### The Concept

In 2019, I was working as an Illustrator. I'd authored two comic books, promoting them on Instagram, and publishing digital copies on Gumtree.

The whole experience felt clunky. I was aware of platforms like Webtoon and Tapas, but they felt cluttered, lacking the professionalism I was looking for.

I believed there was a better solution. I set out to build a platform that would:

1. Empower creators with simple self-publishing tools

2. Improve digital reading experiences on mobile

3. Reduce our environmental impact by building a better digital experience

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F6d445ebb-8d39-49a3-9692-c158ca3971df.jpg?alt=media&token=f078eed0-f76c-4f00-9d2f-5bdc28674729","id":"6d445ebb-8d39-49a3-9692-c158ca3971df","width":1920,"height":1080,"filename":"IPHONE MOCK LANDSCAPE.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Mobile Reading Experience","border":false}]}
```

### Building The Platform

**Our Creators**

I knew that the success of the platform would be driven by the creators publishing with us. In our first 3 months, we published 25 creators, with a collective online following of over 1 million people. Special thanks to [Victoria](https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-hoover-4a6365208/), our Publishing Assistant, for helping discover some incredible artists.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F8fb0c156-3e1d-45ab-81d4-c12c5d946ba7.jpg?alt=media&token=e9991133-589c-4b2a-871d-501f278206c6","id":"8fb0c156-3e1d-45ab-81d4-c12c5d946ba7","width":828,"height":1017,"filename":"IMG_8886.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Kati Hicks","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2Fe29c2832-4af4-4e96-83b8-02780389958e.jpg?alt=media&token=c5b8200f-24dc-40dc-a241-957a81ae8c08","id":"e29c2832-4af4-4e96-83b8-02780389958e","width":828,"height":1023,"filename":"IMG_8887.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Kirsty O'Rourke","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F3ccd3455-ab2c-44cb-ab46-29a2d343e5fb.jpg?alt=media&token=5caa09cc-0f6e-433c-a4dd-42d8aea6e928","id":"3ccd3455-ab2c-44cb-ab46-29a2d343e5fb","width":828,"height":1022,"filename":"IMG_8888.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Joe Baker","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F5fa1810c-140e-4d71-a87f-04de13a3370b.jpg?alt=media&token=cc2e5d6f-8090-4912-aeed-a0994a76f370","id":"5fa1810c-140e-4d71-a87f-04de13a3370b","width":828,"height":934,"filename":"IMG_8889.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Dalton Stark ","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2Fdc867b22-4c59-4871-b618-c6cc1bc5e583.jpg?alt=media&token=e55c3ced-da7e-4c8f-89de-6eb6b6d74bd2","id":"dc867b22-4c59-4871-b618-c6cc1bc5e583","width":828,"height":1037,"filename":"IMG_8890.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Peter Striffolino","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F8be9b5b3-c8bc-46a7-8a3f-6b0c6ed92187.jpg?alt=media&token=c16ac8e7-adb8-4fa9-9c4b-2ef128386390","id":"8be9b5b3-c8bc-46a7-8a3f-6b0c6ed92187","width":828,"height":1009,"filename":"IMG_8891.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Édgar MT","border":false}]}
```

**The Platform**

Throughout the design process, I had two priorities:

1. The reading experience

2. The publishing experience

I wanted our design system to feel tactile, mimicking the feel of reading a real comic on a digital device. I also wanted it to evoke nostalgia and simplicity. Above all, I wanted to achieve a sense of immersion for the reader.

