Aliso Viejo’s ‘Maker of Things’ Uses Kickstarter to Fund Next Project

Inspired by a poem he wrote in high school, Aliso Viejo resident Hugh Dittrich recently launched a Kickstarter project to help him publish his first children’s book.

“Amazona and Mama” is the story of a large cat named Mama and the journey she takes to meet a parrot, high up in a palm tree. Dittrich, the father of four, said he hopes his book and other artistic projects he creates will inspire his children.

“We always aim to instill a sense of creativity in our children,” he said.

To help raise funds for the already written and illustrated book, Dittrich turned to Kickstarter, a donation-based project funding website. Backers, who believe in the projects, can donate any amount, starting at $1. Dittrich has set a goal of $2,000, which he hopes to reach by July 16. If the project does not meet the set goal by that date, no money is collected from the backers and Dittrich will leave empty handed.

After nearly two weeks, the “Amazona and Mama” project has five backers, giving Dittrich $700 toward his goal.

“It’s mostly friends and family at this point,” Dittrich said.

If his pilot Kickstarter project is a success, Dittrich said he has other ideas in mind and will use the service again.

Dittrich also writes a blog titled, “Maker of Things,” where he promotes his art. Using a range of mediums, Dittrich said he is always looking to create something new.

He illustrated his children’s book using the pointillism method, “a technique of painting in which small, distinct dots of pure color are applied in patterns to form an image.”

Dittrich's favorite piece of pointillism is A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.

Visit the “Amazona and Mama” Kickstarter page to read Dittrich's first children's book.