Issue 1 Editor's Letter
Craig Berger
December 15th, 2014
Craig Berger
December 15th, 2014
Dear
Friends of BHM,
Welcome to the inaugural issue of Bloated a Hippo Magazine!
The magazine has one simple goal: challenging perceptions. The hand-picked selection of a dozen contributors were tasked with that purpose while covering four distinct creative categories: visual arts (The Canvas), live performance arts (The Stage), media arts (The Screen), and lifestyle/culture (The Street).
We strive to provide A.C.E. content that is Accessible, Creative, and Engaging with a focus on personal narratives that provide more substance and focus than a blog, but more conversational and inclusive than a typical arts magazine or hipster zine. Our long-term goal is to create a strong cross-promotional platform, help build creative communities, and encourage deeper dialogs.
In this issue, we've had the fortune of a diverse group of contributors with honest and exciting voices from across the creative spectrum. Of the many challenges they face, some common themes resound including: funding, balance, and control.
Where do I get the money? Funding is a significant struggle. Many people rely too heavily on social media that can help bring eyes (for a second) but rarely generates much fiscal support. Still, persistence, unique voices, and grass-roots word-of-mouth prevails along with smart collaborations and cross-promotional opportunities. The money often comes once you have a product that the consumer/audience is ready to embrace. If you don't have a clear and unique vision, take the time to find.
How do I balance my full-time job and family obligations with my creative passions? Two perspectives dominate. Either, a true passion is something you can not NOT do- a vital part of your identity- so you find a way to muscle through it and surround yourself with the support to stay motivated. Or, you ignore balance issues altogether. Either way find whatever philosophy fits then stop making excuses and do it.
How can I maintain creative control over my work and career? Having financial backers and collaborators support your projects, being published by creative firms or institutions, or having distribution partners for your product can be challenging in preserving your vision and brand. The key is to understand clearly what makes up the core, "create a lane", and commit to it. Clearly defining that lane to collaborators can greatly enhance the end product. Knowing how to define creative parameters you are comfortable sharing and the wisdom to choose battles comes with experience.
In upcoming issues we will continue to discuss these challenges along with strategies to overcome them. If you enjoy Bloated Hippo Magazine and would like to help us continue to challenge perceptions, please join our email list, visit the store or offer a donation. Also, please take the time to check out the websites and social media of our amazing contributors and help support them in their crafts. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Craig Berger
craig@bloatedhippomag.com
Welcome to the inaugural issue of Bloated a Hippo Magazine!
The magazine has one simple goal: challenging perceptions. The hand-picked selection of a dozen contributors were tasked with that purpose while covering four distinct creative categories: visual arts (The Canvas), live performance arts (The Stage), media arts (The Screen), and lifestyle/culture (The Street).
We strive to provide A.C.E. content that is Accessible, Creative, and Engaging with a focus on personal narratives that provide more substance and focus than a blog, but more conversational and inclusive than a typical arts magazine or hipster zine. Our long-term goal is to create a strong cross-promotional platform, help build creative communities, and encourage deeper dialogs.
In this issue, we've had the fortune of a diverse group of contributors with honest and exciting voices from across the creative spectrum. Of the many challenges they face, some common themes resound including: funding, balance, and control.
Where do I get the money? Funding is a significant struggle. Many people rely too heavily on social media that can help bring eyes (for a second) but rarely generates much fiscal support. Still, persistence, unique voices, and grass-roots word-of-mouth prevails along with smart collaborations and cross-promotional opportunities. The money often comes once you have a product that the consumer/audience is ready to embrace. If you don't have a clear and unique vision, take the time to find.
How do I balance my full-time job and family obligations with my creative passions? Two perspectives dominate. Either, a true passion is something you can not NOT do- a vital part of your identity- so you find a way to muscle through it and surround yourself with the support to stay motivated. Or, you ignore balance issues altogether. Either way find whatever philosophy fits then stop making excuses and do it.
How can I maintain creative control over my work and career? Having financial backers and collaborators support your projects, being published by creative firms or institutions, or having distribution partners for your product can be challenging in preserving your vision and brand. The key is to understand clearly what makes up the core, "create a lane", and commit to it. Clearly defining that lane to collaborators can greatly enhance the end product. Knowing how to define creative parameters you are comfortable sharing and the wisdom to choose battles comes with experience.
In upcoming issues we will continue to discuss these challenges along with strategies to overcome them. If you enjoy Bloated Hippo Magazine and would like to help us continue to challenge perceptions, please join our email list, visit the store or offer a donation. Also, please take the time to check out the websites and social media of our amazing contributors and help support them in their crafts. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Craig Berger
craig@bloatedhippomag.com