Hard enamel parrots inspired by the golden age of 2D animation. Unlock a 2" full pin, a cute 1.5" alternate pin, and a 1" face pin for your favorite bird - with dozens of stretch goals, including new birds and alternate colors, the sky's the limit!
GOLDEN AGE PARROTS is an enamel pin campaign inspired by mid-century animation.
Through the campaign, different bird characters can be unlocked. Each bird has at least 3 (sometimes 4) basic pins.
The base pin is a 2" gold-plated hard enamel piece. At two stretch goals, they also have a 1.5" small pin with an alternate pose, and a 1" face pin!
Some birds also have color morphs (alternate colors) to unlock. Multiple color morphs unlock at once, in dedicated tiers - several birds will get +1, at once. Three backers can also create a custom color morph, which will be available to everyone when the base pin is unlocked.
Color morphs are, at first, only unlocked for the 2" full pins. However, alternate 1.5" small pins can be unlocked later on. 1" mini alts may be in there, somewhere, too, based on demand - I'm not sure where I'll put them just yet.
Stickers and sticker sheets will also be available as addons, partially thru the stretch goals.
All addon items will be added to pledge options as they're unlocked - you can always go in and add more once something you like is available!
All returning BIRD CRIMES backers will get a free GUNBIRD pin.
How did this lovebird get a photorealistic gun? Who is it pointing at? Does the BIRD CRIMES promotion imply that it is in illegal possession of a firearm? Who cares, I don't. All I know is that, of all the birds out there, if given the option, the lovebird is definitely the one to meet minor inconvenience with firepower.
The GUNBIRD is a small (1.5") black nickel hard enamel pin, with recessed and second metal details to make it as realistic, and comically dissonant as possible.
There's a full, diverse posse of these little terrorists. Natural green, lutino, Dutch blue and dilute all kind of sound like heist movie nicknames, when you think about it. All BIRD CRIMES backers get one free GUNBIRD, in a random color unless a specific one is requested.
Other backers will be able to purchase addon GUNBIRDS in all four colors during their survey.
There's a lot to see with GOLDEN AGE PARROTS, and a lot to unlock. Our final stretch goal is this 3" mega pin by guest artist, Corviforms!
Corviforms is a good friend and regular collaborator of mine. It's only right to make our biggest, shiniest stretch goal a pin to celebrate.
This 3" pin will unlock as an addon option for all backers at $25,000. It's a lofty goal, but, I think we can do it! Let's get to this strange brown parrot, and his feathered friends.Â
He's a campaign exclusive, and will only show up at conventions, in B-grade sales, or giveaways afterwards.
All 5 of these 2" pins will be made at our $2200 USD funding goal. You'll have to push forward a little more for their 1" minis and 1.5" small counterparts, though!
COCKATIEL 2"
This pocket-sized cockatoo sports cheery cheek spots and an equally-charming disposition. There is a war of the sexes with these two: males have a bright, sunny yellow face, and females rock a subtle, pretty gray all over. Which is prettier? I don't care. Let's decide based on who sells better.
While these two are bickering over the who gets the single brain cell, backers are the ones who really win: if the base goal's funded, you'll get both genders as pledge options!
Even if they're fighting for third place, these numbskulls will always be #1 and #2... on the order sheet, at least.
Both genders/poses of cockatiel will also get additional colorways.
BUDGERIGAR 2"
Budgies, or parakeets, are the most popular pet bird in the world. They're also the pluckiest, and they have some big personalities and fat mouths for a bird everyone says is safe for children. And, contrary to what the pet store idiots will try to tell you, they tend to be happiest in a group.Â
I'm a jerk, but I'm not heartless, so if GOLDEN AGE PARROTS is funded, I'll set them up with a buddy right from the start: both cere colors will be pledge options!
These little guys are numbers #3 and #4 on the campaign.
Both genders/poses of budgerigar will also get additional colorways.
GREEN CHEEK CONURE 2"
Fun story, the first time I ever went to the hospital was because of a green cheek conure. It bumrushed my head and knocked me off of a 5 foot tall bar stool at a relative's house. I'm lucky I didn't lose teeth, or break my entire face.
Nothing funny or witty here, if you guys ever see me in person, that big-ass scar on the center of my forehead is all that's left of two staples I had to get. I have to thank them, for toughening me up. If you guys haven't figured it out yet, there is something deeply wrong with me. I came out of that experience wanting a parrot.
As much as I hate these little creeps, you guys love their little googly eyes, so, the wild type green cheek conure is #5.
There are four bird pins to unlock in the 3k bracket.
PEACH-FACED LOVEBIRD 2"
This soft little sweetheart is full of love, and cuddles, and nothing but kindness. Kidding. You ever met a lovebird? Not a damn one of these birds I'd trust.Â
It's a good thing they don't have the opposable foot grip bigger parrots have, otherwise I'd probably have several sleeping pill-related attempts to get my life insurance. Whoever named these birds was out of their mind.
