By Christian Beranek

Unhappy White Girls is a graphic novel project making a difference, and addressing real-world issues — or it can be, if the Kickstarter project gets the support it needs by the June 15 deadline. Unhappy White Girls is the story of Tish and Branna, two teenage girls coming to terms with their own secrets throughout the course of one turbulent day.

A month or so back Vaneta Rogers wrote an article here on Newsarama about the effectiveness of Kickstarter in terms of raising awareness and funds for creative endeavors. I decided to use the site for Unhappy White Girls, a passion project of mine for many years. I started working on it in 2005 after I was at a convention in Detroit. I was at a diner and said to my friend who was sitting with me, ‘Our waitress is one unhappy white girl.’ Right there I knew I had a title and an idea sparked.

I recruited illustrators Triska Tsang and Vivian Lee from Brooklyn, NY, to provide the art and bring the characters to life. Triska and Vivian really understand how to convey emotion via the page. From the slightest glance to frustration and tears, they capture the teenage condition.

But Unhappy White Girls isn’t just another graphic novel — it has a greater purpose to raise awareness about teen pregnancy and LGBT issues. If the project meets its $6,000 goal by June 15, my team and I will complete production on the novella, with all remaining funds and proceeds being used to promote awareness regarding these social concerns. Once the Unhappy White Girls Facebook page reaches 5,000 fans, I will also donate $1,000 to St. Anne’s, one of the most highly-regarded social services agencies in Los Angeles, providing targeted programs and support services in response to the ever-changing needs of today’s society.

Helping out this long-time project is not without perks, either. For backers that pledge through Kickstarter, my team offers a series of rewards, from behind-the-scenes artwork and development material to a private dinner with myself and a graphic novel seminar in your hometown.

I am asking you for not only your support, but your trust. I hope that my team and I can complete our task and not only bring you something that entertains, but also spreads awareness. We’d love for you to be a part of it.

Thank you for your consideration.

For more information on Unhappy White Girls please visit http://kck.st/du4aFW

This entry was posted on Monday, June 7th, 2010 at 9:06 am and is filed under Christian Beranek's Life of High Adventure. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.