Case Study: Special Event Keys

We have been working with Madeleine of Special Event Keys for two months now, and have had an awesome time helping to take the brand's social media to the next level. Keep an eye on Special Event Keys as their new website is launching soon!  

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SOCIAL MEDIA

As a business owner it can be challenging to juggle all of the demands of a brand from product creation, business development, administration to more! That is why Uncommon Cartography considers it a privilege to help bring a client's vision and products to life through their social media. We realize that social media is only one touch point along the customer journey but its an important one!

We audited Special Event Keys existing social media content, made recommendations, then developed a content strategy which would enable them to reach their target audiences. After identifying our strategy we partnered with local photographer, Danny Owens, to produce a variety of custom images from product flatlays to lifestyle photography. 

BEFORE

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Social Media Feed - Before UC Audit

AFTER 

Social Media Feed - After UC Audit + Content Strategy Development

INFLUENCER OUTREACH

At Uncommon Cartography we pride ourselves on the relationships we have with influencers, edge players, and tastemakers across a variety of industries. We work with clients to identify mutually beneficial relationships for their campaigns. As the gig or freelance economy continues to evolve it is important to stay connected and understand these dynamics. We help provide our clients with the latest information, ex. just because an "influencer" may have a large following, this does not necessarily mean their posts will convert to engagement or sales. Our goal is to identify the right individuals and build lasting relationships that lead to brand growth for our clients.

INFLUENCER CAMPAIGN RESULTS

While our campaign is currently running we wanted to show you a preview of our results. Below are the results of just two influencer posts.

SERVICES

• Social Media Audit
• Social Media Content Strategy
• Creative Producer of New Product Photography 
• Content Creation
• Audience Engagement 
• Influencer Outreach
• Blogging (Website launching soon!)

As we mentioned social media is one touch point in a customer's buying cycle. We work with clients to identify their marketing needs and create custom packages that integrate and amplify all efforts taking place.

Let us help you take your social media or marketing to the next level, schedule a consultation with us by emailing info@uncommoncartography.com.

The 5 Best Freelance Sites to Find Work

Us creatives are on the forefront of the freelance field, which can be awesome and challenging at the same time. As companies continue to focus on greater efficiency and the more marketing tools are automated we are being pushed to differentiate ourselves and constantly expand our skill sets. In addition to this, we will need to find people that we can partner with in order to compete with larger agencies and corporations. John Hagel III, Edge Perspectives:

“We're just in the earliest stages of an emerging and evolving gig economy. Very broadly, the gig economy is likely to evolve from a focus on routine tasks to a focus on creative work. As this evolution plays out, we're likely to see the focus of work shift from individuals to small, sustained workgroups that are driven by a desire to learn faster together. This in turn will lead to a shift from work that is defined by short-term transactions to work that is pursued in the context of rich, trust-based and sustained relationships. In short, the gig economy will become a fertile seedbed to help all of us achieve more of our potential and deliver expanding value to the marketplace.”  

In light of the ever evolving freelance economy it’s important for us to stay active in the new networks that are being formed. Here are the top 5 freelance websites that are on my radar. Do you have any you would add?

1. Upwork

Formed in In 2014 when two leading freelance networks Elance and oDesk merged, Upwork is now the largest network for freelancers! With three million jobs posted every year, Upwork has something to offer for everyone from writers and marketers to SEO geniuses and photographers.

I appreciate the flexilbility this site offers in that you can sign up for short- or long-term projects, and elect to work by the hour or be paid per-project. This site is #1 on my list because after a couple of challenges initially it has been the site where I have secured the majority of my small business freelance work.

2. Craigslist

Uncovering freelance jobs on Craigslist can be a little more of a hunt, but my experience is that the projects tend to be a bit more long term and often part time roles.

3. Freelancer

Freelancer features competitions that allow you to compete with other freelancers to win exposure and engagements. I have not received a project through this site yet, but just recently joined and look forward to sharing results in the future!

4. Freelance Writing Gigs

Freelance Writing Gigs, a specialized freelance platform, is an excellent option for editors, writers, bloggers, and more.

5. Elevator

This site is a little newer to the field and still identifies as being in “Beta” but I think the concept which taps into building teams of freelancers is where we are headed in the future. 

Uncommon Affiliate Program

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Today, I am excited to announce the launch of the Uncommon Cartography Affiliate Program! Each month I will introduce you to artists and brands that I am working with, which you can support by either making a purchase or becoming an affiliate to spread the word about them. I have personally met the companies involved with this program and am excited about the work that they are doing. My promise to you is to only share brands that doing something interesting and beautiful because I know how important it is that the brands you are connected with fit your aesthetic and level of excellence.

The two brands below,

MOO-YOUNG

and

RADLEY RAVEN

, are based in the Pacific Northwest and have a unique and compelling story which we believe your friends and networks will enjoy learning about. Becoming an affiliate is a great way for you to earn extra revenue as well as support local creatives.

- Esther Maria Swaty, Dream Defender

THE STORY BEHIND THE BRANDS

MOO-YOUNG Born in Jamaica, Francine Moo-Young comes from an eclectic family mix of European, Chinese and Caribbean cultures. A love and appreciation of art was instilled in her from an early age, as many of her relatives were practicing artists. Her passion for textiles began as a child, when her grandmother and great aunts taught her to sew by hand. Francine went on to gain multiple degrees, eventually following her heart and obtaining a degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles. She worked for iconic LA fashion brands for ten years, building her knowledge of both design and production. Francine now calls Seattle home, focusing on her desire to make beautiful, functional and wearable art. With a studio and storefront in the Pike/Pine neighborhood of Capitol Hill, Francine lovingly crafts each piece by hand. Her choice of hides and where to cut each pattern piece is determined by the feeling she gets from each hide, highlighting its unique markings and characteristics, not masking them.

