random acts . . .

5.29.29

I came into the studio for a bit to edit the website. Whenever new artists wish to receive mentorship, they submit a form and are interviewed. Afterwards, a profile is created on our website that covers their creative journey (if discussed on the form) and what they hope to learn moving forward.

I added a couple of these profiles today and denoted which names from the spreadsheet already had pages made.

5.27.26

We reviewed financials for creating a song by looking at costs in our local indie artists community. This includes beat production, vocal recording, mixing and mastering, and basic terms and conditions to consider.

We also talked about cues to look for when finding a freelancer that is suitable for artists. In the current market, there are a lot of skills, which means various terms & conditions, rates, and skillsets offered for music-related services.

We were able to narrow down a price range that an indie artist should consider for cost and quality.

Great discussions!

5.20.26

Welcome to In Progress, Dr B!

In this session, we covered the initial studio training on equipment. This included computer and speaker usage, along with specifics regarding our recording equipment.

Dr B will be aiming towards growing her skills in podcasting.

5.20.26

Tsuking has ambitions of becoming a media artist focusing on short film and music.

Today, we went over tools for post-recording editing, and settled on Adobe Premiere and Logic. We also reviewed the importance of getting the most ideal audio during the filming stage, and how that affects the intended outcomes and possibilities while editing.

5.20.26

This week, IP artist Juno Vue met with Koungla. They walked through setting up a personal mic and discussed the purpose of the microphone shield.

Juno also went over how to record vocals in Logic, explaining the purpose of setting proper gain for various vocal levels.

5.14.26

In this session, mentor TJ Lor had Marion focus more on landscape portrait photography. They explored further with manual settings, slowly learning how to create a focused image.

5.10.26

We have a new mentee joining InProgress, someone who currently interns at the studio.

Marion is an upcoming photographer with a unique vision and style of photography. Today, we worked on how to use a camera in manual settings.

Welcome, Marion!

5.10.26

Today, we had the pleasure of working with Shaq. It was his first session working with Lightroom so we spent some time covering the basics and discussed the possibilities of creating a great photo.

5.8.26

Digital Journeys mentorships are taking place everywhere!

TJ Lor has begun working with one of our newest young artists, Noah Dyner. Noah is a visual artist and an aspiring photographer.

He is willing and excited to learn, and I have no doubt that TJ will give him the training he needs to take great photos.

5.8.26

We had a great artist talk with photo journalist Chris Juhn at our 2nd of 3 artist talks.

He has been photographing the ICE occupation since November and has often found himself in the most difficult of situations through taking heroic photos. Chris presented to a group of roughly 20 audience members in a talk facilitated by IP artist Bhavana Goparaju.

We learned so much about the role of photographers in recording our histories, thank you Chris!

5.8.26

Hey everybody, please help us in welcoming two new Collective artists, Johnny Vang and Michelle Vohs!

They both have a keen interest in photography and are working to take the first steps in establishing their business. I got to meet with them and have a good discussion about their first steps as entrepreneurs.

They will be meeting with some of our other mentors soon, so please make sure you say hello when you see them!

5.8.26

The first flowers of the year from Ghia's Garden.

5.8.26

I had the opportunity to participate in a quarterly virtual convening with arts organization leaders in Minnesota.

I have never been a big fan of these types of gatherings, but this one has never disappointed.

Throughout this conversation, I learned that many of In Progress' colleagues are overwhelmed, exhausted, and fighting the good fight to bring their organizations, their artists, and their communities back from a rough winter.

Powerful stories from the very best.

5.8.26

It has been an honor to work with these two developing In Progress artists as part of our Digital Journeys Program. Dhoua Vue—filmmaker, and Marion Jandora—photographer, teamed up to collect some open video imagery for Dhoua's next film.

We all participated in creative video and photography that will act as a base for both of their portfolios.

More to come as these projects evolve!

5.4.26

Bobi Eric and I met this past weekend to begin looking at how he can bring his digital media skills into a business. He recently graduated with a Bachelors degree in Audio Production and is ready to formalize his learning into a career.

Bobi came to In Progress is 2007 when he was in high school. Since then he has gotten married, began raising two children while working full time, earning an education, and is now establishing his career.

We are so proud of you Bobi!

4.28.26

IP Board Co-Chair Hlee Lee-Kron and I had a good visit with Erica Helander, founder of the Rebel Loon Archive.

We spoke about the work she is doing to compile community stories related to Metro Surge and how we may work together to account those experiences.

No plans were made—just getting to know each other, which is where good work begins.

4.28.26

Today, I went over song writing and arrangement with Angela.

We went over her inspirations for creative story telling and started writing down ideas, lyrics, and concepts.

Looking forward to the result of this exercise in our next meeting!