A pin series of wearable reminders that you're never alone. Each pledge contributes towards mental health initiatives, empowering individuals on their journey to hope, recovery, wellness, and freedom from stigma.
This project is part of Pintopia 2024, which runs from March 28th - April 18th 2024. The more Pintopia pins you back, the more FREE pins you can earn ✨ Learn more →
This project is part of Pintopia 2024, which runs from March 28th - April 18th 2024. The more Pintopia pins you back, the more FREE pins you can earn ✨ Learn more →
Hi, I'm Christy, a disabled artist hailingfrom Portland, Maine. In 2018, EVOL-EYE co. was born after a successful Kickstarter campaign for my debut pin collection "Vena Cava". So I found it fitting to name this project "Insular Cortex", inspired by the complexities of the brain. Beyond art, EVOL-EYE co. serves as my emotional outlet, allowing me to express myself when words fail, especially among life's challenges. Through my work, I strive to create a space for introspection, shedding light on mental health and fostering empathy and understanding, while also giving back to the community and programs that have supported me.
Your contribution isn't just financial; it's a lifeline for those who seek solace in knowing they're not alone. By supporting this campaign, you're investing in a world where mental health is openly discussed, understood, and supported—a ripple effect that extends beyond this endeavor, spreading awareness and acceptance. Additionally, a portion of every sale supports NAMI, an organization dear to me, whose programs have been invaluable in my own journey.
On a personal note, for those who are curious, I live with various mental health and chronic pain conditions: TBI, ADHD, CPTSD, GAD, MDD, BPD, Insomnia, Fibromyalgia, and a variety of other health challenges. Unfortunately, I tend to collect more medical bills than pins. Ba-Dum-Tss?
As you can see, I'm no stranger to the challenges of chronic illness, having navigated this path my entire life. Despite the many challenges, I refuse to let them define me. If you've ever felt the weight of similar struggles and longed for a community this campaign was made for you.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for considering supporting this campaign. Let's disrupt the norm, celebrate who we are, and foster more acceptance and self-love together.
Welcome to Pintopia — a celebration of creativity and collaboration from a diverse group of artists collectively running enamel pin crowdfunding projects from March 28th -April 18th.
Freebie Cross-Collaboration Pins — All 125+ Pintopia creators have paired up with a fellow participant to create two unique pin designs together. If BOTH projects reach their initial funding goal, backers who support BOTH will get the TWO [2] cross-collab pins for FREE! One from each creator. The more pairs of Pintopia creators you support, the more free pins you will earn ✨
Feel free to jump right in and pledge at any level that catches your eye! Your payment won't be processed until after the campaign is fully funded and wraps up. Once the campaign ends, you'll only be charged for the specific pledge level you've selected (shipping costs are sorted out later during your survey).
Keep an eye out for your BackerKit survey about two weeks after the campaign ends! This is your opportunity to select your designs, sort out shipping details, and perhaps even snag some extra goods like sticker packs, extra pins, and apparel! But no stress, add-ons are optional. 🖤
You'll have a comfortable two-week window to fill out your survey after the campaign ends. But don't wait too long – after the two-week window, we will collect design quantities and send them to the manufacturer. You can still fill out your survey outside of the two-week window, but any surveys submitted after the deadline are not 100% guaranteed to receive their design choices. Pledges are fulfilled in the order that surveys are submitted.
Rest assured, I'll keep you in the loop about when your survey is going out, where to find it, and the final deadline for submissions.
Even if you're experienced in backing crowdfunded campaigns, I suggest reviewing the "Important Info/Read me section."
The Early Bird Catches the Worm! 🪱 Snag some awesome perks with our Early Bird Pledge Levels! These sweet deals are only up for grabs in the first 48 hours of the campaign. But remember, early bird discounts only apply to pledge levels, not add-ons. Gotta keep those add-ons at full price, folks! ... ps. you'd love me if I was a worm right? Right?!
Manufacturing Magic: 🔮 I've got some top-notch manufacturers lined up, and I've been working regularly with them for the past six years! But hey, sometimes even the best plans hit a snag. If there are any hiccups along the way, you'll be the first to know. Transparency is key, my friends!
Crowdfunding Real Talk: 📣 Okay, let's get real for a sec. This isn't your run-of-the-mill project. Crowdfunding means we're in it together, for better or for worse. There's a chance of delays due to unforeseen circumstances. It's all part of the crowdfunding adventure!
Another thing to note: Mockups are cool and all, but let's keep it real. Minor changes may occur during production, and the images presented here are mock-up designs. There's a possibility of slight changes in color and size in the physical item.
Refunds and Exchanges: 🔒 Once your order's locked in, it's a done deal. No take-backsies! But hey, if your items arrive damaged or there's a major oopsie, hit us up with pics and we'll sort you out.
Forfeiture Fun: 🎉 Be sure to complete your surveys and cover your shipping costs to secure your rewards. We've got some awesome goods lined up for you, but we need your help to make it happen!