Special thanks to [Pana](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pana-zvakaramba-753831a0/), for working with me on the design and build.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2Fbdd0b0ca-ce77-40a9-abe1-1c0aac944102.png?alt=media&token=50f05df6-7bd1-4003-a00a-a92465aba266","id":"bdd0b0ca-ce77-40a9-abe1-1c0aac944102","width":793,"height":1253,"filename":"Frame 78.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Home Page","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F80612990-5047-4ad8-bd09-48f7aa4af67c.png?alt=media&token=79c93582-ca6d-4810-8347-280d07ddb237","id":"80612990-5047-4ad8-bd09-48f7aa4af67c","width":793,"height":1253,"filename":"Frame 83.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Product Page","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2Fcb7b881f-97eb-48f1-99c4-64e1375eb9bd.png?alt=media&token=1faac87c-ad2b-4301-9ca5-9099e42706ae","id":"cb7b881f-97eb-48f1-99c4-64e1375eb9bd","width":793,"height":1253,"filename":"Frame 79.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Product Description","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F7d20a51d-dda3-4c50-ba47-5e7751aa00fa.png?alt=media&token=8d520231-0fad-45ce-92d7-2ca466a80946","id":"7d20a51d-dda3-4c50-ba47-5e7751aa00fa","width":793,"height":1253,"filename":"Frame 80.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Product Tags","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2Fe4b70a56-20cc-4142-b50c-2b8162725a40.png?alt=media&token=f8784cad-36a3-4e76-a8d2-d4dfc3c01e92","id":"e4b70a56-20cc-4142-b50c-2b8162725a40","width":793,"height":1253,"filename":"Frame 81.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Publishing Form","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F4bda681e-3bd8-41cf-9432-9113882aba10.png?alt=media&token=5d88e6a9-c1f4-4f14-b0eb-75debfda452a","id":"4bda681e-3bd8-41cf-9432-9113882aba10","width":793,"height":1253,"filename":"Frame 82.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Reading Experience ","border":false}]}
```

### Covid-19, The Collective Colouring Book Project

In April 2020 the world began to feel the full force of Covid-19.

I'd built a community of creators as a launchpad for the product, and I wanted to do something to lift their spirits. I decided to push back the product launch and release a one-off project.

I had the idea to create a free digital colouring book, compiling the work of multiple artists. In 72 hours I compiled a 70-page colouring book featuring the work of 30 artists across the globe. We amassed 50,000 downloads in 7 days.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2Faf46c553-8e9e-4516-a553-41177784689b.png?alt=media&token=3c54d889-4359-45d4-9436-db487fb6d4f2","id":"af46c553-8e9e-4516-a553-41177784689b","width":1244,"height":1240,"filename":"Screenshot 2022-01-16 at 21.29.44.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Raman Djafari","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2Fe6858e36-b87d-4f69-9e38-2772606092ba.png?alt=media&token=7c0e740f-94c1-4ddf-a539-6a64bc5e5ea8","id":"e6858e36-b87d-4f69-9e38-2772606092ba","width":1248,"height":1250,"filename":"Screenshot 2022-01-16 at 21.30.23.png","type":"image/png","caption":" Hex Aunzo","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F9a05b48c-78a7-4982-b7ee-e7472d62d3fe.png?alt=media&token=69a4fa00-9e19-4f85-8262-3e5717a3129a","id":"9a05b48c-78a7-4982-b7ee-e7472d62d3fe","width":1252,"height":1218,"filename":"Screenshot 2022-01-16 at 21.30.01.png","type":"image/png","caption":" Sebastian Schwamm","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F2dc1bce9-a568-4d5b-aecd-5804b76b466d.png?alt=media&token=a67f8aae-bd58-4cda-83c8-e65855f3cbd1","id":"2dc1bce9-a568-4d5b-aecd-5804b76b466d","width":1264,"height":1208,"filename":"Screenshot 2022-01-16 at 21.30.08.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Joe Baker","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F417b1fd2-5fbc-4ebd-88f6-8f80a2b0ceef.png?alt=media&token=cbaaa269-08a9-411f-a817-4a410d2d0f04","id":"417b1fd2-5fbc-4ebd-88f6-8f80a2b0ceef","width":1254,"height":1250,"filename":"Screenshot 2022-01-16 at 21.30.29.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Eat More Spiders","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2Fab3762df-5f6a-482d-a0b1-1f993bc2a510.png?alt=media&token=86cf4b93-0afb-41ab-b5c5-6e99349a5746","id":"ab3762df-5f6a-482d-a0b1-1f993bc2a510","width":1256,"height":1256,"filename":"Screenshot 2022-01-16 at 21.30.16.png","type":"image/png","caption":"James Yeo","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F4e40a46a-8996-401d-a395-2f052280a1ec.png?alt=media&token=109a00ef-fb6b-4a5a-937b-3ff13774b5dc","id":"4e40a46a-8996-401d-a395-2f052280a1ec","width":1662,"height":1164,"filename":"Screenshot 2022-01-16 at 21.30.55.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### The Launch

> On June 12th 2020, we launched the platform, with a feature on [It's Nice That](https://www.itsnicethat.com/news/collector-club-digital-publication-160620).

After a brief early access period for our community, we launched. We built a community of 1000+ creators and readers and engaged with them across socials and Discord. The response was an abundance of support.

We continued to onboard a number of artists and grow our userbase, empowering our creators to monetise their work, and readers to enjoy a simpler, more immersive reading experience on mobile.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F519b60ab-6f49-4c4d-a236-0c4a366c0e46.jpg?alt=media&token=e39aa953-959f-4dda-b033-1a0729bd20ec","id":"519b60ab-6f49-4c4d-a236-0c4a366c0e46","width":828,"height":811,"filename":"IMG_8880.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Instagram Launch","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2Fb7a8da18-f3cc-4ad3-801a-4f2f8075d1c8.jpg?alt=media&token=8b319d4c-166b-408f-8d54-ac4c0fcb8158","id":"b7a8da18-f3cc-4ad3-801a-4f2f8075d1c8","width":1080,"height":1080,"filename":"Artboard – 73 2.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Our Creators","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F3fb5ef05-ca07-4d6f-b42c-cdebb3fbd812.png?alt=media&token=b9f73bad-b397-4378-a710-78042739eea3","id":"3fb5ef05-ca07-4d6f-b42c-cdebb3fbd812","width":1080,"height":1080,"filename":"Artboard – 380.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Discord Community","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F48434186-baee-4ded-bba8-b5b29257014a.jpg?alt=media&token=b591f4bb-73a1-4073-87b1-382b49c92f39","id":"48434186-baee-4ded-bba8-b5b29257014a","width":828,"height":817,"filename":"IMG_8871.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Reader Reviews","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F847feea9-7e4a-4bf7-b82b-3d70c6ee32cb.jpg?alt=media&token=66802fc4-ee57-49ff-a83e-2a267464c2e5","id":"847feea9-7e4a-4bf7-b82b-3d70c6ee32cb","width":828,"height":828,"filename":"IMG_8879.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Twitter ","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2Fac97556b-bbbc-4b6e-8376-097bb15fd4f8.jpg?alt=media&token=9defb78d-0dca-4e9a-b960-f8a28403b925","id":"ac97556b-bbbc-4b6e-8376-097bb15fd4f8","width":828,"height":820,"filename":"IMG_8881.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Instagram Content ","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2Fe1eb1700-3552-4b27-afd6-21f0d1d35421.jpg?alt=media&token=6b1c9ce7-cdf9-4239-9aaa-6de36855c4cf","id":"e1eb1700-3552-4b27-afd6-21f0d1d35421","width":828,"height":814,"filename":"IMG_8876.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Educational Content ","border":false}]}
```

