The Inside Scoop: August 2021
Hi friends 👋
We last talked in May! Can it be? I have a massive update for the month of August. So big I broke it into pieces so if you aren’t interested in logos and venture funding you can skip that part. Most of you just want to know when they can download the app. If I could answer the question in two words — VERY SOON! Ok, let’s get going — here are the things I want to talk about 🚀
- The logo (*finally)
- The process thus far regarding this app (*my thoughts congested)
- An angel round (*we are planning to raise some funding)
- Sneak peek and user testing (*finally)
- Merchandise and Perks (*I love merch)
The Logo
Since I didn’t have much to do whilst waiting for the development to finish I tinkered with the logo and the idea behind it for months 😅
I love logos (one of the vainest and most satisfying parts of building a digital product/brand yes, but so much fun). Since I’m somewhat of an almost intermediate but passionate designer (with no budget) — I decided to use Canva and Photopia to make the logo.
If you remember in May we had the leaf design. That was great, but it bothered me. What does a leaf have to do with using a stylus and a digital Bible? It didn’t really make any sense. So back to the drawing board 🎨
After working through many iterations of some type of Bible and pencil graphic as well a variety of colors and gradients I present to you the final design (for now 😂):
In previous newsletters, I showed all the prototype designs and ideas so I won't bother you with all the details again 😅
So what do you think of the final logo? Yey or Nay?
The Process
This has (for me at least) been a very emotional journey (and it's far from over). What started as an idea almost 18+ months ago is being tested by myself on an iPad now 👨💻
Thinking back — with capital (and less fear of failure) this app could have been done 12 months ago. Or even less. The whole reason for the Indiegogo campaign was the lack of capital. The Indiegogo campaign took 6 months to put together (partly due to Covid).
Then my first “budget” developer bombed. Then the second brilliant developer took on a full-time job. Every time it takes time to find new people, to sign documents, get deposits back, etc.
Many times I have felt it would be easier to refund everyone and try something else.
Graciously God has been reaffirming this dream constantly through many prophetic words and other encouragements.
For example, every month, someone I have never met before emails me about the app — they normally find it organically via Google Search 🔎— and this is really encouraging to me. There are people in this world who really want this 🔥
Also, I’m also so grateful for all the patient Indiegogo backers 🙇♂️ — without you — this would have never happened. Thanks 👊🙌
Angel Funding
I felt prompted by the HS to raise angel funding for the app. How or when I’m not sure yet, but I did feel I should at least register an LLC in the USA under the name Pencil Bible — done ✔ 👨💻
This will most likely be the vehicle for that funding.
Meanwhile, I’ve re-read Venture Deals by Brad Felt. Still, I’m not sure how this will work. Help anyone? 😅
The idea is to launch the app (more details below) as a proof of concept and then raise funding when traction hits 🚀
It Works 😮
I had a video call with my developer, Dustin last night. He showed me a full demo and it works. It really works.
Some features are missing and we have only one translation, but it really works. The app is being pushed onto the app store tonight and will run in test-flight so we can sort out the last bugs etc.
The plan is to initially launch a 100% free app. The reason for this is we are missing some premium features (non-essential though) and time is running out:
- Only one translation is available
- Vertical scrolling only
- Saving versus in folders
- Search
- Bookmarks
- Other small tweaks and features
Once this is launched and works Dustin has offered to help me find a new developer on Upwork. My hope is via traction (people downloading and using the app) we can add the other features one by one till we reach a premium level product.
As mentioned if there is real traction it would make it easier to raise additional funding.
This is the plan for now 🚀
Indiegogo Perks
I haven't forgotten about the rewards and perks! I know people didn’t sign up to receive background images and stickers, but I’m planning to honor all the perks. I love product merch and can’t wait for a laptop sticker 🔥
I found this amazing designer on Instagram called Visual Worship. He is designing something very unique for Pencil Bible. It’s an idea I've had for a while now actually. I will put the design on a t-shirt and then sell it on cottonbureau.com to help raise funds for PB. Can’t wait for this one 👕
The logo t-shirt though is already available here on COTTON BUREAU:
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In other news, I decided to learn to code again. I’m doing a full tech degree on Treehouse. I love it! Many sleepless nights though 😴💤 — but if you do something you love it never feels like work (for me at least).
Thanks for all the support. Not long now 🥳
Bye.
Erin
