Flush Fatale is a deck of cards illustrated entirely by women, featuring 54 women from history. I came up with the idea of Flush Fatale in response to the constant requests for artists to complete work with exposure as the only compensation for their talents. It evolved to become a project that would both pay women artists and highlight notable women from history. By using Kickstarter to fund the project, it ensures that each artist will be paid for her time and skills. No funding means no art.
In June, 2016 my sister and I announced a Call to Artists to find female-identifying illustrators and within the first day Flush Fatale had over 1000 submissions. By the time the call for artists ended, just over 3250 women from across the globe had sent in their portfolios along with inspiring stories of the women from history who made each artists the woman she is today.
“I think that all too often we paint our own pictures of people who lived long ago. We embellish some parts and forget others. And, like a game of 'whisper down the lane' their original message and intent gets lost along the way,” says Jameela Wahlgren when I asked what she would discuss with the women from history who inspire her if she could go back in time. “I would want to make sure they were proud of how they were depicted, and that their message was understood.”
Anyone who wants to help us bring history to life while supporting women and the arts are encouraged to make a pledge to the Flush Fatale Kickstarter or even simply share our project with others! Becca Hallstedt, one of the artists in the deck, sums up Flush Fatale with a few simple words; “Unapologetically seek inspiration and support other artists.”
More info: kickstarter.com
Some of the portfolio submissions from the artists chosen for the deck of cards.
