17 September 2012

The Morning After…


++++ UPDATED ++++

So the Tale of 3 Painters charity auction finally finished on Saturday evening and I find myself with something of a morning after the morning after feeling.

The self-imposed pressure of painting something to be sold for charity that became so high profile left me burned out once the models were complete. The marketing push kept going and the momentum and exposure had to be maintained until it was all over and the auction ended. Luckily the burn-out didn't last too long and I got back into painting more 'comfortable' things. Yet I didn't feel I could post anything other than charity related news – I didn't want to undermine the momentum of the project. So there is some relief to be gained now that things are settling back to normal. I can post about various stuff again.

Anyway, back to the auction.

I have to admit that I was frustrated when the bidding stopped at £260 midweek last week – In my role as organiser and project perfectionist I wanted to raise as much money as possible. I comforted myself that Ebay etiquette would kick in and there would be a late flurry at auction's end. When I logged on Sunday morning to discover that the total had not moved on I was disappointed. The retail price of the bits we had on offer came to £250, which meant our painting time and effort had resulted in almost no value (I'm being deliberately simplistic in my thinking here) – somebody was getting a real bargain here for sure!

This project has been a rollercoaster from day one and I should have known that fate would not let it end like a damp squib. In a final act suitable for a Hollywood movie the twist at the end lifted my spirits and ensured the happy ending…


It turns out that the mysterious winning bidder was none other than Brian from A Gentleman's Ones blog. B and I started our blogs at the same time back in 2010 and have been great supporters of each others projects ever since. This was highlighted with our Hailed vs Hated collaboration that included the first transatlantic game of email 40k. Had this recent charity project been entitled A Tale of 4 Painters, Brian would undoubtedly have been the additional artist so it was strangely fitting that he should end up winning the auction.

I can walk away from this project feeling happy that the models are going to a good home, that we managed to raise some money for charity and that I made a few new friends and managed to finally meet some 'old' ones. A lot of individuals stepped up to help throughout the course of this project and I will be eternally grateful for their efforts to make this a success.

+++++ UPDATE +++++

Brian has just been in touch and DOUBLED his winning bid!

I'm absolutely stunned by his generosity – I am genuinely overwhelmed – and I'd like to sincerely thank him on behalf of everyone involved in the project for his contribution. It means we have a final total of £520 which is fantastic! Thank you so much.

(I'm struggling to put words in a coherent order, so I'll leave it there.)

++++++++++++++++++++


I will be doing a post-project thoughts blog post and video in a couple of weeks time but for now normal service will resume.

15 comments:

  1. I was a little disappointed when it ended on the price £260.05 myself but the effort was the most outstanding by all involved!

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    1. Brian's generosity has dwarfed our efforts I think. I good result all round.

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  2. What you had up for auction was worth a lot more. I thought it would go for over a thousand easy. The economy is horrid right now and that surely had an effect.

    You did a stellar job, you raised money and you got good exposure. Now you can try to come down from the experience and relax.

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    1. I think the fact that Malifaux is not mainstream yet may have been a factor too.

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  3. As someone who is also raising money for a charity event, I know how you feel. I really want to raise a lot of money for those in need.
    However, early on I realized that any amount raised is more than I started with and it will help.

    Be proud that you did something out of the kindness of your heart and with good intent and that it will help.

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    1. You so have the right attitude towards it Mags. That is how I should have approaching things with hindsight.

      The project was a success even before Brian's generous bid increase, so it's been very worthwhile.

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  4. Ditto what everyone else has said, it's a shame it didn't go for more, especially after all the effort you put in. I know how much you invested in this, but be proud - it's £260 that Cancer Research UK can put to good use, and might just make a difference.

    On a personal note, I'm really glad to have been a part of the project. It was fantastic to use our hobby to do some good in the world. Also meeting one of the oldest followers of my blog was a highlight too. :-)

    It all went to a good home too - so we know what we''ve done will be appreciated.

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  5. £260 is great. I understand that the value of the package but thats what was donated not purchased. Well done to you all it was a great effort and those six figures where gorgeously painted.

    Don't be disappointed it was fantastic

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    1. You're right Brummie – that's the way to look at it. However, Brian did blow us all away with his very generous increase.

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  6. Oh my goodness me, that surely ranks as a happy ending. I am so proud to have been part of the project and can't thank you enough for roping me in!

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    1. I'm still rather stunned nine hours after the announcement. Just… wow!

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  7. Well done to all involved, and a big well done to Brian!

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  8. Hi Mike, did you know that your old posts are being plagiarised on LUPUS FOG BLOG? JP

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