Sign up hereto become an affiliate, 20% commission.

RADLEY RAVEN  The Roaring Twenties - Hollywood, Gangsters, Jazz & Gin, there is something so alluring about that era that just had to come back. In 2012, Radley set out to make his own version of this period. Something cool, sophisticated with an air of mystery. Through traveling & other means, Radley curates rare vintage textiles from around the world to be handmade in Seattle into beautiful gentlemen accessories. In ode to the great craftsmanship & detail of the past, each piece is personally inscribed with the fabric’s history, including: the circa date, origin, type of material & the limited number that were made; Most often, few & far between.

Sign up here to become an affiliate, 15% commission.

Ps: Program brands and participants must be based in the US.

Pps: If you or someone you know is interested in joining the affiliate program please email me at info@uncommoncartography.com.

The Uncommon: Daniel Shapiro, Photographer

Photography By: Daniel Shapiro

Last week, in my blog Together Everything Is Possible about the photo shoot and collaboration which took place at The RUINS I utilized images from Yunkin Keophomma. This week, I am sharing the images by photographer Daniel Shapiro. I love how you can have two talented photographers with utterly unique perspectives at one shoot.

Photography By: Daniel Shapiro

Daniel's shots remind me of the scenes in Pride and Prejudice where a beautiful house is being prepared to receive the people after their long stay elsewhere. It makes me think of the fact that many beautiful restaurants and institutions in the city do need to shake off a little bit of their dust in order to welcome in the new generation which has in recent years populated Seattle and begun to make the city their own.

Photography By: Daniel Shapiro

How will our city evolve and yet maintain what makes it so unique yet rid itself of its passive aggressive, slightly cold reputation? This poses a unique opportunity for the individuals who are helping these institutions to evolve and embrace a future that in many ways is already permeating the city. Daniel's photos showcase a new generation of sophistication and beauty which eagerly waits to be unveiled -- if only we will open our eyes to wonder hidden within the individuals who make up the fabric of this city.

Photography By: Daniel Shapiro       

Photography By: Daniel Shapiro

Keep an eye on the talented individuals raising the bar of sophistication in the city:

• Collaboration Producer: @uncommoncartography
• 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: @gruetwinery
• Stationery Suite: @greyandcake
• Models: @annavina10 @noellejohnsun @diana_jean_o @imsuzijane @rodasfeker, @_myfriendhanna   

Together Everything Is Possible

Ultimately, the people who choose to champion originality are the ones who propel us forward. After spending years studying them and interacting with them, I am struck that their inner experiences are not any different from our own. They feel the same fear, the same doubt, as the rest of us. What sets them apart is that they take action anyway. They know in their hearts that failing would yield less regret than failing to try. - Adam Grant, Originals

Almost every week I have the chance to meet beautiful and talented people who are trying to share their craft with the world. Whether they are engineers or photographers, I love hearing their stories. I am inspired by those who hold onto their dreams even when it takes a little longer to break through, to become known for that thing which they are so very passionate about.

But even more than being inspired by the tenacity and persistence of so many individuals, I am incredibly motivated by how people more and more are joining together to help each other reach their dreams. Because the reality is that while there is much we can do alone, there is much more that we can do together. My favorite artists are those who have been a part of a movement, who surrounded themselves with people who would challenge them even at times compete with them so that their skills were sharpened.  Let's not gloss things over -- Hemingway and Fitzgerald were brutal with each other. It's not fun to have your flaws under a magnifying glass, but as Ira Glass says,

“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”

Honestly, we've gotten a little too comfortable with not speaking the truth to each other. The reality is though we may have great aspirations, some of our work is shitty. Only when we look that truth in the face can we get better. We do each other no service by not encouraging one another to raise the bar of excellence. While the role of the critic is greatly dismissed, the critic does call out that sort of underdog spirit in an artist that determines to overcome, to make their voice known. A great strength is embedded in our core when we have to fight for what we believe in.

Never forget your real identity. You are a luminous cosmic stardust being forged into the crucible of cosmic fire. - Deepak Chopra

It's about being real, true, transparent, and authentically You. Cracks, bumps, flaws, and all. When the light shines through our imperfections, that's when we are truly able to touch other people's hearts and souls. - Rebecca Campbell

Last summer, I had the chance to collaborate with an incredible group of individuals who are each cultivating beauty in their own sphere. They are people who are pushing themselves and raising the bar in the creative community. We shot at the magical venue, The RUINS, located in lower Queen Anne. Everyone reached out to their contacts and favorite people to work with, and out of this came the ultimate dream team.

As we were shooting I could walk into each room and see these creatives like fairy godmothers absolutely transforming the models and surroundings. But more than transformation, it was each of their ability to call out, to usher out the best light of the individuals they were working with. This shoot while it produced amazing images beyond what I could have dreamed of, it revealed to me that together we truly can do anything.

So let's keep doing it. We made mistakes, we had challenges, but we learned so much. Nobody does it perfect the first time, but goodness we sure are off to a damn good start (I mean can you believe these photos?! Yunkin you sir there just aren't even words). And you know what? Even more than that -- I like you guys, and feel so very lucky to be creating in the same city as each of you. Let's do BIG things, bigger than we can IMAGINE in 2017.

To everyone else it looked like a single leap. But in reality it was hundreds of little baby steps.

Together this team made magic possible, let's keep taking each and every one of those baby steps towards our dreams. You all continue to amaze me, and I can't wait to work with them again:

• Collaboration Producer: @uncommoncartography
• 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                                             

Ps: Next week a blog post will feature Daniel Shapiro's photography from this shoot :)