This initiative is now over. Thank you to all who participated!
What is this?
Small businesses are really hurting as a result of social distancing and shelter-in-place practices. We’ve all been encouraged to buy gift cards to help local businesses get through this lean cash flow moment, but not everyone has enough extra cash to do that. But we do all have time, and many creatives would happily work at a discounted rate today in order to have some coffee, a sandwich or a beer once life gets back to normal.*
How does this work?
For example, let’s say Brad’s Brake Shop needs some content updated on their website. They get matched with Lindsey, a web designer, and she works for 2 hours updating their website. When Lindsey is done, she lets Brad know and he sends her 2 $50 gift cards for Hot Bean Water, a local coffee shop.
Now Brad’s website is updated, Hot Bean Water has an extra $100 in cash flow this month, and Lindsey has lattes and chicken salad croissants waiting for her this summer.
How to get involved
So if you have a small creative project that you’d like to hire someone for—some website edits, maybe some photo editing, or updates to your existing brand materials—fill out the Clients form below! And if you’re a creative stuck at home with more time than money, here’s an opportunity to turn this unexpected downtime today into coffees and lunches at your favorite business later.
*We’re not sure when life will get back to normal, but we’d like our favorites small businesses to still be around when it does!
FAQs
Why are you doing this?
Like most people during this COVID-19 crisis, creatives are stuck at home and not able to patronize their favorite businesses in person. We’ve all been encouraged to buy gift cards to help local businesses get through this lean cash flow moment, but not everyone has enough extra cash to do that. But we do all have time, and many creatives would happily work at a discounted rate today in order to have coffees, a sandwiches or a beer once life gets back to normal.*
What kind of projects can volunteer creatives do?
Contributing creatives can handle a wide variety of small (between 1 to 3 hour) projects. Graphic designers, photo editors, animators, video editors, photographers, videographers, writers, etc., are all welcome to participate.
How do you process payments?
Creatives will contribute a few hours of their time, at a set hourly rate of $50/hour. (This would be a discounted rate for most area creatives.) Once the project is complete, clients will be directed to purchase gift cards for local businesses, for the creative to redeem whenever the world gets back to normal.* (AIGA will connect the creatives and client, and help facilitate the working relationship, but will not process payments directly.)
Additional questions or feedback?
You can contact us here or reach out via our Facebook page.
