teen daughter sets up GoFundMe for her dad: struggling artist, Gulf War Veteran, single dad

[eShirl]

Gerry's an old friend of mine that I haven't been in touch with for a few years, very creative and hardworking but currently going through a professional, and therefore financial, dry period. Please consider throwing a buck or two his way if you have some to spare. (Alternatively, you could commission art from him!)

In his daughter's words:

Now let me tell you a bit about my dad. I have never seen anyone who works as hard at everything, as my dad. He is a very proud man, and it took a lot of convincing for him to agree to my doing this. You see, my dad has raised me all by himself, without child support or much help of any kind from anyone. He did it on his own. More importantly, he has always made sure I was taken care of, and has been there whenever I needed him, being both my dad as well as my mom. Dad’s a veteran, having served as an Army Combat Medic. He’s also an amazing artist, and has been doing art for a living for over 20 years. In fact, he worked in advertising and marketing for 12 years, before being laid off in 2008, because of the economy, and after that he had to face not being able to find a traditional job, because of the economy, so he has done what many in his field have had to do; freelance. My dad has worked every day since 2008, and on average, works 10 to 12 hours a day. He has to, just for us to get by. And when he isn’t working on commissions, he is working on his next graphic novel, Vindicated Inc, a project that has garnered a lot of attention from the national media, because it’s an action thriller graphic novel about disabled veterans; a subject very important to my dad.

Now, since going freelance, my dad has worked on and created some major books for companies like IDW Publishing, EA Games, 20th Century Fox, Xbox, and more. You see that and you must think, he’s got to be financially successful. But, I have learned, from being his daughter, artists are not treated or paid well. In fact, only 13% of comic artists are financially comfortable. A majority struggle, go uninsured, have to be more creative in finding ways to get by. That’s my dad. And he’s struggled with medical issues, from diabetes, arthritis and depression from PTSD. I have never seen a day my dad didn’t face the day, no matter what was going on or how he felt. I hate seeing my dad struggle, and try and keep a stiff upper lip, when I know it is weighing on him, worried he is failing me.

2016 started out great, and we had high hopes, with lots of completed commissions. He did a few book covers as well as a TV series comic, but it all tapered off by Fall. Since then, purse strings of clients tightened, we think because of the shaky economy and the elections. So, now we hit December, and three separate clients over the last couple weeks backed out of projects, again because of finances, and we have bills due; most importantly rent and utilities. My dad tries hiding it, but he looks so exhausted.

My dad has raised me to be accountable, responsible, and to always be prepared to take charge when needed. Something he learned from the Army. So, I took on a job this fall, with Starbucks, to try and help, but I'm limited to what I can do, because I am in school. Dad made it clear, education comes first. A family friend suggested GoFundMe. So, I wrote this letter in hopes we can get help from others who understand what it’s like. Dad ignored his pride, and accepted, and gave me his blessings to tell of our situation.

He's raising an awesome young lady.

https://www.gofundme.com/struggling-single-father-and-artist

[Skittles]

1. two amazing people

K&R

[eShirl]

2. Here's one example of Gerry's non-comic book art.

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/infamy-gerry-kissell.html