Today, I'm writing with something much different in mind. And a big ask...
No doubt you know already the general effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our economy—emptied grocery shelves, plunging airline profits, an uncertain travel industry, closing storefronts, tanking stocks. These are known, worried over by politicians, and well-covered by the news media. Our President, orange dipshit that he is, is said to be considering another bailout; and our businesses and everyday workers are wondering: "Has it all gone to hell?"
Personally, I believe a lot of us—anxious though we may be, dealing with our own stuff though we may be—are poised to help. Want to help.
That's why I'm writing today. I'd like to start a donation drive for the people, in my sphere of influence, that I can help. I can Postmates my local coffee shop or dim sum place all I want. (Trust me, they'll get some orders.) But given my creative life, as a photographer who works with other artists and models in a gig-based economy, I know already that they will suffer harder because of this outbreak. I want to help—and hope you might consider it, too.
I've setup a donation link above, through PayPal.
100% of proceeds* will be distributed directly to the artists/models named below. There's an "add note" feature, too, if you prefer to add a message or earmark your donation for a particular artist/model. All funds coming in without a note will be divided evenly between those artists/models on the list. This a small thing. But I've heard from many of these boys already: some have lost income already, having to postpone jobs or cancel gigs; some have no health insurance; others still have no assured way to make their rent.
I'm not in this position myself. As you know already, I'm able through my day job to work remotely and keep my health insurance. Personally, I do not need the help right now. In fact, given the way the virus is affecting interpersonal interactions, I've decided to cancel my March sessions for safety and community health reasons. If you want to unsubscribe this month and devote your pledge-amount to these fellow artists/models, I'd encourage you to.
I've already tossed $20 of my own funds into the donation bin, less than I want to give and more than I can afford. (Still got a surgery to save for, remember?) If you can do the same, I know these boys would appreciate it. I'll let them know who it's coming from. Some final logistics: for now, I'm gathering these until the end of March. We'll see how things develop regarding continuing it after. I'll bring back any "thank you" messages I receive, so that you can hear them.
You'll find below a list of artists and models I plan to donate toward...
Anything helps. Please do what you can!
"The Blakes" (not pictured)
Blake B and Blake O are boyfriends, living in the San Fernando Valley, recently engaged to be married. Blake B is a brilliant student, studying theory and film. Blake O is a talented makeup artist, who not only did the styling for his pictures with me, but works in a local salon and supports the nightlife gigs of several LA drag performers. Both are friends. Both see their jobs and education threatened by COVID-19. Donate to the Blakes HERE.
Brady Dalton Richards (not pictured)
Brady recently moved to New York City to take up a role in Broadway's "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," which has now been suspended until April 12. After so recent a move, things are naturally very stressful for him. Yet Brady is bright, determined, and an amazingly hard worker. As you've no doubt gathered, the pandemic has already taken his income. Donate to Brady HERE.
Christopher Smith-Bryant (not pictured)
Christopher's nerdiness and comedy are well-known in LA, especially if you follow him on Twitter or Instagram. The title, "meme king," certainly comes to mind. As does his awkwardness, which he's the first to admit. Yet it's his commitment to social justice, his kindness, his unfailing attention to a good booty pic, which have made him a winning friend in art. COVID-19 has made it necessary to cancel and/or postpone several gigs which make up Christopher's primary livelihood. Donate to Christopher HERE.
Dandy / Dillon
Anybody familiar with my work knows Dandy. They have been a muse to me for literally years, and have catapulted through enormous personal struggle (in the time I've known them) into a place of relative certainty now. Los Angeles has been good to Dandy: they're working a stable day job, and happily making money and friends in adult entertainment too. Yet their eagerness and goofiness doesn't really show on-camera, which is a shame, because Dandy's known as "pickle" to me. COVID-19 is scary for them, precisely because they have no health insurance through their employer. Donate to Dandy HERE.
David Castillo (not pictured)
David and I only met the time we shot together. Happy, driven, yet deeply aware of the world around him, David has a scientific mind towards COVID-19 and was one of the first voices I heard on Instagram calling attention to reputable medical institutions and the impact of outbreaks on at-risk populations. I'm not sure how his work's being affected, but he's an actor, too. (It's bound to be.) The well-organized mind is always worth supporting. Donate to David HERE.
Grant Saunders [see 2nd image]
Grant is an artist and yoga instructor here in LA. Yoga classes may seem superfluous to those who don't practice, but it's given Grant a steadiness and clarity often missing from those of his generation. An introvert by nature, yoga gets Grant outside of himself to help others (though he'd do that anyway) and art enriches his life at home. He's seen his classes disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and his income stream threatened. He also has limited health insurance coverage through work. But if you need a colorful painting of your pet, he does animal portraits in oil or acrylic. Donate to Grant HERE.
Howin Wong
Howin is a DJ, art director, and model who moved to LA from Seattle, WA. He's essentially the definition of a gig-economy worker, as all of his income is generated by client-based work. Despite seeing jobs postponed or cancelled, Howin's boisterous and friendly nature earn him a whole lotta looks. When we met, he used to go by the handle "dad's smooth ass." He's a cheeky motherfucker. Donate to Howin HERE.
Jarid M [see cover image]
Jarid studies and works in theatre in Orange County. A writer by nature, both for stage and poetry, he published for the first time last year. Wry, abstract, philosophically-minded, Jarid chases words and ideas like a dynamo; and displays more raw talent and intellect than most writers who've been doing it for decades. He's currently cutting his teeth on several AD positions for local theatre, which have been cancelled due to COVID-19. While still writing, of course, Jarid's income has been greatly reduced. (Also, this man is extra special to me personally. If you know, you know.) Donate to Jarid HERE.
Stephen Hoffman (not pictured)
Stephen is a horse trainer and stablehand in North Hollywood, who moved to the area from Colorado last year. Coming out was difficult for Stephen, but his commitment to truth and betterment are palpable things in his life. He is also signed with Stone Model Management, one of his goals in moving to LA. His frenzied work ethic, attention to detail, and incredible drive are all worthy of respect. COVID-19 is threatening his horse shows and modeling gigs, and he has no safety net to fall back on. Donate to Stephen HERE.
Vitor Eiji
Vitor works for himself as a jewelry designer here in LA. His unique, handcrafted pieces are beautiful evidence of what attention to detail can bring one, as an artist. He's also beautiful himself, and we were happy to shoot together once last year. Vitor is seeing some of his suppliers experiencing issues due to the pandemic, and widespread anxiety is driving business down. Small businesses already struggle enough. Donate to Vitor HERE.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, I welcome them in the comments below.
I realize that there are many, many other places—needful places—your money has to go at a time like this. If you're giving to other artists, like my friend/model, Josh Taylor; or to my fellow Patreon buddies, Trey McIntyre or Brandon McGill, please don't stop doing that. All three are full-time artists and will be hit hard by this. I'm not asking you to rob Peter to pay Paul, even if Peter has a really nice dick. I'm saying give where you can. And if you can give here, thank you.
Yours,
Matty
P.S. — The asterisk next to "100% of proceeds." Let me explain. Assuming we reach $200 in total donations, I'm actually keeping $10 to Postmates myself a latte. Consider it an "administrative cost." Sorry, but I've had like one coffee in almost two weeks! I'm dying here! Rest assured, that's the only bit I'll keep.
P.P.S. — Obviously I'm hoping you'll consider donating to my Patreon page. But this isn’t the time for that.