Journal Update

Here is the third entry in my Australia Zoo blog. I wanted to highlight how I managed to get over some of the initial financial challenges I encountered with my third place "Khaki It" contest finish.

-PART 1-
-PART 2-
-PART 3-
-PART 4-
-PART 5-
-PART 6-
-PART 7-
-PART 8-
-PART 9-
-PART 10-

Australia Zoo Journal - Part 3

I was downtrodden from my third place finish for quite some time afterwards, though I continued to forge ahead in my studies. I couldn't afford to think very much about the travel voucher that I had won, though when my mind became clear I found myself entertaining various options that could allow me the opportunity to visit Australia.

Several individuals suggested selling my photography through prints as a means for raising money for a flight, though initially I scoffed at the idea. I would occasionally sell a print or two on DeviantArt, but the prospect of selling enough to cover a trans-Pacific round-trip set of flights seemed daunting to say the least. It wasn't until I found significantly discounted airfare that I began to seriously consider putting energy into fundraising.

One stipulation of the voucher was that it had to be used within a period of one year so I had some reservations with trying to raise a few thousand dollars within such a short period of time. However, after some encouragement from friends and family, I decided to give it a shot. What I lacked in confidence I made up for in brash stubbornness; the opportunity was still there and, as long as it was, I would continue to try and make it work.

On my DeviantArt account, I decided to hold a special sale to help raise money for a potential trip to Australia. Despite some encouragement from others, I often found myself thinking that I was in well over my head. Selling photography is an art unto itself and quite the challenge for even the most talented individuals. Nevertheless, I tried to market myself as best as possible, offering a range of products and reinforcing the idea that it would help me fulfill a dream of mine.

The response from DeviantArt and elsewhere was quite surprising. A respectable number of friends, particularly on DeviantArt offered their support. I was hardly making money hand over fist, but there was a steady flow of income, fueling a steady increase in confidence.

At university, I created a large display with sale and species information, holding a table over the course of a few days. Marketing to students in the same financial state as myself was perhaps not the best strategy, though I was able to raise some money while sharing art and conservation stories.

I maintained close scrutiny on my finances and with every sale came a renewed sense of hope. Any spare money that came my way was added to the total. However, a friend would eventually step up with support that almost single-handedly put a trip to Australia within my reach.

A friend from a conservation organization whom I had worked with extensively offered to buy a set of calendars as part of their responsibilities to provide gifts for stellar volunteers. I was floored with the offer. Combined with the money I was making from other sources, it was enough to pay for a round-trip ticket.

With plane tickets covered and the Australia Zoo Travel voucher in hand to subsidize the trip, I found myself only having to worry about accommodation and food. After meditating on the subject and discussion with others, I decided to commit myself to a trip. Ultimately, it was an incredible opportunity to fulfill a dream, one too valuable to put aside. I also felt indebted to those who had supported me either with votes in the contest or sales from prints to make the effort to get myself to Australia.

I eventually secured my brother as someone willing to go on the trip with me. If it was anything I learned about traveling in Asia it was that no matter how amazing the travel experience, such experiences are best shared with someone you care about. I was grateful for that.

I chose early May as a starting date, just after graduating from university. There was no turning back.

---

It's an interesting feeling to make money from art. The fact that someone is willing to buy something you've created and put it on their wall serves as a tremendous honour. In this regard, it is similar to working with tigers and other endangered species: the honour is not lost in time, it is perpetual. Thank you to everyone who purchased prints and other products which helped me fulfill my dream. I could not have done it without you.

-PART 1-
-PART 2-
-PART 3-
-PART 4-
-PART 5-
-PART 6-
-PART 7-
-PART 8-
-PART 9-
-PART 10-

</div