Marion Person of the Day: Matt Kiesling

Matt Kiesling drew cartoons from an early age. His passion for his artwork never ended, but for seven or so years after graduating a degree in art education, he dropped doodling altogether.

He said creating artwork is an inherently selfish act; the self gratification of finishing a piece and showing it off only benefits the artist. For him, that meant his work took precedence over his artwork.

But when his daughter reached the age of two he found himself drawing with her to teach the value of art. He took his family shopping around Christmas time, filling shopping carts full of toys to donate to needy families — to teach her the value of giving. That's when he came up with the idea for an innovative business that blurs the lines between commerce and charity: Slashdraw.com.

"I want to get people exposed to artwork to trigger something inside them," he said. "I was designing a business that was also entirely focused on giving."

Kiesling draws artwork that is printed on t-shirts and other accessories and then sold; all the money he receives is subtracted from the cost of the materials and the remainder goes to various charitable organizations. 

The innovation behind the concept is deceptively simple. Normally, non-profit companies support charitable causes by constantly pleading for money and applying for grant money. Kiesling said this can turn off donors who may feel like they are routinely pressured into giving away their hard-earned cash.

"I want to get people exposed to artwork to trigger something inside them ... I was designing a business that was also entirely focused on giving."

The alternative Kiesling suggests is to create a for-profit organization that sells tangible, desirable products that customers can use and feel proud of for supporting a charitable organization.

SlashDraw has raised a little more than $5,000 in the year since the organization was started. The popularity of the site is growing. 

"The idea is that as the site gains traction more people realize the act is about giving more than more than getting a shirt," he said. 

Kiesling also does artwork on logos for local businesses. Right now he is working on one for an upcoming, untitled spring marathon that Marion City Council member-elect Cody Crawford is helping put together. 

Crawford said he discovered SlashDraw on Facebook and admired Kiesling's work and mission.

"I think he does fantastic work," Crawford said. "The idea behind it, where he uses it as a fundraiser, is incredible for the community, especially in an economic climate like this."

As for the drawings that profit the charitable organization, he describes them as "humanized animals," or cartoons — designs he said are aimed toward kids.

"It's the challenge that says: OK, you simply look at a bear and just try to add a couple of components of personality to it," he said. "It's pretty simple stuff. I don't think a whole lot before I draw, so it doesn't have any hidden meaning." 

But one last question remains about Kiesling and his operation: Why would someone who has graduated with an art degree and taken various classes on classical and modern artist draw cartoonish child-like pictures?

"Because it's more fun," he said. "On one side there is the guy who does wildlife pictures and draws a couple of raccoons in the woods. In my world, I envision a pirate ship full of raccoons who are going to rob someone."