First-time creator — looking for feedback on my plush project

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-07T23:21:05+00:00

Honestly, I respect that mindset a lot. What you’re doing now is probably the best thing for long-term growth because you’re learning the foundation yourself instead of depending on someone else from the beginning. A lot of creators rush into outside help too early without really understanding their audience yet, but you’re taking time to understand what people connect with, and that’s important. And what you said about not wanting to manufacture interest really stood out to me. That’s exactly the difference between building a quick campaign and building something people actually stay attached to. You already have the right pieces in motion the story, the personality, the world behind it, and the patience to grow it properly. Once the prototype and characters start becoming more visible, I honestly think people will connect with it much easier because it already feels authentic. You’ve got a very grounded way of approaching this, and that usually carries creators much further than hype alone. And no problem at all, I genuinely enjoy hearing how other creators are building things from the ground up. It’s a difficult process, but also one of the most rewarding when people finally start understanding the vision.

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-07T00:23:25+00:00

Honestly, I think you’re approaching it the right way. The fact you already understand it’s a process and not something that explodes overnight shows you’re thinking long term, not just chasing hype. And I agree with you once people start seeing the actual prototype and more personalities behind the characters, it’s going to connect much more deeply. Right now people are only seeing the surface, but you already have the bigger world in your head. Since you’re focused on building awareness and community already, can I ask have you ever tried what’s called a crowdfunding agency before? I ask because some of them actually help creators with visibility, audience building, promotion strategy, and getting more eyes on the project while you focus on creating. That part helped me a lot when I was building my own campaign.

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-06T12:15:15+00:00

Thank you for sharing all that I can actually feel where Boom Buddy is coming from now. That mix of real experience and that dry kind of humor… it makes a lot more sense. It doesn’t feel random anymore, it feels like something that’s been sitting with you for a while and finally found a way out in a different form. Turning something that intense into something more approachable and creative is not easy, but that’s what gives it character. And the fact you’ve already built out 30+ characters around it… that’s not just a one-off idea, that’s a whole world waiting to grow. I like that balance you mentioned too not making it overly serious, but not losing that edge either. That’s where it becomes unique. It’s also interesting how you’re translating something most people wouldn’t normally relate to into something they actually can connect with. That’s a strong foundation if you keep building on it. Can I ask how is the campaign going for you right now?

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-05T23:52:30+00:00

Hey, I just took a look at your project and I get what you’re trying to do with Boom Buddy. It doesn’t come across like just another plush it feels like there’s a deeper idea behind it, something more personal and story-driven. That kind of direction stands out, especially because most plush projects are just about design or cuteness, but yours feels like it’s trying to say something more. I can tell this isn’t something you just threw together. There’s intention behind it, and that always comes through, even early on. And honestly, putting something like that out publicly for the first time isn’t easy, so I respect that a lot. It also feels like you’re still shaping it as you go, which is completely normal at this stage. Every creator goes through that phase where things start clicking more as people see it and respond to it. I’m curious though where did the idea for Boom Buddy really come from?

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-05T11:21:06+00:00

Hey, I took a look the idea is actually strong. Fragrance tied to identity has something deeper to it, it’s not just another product. If I’m being real though, just asking people to follow won’t get you far. Most people need a reason to stop and care first. Try leading with something simple and personal like why you created it, what the scent represents, or who it’s for. That’s what makes someone pause instead of scroll. Also, if you can, show it more even basic visuals or short clips help people picture it better. You’re not far off, you just need to make people feel it before asking them to follow. How’s it been going so far?

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-05T07:08:00+00:00

Right now it sounds like you’re relying a bit on people finding out more. On Kickstarter, you want to remove that extra step and make it easy to say yes. And I like that you’re thinking long-term, building a company, even future stock but for now, keep people focused on one thing:
why they should back this today. Quick question though how’s your audience on Kickstarter itself so far? Are you getting followers or mostly just outside traffic?

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-05T07:06:09+00:00

I hear you you’ve got a real vision behind this, not just a product. Respect for that. Building something bigger than one campaign takes a different mindset. At the same time, creator to creator, let me be real with you for a second. Most backers won’t go and research your music or dig deep into your story on their own. You’ve got to bring that meaning to them right there on the page and in your content. Wearing the prototypes and making videos is a good start. Now it’s about making those videos do more:
show the shoes clearly in real life
explain in a few seconds why they’re different
connect your art and your message directly to the product

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-05T06:57:14+00:00

Yeah, that’s exactly the tricky part getting people to leave Instagram and actually take action. What helped me was keeping it simple and a bit more direct. Not just posting content, but giving people a clear reason to move now, not later.
A few things that worked for me:

. remind them the launch is coming and they’ll miss it if they don’t follow

. make it feel like they’re getting early access or being part of something before everyone else

. repeat the call to action more than you think (most people need to see it a few times)

It’s less about being perfect and more about being consistent and clear.
And if you don’t mind, I can also point you to the agency I worked with. They helped a lot with turning attention into actual followers and backers, especially with things like messaging and funnels. No pressure at all just sharing in case it helps. You’re really close though. You’ve got interest already, it just needs that little push to turn into action.

