Artists of all kinds have jumped on the crowd-funding bandwagon, proving online platforms can help raise the money needed to bring their creations to life. Columbia alumni, students, and faculty share lessons learned on their way to success.

Nikola Dokic (BA ’08), Robert Palos (BA ’08), and Adis Sirbubalo (BA ’07) tried to leave their old worlds behind when they came to America. But after meeting, these musicians found friendship and fulfillment by embracing—instead of running from—their roots.

Model-turned-entrepreneur Phillip Cooley (BA ’00) intends to make over Detroit, one building at a time.

Andrew Nelles (BA ’08) recounts his days covering American troops in Afghanistan.

Agnes Hamerlik (BFA ’12) is a designer on the rise with a romantic, avant-garde aesthetic.

Justin Howard (BA '07) made his claim to fame by winning the 2012 Air Guitar World Championships.

Karine Saporta (BA ’72) is a multitalented artist whose work has earned her critical acclaim and knighthood in her native France.

Geling Yan’s (MFA ’99) writing fuses mastery of the written word with the rhythmic power of dance.

John “J.C.” Peterson (BA ’91) fundraiser by day and screenwriter by night, finds his voice with a winning feature film.

Tim Gillengerten (’93) owns Transit Tees, Inc., a graphic arts company whose product lines center around transportation themes.

Museum maven Wyona Lynch-McWhite (MFA ’01) is determined to “dazzle and transform” all visitors.

Rachel Stratman (BA ’08) and Quentin Lareau (BA ’07) were married in Chicago on September 21, five years after meeting while working together on a film for the 2007 Film + Video Department Practicum.