Artists from across the globe work together to raise funds and awareness for artists and musicians affected by COVID-19
San Diego, CA | April 6, 2020 — What started as one artist’s response to the coronavirus pandemic has grown to a global effort, with dozens of renowned creators. EraseCOVID, an artist-led effort to provide relief to artists and musicians, has launched a website with merchandise featuring the work of renowned graphic artists, illustrators, and designers. The effort started in San Diego and now includes 59 artists from 9 countries and growing. Work is found at www.EraseCOVID.com
The campaign was started by San Diego-based artist Michael Buchmiller, who has designed concert posters and packaging for bands such as Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, The Replacements and Social Distortion. Buchmiller designed what he called “PSA Art that I’d like to own.” His designs combine safety information from the CDC and World Health Organization with world-class design sensibilities. He began reaching out to other artists to join him. Thus far the network has grown to 59 artists from 9 countries, and the list is growing. The artist network has created work for clients including The Beatles, Kanye West, Foo Fighters, Metallica, The Shins, Pharrell Williams, Spoon, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, and many more, as well as brands like Marvel, Disney, Pixar, Adidas, and others.
“When crises happen, artists make things as a response, and that’s how this started,” says Buchmiller. “After I designed some posters I reached out to other artists with the idea and it’s grown from there. We all care about giving back, and this lets us do that.”
When looking for a printer for the items Buchmiller looked no further than the local San Diego printing company Graphic Business Solutions (GBS), where he serves as Creative Director. The company has been enlisted to handle printing, manufacturing, and shipping, as well as inventory management and accounting. The company quickly built a website to handle commerce, launching within a week of the initial designs being submitted.
Charity Partner: MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund
Finally, the effort forged a partnership with MusiCares to support its COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund provides direct assistance to artists and musicians who have lost work during the pandemic. “I got involved with EraseCOVID to help keep our musician counterparts on their feet during this pandemic,” says artist Elena Fox, best known for her time on the hit Food Network show Ace of Cakes, and a musician herself. ”As creatives, we are in the unique position of being able to raise awareness and help those in need with our art.” Since it was founded in 1989, MusiCares has distributed more than $60 million to musicians and music people in need.
All profits from sales are split evenly between the artists, the printer, and the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund.
The Artists
The growing network of artists now totals 59 from 9 countries, and is growing daily. Artists include Parker Jacobs (Paul Frank Industries, Yo! Gabba Gabba), Aaron James Draplin, co-founder of the Field Notes notebook brand, Graham Annabelle (Oscar-nominated animator, Director of Box Trolls), Elena Fox (Ace of Cakes), tattoo artist and designer Evie Yapelli (aka Show Pigeon), Grammy® nominated designer Jesse Le Doux (The Shins, Chutes Too Narrow), and many more.
“It’s been amazing to see how one artist getting involved leads to another, and another, and another,” says Buchmiller. “We’re all connected by art and music, and it’s a really generous, passionate community. I’m thrilled by the response and I hope that people will support this work, and get some great, affordable art in the process.”