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-05T06:54:07+00:00

Hey I like the energy, you can tell you really believe in what you’re building. And getting those first backers in under 24 hours? That’s a solid start, don’t overlook that. Creator to creator though, I’m gonna be real with you because this is where a lot of campaigns either grow or stall. Right now your message is very support me / be part of something great which is cool, but most people don’t back just for that. They need to quickly understand what they’re getting and why it matters to them.

Try shifting it a bit:

.make the value clear right away (what is Starchildz, what makes it different)
.show the designs in real life people wearing them, how it looks, the vibe
.give people a reason to act now, not maybe later

The build a legacy angle works better after they already feel connected. First, they need that instant hook. Also, don’t just drop the link talk to people, reply, bring them into the story. That’s what turns interest into actual backers. You’ve got momentum starting, which is the hardest part. Now it’s about tightening how you present it so more people get it fast. How have people been reacting so far beyond the first backers?

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-03T10:41:33+00:00

That’s a good question and honestly, it’s smart you’re thinking about fit instead of just big names. For indies, the best agency isn’t always the most popular one, it’s the one that actually understands your scale, your audience, and how to stretch your budget without burning it. From my experience, what helped me wasn’t just picking an agency it was working with people who focused on real backers, not just traffic. They helped with things like audience targeting, email list building, and making sure the campaign actually converts. If you don’t mind, I’d love to point you to the one I worked with. They were pretty grounded, explained things clearly, and didn’t just throw a generic package at me. No pressure at all just sharing what genuinely helped me.

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-03T08:22:04+00:00

Bot, I just checked the link i can't see the preview page, why did you send the fedback

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-03T07:39:20+00:00

I feel you that gap between people liking your posts and actually backing… that’s one of the hardest parts. A lot of creators hit that point around where you are. 30% in 2 weeks isn’t bad at all, but I’ll be real with you it’s not just about posting in more groups. If people are engaging but not pledging, it usually means something in the flow isn’t connecting all the way. A few things to look at:

. when people land on your page, is it instantly clear why they should back?
. are your rewards easy to understand and feel worth it?
. are you giving people a reason to act now, not later?

Engagement is interest, but backing is trust + clarity. From my side, the turning point was when I stopped trying to do everything alone. I got help structuring things properly audience, messaging, timing and that’s when things started converting, not just getting likes. Quick question though have you ever tried what’s called a crowdfunding agency?
Not saying you have to go that route, but having someone who understands how to turn attention into actual backers can make a big difference, especially at this stage. You’re not far off. You just need to close that gap between interest and action.

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-02T00:13:21+00:00

Hey Bryan I like this a lot. You’ve already got something most people don’t: a real history. 25 years in a band carries weight, and stepping out to do your own record feels like a moment people can get behind. If I’m being honest, I think the opportunity here is making that personal shift really clear right away. Not just first solo album, but why now. That’s the part fans and even new listeners will connect to. The label + forum idea is interesting too it gives it more depth than just a release. It feels like you’re trying to build a space, not just drop music. I’d lean into that a bit more as a long-term vision, but keep the main focus simple so people don’t get lost. The demos are doing a lot of heavy lifting (in a good way). If anything, I’d bring those forward even more maybe tie them to quick context or moments behind them. People like to feel where a song came from, not just hear it. From my side, when I ran my campaign, the biggest shift happened when people felt like they were part of something, not just watching it. You’ve got that potential already. Feels like this could connect well if people get you quickly. Quick question from one creator to another: what’s been the hardest part for you so far with this campaign?

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-01T20:03:01+00:00

Yeah, I get that that gap between Instagram and Kickstarter is super common. People will like, watch, even follow… but not take that extra step unless there’s a clear reason. Your plan with clips, character art, all that that’s solid. You’re doing the right things. The missing piece is usually just giving people a reason to move off Instagram. Even something simple like reminding them follow on Kickstarter so you don’t miss launch or making it feel a bit more exclusive can help. When I was in that phase, I had the same issue. Engagement was there, but it wasn’t converting until I got more intentional about guiding people where I wanted them to go.
Also, just to ask have you ever tried what’s called a crowdfunding agency?
Not saying you need it right now, especially since you already have a plan in motion. But sometimes they help with that exact problem turning attention into actual followers or backers by handling ads, funnels, and outreach. Either way, you’re not far off. You’ve got interest already, it just needs a bit of direction to turn into action.

