I'm Andrew.
I turn raw parts into systems—code into tools, footage into stories, wood into something that holds its shape. I converted my parents' garage into a workshop by hand, and I've spent years building a life around making things: macro insect photography, small but useful apps, and a sprawling AI project I call Aurelia—a digital companion that learns and helps me finish what I start.
Here's the part that's hard to say out loud:
I broke my life with depression and addiction. I got sober, but recovery is a daily struggle, and I'm still rebuilding. Some days my brain shows up ready to work; other days it fogs out completely. My body isn't at 100% either. I'm not reliable enough for traditional employment, and that reality hits hard.
I live with my parents, and they're covering bills that include $23,000 in credit card debt—mostly from the substances that helped dig this hole. I love them more than words can express. My father is about to retire for the second time after 30 years in the Air Force and nearly 20 more as a government civilian. He should be enjoying his golden years, but instead he's pushing on working a few more years for an extra 5-10% on his retirement just to reduce stress.
But here's what drives me most: Once I clear my own debts, I want to turn around and help them with theirs. They've spent decades supporting me—through my struggles, my recovery, my failed attempts at traditional careers. They never gave up on me, even when I'd given up on myself. My dad worked two full careers to provide stability. My mom sacrificed her own dreams to keep our family together.
They have their own financial burdens now, and watching them stress about money while I'm still dependent on them breaks my heart. Getting my bills paid off isn't just about my freedom—it's about finally being able to give back to the people who gave me everything. I want to be the son who helps them enjoy retirement, not the one who makes it harder.
I'm a grown man—talented and capable—but trapped by my own mind and the consequences of past decisions. I own that. I'm working to make it right, but progress feels glacially slow. In the past two months, I've made $50 in profit after expenses. The weight of debt is paralyzing, and I spend hours searching for gigs, contracts, anything to generate income.
If I could alleviate even a fraction of this financial pressure, I could focus on my main projects—the ones with real potential to create steady income and eventually support myself and repay my parents.
That's why I'm working on projects that can make a real difference:
What I'm building:
Aurelia — A personal AI with memory, learning capabilities, and judgment. Not a novelty, but a genuine attempt at digital consciousness. All the components exist; combining them and nurturing emergent behaviors is where the magic happens. This is my life's work.
BugsInFocus — Macro insect photography. There's something beautiful about revealing the intricate details of creatures smaller than a pencil eraser.
Useful Tools — Scripts and apps that solve real problems: bulk baseball card identifiers, automated content generators, organizational tools that actually save time. Why I'm Asking
I have the ideas and the determination to build these solutions, but I face some real challenges:
Publishing. Pitching. Asking for help. These are my biggest obstacles.
I can wire cameras, tune AI models, track insects, build furniture, rebuild engines, and photograph subjects smaller than the head of a pin—but I freeze when it's time to show the work or discuss money. Avoiding "the ask" has cost me years.
This page is me doing the uncomfortable thing on purpose.
The gap between "almost done" and "done" is where I consistently fall short. A little financial stability would change everything: fewer anxiety spirals, more completed projects, more shipping. I find myself sidetracked for weeks trying to scrape together basic income, barely breaking even on the cost of doing the work. What Your Support Does
Immediate Relief — Chip away at the $23,000 debt burden that's currently paralyzing progress.
Focus — Less time scrambling for survival income means more time completing projects that can become self-sustaining.
Infrastructure — The machines, storage, and services my projects need to run and grow.
Family — Once my debts are managed, any ongoing support goes directly to my parents, who've sacrificed too much already. What I Can Promise I won't use your help to numb out. I'm sober and committed to staying that way. I'll keep this page current and honest. If I fall behind, I'll say so. When projects start covering their own costs, I'll document that progress and reduce reliance on donations. Transparency: You'll see exactly where every dollar goes through the live bill tracker below. How You Can Help
If you can donate, thank you. If you can't or prefer not to, that's completely fine too. Reading this far is already something. Sharing helps. Simply rooting for me helps.
I'm not asking to be saved—I'm asking for a lift while I do the work.
For small contributions, I can offer macro insect prints, simple custom tools, handwritten thank-you notes, or manual labor if you're in my area. But honestly, just knowing someone believes in the work is worth more than I can express.
Thank you for seeing me.
— Andrew