### Reflections

This project was one of the most challenging, yet exhilarating I've ever worked on. It was an adventure personal exploration and learning.

In June 2020, just after launching The Collector Club, I joined Contact, a platform empowering creators. I planned to stay for three months and soak up some experience in a start-up before getting back to my own project.

At the time of writing this, it's January 2022, and I'm still at Contact. It didn't feel right to leave, I knew I had so much to learn. I dedicated myself to diving in and giving my all. Eventually, I decided to hit pause on The Collector Club.

Whether I'll return to this, I'm not too sure. There are definitely ideas here that excite me. What I do know, is that this project fed my creative spirit, and enabled me to be at my highest point of contribution. And that's pretty special.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FBtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ%2F2dfba55a-fa02-4c08-86ee-b56e6e4afa52.png?alt=media&token=2da8729c-8e0a-4f5e-b063-56ee68607bf4","id":"2dfba55a-fa02-4c08-86ee-b56e6e4afa52","width":1822,"height":1358,"filename":"Screenshot 2022-01-16 at 20.41.22.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Reading Experience on iPad","border":false}]}
```

Building The Collector Club, a platform for comic book creators

### **Cortex is a 360 creative studio creating bespoke advertising & marketing work within fashion, lifestyle, music & events. I joined the co-founders early to build their brand, community, and agency.**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FG3TUiMoosxQ9ZAF4wUny%2Fce2ca7a3-7f77-4fc5-a050-2e131837aa90.png?alt=media&token=0d65b6be-08e4-4923-b283-9fb016b57029","id":"ce2ca7a3-7f77-4fc5-a050-2e131837aa90","width":2000,"height":1128,"filename":"Frame 96.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

[Cortex](https://cortexcreatives.com) is rooted in its creative community.

I joined co-founder [Benji Reeves](https://benjireeves.com) (now Senior Creative Producer at Hypebeast) first as a Social Media Manager, but my role evolved as I took the lead on projects across brand, community, and design over a number of years.

I cultivated our community across digital and physical channels through content, campaigns, activations and live events. Our strategy was grounded in championing creatives, giving them a platform to showcase their work.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FG3TUiMoosxQ9ZAF4wUny%2Fb1372af9-5080-4ce2-9a82-3a6723be9ad4.jpg?alt=media&token=91b2552a-5267-4939-9d63-b0c6d88162c2","id":"b1372af9-5080-4ce2-9a82-3a6723be9ad4","width":750,"height":1000,"filename":"91A4F3D3-75B6-40DD-A4BD-917AFCA6B134.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"on-site at a music video shoot","border":false}]}
```

### **Brand Identity**

I helped take Cortex’s brand through many evolutions. We invested heavily in experimenting with different visual styles, leading up to a full re-brand led by designer [Pana Roux](https://pana.work/). We always wanted Cortex to represent freedom, expression, creativity and the future.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FG3TUiMoosxQ9ZAF4wUny%2Fe20360cc-4c8a-494b-9f9c-703455fbabf6.png?alt=media&token=6de1580f-19fa-40c1-8982-28abb0367622","id":"e20360cc-4c8a-494b-9f9c-703455fbabf6","width":1868,"height":941,"filename":"Artboard â 13.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FG3TUiMoosxQ9ZAF4wUny%2F96f598b6-1ec6-4d36-82da-d97b727512d0.png?alt=media&token=1e0c66c4-fa0a-44c1-9fb7-7c57f8d793c4","id":"96f598b6-1ec6-4d36-82da-d97b727512d0","width":1681,"height":980,"filename":"Artboard â 17.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Community Management**

