Why are you asking for money?

My current non-negotiable costs are greater than what SSDI provides, and my reserves are very low. I'm always on the lookout for opportunities to earn money, and I've somewhat come to terms with the fact that a disability prevents me from pursuing most of what I used to do (and what I'm interested in). Most formal employment opportunities carry requirements that align with neurotypical brain capacity, and even the 'reasonable accommodations' required by law in the US don't cover some of the limitations I experience. Between general increasing costs of living, raising a child, and having interests beyond simple survival, I can always use help.

Accountability: are you really going to use donations for creative purposes?

After essential bills are paid, yes. I don't have a credit card or student loans, I don't eat at restaurants regularly, and I've cancelled all my streaming services. I'd stop drinking starbucks and eating avocado toast except I hate coffee and avocados. And I'll be keeping track of every donation: patron name, amount, category designation, and any relevant notes. If I have to pay rent with money someone wanted put toward wood carving, it'll remain allocated on paper until I can fulfill that purpose.

What are your qualifications?

Formally? I have two years worth of undergrad that was originally going to be an Art/Philosophy double major before I burned out hard. I have an AS in Computer Animation from a then-non-accredited school (Full Sail), which is the last time I can remember being an actual force of creativity probably because of the firm structure of the program. Since then, I've picked up pieces of information and skill in making things, and while I constantly struggle with memory problems I retain some confidence in my ability to understand information when my brain allows me to focus.

Can you do *thing not mentioned here*?

If you have a project in mind and it interests me, there's a decent chance I could hyperfocus on it to the point of completion, then lose all interest and set aside the medium for many months/years. Feel free to make your pitch, especially if you're willing to pay for new tools and materials (in addition to reasonable project rates). Pneumatic chisel marble sculpture in the backyard during a Montana winter could be rewarding.

Will you make a video of you making something to prove you're a human who actually makes things and not a con artist or AI hack?

I'm piecing together the knowledge and patience to do that very thing. My only recording device is a cell phone which is actually really good for the task, so it's mostly a matter of planning and correct and careful execution. I've tested recording two projects so far and messed up both times (clunky mistakes and an hour of out of focus footage respectively), so hopefully I'm learning lessons that will lead to a better result when I get it right. Watch this space.

Is this whole thing ill-considered, silly, foolish, or just poorly executed?

Oh. Um, I can see why you might think so, but, ah, hm. Yes, perhaps, if you look at it from a certain perspective. But also I'm relentlessly optimistic that maybe there's a place for me to do my thing in the world, and maybe it doesn't fit exactly into a mold that's working for other people but that doesn't mean I can't give it a try.

My parents were missionaries, and people gave them money for years because there was a common cause: giver and receiver joining together to change the world. I don't share their beliefs, but in a secular context I'm certain that there are many people who don't have the skills, ideas, or time that I have who might like the same kind or partnership.