cubby
beyond doodles
how a custom illustration service to bring cheer to others during Covid-19 reoriented to support Black and other BiPoC individuals in their own communities and fundraise over $18,000 to date
Longtime friends and college students Ahana, Layla and Jeanette dreamt of collaborating together in adulthood. When the Coronavirus pandemic sent them all back to their hometown, they embraced this unconventional opportunity to launch a custom illustration service to unite friends and family separated by the pandemic.
The slated May launch was postponed after the merciless killing of George Floyd, and the social justice movements that ensued. The friends unanimously and independently decided that cubby would serve as a fundraising initiative to support Black and other BiPoC individuals who know their own needs and communities best.
cubby [noun]
a completely digital custom illustration service and fundraising initiative inspired by the warm, cozy feeling of having a nook (or cubby) to put things in
fundraises through custom doodles to donate to:
a. individuals & on-the-ground organizing
-mutual aid
-education funds
-individual Black folks seeking short-term financial support
b. Black-led organizations fighting systemic racism
why custom illustration services?
“We thought with our very limited skills and talents,” joked Layla, “how can we collaborate together?” Ahana, Layla and Jeanette, who share a mutual interest in illustrating, use their unique artistic talents to create completely digital doodles from photographs.
Using iPads and apple pencils, photos are delivered faster than custom prints and can be stored and reprinted for future personal use.
how it works
Fill out their google form. You’ll upload the photo you want illustrated, select an illustration style and any hard deadlines (gift, holidays, etc.)
Donate what you can. 100% of your donation is allocated to BiPoC community leaders or organizations. All payment is processed through venmo.
Cubby illustrates your photo. If you have questions about your order they’re extremely responsive on social media or via email.
Your donation is distributed in sums between $500 and $2000. All donation records are public, so you know exactly where (or to whom) your money went.
navigating unexpected success and exposure
In 5 brief months, cubby has produced over 600 doodles and over $18k in donations.
“The way that we run it is really honest to our intentions, because at the end of the day it’s 3 college kids drawing and just doing what we can.” -Ahana
The average doodle takes 3 hours, but can take even longer depending on the intricacy of the photo.
That doesn’t count the time spent researching organizations that are in line with cubby's values and beliefs in the power of mutual aid, economic empowerment, and reparations.
Or the resume coaching, designing and pro bono design work offered for Black-owned businesses.
“I have never known a more 24-7 responsibility” -Layla
how to help
Maybe you spent your college days drinking beer and sleeping until noon instead of making the world a better place, so here’s how you can support cubby.
Follow along on instagram at @cubbydoodles and @novel.brands for more cubby updates. Keep listening and learning.