Project updates… tra-la-la!

What a year 2010 has been so far… and despite all of the personal challenges I’ve encountered, I’m feeling more motivated to work on my projects than ever before.  Here’s a bit of an update:

1) HER VOICE

(http://hervoice.ca – coming in the next two weeks):

Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/hervoicecanada

As a lot of you know, this is my BIG project.  I mean, it is THIS big… gigantic, gargantuan project.  I’m thinking of launching with a few microgrants and maybe a couple of contests.  I was hoping to launch a spoken word contest for women this year but that will have to wait.  Every week, I re-examine my ideas for this portal and either add or remove parts of it.  I don’t want it to become too unmanageable but I do want it to include some of the features that I’ve been dreaming up.  I can’t say too much but one of the things that makes art and theatre and music so difficult to market is that it’s not very accessible to people who live outside of major cities or who perhaps can’t attend some events.  My goal is to make art more accessible thanks to technology.  Not only would it benefit the public but if we can also make artist mentorship more accessible, then young artists from one end of the country to the other will be able to meet in a central location online and learn from older artists who want to share their knowledge.  I have also learned that a lot of artists aren’t interested in teaching or mentorship and that’s fine – perhaps larger grants might be more appealing to them if they just want to work on their own projects.  Anyway, there are so many possibilities for Her Voice that I hope to be able to initiate this project slowly and carefully and make it into what artists and the public alike will recognize as a step forward in art promotion, education and financial support.

A basic website is being setup right now.  However, there won’t be any features available until year’s end.  I’ll also be looking  for a lot of feedback so please follow the her voice project on Twitter or contact me directly if you want to be notified of updates.

Because this has the potential to be my most expensive project, I’ll be accepting donations later this year or early next year.  I’d like to setup a model where YOU decide where the money goes.. more on that later.  :)

2)  SILLY ROBOT!

(http://sillyrobot.ca – coming soon)

Follow on Twitter for updates: http://twitter.com/silly_robot

Speaking of art promotion… I’m learning that there’s a pretty big need out there for artists to move into the online sphere to promote their work and to do networking.  But for most artistic people, technology isn’t their specialty.  And it’s not just artists, it’s the small business owner, the non-profit activist, the inventor, the person making crafts in her basement.  I’ve met so many talented, incredible individuals through art fairs this summer, most of whom have websites, but a quick visit and it’s evident that it’s not working for them.  There’s no contact info, or links are broken or the information is really out of date… there’s no email sign-up or twitter account!  And then, what about actual publicity work?  Are people reviewing your work, are people talking about it, are you getting requests for interviews?

Most of all, the reason I want to do this is because I’m pissed off by IT people who greatly over-charge people for services that really don’t take that much time or effort.  It also really irks me to see how many artists or small business owners are being convinced to pay for really expensive customized websites when they don’t need it.  I don’t have time to run a full publicity and web design shop – but I have the knowledge and skills to get people started or to get them on the right track.  If you want to have more of an online presence, or you want me to evaluate your current presence or you want me to help push you in the right direction as to how to network online, contact me.  I’m hoping to get this business up and running sometime in the fall but I’d be happy to add you to a waiting list until then.  (I already have clients lined up!)

You don’t have to be in Ottawa.. I’d be happy to work on “virtual” contracts where we could meet “in person” via Skype and work together via email!  :)

3) JULIELAURIN.COM

Follow this blog on Twitter: http://twitter.com/julie_laurin

So, what happens to this blog?  Well, it will continue!  I estimate that my posts will be less frequent, but I’m having a blast with this blog so far.  From articles of a documentary nature to a few quirky …of the day posts to my 101 in 1001 days challenge… this is one of the best ideas I’ve had in a long time.  In a way, this blog has inspired me to create all of my other projects.  As much as I love to make art myself, and it will always be something for “me”, there are so many other things I want to explore.  Later, I’ll retreat to a cabin and live a life unplugged.  ;)

I really really want to redesign this website, however.  I’m trying to decide if I want to completely overhaul it or make minor changes.  But, I really just want to hire someone to do it.  I’m more of a strategist than a designer… that being said, if you design WordPress themes, and you think you can come up with something that would keep the features I currently have (featured posts, maybe a rotating group of images, a cleaner more web 2.0/modern look), then contact me.

Other than that, the 101 in 1001 project continues… look for an update on that by next weekend… hopefully I’ll have finished watching the first season of The Smurfs by then!

Lastly, my monthly book giveaway is my greatest joy with this blog so far!  I’m coming up with some fun ideas that will spice up the giveaway over the next few months.  And, expect a blog post soon about my new partnership with a local bookmark maker!  My last book giveaway was sent off to the winner with one of her bookmarks – they’re fabulous and I have a bunch to give out in the next few months.  You still have time to enter this month’s giveaway!

Related posts:

1. 101 in 1001: Monthly Goal Updates
2. Ideas, projects and diversions.