This devious little critter has two accomplices to unlock in further stretch goals. She is #6 on the GOLDEN AGE PARROTS order sheet.Â
WHITE BELLIED CAIQUE 2"
Caiques are like boxer dogs. They're not going to top any Kennel Club popularity charts, but the people who have them, never seem to want anything else. These seven-colored parrots seem to have a bit of a cult following, and based on the ones I've met, I get it: they're wonderful to be around.
Cuddly and chaotic in equal measure, caiques are unique little birds who love to hop around, wrestle, and generally get in on any good times around them. With their funny proportions, fluffy pants and endless energy, these little clowns have an infectious sort of charm.
Wherever they're found, caiques are often in pairs: this cute little clown has a black-capped comrade to unlock. The white-bellied version is #7 on the campaign.
SUN CONURE 2"
Another bird I literally cannot stand, the sun conure is an icon of aviculture. Conure owners sing the praises of their cuddly, clingy, affectionate little birds, who stick to them like velcro and always provide a shoulder to cry on. As for me, my nightmares are filled with them. Hearing them scream spikes my blood pressure faster than drinking soy sauce.
These raucous little rainbow chickens certainly bring a vibe anywhere they go, and whether you're down with it or not, they are here to stay. Just keep your toes covered, carry something made out of pure iron, and avoid eye contact. You'll be fine.Â
The sun conure has three other large-conure companions to unlock. His base color is #8 on the order sheet.Â
SCARLET MACAW 2" Â
Perhaps the most famous of all the parrots. This massive, majestic macaw is the icon of the Amazon rainforest, the vague "tropics," and happy hours everywhere.
While I can't say the real scarlets I've met were the most laid-back drinking buddies (they'd rather ratchet open your lip than a cold one), the vacation vibes are impeccable, and it's hard not to lean into that depiction. This fun-loving fellow would rather sit down for a drink with you than crunch tourist fingers.
Thanks to a CUSTOM COLOR backer, the scarlet macaw has a handsome hyacinth companion! The hyacinth macaw is also available to all backers.
This festive parrot has three more macaw buddies he'd like to bring to the party - but, in the meantime, he is #9 on the campaign.
There are three birds, and four bird pins, to unlock at $4k.
INDIAN RINGNECK 2"
The Indian ringneck is the third gender-split pin in GOLDEN AGE PARROTS. You know them, you love them: these saucy green bananas are known for their tall-stanced flirting and absolutely hilarious eye pinning. Ringnecks are great copycats, and excellent showmen, so they're a natural addition to such an animated pin set.
I like to send videos of Indian ringnecks doing their thing to one of my good friends. I like to imagine, whenever he sees them getting freaky, he shudders like he touched a spider.
There's a ripe banana, and a moldy blue banana, to add to your bunch of Indian ringneck pins later on. This player and his girl are #10 and #11 on the campaign.
QUAKER PARAKEET 2"
Did you know how quaker parakeets got their name? It's not after the gentle, well-mannered, peace-toting oats people. It's because, right before they bite the hell out of anyone and everything, they start shaking like an overheating computer tower. Hilarious.
Quaker parakeets are strange little guys, but clearly, whatever they're doing, is working: they are so good at terrorizing native birds, destroying municipal infrastructure, and being feathered locusts around crops that several US states make their presence criminal. Talk about street cred.
This bad boy has one co-conspirator to unlock. He's #12 on the order sheet.
AFRICAN GRAY PARROT 2"
Look at this guy. Look at those gentle, wise eyes, and those crow's feet: they basically scream wisdom. This good little guy definitely knows what a glass is.
African grays are widely known for their intelligence. More importantly, they separate themselves from other parrots for having disproportionately low bloodlust. Sure, they'll laugh at you when they know you're alone, or play some pranks, but this is no cockatoo. He's just going to yank your chain, and tell you that the world was black and white 60 years ago, just like in the photos.
Our $4.35k milestone means backers can buy 3" glossy vinyl stickers of all parrot designs.
Regular KEN'S PIN HUSTLE customers should be familiar with our everything-proof vinyl stickers: these UV-proof, waterproof, dishwasher safe decals go great on any hard surface. People place these on water bottles, food storage bins, phone cases, and I've even heard of them holding steady on car windshields.
As new color morph stretch goals unlock, they will also be available as 3" stickers.
$6k unlocks the 1" mini pin for all currently unlocked birds.
If future birds are funded, they will automatically have a 1" mini pin available. Minis come in each bird's "default" color, until a further stretch goal later.
On unlock, the following pins will be available to backers:
Cockatiel 1"
Budgerigar 1"
Green cheek 1"
White belly caique 1"
Peach-faced lovebird 1"
Sun conure 1"
Scarlet macaw 1"
Indian ringneck 1"
Quaker parakeet 1"
African gray parrot 1"
These pins will be available as their birds are unlocked:
Palm cockatoo 1"
Sulfur-crested cockatoo 1"
Kakapo 1"
Buncho 1"
Pigeon 1"
Crow 1"
Blue jay 1"
Toco toucan 1"
These pins will be available at the $22k stretch goal (check down there for more info):
Ever seen a palm cockatoo? Maybe not. They're the black sheep of the family, big and scary with a xenomorph-looking beak that can probably open a 10# can no problem.Â
However, people who have met these misunderstood little guys know they're the real winners. When it comes to cockatoos, there's nobody more laid-back and thoughtful. That big beak is matched with a big brain, and a big heart. He's no sunny sulfur-crested, or adorable umbrella, but I'm here, on my knees, asking you to give him a chance.
