Swimming Upstream: Opening Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply

On August 26^th, I will be opening Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply at 1301 Main St. in the heart of Over-The-Rhine, Cincinnati, Ohio. This design and art supply store will focus on materials, tools, and resources made in the US, produced sustainably, and beyond the basics currently available locally. The space will also house a studio area for workshops and classes, and the workspace for Smartfish Footwear. For more information about Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply please visit this post. 

Crowdfunding is a new grass-roots form of start-up funding, allowing like-minded people to support small businesses. The philosophy behind crowdfunding is incredibly inspiring; that a community of many people can contribute small amounts and achieve large goals. Our culture is remarkably returning to a place where emphasis and importance are placed on community.

I’ve worked hard to keep start-up costs at a bare minimum, and your support would make this space a reality. I hope you’ll be a part of opening Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply by contributing below.

You can also help by sharing this with anyone you think would find it interesting.

Thank you so much for your interest and support! 

And here’s what you receive in return for helping:

$10 Your name on the wall of the store & a photo of the store from opening night

$20 Local music mix featuring Cincinnati bands/artists, for a bit of inspiration while you work on your next project, & a Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply sticker for your bike, moped, car, etc. + your name on the wall of the store & a photo of the store from opening night

$30 Choice of one of the following, with screen printed logo: T-shirt, tote bag, Klein tool bag (Want two - pledge $50) + your name on the wall of the store & a photo of the store from opening night

update: they’re back from YES gallery, take a look

Items will be available for pick-up at the store, or include $5 and I’ll ship it to you

$50 Local student extended hours & delivery pass. Between 7am & 12am (except normal store hours), I’ll drop what I’m doing & run to the store to grab any supplies you desperately need & deliver them to you + your name on the wall of the store & a photo of the store from opening night

$50 Limited edition 12x18 screen-print of 1301 Main Street, by Andrew Neyer of YES Gallery + your name on the wall of the store & a photo of the store from opening night

$300 Name a shoe style (limit 5) & receive a limited edition pair of that style with fluorescent orange (Smartfish Studio & Sustainable Supply color) outsoles + your name on the wall of the store & a photo of the store from opening night

$500 Choose the topic for a School-of-Smartfish workshop, includes cost of materials & your spot for the workshop (not local, you’ll receive all the materials & information ahead of time, & you can join us via skype) + your name on the wall of the store & a photo of the store from opening night

$1000 Founders level. An illustration of you will be hung in the store & your choice of any combination of previous levels + your name on the wall of the store & a photo of the store from opening night

How it works:

Select the amount you would like to give and click.

Fill out the necessary information. There will also be a box to send me a message, specify the reward you want, and include your mailing address and email. I accept creative math, if you would like to combine, explain what you’re thinking and we’ll make it happen. Thank you so much for your support!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me at hello@smarterthanagoldfish.com with any questions or comments, or if you would prefer to not use paypal.