Welcome To The New England Collaboration Club

Welcome to the New England Collaboration Club!

I’m starting a new community group to help other creatives in New England connect and make friends to be creative and collaborate with. Whether you’re looking for a second hand with a project, to learn a new skill, or just a friend to create with, this is the place for you.

I went to a liberal arts college and whenever a fellow classmate needed assistance there was always another student willing to help or swap services. For example, I once modeled for a friend of mine who was recreating famous historical death scenes with large format film photography. I played a victim while another classmate who had a talent with horror movie makeup supplied the “look” she needed for the pictures. Another classmate was a sculptor and he interviewed fellow classmates in order to make cupcake sculptures with peoples personalities. Yes, somewhere out there there is a a Courtney cupcake sculpture. I’m also an extra somewhere in a film about zombies becoming “humanitarians.” The point is, when someone at the college had a creative idea, there was a network of creatives willing to jump in and help. Or simply buddy up as friends.

I was photographing a self portrait session a couple weeks ago and thought it would be so much more fun with a blogging friend instead of always doing them on my own. I’m sure plenty of bloggers feel this way. Finally, I sat down to watch the new rendition of The Babysitter’s Club on Netflix and the idea hit me. It could be as simple as it was back in school. Kids are great at making friends, reaching out to others, and connecting. Why not try it now as an adult and invite other creative people too?

So I started an Instagram page called @necollaborationclub. There is also a New England Collaboration Club on Facebook (click here). Immediately, the group gained some positive (and also negative attention). Most creatives thought it was a positive and wonderful idea to connect. There are so many groups for creatives out there, especially in New England, but not any that are aimed for helping people make creative friends and connections. There are a few for brand deal collaborations, but they’re more exclusive and about making money rather than helping each other with creativity.

The audience of this group is for anyone who enjoys creativity in any form. If you’re a writer, photographer, bird watcher, muralist, dancer, videographer, calligrapher, painter, street performer, blogger, architect, coloring book enthusiast, singer, podcast creator, or any other type of creative, this group I hope will become a welcoming place for all who create.

The method is this; simply reach out and DM me @newcollaborationclub and I will make a post and story about what you do and what kind of partnerships you’re looking for. Or better yet, reach out yourself on the new Facebook page (link up above) to make your own ad for a collaboration. At first, with the group being so small you may not find an exact match right away, but our hope is that over time true and creative connections and collaborations will come from this network or creatives around New England as the group grows. They don’t have to be for big projects or even paid projects or brand deals. Honestly, if you’re just looking for a friend to color with and meet someone who loves to color too, then this group is already successful. If you have found new inspiration to follow online through this page, then this group is already working. It is simply designed to uplift and connect others.

The only disclaimer is that I and the group is not responsible for any bad connections made. Please be safe when connecting with anyone online or meeting anyone in person. Do your due diligence; research the person or people you are meeting to make sure they are who they say they are and have a legitimate online presence. Never meet someone in a secluded place. Arrange all meetings in public and let someone know where you will be and when. Have an emergency contact that is alerted to your meeting so that you can check in with them for safety. Do not meet at dark places at night. Drive your own vehicle or supply your own transportation. Bring a buddy if you can. Please be safe and use common sense when meeting with someone new. Trust your instincts.