Kelly Jones is the creator of Little Paper Planes, an online platform that currently helps more than 70 emerging artists sell their work and pursue publishing and licensing opportunities. This year Jones, an artist and curator herself, teamed up with public television station KQED on “Working Title,” a new video series that explores how local artist entrepreneurs are re-inventing the American Dream by creating alternative economies.
In 2013, Jones will launch Golden Guild MFG, a fashion production house that gives aspiring designers a start in what can be a very difficult industry while offering consumer transparency about where the clothing we purchase come from. It will offer cut and sew service for designers, artists, and businesses interested in manufacturing a line. There are no minimums, Jones says, so that Golden Guild MFG can help people get into production.
Jones and company are also working to open up a shop in San Francisco, in which the front will display retail and the back will serve for manufacturing.
“There will be no wall dividing the two, so that it will be transparent to the public on how things get made and who makes them,” Jones says. “Creating a connection on where our things come from is important for us to unveil to the consumer.”
Jones is currently working on securing funds to help expand the production house, allowing for the purchase of more machines and to help pay start-up costs for rent. To do this, she will be looking into a variety of funding options, including Kickstarter.
Be on the lookout for developments with Golden Guild MFG, and in the meantime, check out the artists and designers at Little Paper Planes.
Get this and more delivered to your home by subscribing to GOOD Magazine at subscribe.good.is. It’s just $25 for an annual subscription (21% off the cover price.)