Cortex is rooted in its creative community. I was tasked with cultivating this diverse community across digital channels through content, campaigns, activations and live events. Our strategy was grounded in championing creatives, giving them a platform to showcase their work.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FG3TUiMoosxQ9ZAF4wUny%2F577a4059-f170-4b56-b05c-9d1b17a44099.png?alt=media&token=0553c700-f6b9-4ed1-91a1-96bceb0f9680","id":"577a4059-f170-4b56-b05c-9d1b17a44099","width":2792,"height":1324,"filename":"Frame 19.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FG3TUiMoosxQ9ZAF4wUny%2Fd54e09b5-5b20-4f8a-8acd-f3b21de1154a.jpg?alt=media&token=81e3d197-4458-49d6-9f2a-f98f7bbfaf3b","id":"d54e09b5-5b20-4f8a-8acd-f3b21de1154a","width":1398,"height":1024,"filename":"8583E3A8-F33F-4D59-B2B1-12D1C2485904.JPG","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"community panel event in london","border":false}]}
```

### **Pitch Design**

I created bespoke pitches for clients in for fashion, music and lifestyle brands. Our clients include Kickers, New Balance, Thom Browne, Sports Direct, Sony Music, Ellesse, Napajari, Stone Island, Bestival, Arc’teryx UK and more.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FG3TUiMoosxQ9ZAF4wUny%2Fa755a6c0-8ecb-487e-859f-1022703dcf3d.png?alt=media&token=cbf59732-a1e8-48f9-9fab-3347cf3ef2f8","id":"a755a6c0-8ecb-487e-859f-1022703dcf3d","width":2418,"height":1566,"filename":"Frame 8.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FG3TUiMoosxQ9ZAF4wUny%2F048e84a1-ee6a-4970-ae0d-347c1ab4dfe4.jpg?alt=media&token=18f28b7d-546e-4bb6-bbb6-3c1002e785ab","id":"048e84a1-ee6a-4970-ae0d-347c1ab4dfe4","width":750,"height":938,"filename":"8731F230-731E-40C7-99FE-2095383860FB.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"we'd meet at shoreditch house to write pitches","border":false}]}
```

### **Launching Cortex Agency**

Together we launched Cortex Agency, a management division of Cortex. This gave us an opportunity to work with members of our community on a closer level, helping to develop their careers as professional artists. I helped us launch the agency and define our unique identity, designing assets for across socials.

```cv
youtube
{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VE0Q0z5NsQ","width":200,"height":113,"thumbnail":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4VE0Q0z5NsQ/hqdefault.jpg"}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FG3TUiMoosxQ9ZAF4wUny%2F9eef31d5-020e-4acd-93a2-5f026462fea4.png?alt=media&token=1ac6a328-2cb6-403e-8edc-7c5bc1c93c02","id":"9eef31d5-020e-4acd-93a2-5f026462fea4","width":868,"height":352,"filename":"Artboard â 50.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

**Highlights:**

* Managed social media & community engagement

* Led brand identity and designed all brand assets

* Designed pitches and treatments for client projects

* Hosted a community panel talk event in London

* Launched Cortex Agency management wing

Building a 360° creative studio and agency in London

### **I started Artist's Pages as a passion project to celebrate the work of living artists. In just over a month it's grown a following of over 500,000 followers across [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@artists.pages), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@ArtistsPages/shorts), and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/artists.pages.daily/)**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fartists-pages%2F30772da6-f628-49e7-99a4-82858bb01376.png?alt=media&token=30d1e774-b502-4b26-bfba-3181c699de79","id":"30772da6-f628-49e7-99a4-82858bb01376","width":1080,"height":649,"filename":"OG Image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

* **38M post views**

* **500,000 new followers**

* **5M likes**

* **100k comments**

This isn't my first rodeo building in the creative industry, from founding my first business - [The Collector Club](https://read.cv/imi/BtlRQxhWHjtnvRQHvfJZ) - in my final year at Kingston School of Art, to building [Cortex](https://read.cv/imi/cortex) (creative studio), [Clear Water](https://read.cv/imi/clear-water) (creative education), and [Contact](https://read.cv/imi/contact) (booking platform for creatives) - always building from the ground up.

I'm delighted by the response to **[Artist's Pages](https://artists-pages.com)** and I can't wait to continue building this community. I'll be looking to partner with brands along the way to further support living artists around the world and give them a platform!

**For art consultancy, content partnerships, private gallery viewings, public speaking or to discuss a project, drop a line 👉 hello@artists-pages.com**

Building a new global community celebrating living artists

### **I joined [Anyways Creative](https://www.anyways.co/) on a 3-month contract to help Converse launch its first city-specific social media account and position it's brand as an authentic voice of progress in London’s creative industry.**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fconverse%2Ff3bfaaf6-7474-4841-8664-809aec06bddc.jpg?alt=media&token=76727698-a9be-42d3-abaf-ffd474e71d59","id":"f3bfaaf6-7474-4841-8664-809aec06bddc","width":1920,"height":960,"filename":"HEADER_3.jpeg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

[It's Nice That](https://www.itsnicethat.com) had been a staple of my creative nourishment throughout my early career. To get to work in [The HudsonBec Group](https://thehudsonbecgroup.com) was a real honour. I snapped this whilst waiting for my interview, not quite believing I was amongst the minds that had created the platforms and content I benefited so much from.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fconverse-london%2F9fd2a6fa-936a-440b-8341-f728fc385cd9.jpg?alt=media&token=1847471b-cb2f-4728-a8c8-d9b56d01b9d2","id":"9fd2a6fa-936a-440b-8341-f728fc385cd9","width":3024,"height":4032,"filename":"tempImage1wYJ76.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"@ The HudsonBec Group Office","border":false}]}
```

