Hi Friends and Family!
A HUGE THANK YOU to those who purchased Kidogo's coloring book!!! Sales continue to occur to my delight!
A few nights ago, I started sending frantic text messages and emails about Kidogo's new coloring book? I'm sure most of you were like, "when did she do a coloring book??" I'll explain!
So, I needed to complete my trademark application, which included a statement that I would use Kidogo's trademark in commerce on a service (children's videos) and a product (a coloring book). I put this application in over a year ago, long before Kidogo had produced anything. At the time, April 2021 seemed very far away. Then 2020 happened, ugh.... Let's just say a coloring book wasn't on my mind. Fast forward to early 2021, it begins to dawn on me, yikes! This coloring book almost didn't happen, but I am so glad I persevered!
I wanted so badly to find a way of honoring Black people, our music, and our art. I also wanted to incorporate a core educational principle (either numbers or letters). I considered two methods of classifying instruments: 1. using the Western orchestral classification of woodwind, brass, percussion, or string; and 2. an ethnomusicologist classification of idiophones, membranophones, chordophones, aerophones, and electrophones (this classification includes non-Western style instruments). I then strongly desired to match a Black musician to a particular classification. And I preferred finding all Black women. Unfortunately, very time-consuming to find significant profiles of Black female musicians using the ethnomusicology classification. I probably should have reached out to an expert, but time wasn't on my side!
Ultimately, the women I chose to honor-- Sister Rosetta Tharpe (electric guitar), Regina Carter (violin), Tia Fuller (saxophone), Sheila E (percussion), Clora Bryant (trumpet), and Hazel Scott (piano)-- are all well deserving!! I am so proud of each of their accomplishments and I hope all of you enjoy learning about these women, their instruments and their great music!
FAQ:
1. Why didn't you do a physical coloring book? Why a digital download?
Answer: Cost. To pay an artist what they are worth is no cheap thing. I wanted everything to be hand drawn. When I found Renike: https://iamrenike.carbonmade.com/, I leaped for joy. She is highly professional, experienced and talented. Yay! To add printing and shipping costs to that overhead, though, would not have been financially feasible. Maybe later, when I recoup all of the costs of this iteration!
2. What's next?
Answer: Since I am a pianist, I'd love to dedicate an entire book to pianists, keyboardists, and organists.
MY ASKS:
Tell your friends, teachers, and daycare providers about this book!
Let me know what you think!
Let me see how your kids colored the pages! With your permission, I would love to post them!
Have a great week everyone!
Keeana