9 Kickstarter and Drip Creators to Follow for Advice and Inspiration
Get the boost you need to push your own creative projects forward—and brighten your Twitter feed to boot.
We all need a pep talk now and then. The nine Kickstarter and Drip creators below are just a few of the many creative professionals using Twitter to share refreshingly honest advice, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at what it’s like to be a creative person working today. We hope their insights can help you push your own creative projects forward — and brighten your feed to boot.
Charlene deGuzman (@charstarlene)
Writer, actor, and professional advice-giver Charlene deGuzman has been making her own short films since 2012. “I hated sitting around and waiting to be able to perform. I wanted to make stuff and put myself out there,” she told us earlier this year. Her Kickstarter-funded film, Unlovable, premiered earlier this year at SXSW and received a Special Jury Recognition. On Twitter, deGuzman offers advice and affirmations for followers dealing with addiction and anxiety, and talks frankly about what it’s like to watch your passion project grow from a seemingly implausible idea to a critically acclaimed award-winner.
Myq Kaplan (@myqkaplan)
On his podcast, Broccoli and Ice Cream, stand-up comedian and Drip creator Mike Kaplan (a.k.a. Myq Kaplan) talks to friends, colleagues, and family members about their work (the “broccoli” in their lives) and the things that bring them joy (the ice cream). And on Twitter, he reminds his followers to celebrate the little ice-cream moments in their own lives and congratulate themselves on making it through each day.
Lindi Ortega (@lindiortega)
Lindi Ortega’s Kickstarter-funded seventh album, Liberty, debuted at the end of March to rave reviews. After nearly retiring from music, Ortega’s new album reflects on her journey to “‘[realize] that I am a good songwriter, and there are people who find comfort in my songs.” On Twitter, she unpacks that journey and offers advice to people who might be experiencing a similar crisis of confidence.
Satsuki Shibuya (@satsukishibuya)
Artist Satsuki Shibuya creates gorgeously meditative poems and paintings “for anyone seeking a moment of clarity in the everyday” — the visual equivalent of closing your eyes and taking a deep breath. Her Twitter is full of equally calming, reflective messages. It’s your moment of Zen online.
C. Spike Trotman (@iron_spike)
C. Spike Trotman is a comics artist and the founder of the independent comics publisher Iron Circus Comics. She’s run 16 Kickstarter projects (and counting) to fund comic books, graphic novels, and anthologies that elevate and celebrate the work of emerging artists and writers, especially women, LGBTQ folks, and artists of color. She also shares “art, comics, and miscellany” with her subscribers on Drip. And on Twitter, she offers her perspective on the comics industry today and what it’s like to run an independent publishing house (and multiple Kickstarter campaigns).
Jim Cummings (@jimmycthatsme)
Actor and filmmaker Jim Cummings’ short film, Thunder Road, was hailed by Indiewire as one of the best shorts ever made. The Kickstarter-funded feature-film version of Thunder Road won the Narrative Feature prize at SXSW this year, and will premiere at Cannes in May. On Twitter, Cummings is not shy about expressing his delight and amazement at this journey — and lets fellow filmmakers know that it can happen to them, too.
Amal El-Mohtar (@tithenai)
Speculative fiction writer and New York Times book critic Amal El-Mohtar is taking a Twitter hiatus until June, but in the meantime you can browse her past tweets on how the focus of your anxiety changes as your career progresses, her advice for writers, and her latest book recommendations. You can also subscribe to her on Drip for samples of her latest work (and occasional recaps of stressful movie theater experiences).
Craighton Berman (@craightonberman)
Designer, illustrator, and seven-time Kickstarter creator Craighton Berman is the founder and creative director of the homewares brand Manual. He also teaches classes and workshops on product and industrial design — and on Twitter, he shares blog posts, illustrations, and other handy guides for aspiring and established makers.
Fran Blanche (@contourcorsets)
Self-taught electronic engineer Fran Blanche is the owner of Frantone Electronics, which she founded in 1994. She’s used Kickstarter to bring back two of her most beloved guitar-effects pedals: the Cream Puff and the Peachfuzz. But when she’s not reviving classic designs, she’s making new things (like a double-necked guitar). Her Twitter offers a behind-the-scenes look at every aspect of the production process — from laser-engraving to assembly to creating light-up displays.
Adam J. Kurtz (@adamjk)
Adam J. Kurtz is the artist and author behind the Unsolicited Advice Weekly Planner series and the creative-companion books 1 Page at a Time, Pick Me Up, and Things Are What You Make of Them. He’s known for his real-talk illustrations that remind you to accept help and advice when you need it, learn from failure, and tokeep going even when things get tough. And his Twitter supplies an endless stream of playful advice and inspiration.
For even more advice and inspiration from artists and makers of all stripes, follow Drip, Kickstarter’s new tool for creators to fund and build community around their work, and The Creative Independent, a Kickstarter-published resource of emotional and practical guidance for creative people.
