Fostering Community Through Collaboration with Illegal Pete’s Collaborating with Illegal Pete’s for this event is a natural fit for bringing the community together in a fun and engaging way. By featuring their locally-loved chips and salsa, we not only provide guests with a delightful culinary experience but also connect the art show to the local culture of Denver. This partnership underscores the theme of the show, blending creativity with local flavors in a way that feels personal and unique. The highlight of this collaboration will be the custom dye-cut tortilla chips shaped like my character, Serling Curious, which adds a playful and thematic element to the event. This small yet creative touch brings the art show to life in unexpected ways, making it more interactive and memorable for attendees. It’s a reflection of how art can extend beyond the canvas and become an experience. Including Illegal Pete’s logo on the flyer and offering attendees a coupon for their restaurant locations will drive traffic to a beloved community hub, further solidifying the connection between local businesses and the creative scene. This collaboration not only enhances the event itself but also supports local business and strengthens ties within the Denver community.

WeeBees: Seeds of Wonder

WeeBees: Seeds of Wonder – The Story UnfoldsWeeBees: Seeds of Wonder gives me the opportunity to dive deeper into the narrative of the WeeBees and bring it to life for audiences interacting with the game and those attending the art show. The whimsical world I depict is not just a backdrop—it exists inside the top hat of Serling Curious, an elusive mystic known for his mysterious travels and magical abilities.Legend has it that Serling traveled to Africa in search of rare magic seeds, hoping to conjure a new spell or trick that would astonish the world. However, no one knows exactly what spell he intended to cast. In an unexpected twist, the seeds he found created something far more extraordinary—a new world. Inside his hat, the seeds sprouted as they attracted gas molecules from the atmosphere, forming life in the shape of clouds and plants. Thus, the WeeBees were born, and the whimsical world within his hat took on a life of its own, stormy skies and all.The game WeeBees: Seeds of Wonder offers a glimpse into this unique world. As players explore the vibrant landscapes and characters that inhabit Serling’s creation, they will uncover the lore, magic, and wonder behind the WeeBees. This project allows me to share not just a story, but an experience that connects players to the imaginative, cloud-filled world that’s been living inside Serling Curious’s mysterious hat.

DSDII’m working with DSDI, a local non-profit organization, to project the game onto the wall or canvas using projection mapping. This collaboration adds a dynamic and immersive element to the show, allowing attendees to engage with the world of the WeeBees in an exciting way. Supporting DSDI through this project not only enhances the event but also strengthens their role as a positive force within Denver's creative community, helping them continue to uplift local artists and innovators.

DSDI

📚 Imagination Fund Project BriefProject name:WeeBees: Seeds of WonderProject description:Seeds of Wonder" is a platform game featuring the WeeBees, cloud-like beings with seeds for souls, navigating a world inside the mystic Serling Curious' hat. This project will be exhibited as an interactive art installation, combining gameplay with original paintings and drawings, showcasing the characters and world-building from the game in a fine art context.Creator(s) name:Derek Simon, professionally known asTotal requested amount$10,000Budget breakdownPlease view my itemized list showing how the funds will be used to complete my project<ul><li>Game Development (GameSalad Tier + Publishing Costs) Paid Tier (for publishing to iOS and Google Play): $300 (annual subscription)<ul><li>Game Publishing Fees (Google Play, iOS): $100 (Google Play: $25, iOS: $99)</li><li>Game Assets Creation (artwork, animation, sound design - an opportunity to collaborate and compensate producers in my network): $1,500<ul><li>Total: $1,900</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Gallery/Event Space Rental Venue rental (3 days: Fri-Sun): $1,500<ul><li>Total: $1,500</li></ul></li><li>Marketing Social Media Ads (boosted posts): $400<ul><li>Flyers (design &amp; printing): $200<ul><li>Total: $600</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Artworks (Materials &amp; Production)<ul><li>Canvas, paper, paints, brushes, printing materials for artworks: $1,200</li><li>Dye-cut tortilla chips for Serling Curious’ head: $150</li><li>Tortilla chips from Illegal Pete’s: $150 Total: $1,500 Interactive Art Component Projector rental: $400 Collaboration with <a href="https://www.dsdi.space/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">DSDI</a> (technical setup for interactive art): $700<ul><li>Total: $1,100</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>DJ<ul><li>DJ fee for the event: $300 Total: $300 Labor Costs (My Pay + Reimbursement for Materials)</li></ul></li><li>Artist fee<ul><li>My labor &amp; time for both game dev and art creation: $2,500</li><li>Reimbursement for art supplies and game-related materials: $1,000<ul><li>Total: $3,500</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>Link to your round 1 application:<a href="https://www.playbook.com/s/sky-welkin/imagination-fund-pitch-by-sky-welkin2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">[insert link]</a>