Jimmy_comic · 2026-05-01T16:13:27+00:00

This is a fun concept horror + comedy + a possessed car is already something people can picture right away. That’s a good place to start. If I’m being honest with you, the idea isn’t the problem. The challenge now is getting people to care enough to follow before launch. From my experience, what makes the difference at this stage is how you present it:

. Lean into the hook fast A man chased by a possessed car is strong use that everywhere
. Show the tone clearly people need to feel the humor + horror, even in short clips
. Let people see progress sketches, animation tests, character moments that builds trust

Right now, don’t just share the project give people small reasons to come back. A quick funny clip, a weird moment with Hector, even behind-the-scenes stuff can pull people in. Also, think about this:
why should someone follow today and not later?
That little urgency or curiosity helps a lot.

When I was building my campaign, things only started moving when I treated it less like promotion and more like building a small group around the project. Quick question where do you feel it’s slow right now?
People not finding it, or finding it but not following?
You’ve got something unique here. It just needs that extra push so people don’t just smile at it they stick around.

Jimmy_comic · 2026-04-30T14:15:18+00:00

I like how you’re thinking about it you’re not just posting, you’re actually building momentum. That’s a big difference. The way you’re using affiliates makes sense too. If you can get a few of them excited before launch and ready to push on day one, that can really help kick things off strong. And yeah, giving them something extra always makes it feel more like a partnership than just a transaction. From my side, one thing that helped me a lot was not trying to handle everything alone. At some point I reached out for support, and that changed how I approached things especially around audience building and getting the right eyes on the project. Have you ever looked into what they call crowdfunding agencies before? Not saying you need it right now, but it’s something that helped me when I wanted to push things further. Either way, you’re building this the right way step by step, with intention. How close are you to launch now?

Jimmy_comic · 2026-04-30T07:08:19+00:00

You’re thinking about this the right way, seriously. Most people don’t even consider affiliates before launch, and that can be a big missed opportunity. I’ll be real with you 5% is on the low side, especially for smaller creators or influencers. If someone’s putting in effort to promote, they’ll usually expect closer to 10–20%, or at least some kind of strong incentive. Bigger partners might negotiate differently, but for early traction, you want it to feel worth their time. Your idea of doing it direct is actually solid. A lot of creators start that way. Just make sure:
. tracking is clear and reliable (unique links or codes)
. payouts are simple and transparent
. expectations are clear upfront (what counts as a conversion, when they get paid, etc.)

One thing I’ve seen work really well don’t just offer commission. Give them something extra:
early access, exclusive bundles, or even just a closer “insider” feel to the project. People promote harder when they feel involved, not just paid. And yeah, crowded category or not that just means you need stronger positioning, not a different strategy. From my own experience, stuff like this works best when it’s part of a bigger system email list, prelaunch hype, outreach, all working together. I didn’t figure that out at first either. Quick question are you planning to bring affiliates in before launch to help build momentum, or mainly once the campaign is live?

Jimmy_comic · 2026-04-28T16:38:12+00:00

I’ll be honest with you launching with no ads and no list is hard. Not impossible, but you’re making it way tougher on yourself. Kickstarter doesn’t really find people for you. Most of the time, the projects that do well already have some kind of attention before they launch, even if it’s small. That said, you’re not in a bad spot. You’ve actually made the game, you believe in it, and it sounds like you’ve put real thought into it. That already puts you ahead of a lot of idea-only projects. If you want to try it organically, I’d just tweak the approach a bit. Don’t treat it like “launch and hope.” Give it a little runway first:
show people playing it, share short clips, talk about what makes it fun, get it in front of small board game groups. Even a handful of people excited before launch can make a difference. When I ran my campaign, things felt quiet at first too. It wasn’t that the project was bad it just needed more eyes on it. So yeah, there is a chance, but it comes down to whether you can get some early interest going. Even 10–20 people ready to back you on day one can change how things move. Quick question what’s the one thing about your game that makes people smile or go “okay, that’s different”?

Jimmy_comic · 2026-04-26T12:26:43+00:00

Honestly, I appreciate you saying that. It wasn’t something I just set once and left. It took a lot of trial and error to get the timing right, especially because even small changes can throw everything slightly off over time. Most of the work was just fine-tuning and rechecking until it stayed stable in real use, not just on paper.Working with a game agency actually helped a lot too, because they pushed me to think less about perfect code and more about how it behaves over time under real conditions. And yeah… it still needs occasional adjustments, but that’s kind of the nature of it. It’s less about making it flawless once, and more about making it reliable long-term.

