Catching dreams, taking action

A couple of years ago, I photographed these dream catchers while on tour with a theatre production on the Sunshine Coast. They reminded me that it’s not enough to simply have dreams, but that one must capture them, claim them as their own, and realise them through their actions. As we evolve, so too do our dreams.

dream catchers at Eumundi Markets | image credit – Jennifer Trijo

My business is evolving.

The pandemic lockdown has impacted my business. As a self-employed creative I’ve had to reflect on my services and decide how to move forward with the resources available to me. I’ve considered what my clients’ needs are, and how my talents can cater to them, and I’m creating in response to this. It’s been a challenging time adapting to new ways of working and communicating, but it has simultaneously opened my mind.

“The absence of limitations is the enemy of art.”

– Orson Welles

Quarterly digital magazine

The weekend just passed would have seen the release of Issue 7. As a self-funded independent magazine that receives no advertising revenue, I’m proud of the stories I’ve been able to tell, the writers and illustrators I was able to commission, and the inspiring artists whose stories I’ve had the privilege of sharing in these six issues. However, I can no longer sustain the publication of my quarterly digital magazine for the foreseeable future.

The news that some of Australia’s most famous magazines – Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Elle, InStyle, and Harper’s Bazaar – were closed by Bauer Media solidified my decision to stop the quarterly digital magazine.

The good news is that articles will continue to be published on The Serenade Files website and I hope that you continue to find this content helpful in your creative practice. I plan to continue interviewing inspiring creatives and reviewing live performances at major festivals such as the Adelaide Fringe once events are able to resume safely in Australia.

I thank all of my writers, visual artists, and readers for their contributions to the quarterly magazine. I ask for your continued support of my online business, and the businesses of the artists whom I feature.

Website updates

Over the past couple of years, The Serenade Files has manifested a life of its own, and now I’ve decided to separate it from my personal brand. Since 2008, I’ve operated my online business under my name. In August 2018, I’ve registered the business name The Serenade Files, a brand under which I offer creative studio services including music education, performances, compositions, freelance writing, and content creation.

During my time in lockdown, I’ve decided to reclaim my original domain name for a new creative project (soon to be announced). Please make note that theserenadefiles.com will soon become the official domain for my online publication. I’ll let you know when that happens but this is advance notice for the many artists who have links to our reviews or articles on their social media and brand pages, and to my contributors who have links between their sites and their by-lined articles on The Serenade Files.

I’ve used this time to retreat inwards – to educate myself, read, and take part in professional development so that I can keep creating valuable content for you, my valued readers and clients. Without you, I have no creative business. I hope you continue to watch this space and follow my socials because I have exciting announcements in the near future. New products and services are on the horizon.

Stay safe. Keep creating. Just be.

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