDs. Set the target pledge or money. For example, I could be need P50,000 ($1,176). Set the target date: March 2013. Then create your Pledge Options, this is where you can earn money pledges, from the products or services you offer, e.g. Click 500 and get a CD, click 1000 and get a CD and shirt, and finally click 1500 get a CD, T-shirt, and your name in the thank you notes of the CD.After you’ve completed all fields, now you can share your page’s URL on your social network sites. And the more you share it, the higher the chances you will earn pledges from your friends, relatives, and fans. Why and when was Artiste Connect founded?
DM: It was founded around May 2012 by attorney Lezyl Ponce; Proudcloud partner and programmer, Jason Torres; and marketing head, Mark Laccay. It was founded mainly to provide a tool to artists to raise funds for their projects. And also the difference between Artiste Connect and other crowd funding sites is that the site is designed to address the needs of our local artists. There are easier ways to pay for your pledges, to sign contracts for legalities, etc.Who are your clients?
DM: In our back end we have more than a hundred projects. But those active are around 50 and steadily growing. Our past clients have ranged from directors, bands, solo artists, chefs, events teams etc. To name a few:Can you share a little about your revenue model?
- Film makers– Vincent Moon, Marie Jamora, Sigfried Sanchez, Dan Gil, Emmanuel Cruz
- Music– Color It Red, Tarsius, Outerhope, Taken By Cars, Jensen Gomez
- Others– Mark Salvatus, Dayang Yroala, and Lisandro Claudio
JT: Since we started, our model is basically takes 10 percent of the amount a project has raised. That share is actually not that big, it only keeps the site afloat, it goes to tech, legal, accounting, customer support, and marketing.Do you currently have investors?
JT: Given the benefit that the founders have their own day jobs. Artisteconnect has been bootstrapped and supported by the founders and we’re proud of that. However, we recognise the need for capital and connections to expand our operations so we are already in talks with a couple of local and foreign investors that supports our vision and are willing to join us on our advocacy. DM: The artists also have their own discovered patrons who just suddenly pop up when they like the project.Who are you competitors and what makes you different?
JT: Currently in Manila, as far as we know we’re the only crowdfunding site in the country, I maybe wrong there but… we’re hearing some rumors of other crowdfunding sites coming up.Personally, I am so excited to know that a site like this exists, one that can help creatives reach their full potential by giving them a platform to start reaching their dreams and goals.
