The Fairest Ones

“Little by little, one travels far”  ― J.R.R. Tolkien

How utterly perfect that this blog is to be posted on Tolkien's birthday. His writings have been such a source of inspiration to me. I have always been jealous of his participation in The Inklings, an informal group of literary enthusiasts, which is included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien who shared and each other's writings. You see there has always been a sort of magical power which happens when creatives combine their talents to craft and shape the world around them.

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

As I sit here writing and listening to Sleeping at Last, I am filled with a quiet sense of excitement and wonder that the artists in Seattle have begun to leave their siloed corners to join together on a journey to give something beautiful to the city and the world. They have individually been working under the radar, quite often thanklessly honing their talents, and cheering each other on, all the while waiting for the day when they will be revealed. Each of us has the ability to recognize that unique essence of a creative, even before they are admired by the press or the masses. We don't have to wait for these artists to gain mainstream recognition, we can support now those who magnify the beauty for the common good. We can support them with our words, and with our financial investment in them + their businesses, showing that we care and we value what they are doing.

“In this hour, I do not believe that any darkness will endure.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

Artists are needed at this time, more than ever before. When people are divided, weary, and lonely this is when the power of art prevails. It allows us to see our life in the perspective of the past and the future. To see we are all interconnected, we do not live unto ourselves. We are empowered with the ability to lift up our fellow man. We can choose to be a hero in the story of our life. How often it is that the hero is not so dear to us because of the love he received, rather because of that which he selflessly gave.

“Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

To those who continue to pursue their dreams in spite of the seeming odds, you are not alone. You are important. This is a love letter to who you are now and to who you are becoming. You see something, don't stop, don't give up until you release it into the world.

The BIGGEST of BIG thank you's to the incredibly beautiful and talented people who made this dream a reality. This blog contains the behind the scenes images, another blog post will be coming soon with the select final images from the Yunkin and Daniel:

• Photos: @danieljshapiro @yunkinkeophomma
• Behind The Scenes Photos: @greenteleaf
• Venue: @the_ruins
• Gowns: @belltown_bride @pmndesigner   , Justin Zachary Couture
• Event Design/Floral: @kalebnormanjames
• Makeup: @j0rdanr0ss @melissakornmakeupartist
• Hair: @makahmatt 
• Wardrobe Stylist: @julietandlou
• Jewelry: @shannonkoszyk / @namikoabloom 
• Food/Dessert: @the_ruins
• Champagne/Wine: @preceptwine 
• Stationery Suite: @greyandcake
• Models: @annavina10 @noellejohnsun @diana_jean_o @imsuzijane @rodasfeker @_myfriendhanna

3 Tips For Using Social Media To Get The Clients You Want

I met up with Julia Amodt of Style and Cheek yesterday at Elm Coffee Roasters, and we had an important discussion that I think a larger audience (like you!) would value. As creatives, artists and entrepreneurs many of us go through times where we want to grow our business but not break the bank. Research has show that companies can expand even in down times if they are smart. It's true we aren't going through a recession, we are in a season of abundance. So how do you stand out? Here are three tips to kick start your growth:

1. Tap into national holidays and trends.
   • When you are mapping out your social media/web content, take advantage of upcoming holidays (Check out track maven and hub spot for extensive lists. The information can be overwhelming so just map out one month at a time, at the beginning of the month), events (restaurant openings, new boutiques, book/movie premiers, etc.), and product launches that align with your brand and include them in your posting schedule (even if you aren't attending the events).
   • Don't forget to tag those brands, and add the locations/places, because you want to be on their radar as well as the radar of their customers.
2. Join affiliate/partner programs.
   • Pinterest now allows you to have affiliate links, which means you can post your product on a board and link directly to your website. So get to work optimizing your boards to showcase your product in the best light.
   • If you are a blogger, check out two programs that my clients have had success with are RewardsStyle and Share A Sale.
   • Do any of your favorite brands have affiliate programs? You would be surprised, I have seen everyone from Danielle LaPorte to Amazon launch them.
3. Post the work that you want.
   • If you are trying to work with specific brands then give them shout outs, if you want to work with a certain type of client then research the brands who have already captured your audience target (what is their aesthetic, what kind of content are they posting, etc).
   • Perhaps you don't have the budget to create that dream photo shoot or hire the perfect graphic designer -- don't let that hold you back. Fake it till you make it! Take advantage of Unsplash, a free stock photography website, and Canva, a site that makes design simple for everyone.

The Uncommon: Curtis Bright, Menswear Blogger

Curtis Bright, Menswear Blogger, The Bright Report (@curtisbright ) Top 4 Things To Know

•  I'm really excited about working with two of my favorite brands later this month- Filson and Beckett & Robb. With Tiarra Sorte (@tiarrasorte) behind the camera, I can hardly wait to shoot this project!
• Right now I'm reading "Paul Newman: A Life."-He was a true Renaissance man - an actor, entrepreneur, activist, philanthropist, professional race car driver, and style icon. How can a person not be inspired by someone who accomplished so much in one lifetime?
• I’m originally from Alaska . My family moved to Seattle in 1996 where I’ve lived ever since. Growing up in colder climates explains why Fall/Winter is my favorite season for fashion. I’m used to having to layer up for most of the year.
• I am a huge fan of anything with broth and rice- Hot Pot, gumbo. There’s something about these dishes that satisfies my soul more than any other food. 