Converse came to Anyways with the need to add a layer of community to their London-based brand initiatives. I was brought onto the project as **Community Manager** where I focussed on cultivating Converse’s position as a voice of progress across London’s creative community.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fconverse-london%2Ff4ad9723-801e-4c01-b654-4e5627bb4dc6.jpg?alt=media&token=bc949003-0c86-4d30-af21-48c7d7e364c9","id":"f4ad9723-801e-4c01-b654-4e5627bb4dc6","width":4043,"height":6064,"filename":"2 (1).jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"@ Converse Renew Event","border":false}]}
```

### **Community Growth**

We helped Converse establish its **first city-specific Instagram** account, building a local network of 15,000 creatives.

Our community strategy was grounded in championing creative voices, featuring London’s up-and-coming and established creatives, funding their passion and bring dream collaborations to life.

> "As well as giving Converse a central point to celebrate, and connect the Spark Progress projects, the account also gave us the chance to work with and commission Londoners in a variety of ways. It extended the brand’s focus in the capital, serving as a place to give Londoners a voice, a platform, a chance to show the world how they see their city." - [Anyways](https://www.anyways.co/projects/converse-london)

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fa31EcTwHqWd4wrQkYnwK%2Fbdb4f7c7-b794-4561-b33a-5ee5ecf32f74.png?alt=media&token=c118d994-3a2c-4e60-8288-cfb1a0c9d613","id":"bdb4f7c7-b794-4561-b33a-5ee5ecf32f74","width":2792,"height":1324,"filename":"converse socials.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Community Activations**

Whilst looking after [@converse\_london](https://www.instagram.com/converse_london/) we aligned with a number of product launches and events to bring opportunities to our creatives.

We brought the community down to Converse Reimagined, an event in partnership with Browns featuring the collaboration between Converse and designers Feng Chen Wang, Koché and Faith Connexion. Our community took part in live styling sessions, customised t-shirts, listened to a panel talk with the designers. They also got to see Celeste perform an intimate show.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fa31EcTwHqWd4wrQkYnwK%2F137b0712-71c6-4ecf-9501-21095d2443b2.jpg?alt=media&token=d4ebce05-8794-4aa0-9d70-4a3c1f81c382","id":"137b0712-71c6-4ecf-9501-21095d2443b2","width":1536,"height":1024,"filename":"untitledshoot-5888-1536x1024-2.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Production Company: XYZ Productions Concept & Design: Hotel Creative Lighting Design: Renegade Design","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fa31EcTwHqWd4wrQkYnwK%2F242e548d-4988-470a-9614-7d485d4461fa.jpg?alt=media&token=15c6c047-9ea8-44c1-b2db-5e0d9b24d1df","id":"242e548d-4988-470a-9614-7d485d4461fa","width":1536,"height":1024,"filename":"untitledshoot-5642-1536x1024.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Production Company: XYZ Productions Concept & Design: Hotel Creative Lighting Design: Renegade Design","border":false}]}
```

We also attended Converse Renew, celebrating the Renew Canvas made from recycled plastic bottles. Here we captured Lava La Rue and Nayva hosting a community upcycling session where our community brought their old clothes and gave them a new lease of life.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fa31EcTwHqWd4wrQkYnwK%2F61886dee-19e3-4b1e-a261-0f2d075b822d.png?alt=media&token=f15e440b-64b4-47cb-a52c-bd55ebb31934","id":"61886dee-19e3-4b1e-a261-0f2d075b822d","width":2000,"height":1128,"filename":"Frame 93.png","type":"image/png","caption":"@ Converse Renew Event","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fa31EcTwHqWd4wrQkYnwK%2F4b1df5ca-ec34-43f9-ac0e-9331d9de098f.jpg?alt=media&token=541a1369-c29f-4594-aad8-73ef82f79d5a","id":"4b1df5ca-ec34-43f9-ac0e-9331d9de098f","width":1846,"height":1228,"filename":"Converse-Renew pop up-June'19-Stefy Pocket_2.JPG","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"@ Converse Renew Event","border":false}]}
```

I was either on the floor capturing content, liaising with photographers, or live-editing and posting in a quiet (or busy) corner somewhere. In some cases the upper floor of a warehouse - you just never know where fashion will take you!

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fconverse-london%2Fd1df4817-4b45-4c5b-826a-80bd6a7085d7.jpg?alt=media&token=29d0c21a-4ea5-49f3-8197-3b1ddcdc8f54","id":"d1df4817-4b45-4c5b-826a-80bd6a7085d7","width":3024,"height":4032,"filename":"tempImageRIGW8Z.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"@ somewhere on Oxford Street","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fconverse-london%2F815cf9e1-9ac8-47d1-a22b-615a49e690a3.jpg?alt=media&token=9acd4115-ca56-42b7-a147-38be5229e4cc","id":"815cf9e1-9ac8-47d1-a22b-615a49e690a3","width":2094,"height":2617,"filename":"DA849AC9-4D89-45F3-A0A6-BDD8D13692EF.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"@ backstage of a shoot","border":false}]}
```

