Hello friends,
Ekaterina Popova here, editor and founder of Create! Magazine. I’m thrilled to share that we are celebrating a significant milestone—our eight-year anniversary! It’s been an incredible journey, and I want to take you behind the scenes to give you a glimpse of what it’s like to run an indie artist-run magazine and platform. Whether you’re curious about starting your own platform or just want to learn more about how the magic happens, this post is for you.
The Journey from Fresh Paint to Create! Magazine
Reflecting on our journey, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come since our inception as Fresh Paint. Rebranding to Create! Magazine allowed us to expand our horizons and embrace all forms of creativity, not just painting. This change opened up countless opportunities and helped us build a diverse community of artists, curators, galleries, and art lovers.
Overcoming Challenges in the Digital Age
Running a print magazine in today’s digital world comes with its own set of challenges. From fluctuating paper prices to the ever-evolving technology landscape, we’ve had to adapt and innovate constantly. The COVID-19 pandemic brought its own hurdles, but it also opened new doors. We leaned heavily on online platforms and virtual exhibitions, which allowed us to reach a global audience and support artists during a challenging time.
Creating Sustainability
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the importance of sustainability. Balancing creative passion with practical business strategies has been key to our success. We’ve discovered that avoiding comparisons to larger, well-funded organizations and focusing on our unique strengths has been essential. Being resourceful and creative in our approach has helped us navigate the ups and downs of the industry.
The Art of Curating and Publishing
Curating each issue of Create! Magazine is a labor of love. We collaborate with guest curators who bring fresh perspectives and diverse aesthetics to our platform. The process involves meticulous steps from editing and designing to promoting each issue. It’s a team effort, and we’re grateful for the support of our contributors, designers, and, of course, our community.
The Power of Community Support
Community support is at the heart of everything we do. We’ve built a platform that connects artists, curators, and art lovers, creating opportunities and fostering relationships. Seeing artists get published for the first time, or being discovered by curators and gaining solo shows, is incredibly rewarding. It’s these connections and successes that drive us to keep going.
Financial Insights and Growth
Managing finances wisely has been crucial in maintaining and growing our independent platform. We’ve learned the importance of community-driven growth over flashy investments. It’s about making smart choices, investing in what truly matters, and ensuring the sustainability of our magazine.
Special Call for Art
To celebrate our eight-year anniversary, we’re announcing a special open call for art. We invite all artists to submit their work by July 30, 2024. This issue will be curated by our team, including myself, Alicia, and Christina. We can’t wait to see your submissions and continue supporting the incredible talent within our community.
Key Takeaways
- Passion and Resilience: Running an indie magazine requires dedication and a strong support system.
- Sustainability: Balancing creative projects with practical business strategies is essential.
- Community and Collaboration: These are at the core of creating meaningful opportunities for artists.
- Financial Management: Crucial for maintaining and growing an independent platform.
For a deeper dive into our journey and insights, tune in to this week’s episode of Art & Cocktails. Whether you’re starting your own platform or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes magic, we’ve got you covered. Listen on iTunes, Spotify, or visit createmagazine.com/podcast.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Your support means the world to us, and we look forward to many more years of celebrating art and creativity together.
Love,
Kat
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