Teaneck Artist Creates New Way of Saving

Teaneck resident and artist James C. Best, Jr. expands his artistry to product development with SaveUp Banks, an innovative way to save money. SaveUp Banks are transparent, wall-mountable, coin banks. The patented design allows savers to see each coin stack up vertically as they are saving. Best designed each bank to hold one specific coin denomination. Currently there are three designs: the Twenty bank (holds $20 in quarters); the Rocket Ship bank (holds $13 in quarters); and the Pencil Bank (holds $4 in nickels).

Educators agree that the banks are kid-friendly and an excellent tool both parents and teachers can use to help children learn about counting and currency.

In an effort to raise money for the manufacturing of the banks, Best launched a Kickstarter campaign on June 5th with a goal of $80,000. The campaign ends on July 15th. See the SaveUp Banks Video.

“The idea for the banks came to me as I was spinning quarters,” Best says about the inspiration for the project. “I thought it would be cool to be able to see exactly how much money you were saving in a bank that would look interesting enough to hang on your wall empty or full.”

ABOUT KICKSTARTER​ - ​Kickstarter campaigns operate under an “all-or-nothing” funding model so if SaveUp Banks doesn’t reach it’s goal at the end of 40 days then none of the money is released. Follow SaveUp on Twitter @saveupbanks and Facebook to stay up-to-date on the project’s progress. Sharing the project link with social media networks and even a donation as little as $25 are keys to help this project come to life. Most donations come with a reward.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Best began his formal training at the High School of Art and Design in New York City. After high school, he studied graphic design and graduated with a B.F.A. from Cooper Union, one of the most prestigious training institutions for artists. In 1998, he moved from Brooklyn to Hackensack. In 2004, he moved from Hackensack to Teaneck.

During his career, Best has designed art for a stained glass window in a historic Brooklyn church, taught at Parsons School of Design, painted a 9x9 “mural” on canvas for Marshalls retail store in Harlem, NY, and illustrated and published his own children’s book Brave Little Dave.

A former Art Director at The New York Times, Best is now full time with his own design company, First Class of Color.

ABOUT FIRST CLASS OF COLOR - First Class of Color, now in its 20th year, is a unique creative resource specializing in web development, fine artwork, graphic design, illustrations, and developing corporate identities. James C. Best, Jr., the artist and the visionary behind the company, creates murals, stained glass windows, and designs all graphics for the company. SaveUp Banks and all artwork is owned by First Class of Color.

For more information about ​SaveUp Banks, or to schedule an interview with James Best please email saveupbanks@gmail.com or call Mia J. Best @ (917) 327-9446.