This gentle, gothic giant is #14 on the campaign.
SULFUR-CRESTED COCKATOO 2"
Fun fact: these things get into gang wars with lorikeets. True story. Google it. In Australian suburbs, they form huge groups and fight each other for nesting spots, grazing (imagine that shit, there's enough grass to go around) and, sometimes, just for the hell of it. I can't pick a side, because both of them are terrible. I think both of them are smart enough to be capable of evil, and of justifying it in their own head.
Anyways, that doesn't matter, because sulfur-crested cockatoos are cute! Look at that bright yellow crest, and those happy cheeks. Ignore the giant beak, with a false tooth on it for wedging off your fingernails. She's just trying to check if your cuticles are healthy.Â
This pastel-colored terror is #15 on the campaign.
KAKAPO 2"
You all know them, you all love them: New Zealand's golden boy. This giant lunk of a bird, just like me, only comes out at night to forage for food and doesn't have sex nearly enough. I don't get being a parrot that can't fly, hang out during the day, or flock for safety, but clearly it works for - [checks notes] aw. Nevermind. Forget that part. It definitely, does not work.
Look at those fluffy cheeks, big old feet, and those wistful eyes: I bet he's reminiscing about that time the scientists had to duct tape his egg shell back together. Oh, youth.
This unfortunate endangered parrot is #16 on the campaign.
There's more planned for GOLDEN AGE PARROTS up until 25k - several new birds (and all matching pins), color morphs, stickers, and freebies for all backers.
Let's get a little closer to 10k... I'll let backers choose some of what's next.
Hi, I'm Ken. I make things with birds on them and make Walt Disney roll in his grave fast enough to power a mid-sized city.
I could write something cool, and emotional, and sappy here, but, honestly, I want more pins in my store, and I'm sick of selling things to anime fans who want my heart on a stake for not making their favorite character.Â
You're here for birds, and I'm here for you to enable my bird problem. We can make this work for both of us.
Why?
After BIRD CRIMES, I realized, I have never actually done pins using my "every day" art style. I dabble in a lot of stuff, but, I'm tired of jumping between art deco and 1960s advertising material. It's time to bring out the midcentury bullshit, in full force, chubby cheeks and illogical wing arms and all.Â
I'd like to build a good inventory of pins to bring to conventions, art shows, and have on hand for retail sales. My buyer demographics are goofy, and there's a solid mix of bird furries, biologists and zookeepers, as well as just, plain old parrot owners. I'd like to diversify my options to reflect that, and have some fun feathered finds for anyone who's looking for bird pins. As an investment, I'd also like to have a solid catalogue of designs I can wholesale to pet stores, zoos, wildlife rescues, and other small businesses looking to offer options for visitors or customers.
My last campaign got funded in 17 minutes, and unlocked all of its stretch goals pretty soon after. I am blown away by the demand for my little gimmick pins, and the adorable enthusiasm for parrot stuff. Getting everything in this one might be a challenge, though...
Let's make that cute bird craving pull some weight, yeah?
This timeline is an estimate, but I'd like to stick to it as close as possible!Â
With full transparency to backers, I am expecting to move house in the next month. This shouldn't interfere too much with this timeline (I own basically nothing except my birds, dog and bed), but any major hiccups will be announced as soon as I am aware of them.Â
October 1-24th: GOLDEN AGE PARROTS funding period
November 5-20th: Backer survey period
November 21st: Sticker order placed with manufacturer
Late November: Pin sampling begins
Late November-early January: Pin order placed*
March-April 2025: Pins arrive
April 2025: Fulfillment
*please note that, depending on sample times, our production cycle may line up with Chinese new year holiday. This may cause a 2-3 week delay in pin production and delivery.
Shipping is calculated, and collected, after GOLDEN AGE PARROTS' campaign is complete. You will not be charged for shipping until your survey, which will take place 2 weeks to 1 month after the campaign is closed. Remember to budget in your estimated shipping cost!
GOLDEN AGE PARROTS rewards can ship to most international territories, including (but not limited to):
Canada
Mexico
Ireland (but not Scotland or England: see UK exclusion)
Norway
The Netherlands
Ukraine
Estonia
Japan
South Korea
Hong Kong and Taiwan
Australia
Vietnam
The following territories CANNOT pledge to physical tiers, or receive campaign rewards.
United Kingdom
Germany
Israel
Russian Federation
No alternative options will be offered for backers in these territories at this time. This is mostly non-negotiable.Â
Backers will be given several months between the campaign (including, and after, the survey duration) to lock in their final delivery address. KEN'S PIN HUSTLE is not responsible for shipments lost due to customers using non-legal names, or providing an incorrect address. Shipping policies can be read here.Â
