Project Overview
AKO Studio is a membership based creative space where artists of different skill levels make use of equipment and software they don’t have the financial means to acquire. Along with presenting an active space for personal development, networking and self promotion, this creative space will provide both digital and traditional media workstations that are up to specifications of industry standards and include the necessary secondary equipment and peripherals.
Through membership, volunteers, outside artists and skill specific demonstrations, AKO Studio will be a support community for artists and animators. Studio Artwork
Founder / Artist Kwesi Overview
Statement of the Problem
There are many talented artists in the United States who are unemployed due to slow job growth in the industry due to outsourcing. College and university graphic arts education can be prohibitively expensive. These factors make it difficult for young animators and designers to acquire and update basic computer art and design skills. Mature professionals in the field are encountering a similar problem of minimal access to the latest computer design technology. The lack of access to technology diminishes the success of all.
The Building Blocks
AKO Studio wants to give artists an outlet for their talent by expanding public awareness of the creative arts industry in the United States. By providing a facility where artists can use technical resources and grow their individual abilities, AKO Studio will also assist artists in effectively reaching and expanding outlets for monetizing and promoting their art.
Project Details
Goals and Objectives
Goal 1. Provide a workspace for amateur and professional artists.
Objective 1.1 Provide traditional media work areas and limited supplies.
Objective 1.2 Provide digital work areas and peripheral equipment.
Objective 1.3 Provide mentorship.
Objective 1.4 Provide promotional support for the work artists create.
Objective 1.5 Provide artists with support in monetizing their output.
Goal 2. Effectively use volunteers to expand the knowledge base of the AKO Studio community.
Objective 2.1 Provide skills tutoring and guidance to artists.
Objective 2.2 Expand opportunities for artist to network and create professional connections.
Objective 2.3 Form member teams that produce and promote their own work.
Goal 3. To promote design and animation to the public.
Objective 3.1 Host Gallery shows that showcase member work.
Objective 3.2 Feature artists and live demonstrations.
Objective 3.3 Operate a Gallery store where member’s artwork and other various media are sold.
Clientele
The primary clients of AKO Studio will be amateur freelance artists who have a desire to work as creative professionals.
The second group of clients of AKO Studio will be professional artists who need access to high end digital equipment and software that they may not have access to.
Both of these sets of artists should also have a desire to interact and exchange ideas, as well as skills, with other member artists for the purpose of networking, developing productive work groups and producing art in an independent fashion.
The third group of clients are artists on staff at local galleries, art organizations, colleges, universities, schools and museums who may need the equipment and space we provide.
All groups are essential to the development of influential, original content to promote the creative arts and to attract patrons to AKO Studio.
Methods
The primary method of achieving our goals will be the creation of a communal studio space that includes work stations for traditional and digital media and as a whole provide:
- Drawing tables, workspaces for use with traditional media as well as computer and digital equipment that member artists would be able to use in order to improve their skills and complete their own personal or freelance projects.
- Encouraging the joint use of both mediums to produce art and animation through onsite mentoring and access to materials both physical and internetbased instruction.
- Providing an optimal setting for events and activities that encourage networking between member artists for producing original content.
- Studiowide productions that involve training, education and skill strengthening through guided direction and mentorship. The end result of such productions would be to develop a body of work both for the studio and the member’s portfolio of professional work.
- A public exhibition and gallery space to show off the work of member artists as well as outside professionals by way of live demonstrations, presentations, talks and screenings.
- A physical and webbased storefront for member artists to sell their own work alongside books and other goods that showcase a variety of talents and to promote the art form to the general public.
- Work in conjunction with local galleries, arts organizations, colleges, universities, schools and museums to promote member artists, the art that they produce, and the various art forms they represent in their work.
Membership
As members of AKO Studio, professional artists will be required to serve as tutors in their fields of expertise. In addition, the professional artists will be expected to contribute to AKO Studio’s educational and outreach efforts by developing and/or performing presentations on methods or topics they specialize in.
Membership tiers:
Standard: $35.00/month Standard Student: $26.00/month
Includes access to equipment during normal business hours.
Plus: $75.00/month Plus Student: $56.00/month
Same as above but with 24hour access to the studio.
Paying in advance yields a discount: 6 months = 10% discount on total 12 months = 20% discount on total
(Need to explore corporate, group and college group rates.)
Staff
Program Director (full time): Responsible for overseeing studio development and growth. Create, devise and explore potential projects and initiatives that fulfill the studio’s goals for it’s members and the community at large.
Operations Manager (full time): Manage the business operations of the studio, including studio finances, it’s equipment and any on site facilities. Will also help to research, develop and finds solutions for funding sources. Provides key management and administrative direction for both Agency fundraising efforts and special events. Requirements: Bachelor's degree or higher in business administration, arts management, or specifically in non-profit management.
Must have strong knowledge of the non-profit industry. and have both fund accounting, and grant writing experience.
2 Studio Assistants (part time): Responsible for maintaining studio appearance, routine correspondence with members on site and assisting the full time staff when needed.
Resources Needed
Personnel Summary
Two full time staff at 100% salary, Two part time staff at 50% salary and one at 25% of salary as a contracted employee.
Facilities
Open studio space rental of no more the 1000 sqft. Must include ample area for cleaning supplies/equipment with deep utility sink, full bathroom for members and staff. Kitchen and bath with shower would be desirable but not essential.