From content aggregation to content marketing, it seems everyone is talking about the importance of content. Of course, this begs the question: “If content is such an integral part of a successful business, why are content creators having such a hard time getting paid for their work?”

This project aims to find solutions to help independent creative artists (writers, photographers, filmmakers, designers) connect with their audience directly, often bypassing traditional distribution methods, to build profitable, sustainable businesses and help independent creative works flourish. As part of the discussion, I’ll be highlighting success stories and strategies from artists who’ve crowdfunded and self-distributed their works, bypassing the gatekeepers to bring their stories directly to the most receptive and supportive audiences.

I’ll be presenting the findings of this research, along with case studies, strategies and tools for success in Denver for ASMP Colorado on March 20th, then at the National Association of Broadcasters conference in Las Vegas, NV on April 10th.

How Can I Participate?

Contribute to the conversation, share articles, inspiration and success stories on the project’s Facebook or Google + pages, or use the Twitter hashtag #valuecreators. I’ll be sharing the articles, interviews and notes from my research as an ever-evolving biblography in the project’s Storify stream. This allows you to quickly locate a growing list of resources to jump-start your own creative efforts.

Join Us

I hope you’ll join the community of artists looking to bypass the gatekeepers of traditional media to develop a playbook for connecting independent creatives with receptive, supportive audiences.