Full project breakdown [here](https://www.anyways.co/projects/converse-london)

**Highlights:**

* Helped grow @converse\_london to 15,000 followers

* Created content on-site with live approval & turnarounds

* Edited content (still & video) using the full Adobe suite

* Helped organise partnerships with London-based creatives

* Managed the day-to-day posting and engagement of the account

* Presented social media metrics weekly to report on performance

Launching Converse's first city-specific Instagram account

#### **Creative learning, powered by experts. Clear Water was a project co-founded by myself and fellow creative and entrepreneur, [Benji Reeves](https://benjireeves.com/).**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FdiGcno0sIO0CHFBDU8VA%2Fce1cd815-8275-4413-b06b-1004ff348e99.png?alt=media&token=a1398b84-7eac-498f-9a53-fbd60051b1e2","id":"ce1cd815-8275-4413-b06b-1004ff348e99","width":4724,"height":3002,"filename":"banner.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

In 2020 Benji and I saw an opportunity. The rise in e-learning tools, alongside a growing dissatisfaction toward traditional education for creatives presented the need for a new creative learning ecosystem.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FdiGcno0sIO0CHFBDU8VA%2Fc2984978-e60d-4e32-9009-677b6eb7027a.mp4?alt=media&token=5fd1baac-d5d0-4e59-b689-5988b67d62e9","id":"c2984978-e60d-4e32-9009-677b6eb7027a","width":1920,"height":1080,"filename":"Animated Logo.mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

Our concept was to build a simple platform where creatives could connect with experts, book mentoring sessions and buy online courses. I designed the first iteration of our platform that would enable this.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FdiGcno0sIO0CHFBDU8VA%2Fb408d45d-da40-4545-8ec9-e2c725ef0fd8.png?alt=media&token=8141fc29-49d4-40b5-a102-1cdec7927e2e","id":"b408d45d-da40-4545-8ec9-e2c725ef0fd8","width":1354,"height":819,"filename":"newhome.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

To test our idea, we onboarded 10 world-class creatives as experts, holding a unique position in the industry to guide creatives early in their careers. 

We designed a tiered learning system to ensure our offering was as accessible as possible. This offered one-off doses of creative inspiration, four-week courses and one-to-one mentoring for dedicated learning.

We partnered with [Conor Clinch](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=conor+clinch&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8), an esteemed photographer with clients including Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Brioni and Fiorucci. And [Nicole Chui](https://www.nicoleemmapearlchui.com), an embroidery artist with clients including Adidas, TikTok and WeTransfer. We helped them both build and launch their 4-week course.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FdiGcno0sIO0CHFBDU8VA%2F69b6280c-d580-4d49-bd6d-916854e0daa2.jpg?alt=media&token=09eb036e-a81e-44fd-af96-024448b3711a","id":"69b6280c-d580-4d49-bd6d-916854e0daa2","width":828,"height":809,"filename":"IMG_2815.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FdiGcno0sIO0CHFBDU8VA%2F9c692c25-c984-437a-8805-b4a161df200b.png?alt=media&token=b1d73a07-76fe-44a2-b97b-bd8270789f60","id":"9c692c25-c984-437a-8805-b4a161df200b","width":1592,"height":1588,"filename":"Screenshot 2020-08-19 at 13.46.26.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FdiGcno0sIO0CHFBDU8VA%2F4d72008c-0d57-4d01-8606-d40b2b16f931.jpg?alt=media&token=106e19bc-0f88-4031-a8c8-b2118e632cbd","id":"4d72008c-0d57-4d01-8606-d40b2b16f931","width":828,"height":811,"filename":"IMG_2817.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

In this new world,  creatives of all kinds could thrive, powered by our vetted industry experts. In 6 months we designed our brand, built our platform, launched **2 educational courses** and onboarded **10+ world-class experts** across Fashion, Film, Business, Art, and Photograph. Their experience spanned **Gucci, Adidas, TikTok, WeTransfer, Google, Thom Browne, Sky, ITV, Nike,** and more.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FdiGcno0sIO0CHFBDU8VA%2F5f4e2ec6-be15-40b8-8b67-8664852dbe4f.png?alt=media&token=a1849d87-5aba-4dfe-a6ab-60f5e186aeea","id":"5f4e2ec6-be15-40b8-8b67-8664852dbe4f","width":1062,"height":1572,"filename":"Screenshot 2024-09-13 at 10.17.43.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2FdiGcno0sIO0CHFBDU8VA%2F90d45ddf-a3cd-4686-84bf-67bc2a9b9055.png?alt=media&token=90bfa7e1-55e1-4942-8820-a628d0d54186","id":"90d45ddf-a3cd-4686-84bf-67bc2a9b9055","width":2184,"height":1226,"filename":"Screenshot 2024-09-13 at 10.17.53.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

In January of 2021 we were featured by It's Nice That in their industry change maker series "A New Angle". you can [read the full interview](https://www.itsnicethat.com/news/a-new-angle-clear-water-creative-industry-190121).

