Many people assume the old-age story of someone doing porn to be able to pay for college is more of a myth than anything — even when adult performers enrolled in well-known universities have had big media coverage fairly recently.

Well, things don’t just stop after a college degree; and sadly — although still somewhat profitable — independent porn isn’t able to pay for grad school. So what should a popular feminist porn director/ producer do when she gets accepted into an MFA program that she can’t afford? Crowdfund the shit out of it, of course!

Award-winning adult director and producer Courtney Trouble got into the Masters of Fine Arts Program at the California College of the Arts, and is looking to devote the next couple of years to get better at what she does — something any fan of her already solid work should appreciate.

“If you love the rebellious, gritty, politically-charged, creative, and strange arthouse porn that I make now, just imagine what I might be able to do after 2 years in such an amazing program,” she said in convincing fashion.

“Saying that I’m exhausted from making commercial porn and want to go learn how to make more contextual, emotional, substantial art is TOTALLY SCARY!” Trouble confessed on her Indiegogo campaign. “The adult industry has responded well to my needs and so has the queer community, which is awesome — now I just needs the funds.”

While her adult business can afford her basic financial needs, it doesn’t come close to the $80,000 her program costs, so she’s asking for help from her strong and growing following to afford it. It’s a pricey endeavor, obviously, and it will take several stages to get there. Securing the $10,000 for the first tuition bill is the main priority at the moment, as that is due August 1st, shortly before she starts school.

“I love porn and I want to keep making it, but I need to find other ways to grow as an artist. The art that I make must grow beyond the porn community and the adult industry in order for my own personal survival.”

To donate and read more about Courtney Trouble and her project, go to her Indiegogo fundraiser. As a bonus reward, if you contribute more than $200, she will also send you a one of a kind, professional art print from her photography portfolio.

The best way to help the porn industry is to support those who are making valuable creative choices with their work. This is a good way to show it.