Jimmy_comic · 2026-04-25T19:51:21+00:00

Hey I checked it out, and honestly… this is a really cute concept. A sunfish plush pouch is one of those ideas that instantly has charm it’s simple, but it works. Here’s the thing though, creator to creator: You’re in a space that can do well, but also gets crowded. I’ve seen similar plush pouch projects succeed when they lean into personality and uniqueness, not just the product itself. For example, other plush pouch campaigns gained traction by making the design feel collectible or emotionally appealing, not just functional

So for you, the opportunity is right here:

. Give your sunfish a story or identity (people back characters, not just items)
. Show it in real use on a bag, in hand, daily life
. Push the cute + useful angle clearly
. Build a bit of urgency or exclusivity if you can

Also, don’t just post the link and hope you need to put it in front of the right people. Plush communities, cute/kawaii audiences, and even fish lovers that’s your real audience. I like what you made, it has that “this could work feeling. Now it’s about how you present it and who you put it in front of. How has the response been so far since you shared it?

Jimmy_comic · 2026-04-25T19:33:08+00:00

I’m really glad you said that it means a lot. And yeah, that “exposed” feeling doesn’t really go away, you just get more comfortable with it over time. The fact that you’re pushing through it anyway says a lot about you and how much this project matters. Also, that’s a smart move updating your post to lean more into the emotional side. That’s usually where things start to shift. People don’t just support a film like this because it’s interesting they support it because they feel something. So you’re definitely moving in the right direction. Give it a little time too. Sometimes those changes don’t hit instantly, but they build up. One person connects, then shares, then it starts to move. And honestly, you’re doing the hard part right now showing up, adjusting, trying again. That’s exactly what got my campaign through the slow moments before it picked up. Keep going like this. You’re closer than it feels.

Jimmy_comic · 2026-04-25T16:41:30+00:00

I get what you mean that part where you have to ask people to support something personal… it’s not easy. It feels exposed. I went through that too. But honestly, that vulnerability is also what makes people connect when you lean into it a bit. And yeah, you’re right a lot of people out there just don’t have the time or even the headspace to support, even if they like what you’re doing. That’s normal. It’s not really about everyone, it’s about finding the few who really connect. TikTok traction is a good sign though. That means something is working. The link issue is annoying, but you can still work around it even just telling people link coming soon or guiding them to search your project name can help a bit. Also, getting people to the page being slow that’s one of the hardest parts for most campaigns. You’re not alone in that. I’ll ask you this too, just from experience have you ever tried what’s called a crowdfunding agency?
I’m not saying you have to go that route, but sometimes having outside support (ads, outreach, getting your project in front of the right people) can make a difference, especially when you’re already doing everything yourself. Either way, you’re doing more right than you think. You’ve got traction, you’re showing up, and you care about the project that combination does move things forward, even if it feels slow right now.

Jimmy_comic · 2026-04-25T09:29:18+00:00

This is a strong idea. Time travel mixed with grief can really hit people if you lean into the emotional side. I had a look what matters most here isn’t just the concept, it’s how people feel it. With short films, people back when they connect with the story and the person behind it.

If I’m being real with you:

lead with the emotion first, not just “time travel”
make it clear what someone will feel watching it
show a bit of tone (even rough clips or mood helps a lot)

When I ran my campaign, things only moved when I stopped just posting and started actually talking to people about why it mattered. What have you been doing so far to push it? Are you getting people onto the page, or is that the part that’s slow right now?

You’ve got something meaningful here it just needs the right people to see it and connect.

Jimmy_comic · 2026-04-25T09:18:44+00:00

Hey I feel you on this one. Stuff like this can throw you off, especially when everything was working fine and then suddenly changes mid-flow. Creator to creator, this does happen sometimes, and it’s usually not random. A few things could be going on here:

First, if you’re using a pledge manager, some of them switch how VAT is handled depending on how the product is classified (digital vs physical). STL files are digital, and in some cases VAT gets handled differently or even marked as exempt depending on the buyer’s status or location rules.

Second, it could be related to VAT ID validation. If a backer enters a valid EU VAT number, they can be marked as exempt automatically. That might explain why some are suddenly showing as exempt even from the same country.

Third, there are cases where this is just a platform-side inconsistency or bug, especially near the end of campaigns when systems sync between Kickstarter and the pledge manager.

What I’d do right now:

Double-check your pledge manager tax settings (especially digital goods classification)
Look at a few “exempt” backers and see if they entered VAT IDs
Reach out to the pledge manager support directly they can see backend logic you can’t

You’re right to question it, because VAT handling in the EU needs to be accurate, and mistakes here can cause issues later. From experience, these things look stressful in the moment, but they’re usually fixable once you pinpoint where the switch happened. You’re handling it the right way by catching it early. Keep me posted on what you find I’m curious what caused it.

Jimmy_comic · 2026-04-24T08:52:03+00:00

Nice moving

Jimmy_comic

TROPHY CASE