Cosplay for Tips Leads to a Crusade
I moved to Hollywood from Virginia in May 2019 to start Imagination for Sale, LLC because I believe in creating Art with a capital A… which requires Capital.
Short on cash and in possession of a Princess Leia costume, I decided to try out the “cosplay for tips” gig in Hollywood Square. I had fun, got some tips for pictures, and found out Carrie doesn’t have a star.
A crusade was born in my mind.
I took every dollar I earned that day, bought ramen noodles, poster-board, markers, and a clipboard at the 99 cent store on La Brea.
The next day, I showed up with a sign and a petition and I haven’t stopped since.
I collected 62 signatures on my first day.
I created a spreadsheet, cataloging expenses, time spent, and signatures collected. I started an online petition, a crowdfunding page, and posted a blog explaining the project.
I collected 312 signatures the second day.
I needed a job, so I made one.
The cost of living in Los Angeles is ridiculous and it’s no wonder Hollywood Square is full of street performers, cosplayers, and vendors 365 days a year. A lot of those people are out there every day, trying to eke out a living in this extraordinarily expensive city.
Weird Al’s fans managed to raise the funds for his Star on the Walk of Fame, but I don’t want to wait over a decade, so I made this project my full-time job.
Based on national averages for costumed performers, sidewalk petitioners, and social media marketers vs. my skills and experience, I came up with a fair wage, considering I’m doing all three of those jobs at once.
Throw me a chainsaw, maybe I can juggle too! (Please do not, maybe start with a feather…)
I am giving other creative people the chance to earn a living wage while making a difference!
Check out my Nonprofit Startup page!
Please Donate to keep #AStarForCarrie going!
Imagination for sale 