What in the world is a Founding Collaborator?
At it's core it's fancy speak for "first participant". But more specifically it's looking for someone that is willing to take a leap of faith and work with me on this project. That means working with me to create images that resonate, having patience while we get it wrong a few times and ultimately believing in the project. It's also putting their faith and trust into me, as an artist and a person. That's a lot.
Putting It All Out There
I've done the prep work. Created this website. Thought through a ton of angles. Now I'm searching. Searching for the right person to say "This is great! I'm in!". I'm putting the project out there, asking for feedback and inviting participation.
This is the toughest part, at least for me. I can prepare documents and protocols. I can create mood boards. Peruse inspirational books. Practice with my equipment. But none of that moves the needle forward without someone willing to believe in the project. Believe in me.
I have autism and rejection sensitive dysphoria. That means I have been trained through years of experience to avoid situations just like this. But I'm intentionally putting myself out there.
But Why?
To be blunt, because I really believe in this project. I really think I can actually create something worthwhile here. I can showcase people who deserve to be seen. Together we can show that humans of all kinds are beautiful, inside and out. I hope that's worth the discomfort I'm feeling.
It's hard for me to not see every roadblock or obstacle as a rejection or a sense of failure. I know that it's mostly in my head but it's there just the same. So, this is important work for me to do. To sit with the discomfort while I look for participants.
But on the other side of that discomfort is hope and excitement. Hope that the right person comes along, finds the project compelling and is eager to collaborate. Excitement about working with the first participant and making something beautiful. And that will make it all worthwhile.