The Artist Uprising Putting Seattle On The Map

“There’s no protectiveness or competitiveness. We’re all really open with our resources, vendors, press contacts. There’s real camaraderie. The attitude is, ‘let’s get us all on the map.’ We’re all in this together.” - Devin Montgomery 

So much has happened in the last month, that I almost don’t know where to begin! I had the privilege of meeting with Eric Anderson, Chef at Brunswick and Hunt, which was the first of many times that it came to my attention that some Seattle publications are really not giving the type of love they should be to the talented creatives in our region. If you know me, then you know this just won’t do. I am determined to contribute to what I believe is a new artist uprising that is putting Seattle on the map. Just as I believe every industry is open for disruption, I also believe the narrow idea that Seattle is rain, coffee, grunge and technology, is no longer enough to characterize this region. It’s time for businesses to pay attention to what is brewing in their own backyard, and to stop outsourcing what creatives and entrepreneurs in Seattle can do brilliantly.

“The future belongs to a different kind of person with a different kind of mind: artists, inventors, storytellers - creative and holistic right brain thinkers whose abilities mark the fault line between who gets ahead and who doesn’t.” - Daniel Pink

When I first met Aaron Hicks, clothing designer for YaJoe, he gave me the greatest compliment ever “If I ever design a womenswear line you would me my muse”, little did he know that a couple months later I would ask him to collaborate with me to create my dream of a modern artist smock. I love fashion but for quite some time I have contemplated Gertrude Stein’s quote “You can either buy clothes or pictures”. Your clothing and jewelry are a part of your armor for stepping into the world feeling empowered, as though you could seriously kick ass! I mean have you seen Shannon Koszyk's Audaces Fortuna Invat (Fortune Favors The Bold) ring?! Every day I want to be able to costume myself in a way that feels like I am imbued with a magical superpower. This past week I had the privilege of collaborating with Aaron to develop the first uncommon artist smock. I am BUBBLING OVER WITH EXCITEMENT to be wearing the uncommon artist smock in today’s photo shoot which I have produced in collaboration with some brilliant local creatives for The Ruins. Please follow @uncommoncartography and @the_ruins for a sneak peek.

“The really important kind of freedom involves attention and awareness and discipline and effort and being able to truly care about other people and to sacrifice for them, over and over, in a myriad of petty little unsexy ways every day.”  - David Foster Wallace

A final note, many of you may have noticed the series of uncommon collaborations I have been producing. The collaborations are an outflow of my desire to take artists and industries to the next level. These artists have been sharing their talents to help each other fill in their gaps and reach the brands they most desire to work with (because none of us can do it all). The collaborators have been developing some serious social capital and momentum. It has taken a couple of months, but we have begun to see new doors opening and paid projects being locked in as a result of our collaborations. If you would be interested in being featured in a future collaboration, please email me at esther@uncommoncartography.com.  

Let's Do This!

Esther

Ps: As part of our brand refresh for The Ruins in Seattle, I am coordinating a series of events (popups, artist showcases, industry events). If you are interested in participating in a pop-up, showcase, etc. or you know an entrepreneur or creative trying to get to the next level in their career, please email me at esther@theruins.net.

No. 02 - Uncommon Collaboration: Wine & Pizza

“Great thinking partners aren’t echo chambers - they bring well-stocked minds, new perspective, and challenge.” - Margaret Heffernan When looking to work with a brand, we do thorough research to uncover a problem that we can solve. If the brand does not have a problem that we can solve, then we move on to other richer prospects. As an artist or entrepreneur, your time is valuable, so it is incredibly important to measure your return on investment. Identify the brands that you want to work with, then experiment with different approaches.

kaleb and pizza

The Wine and Pizza shoot was the first time an Uncommon Collaboration featured a brand. Josiah Michael approached Precept Wine’s PR and Social Media Coordinator, to see if Precept had a label they needed photography for. We were in luck; they were looking to get new images for their Canoe Ridge wine, from a winery in Walla Walla.

pizza

When putting together a collaboration I consider who is a part of the Seattle Uprising, you know that rising tide of creatives that are putting in the work to stand apart from the rest of the crowd? We have learned for these collaborations that it is helpful if collaborators are well networked and active on social media, this provides the greatest exposure for the brands and fellow collaborators. Also, when selecting our collaborators we really consider the energy that they will bring, because we want an amazing experience for everyone who is participating.

party on the roof

The pizza and wine collaboration went even better than we could have imagined! Not only did all of the collaborators receive great photography and exposure, but this kicked off a great partnership between us and Precept Wine. Make sure to check out the final product on Canoe Ridge's Instagram account :)

Collaborators

• Matt Broussard (Cook at Palace Kitchen)
• Danny Owens (Photographer/Videographer - focused on video for Matt)
• Josiah Michael (Photographer - focused on capturing images for Precept Wine)
• Kaleb Norman James (Tablescape design)
• Julia Amodt (Lifestyle blogger/model for the wine shots)

Brand

Precept Wine - Canoe Ridge

If you need content for your website, social media, or an upcoming product launch please feel free to email me at esther@uncommoncartography.com and I can make sure to connect you with cost efficient resources that will capture your product story and showcase it in a compelling way.