Yakira G's College Fund
Donation protected
Hello! My name is Yakira Gurganus, and I am an artistic entrepreneur who is looking for some help with affording college.
A LOVE FOR ART
Ever since I was in elementary school, I dreamed of becoming an animator. The wacky faces and random slapstick comedy showcased in morning cartoons made me think about how cool it would be to have my own show. As I grew up and moved on to shows with more mature themes, I realized that there was much more to cartoons than just making people laugh—it was about telling a story.
MY FIRST STEP
When I was fourteen, I started my first art business; Distant Life Art by Yuuki. With this local business, I sell traditional and digital paintings, jewelry, pins, key chains, and more. In 2018, I started my second art business; Yuuki G’s Artsy Things. With this online business hosted primarily through Redbubble, I sell my original artwork on a variety of products, ranging from apparel to home decor. Since Yuuki G’s Artsy Things is an online business, my products are available all over the globe and I have made sales in the U.S., Australia, Singapore, and France—all places I could never reach by selling locally. With the profit I make from my art businesses, I have raised money to help pay for my college tuition.
THE NEW GAME PLAN
Originally, I planned to attend Savannah College of Art and Design to major in animation. However, as college commitment deadlines came and went, I sadly could not afford to attend my dream school. Instead, I committed to Appalachian State University where I will major in Graphic Design. During college, I also plan to take online independent animation courses. Using my education, I will create and market my artwork to tell fun stories while discussing heavy and important topics. These topics would include life lessons such as self-appreciation, diversity acceptance, learning to take responsibility, and many others.
THE GOAL
My biggest goal is to create a show that teaches people how to spot signs of manipulation, specifically grooming tactics that are present in schools, the workplace, and the family. As a survivor of sexual abuse, I know it is my life's mission to bring awareness to this situation and help prevent it from happening to more people. Along with spreading the message about sexual abuse, I want to introduce viewers to cultures that are not seen in most American cartoons today, including what I know best—my own culture. In the current age, I am more than grateful that Black and Asian culture is being represented in the media more than ever before. However, there is still a lack of representation for multicultural minorities and Asian cultures other than Chinese and Japanese. With my show, I want to introduce viewers to Thai culture, as well as the Black, White, and Asian-mixed culture.
SUPPORTING CHANGE
Donations to this fund will not simply help support me on my journey of affording higher education. Donations to this fund will help me create a show unlike any other before; one that brings healing for the hurt, company for the abandoned, and a voice for the silenced.
Every donation is extremely appreciated. Not only are you helping me afford college, but you're helping me turn a dream I've had since elementary school into reality, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Thank you all for your support! While you're here, check out my online stores!
yuukig.redbubble.com
Student Made Appstate
A LOVE FOR ART
Ever since I was in elementary school, I dreamed of becoming an animator. The wacky faces and random slapstick comedy showcased in morning cartoons made me think about how cool it would be to have my own show. As I grew up and moved on to shows with more mature themes, I realized that there was much more to cartoons than just making people laugh—it was about telling a story.
MY FIRST STEP
When I was fourteen, I started my first art business; Distant Life Art by Yuuki. With this local business, I sell traditional and digital paintings, jewelry, pins, key chains, and more. In 2018, I started my second art business; Yuuki G’s Artsy Things. With this online business hosted primarily through Redbubble, I sell my original artwork on a variety of products, ranging from apparel to home decor. Since Yuuki G’s Artsy Things is an online business, my products are available all over the globe and I have made sales in the U.S., Australia, Singapore, and France—all places I could never reach by selling locally. With the profit I make from my art businesses, I have raised money to help pay for my college tuition.
THE NEW GAME PLAN
Originally, I planned to attend Savannah College of Art and Design to major in animation. However, as college commitment deadlines came and went, I sadly could not afford to attend my dream school. Instead, I committed to Appalachian State University where I will major in Graphic Design. During college, I also plan to take online independent animation courses. Using my education, I will create and market my artwork to tell fun stories while discussing heavy and important topics. These topics would include life lessons such as self-appreciation, diversity acceptance, learning to take responsibility, and many others.
THE GOAL
My biggest goal is to create a show that teaches people how to spot signs of manipulation, specifically grooming tactics that are present in schools, the workplace, and the family. As a survivor of sexual abuse, I know it is my life's mission to bring awareness to this situation and help prevent it from happening to more people. Along with spreading the message about sexual abuse, I want to introduce viewers to cultures that are not seen in most American cartoons today, including what I know best—my own culture. In the current age, I am more than grateful that Black and Asian culture is being represented in the media more than ever before. However, there is still a lack of representation for multicultural minorities and Asian cultures other than Chinese and Japanese. With my show, I want to introduce viewers to Thai culture, as well as the Black, White, and Asian-mixed culture.
SUPPORTING CHANGE
Donations to this fund will not simply help support me on my journey of affording higher education. Donations to this fund will help me create a show unlike any other before; one that brings healing for the hurt, company for the abandoned, and a voice for the silenced.
Every donation is extremely appreciated. Not only are you helping me afford college, but you're helping me turn a dream I've had since elementary school into reality, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Thank you all for your support! While you're here, check out my online stores!
yuukig.redbubble.com
Student Made Appstate
Organizer and beneficiary
Yakira Gurganus
Organizer
Pikeville, NC
Yakira Gurganus
Beneficiary