> After the pandemic closed universities and threw the future of creative education into question, the duo – Read, a creative entrepreneur and Reeves, a writer, producer and creative – saw an opportunity to shake up a traditional sector in stasis. The platform hopes to make creative learning more accessible, affordable and adaptable to today’s industry.

**Benji and I began seeking funding to take this concept to the next level. We were very close to signing a deal but decided instead to pursue our existing commitments as Benji was building [Cortex](https://cortexcreatives.com/) and I was learning rapidly at [Contact](https://contact.xyz/). It didn't feel like the right timing to take this to the next level, but we learnt so much building it and my conviction in our idea and execution remains**!

Building Clear Water, the platform connecting creatives and mentors

### **I joined OurCal to take the app to market. Together our tiny team launched two apps, iterated to product-market-fit, and monetised.**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Flsm4uxXU5MLA1UUboo5i%2Ff1e9941b-2ffb-4fa2-b000-177c8b8dfde7.jpg?alt=media&token=fc09ae91-d939-4ee0-883f-a907bc1aad72","id":"f1e9941b-2ffb-4fa2-b000-177c8b8dfde7","width":1762,"height":2398,"filename":"Screenshot 2023-09-20 at 14.50.38.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

First we launched **[Onin](https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/15/onin-is-trying-to-fix-event-planning-by-combining-calendar-and-chat/)**, the social calendar app. It was a double-launch also announcing our £2.75M fundraise across [Tech EU](https://tech.eu/2023/04/27/often-left-out-in-the-cold-onin-welcomes-the-calendar-to-the-conversation-raises-ps275-million/), [Maddyness](https://www.maddyness.com/uk/2023/04/28/a-seamless-and-secure-calendar-app-global-on-demand-insurance-and-hearing-health-care-in-this-weeks-maddymoney/), [UKTN](https://www.uktech.news/saas/onin-seed-20230427), and more.

Our core mission was to connect our calendars and conversations - two tools that have been forever disconnected. Our key metrics remained stubbornly low after multiple iterations. However, we'd gathered key insights that helped us find our power users: families and couples who value privacy.

This led us to re-launching and re-positioning as [OurCal](https://ourcal.com), the private shared calendar app for families and couples. Through building and learning we found world-class product-market-fit and launched monetisation with OurCal Plus.

**We became a mainstay feature across the App Store, breaking the top 100, and scaling beyond 50,000 users in our first 6 months (many, many more now 🤫)**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Flsm4uxXU5MLA1UUboo5i%2F4ba56f8b-4b1c-4f1f-8fa9-5f1136168e6a.png?alt=media&token=e477f461-e24f-42e2-bd62-6fdebeea9581","id":"4ba56f8b-4b1c-4f1f-8fa9-5f1136168e6a","width":1416,"height":1892,"filename":"Screenshot 2024-09-16 at 21.49.32.png","type":"image/png","caption":"From the first sketch...","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Flsm4uxXU5MLA1UUboo5i%2F18b8c227-9a70-4f2f-b19a-42dd559a3b1b.png?alt=media&token=77e601f2-0688-4d16-a914-6596ef27a337","id":"18b8c227-9a70-4f2f-b19a-42dd559a3b1b","width":1284,"height":2778,"filename":"IMG_8809.PNG","type":"image/png","caption":"... to our first App Store feature!","border":false}]}
```

**Highlights:**

* Led positioning pivot from [Onin](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VM5M9Ak_gg) to OurCal, leading us to PMF

* Scaled to 0-50k+ users in our first 6 months (many more now 🤫)

* Secured 4x App Store features in central spot on the "Apps" tab

* Established OurCal as mainstay in "What's New In Apps" in 28 countries

* Led market research, user research, messaging, positioning, and naming

* Led ASO, SEO, paid search, email marketing, and brand asset design

* Designed all marketing assets used across platforms

* Collected [user stories](https://ourcal.com/stories) showcasing our real-life impact in 150+ countries

* Presented progress report to investors at their London HQ

* Launched OurCal+ and achieved benchmark-breaking metrics

* Ensured all user acquisition was privacy-first (no tracking, anywhere)

Launching OurCal, the private shared calendar app

### **[Contact](https://contact.xyz) is the the place to find and book diverse creative talent, home to thousands of models, photographers, and hair and make-up artists. Backed by Founders Fund, Sweet Capitol, Rhino VC and Riverside Ventures. I helped us launch and grow across verticals.**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fzy5otoeX0FbtQ9smr2kH%2Fba8991c7-f367-46fb-8267-1c197ae45b33.jpg?alt=media&token=b44135db-fbc4-4574-a36a-0f6d070fc0fa","id":"ba8991c7-f367-46fb-8267-1c197ae45b33","width":1713,"height":2565,"filename":"IMG_5538.JPG","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Reuben (Founder) and I","border":false}]}
```

I joined Contact in the summer of 2020 when the team consisted of just a handful of people with around 100 completed jobs. Over the next 2.5 years, we expanded to nearly 40 team members, and I played a key role in helping the platform grow to thousands of creatives and 3,000 commercial projects.\
\
During this time, I took ownership of **brand strategy**, **community management**, **performance marketing**, **social media management**, **product strategy**, and **product marketing**, as well as **management**, **hiring** and **company strategy**.