My WhyThis project is driven by my deep passion for demonstrating the often-overlooked power of illustration, particularly from cartoonists and comic artists. These artists have made significant contributions to pop culture, shaping the way we see and understand stories and characters. Yet, their work is often excluded from the fine art and contemporary art settings, where they truly deserve recognition.As a Black artist, this project and art show represent not just a personal milestone, but a moment to challenge the norms of who gets to participate in these artistic conversations. Bringing the WeeBees platform game and interactive art show to life is a celebration of illustration as a form of artistic expression, one that can stand alongside the most revered forms of fine art. This project is about more than just creating a game or an exhibit—it’s about expanding the boundaries of what art can be.To be able to pursue and complete a project like this means opening doors not just for myself, but for other independent illustrators and cartoonists, especially those from minority backgrounds. I hope this work inspires others to dream big and see that their unique artistic voices can thrive in spaces that have historically been less inclusive. This show is a testament to the transformative power of art, and I want to help others see the value in it, just as I have.

Clarifying The Potential Impact<ul><li>Elevating Illustrative Art in Fine Art Spaces: One of the primary goals of this project is to elevate illustration and cartoon-inspired art into the fine art and contemporary art world. By merging a platform game with an interactive art exhibition, this project pushes the boundaries of what fine art can include, offering a fresh perspective on the artistic value of illustration. This fusion of traditional and digital art forms not only brings these often-overlooked mediums into the spotlight but also creates a dialogue about how various artistic expressions deserve equal recognition in contemporary art spaces.</li><li>Inspiring Other Minority Artists: As a Black artist, this project has the potential to inspire other minority artists, particularly indie illustrators and cartoonists, to dream big and aim for visibility in spaces where they are often underrepresented. By successfully bringing this project to life, I hope to demonstrate that artistic diversity—whether through medium, style, or cultural background—has an important place in the art world. The ripple effect of this could be immense, encouraging artists from marginalized communities to pursue projects that may have been previously considered too niche or unconventional for mainstream recognition.</li><li>Fostering Community Connections: This project actively engages with the local community through partnerships with both businesses and non-profit organizations. Collaborating with Illegal Pete’s will introduce a fun, thematic element to the show by featuring custom Serling Curious tortilla chips, creating a unique and memorable experience for attendees while also supporting a beloved local business. This collaboration strengthens community ties by incorporating the local culture into the event and driving traffic to their restaurant through promotional offers. Additionally, working with <a href="https://www.dsdi.space/home-denver-immersive-interactive-arts" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">DSDI</a>, a non-profit organization, to project the game onto the wall or canvas during the show is another key way this project fosters community connections. By compensating DSDI for their technical services, this partnership not only supports a local non-profit but also introduces their expertise to a broader audience. This collaboration underscores the project’s commitment to community growth, supporting local organizations, and creating interactive experiences that bring art to life in innovative ways.</li><li>Long-Term Growth and Expansion: This project is not a one-time event. The game demo I’m developing will eventually be expanded into a fully playable platform game that can be published on the Google Play Store and iOS. This allows the game and the characters to live on far beyond the art show, reaching a broader audience and potentially opening doors for future collaborations, licensing, or even educational opportunities. Additionally, the interactive art concept tested in this show could serve as a foundation for future art installations, traveling exhibitions, or other digital/physical hybrid events, broadening the scope of where and how this project can evolve.</li><li>Audience Engagement and Experience: The interactive nature of the project ensures a unique and memorable experience for attendees. By involving projections, playable game demos, and fun thematic elements like the Serling Curious tortilla chips, this show invites guests to participate rather than just observe. The emotional impact comes from the sense of curiosity and wonder that the show is designed to evoke—something that aligns perfectly with the characters and world of the WeeBees. The show aims to leave guests feeling inspired, connected to the artwork, and eager to see where the project will go next.</li></ul>

Group of 2 assets

The story and my reasons that drive it.

Personal Vision

Clarifying The Impact

This board outlines all the important details of my project – everything from the concept and vision to the budget breakdown. You’ll also find sketches and mockups that show how the idea will take shape.

Step 1: Details & Budget

Step 1: Details & Budget /Clarifying The Impact

Step 1: Details & Budget /Personal Vision

Step 1: Details & Budget /Community Involvement

Build your own visual library

Step 1: Details & Budget

Step 1: Details & Budget /Clarifying The Impact

Step 1: Details & Budget /Personal Vision

Step 1: Details & Budget /Community Involvement