#SmallCreatorsFest Gift Guide: Friends of Fandom Forward
Happy #SmallCreatorFest, everyone! From November 8–14, 2021, we’re going to be celebrating small creators from across fandoms. In addition to hearing from the artisans and creatives themselves during panel discussions, we’re also going to be publishing these gift guides to help you learn a bit more about the brands they’ve built and with any merch plans you may have. Let’s get started.
There’s something truly special about fan communities. We’re so grateful to have the friendships and partnerships we do. This gift guide will feature merch picks from Black Girls Create. NaNoWriMo, The Protego Foundation, This Star Won’t Go Out, and Wizards in Space Magazine. Featured items were chosen by Fandom Forward staff members.
Black Girls Create
About Them: Founded in 2015, Black Girls Create is a unique intersectional hub for Black creators and critical fandom.
Items: T-shirts, pins, stickers, and other digital offerings.
Our Pick: These Bewitching Bonds Anthology
- “These Bewitching Bonds Anthology” is a digital showcase of fantastical poetry and fiction written by members of the Black Girls Create and Wizards in Space communities.
Why It’s Awesome: Black Girls Create is a unique intersectional hub for Black creators and critical fandom. Purchasing their merchandise helps support their amazing mission of celebrating and critiquing pop culture while advocating for more media representation for Black folks. Check out their awesome programs and podcasts in addition to their shop!
Price: $18.00 (USD)
Upcoming Small Creators Fest Event:
- Sat, Nov 13 at 2 p.m. ET: Becoming a Creator & Building an Audience w/ Black Girls Create and Wizards in Space. (YouTube)
- Description: Want to get started making art and finding an audience as a small creator? Learn how Black Girls Create and Wizards in Space built their communities and got their start, and get their advice on how you can, too!
Nanowrimo
About Them: NaNoWriMo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides tools, structure, community, and encouragement to help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds — on and off the page.
Items: Clothing, drinkables, books & things, accessories, and posters.
Our Pick: “Noveling Fuel” Travel Cup
Why It’s Awesome: Perfect for whatever creative juices you need while writing, wherever you are!
Design By: Alyssa Alarcón Santo
Price: $30 (USD)
The Protego Foundation
About Them: The Protego foundation has been a 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2019 and is a group of fans inspired by the world of Harry Potter to fight for animal rights.
Items: Pillows, totes, apparel, reusable water bottle, pins, face masks, posters, buttons, and stickers.
Our Pick: 17 oz. Insulated Reusable Logo Water Bottle
Why It’s Awesome: The Protego Foundation’s store supports their awesome animal rights work. This water bottle is stainless steel (no plastic here!) and a good size to fit in your backpack or tote.
Price: $30 (USD)
Upcoming Small Creators Fest Event:
- Thurs, Nov 11 @ 8 p.m. ET: Ethical Creation under Capitalism? (YouTube)
- Description: What’s it like being a small creator in a capitalist, algorithm-driven world? How do we contend with creating art inspired by problematic franchises? A special panel featuring w/ Elden Fragrances, Protego Foundation, Hashtag Ruthless Productions, & Fandemonium Design.
This Star Won’t Go Out
About Them: TSWGO has been supporting families suffering from financial hardship related to childhood cancer since its founding in 2011.
Items: Socks, bracelets, charms, bumper stickers, pins, books, apparel, buttons, wristbands, posters, and coloring books.
Our Pick: Esther Day Socks & Don’t Forget To Try Poster
Why It’s Awesome: Their work is inspired by Esther Earl, who was a fellow fan. We honor Esther Day (a day of love) every year.
Save: Use code “SmallCreatorsFest” for 20% our entire shop from November 8–14!
Price: $15 (USD — Socks) & $11.90 (USD — Poster)
Upcoming Small Creators Fest Event:
- TODAY!!!!
- Wed, Nov 10 @ 7 p.m. ET: Creator Spotlight: This Star Won’t Go Out. (Instagram Live)
- Description: Join us for a special conversation with our friends at This Star Won’t Go Out and learn how you can support families facing childhood cancer.
Wizard in Space Magazine
About Them: Wizards in Space Magazine is a literary magazine and community that was founded by Editor-in-Chief Olivia Dolphin in 2015.
Items: Physical prints, digital issues, apparel, pins, and patches.
Our Pick: Issue 01 Digital Edition
Why It’s Awesome: Wizards in Space’s out-of-print magazines are available in PDF’s. We are partial to the first issue, which features Fandom Forward alum, Jackson Bird.
Price: $5.00 (USD — On Sale)
Upcoming Small Creators Fest Event:
- Sat, Nov 13 @ 2 p.m. ET: Becoming a Creator & Building an Audience w/ Black Girls Create and Wizards in Space. (YouTube)
- Description: Want to get started making art and finding an audience as a small creator? Learn how Black Girls Create and Wizards in Space built their communities and got their start, and get their advice on how you can, too!
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Thank you for shopping small this holiday season! To learn more about #SmallCreatorsFest, please visit us here.