It was a truly delightful and unique experience where I experienced building a technology start-up, raising £4M, winning Best British Upstart from GBx San Fransisco, and developing in every area of a marketing team at an intense rate.

Contact's [client list](https://contact.xyz/l/booked-on-contact) includes Nike, ASOS, Harrods, Vivienne Westwood, ASOS, DR Martens, Burberry, Jaded London, Zara, Flannels, Converse, Depop, GANNI, Vogue, JD Sports, Urban Outfitters, Balenziaga, Farfetch, Adidas, and Vogue.

I'm most proud that in my time at Contact I helped the team generate **£1M+ revenue for creatives**, commission free. Not only positioning Contact as a platform, not an agency, but proving the value of our forward thinking model.

### **Press**

* [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/12/contact-a-platform-for-creatives-backed-by-maisie-williams-raises-1-9m-seed-led-by-founders-fund/)

* [Sifted](https://sifted.eu/articles/maisie-williams-backs-startup-for-creators)

* [Culted](https://culted.com/contact-secure-investment/)

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fcontact%2Fdfd5d948-6cfe-425f-b71f-c74488c9e8b0.jpg?alt=media&token=ea54afdb-effe-45e5-90f4-f6d9778119e1","id":"dfd5d948-6cfe-425f-b71f-c74488c9e8b0","width":1803,"height":2700,"filename":"IMG_5537.JPG","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Photo by Kirsty McLachlan","border":false}]}
```

### **Highlights**

* Helped take us from 100 to 3000 commercial jobs

* Helped us grow to a team of nearly 40 team members

* Designed the pitch decks that raised £4M (pre-seed and seed)

* Launched Photography and Hair & Make-Up Artist verticals

* Led market research by learning the creator economy inside-out

* Led GTM strategy across major feature launches throughout my time

* Led us to PMF with customer insights through surveys and interviews

* Implemented a messaging guide used everyday by Ops and Sales

* Implemented customer insights process to connect Ops and product

* Implemented key customer segments to align the team's vision

* Ran "messaging confidence" surveys to improve internal alignment

* Positioned Contact as a high-trust automated tech platform

* Outlined power user profiles utilising data science and customer insights

* Held values workshops for the team during off-sites

* Presented 5-year company vision to the team with Reuben (Founder)

* Partnered with [Starface](https://starface.world) to platform body positivity for models

* Partnered with [Madhappy](https://www.madhappy.com) to discuss mental health for models

* Launched [Creative Paths](https://open.spotify.com/show/5QuUtdpfs9z8oHKNtlWhpC) podcast for creatives

* Directed [video guide](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHSXUYTVz-g) for clients

* Directed "[Our Future](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1wIXe67zHg)" video

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fzy5otoeX0FbtQ9smr2kH%2F0ae360e2-deb1-4626-9a15-be4d839d2e57.jpg?alt=media&token=42fcc6bd-d112-4762-9541-63b25b56390f","id":"0ae360e2-deb1-4626-9a15-be4d839d2e57","width":1829,"height":1829,"filename":"AD3AAEE1-7D2A-4F12-9DF4-85E6F7DB2429.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"community merch","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fzy5otoeX0FbtQ9smr2kH%2F0ab616a7-7275-4aa7-ad28-77ca8f2b6df7.jpg?alt=media&token=92c183ab-6b37-4c60-900e-1cb0215da63b","id":"0ab616a7-7275-4aa7-ad28-77ca8f2b6df7","width":3091,"height":2048,"filename":"11490002.JPG","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"halloween bbq","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fzy5otoeX0FbtQ9smr2kH%2F3c1a3bd0-e13d-4860-b280-245f9338f16f.jpg?alt=media&token=18201cbf-6666-4395-a9a2-64f335f625e6","id":"3c1a3bd0-e13d-4860-b280-245f9338f16f","width":3007,"height":1992,"filename":"22.JPG","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"communtiy event","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fzy5otoeX0FbtQ9smr2kH%2Fb3c9968a-a01e-481b-b424-6fde3b29aba7.jpg?alt=media&token=adb4246a-8de1-43af-8aae-6696b7778446","id":"b3c9968a-a01e-481b-b424-6fde3b29aba7","width":4032,"height":3024,"filename":"IMG_9359.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"portugal offsite","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FpGThQ5OOsAW9A2e0p50QlhDxxDL2%2Fzy5otoeX0FbtQ9smr2kH%2F676ffb40-4c3f-421e-9348-640435414b20.jpg?alt=media&token=080b7f37-1cc5-4b0f-b131-fed14971986b","id":"676ffb40-4c3f-421e-9348-640435414b20","width":1024,"height":1024,"filename":"IMG_8532.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"christmas do'","border":false}]}
```

Building Contact, the booking platform for creatives

For my help with marketing: hello@imiread.com

Imi Read

2024

2023

2022

2021

2019