Shipping Shenanigans: 📦 We're all about making sure your package makes it from our place to yours without a hitch. Each package in this campaign comes with a handy tracking number, but you know how it goes – sometimes things go missing. If your package hasn't turned up by the end of the shipping process, just give us a shout.
Add-on Shipping Fees: You'll have the chance to score some extra goods in your post-campaign survey. Just a heads up, that add-ons might come with additional shipping cost based on the final weight of your order. But don't worry, the difference shouldn't be too drastic. Unless, of course, you decide to buy all of my art. Go ahead and make my day ;)
All orders are shipped through USPS and come with tracking. If you're an international backer, just a heads up that you'll be responsible for any VAT or import taxes/fees in your own country.
When it comes to shipping internationally, we'll do our best to properly fill out customs forms according to your country's customs and shipping laws. This means we'll list the package value as the cost of your order and mark it as merchandise. Please understand that we can't change the value of your package or mark it as a gift. Also, if your country holds onto your package and requires extra payment to release it, that's something we can't control.
As always please reach out if you run into any questions! I'm here for you!
Here's a peek at our campaign and fulfillment timeline. Just a heads-up, these dates aren't set in stone and might shift due to unexpected twists and turns.
March 28th: Let the campaign fun begin!
April 18th: Campaign wraps up, and we start processing pledges.
April 30ish: You'll get your BackerKit surveys to fill out.
May 10th: We'll lock in those surveys and sort out shipping costs.
May 30th: Final touches and numbers go off to the manufacturer.
4-6 Weeks: It's manufacturing time!
July: That's when we should start shipping out the goods.
Keep in mind, even though shipping kicks off around late July/early August, it doesn't mean your package will hit your doorstep right away. Depending on factors like the number of backers, shipping carriers, and bribes to my friends for a helping hand, it could take anywhere from one to three months to get your hands on your package! I'll do my very best to get things out to you pronto!
Add me on Instagram for a blend of mental health related memes that hit a little too close to home, my original artwork, and sporadic moments of enlightenment! Shoot me a DM saying you came from this project so I can say hi! @evoleye
For more goods check out www.evoleye.co and use code INSULARCORTEX to get 15% off!
Hey, you awesome human! I'm sending out a massive thank you to each and every one of you for rallying behind this project. Your support means everything and fuels my passion for creativity and mental health advocacy.
A massive shoutout to my incredible supporters, both longstanding and new, for joining me on this journey and helping to bring this dream to life. Your generosity and enthusiasm pushes me forward every step of the way.
A special nod goes out to my circle of friends, family, and furry companions, who have been my steadfast support through thick and thin. Your unwavering encouragement keeps me motivated, even on the toughest days. And a massive thank you to my super-supportive, hardworking partner, Joe, whose love and encouragement knows no bounds. I love you.
Thank you for joining the EVOL-EYE co. family, spreading positivity, and championing mental health awareness. Together, we're making waves through the storms and your support keeps me going.
Let's chat about the insular cortex, a brain region that's like the hidden gem of the noggin. Tucked away deep within the folds of the brain, this bad boy plays a major role in how we feel and behave.
So, picture this: the insular cortex is like the conductor of the brain's emotional symphony. It's all about processing feelings and making sure everything's running smoothly up there.
On the flip side when this brain region isn't quite pulling its weight, emotions can go haywire. It can mess with our emotional regulation, paving the way for mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It's like the conductor of an emotional orchestra going rogue!
But that's not all - the insular cortex also has its hand in social stuff. Ever wonder why some folks have a hard time understanding others' emotions? Well, you can blame it on the insula. It's like the brain's empathy HQ, and when it's not firing on all cylinders, social interactions can get a bit awkward.
The insular cortex even plays a role in decision-making and risk-taking. Yep, it's like your brain's personal risk manager. When it's not functioning properly, you might find yourself making some questionable choices - like eating that entire tub of ice cream in one sitting. Oops!
Here's how various mental health conditions are associated with the insular cortex:
Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Dysregulation in the insular cortex contributes to difficulties in emotion regulation, heightened sensitivity to negative stimuli, and impaired interoceptive awareness.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Altered insular activity is associated with symptoms such as hyperarousal, intrusive memories, and avoidance behaviors characteristic of PTSD.
Substance Use Disorders: Insular dysfunction contributes to altered sensitivity to drug-related cues, impaired impulse control, and difficulties in resisting cravings in addiction.
Schizophrenia: Abnormalities in the insular cortex contribute to deficits in social cognition, impaired empathy, disturbances in self-awareness, and body image perception in schizophrenia.
Eating Disorders: Insular dysfunction leads to disturbances in body image perception and difficulties in recognizing hunger and satiety cues in eating disorders.
Chronic Pain Conditions: Altered insular activity contributes to the experience of persistent pain and associated emotional distress in chronic pain conditions.
Overall, abnormalities in the structure and function of the insular cortex have been implicated in various mental health conditions, highlighting its importance in the regulation of emotions, interoceptive awareness, social cognition, and decision-making processes that are relevant to mental well-being.
So, there you have it - the insular cortex may be hidden away in your brain, but it's definitely pulling some serious strings when it comes to your mental health.
