Here’s a photo recap of the project via TiRone (my iphone).

I’d like to thank everyone that helped spread the word, came through to the events, and contributed to making this year’s battle a success.  We’re still gathering all the press and photos, so look out for a more in depth recap of EIGB 09 soon!

It’s been a lil over a month now since I let go of my security blanket of a day job, in exchange for freedom to spend my time on projects that I want to work on, and become independent of corporate America.  And just like the quote from Paulo Coelho, I do feel like I’ve started living.  I wake up happy, and rested, and confident that I made the right decision.  Financially, there’s more pressure to keep the overdraft fees at bay, which sucks.

Also, I’m adjusting to this new schedule, and realizing that I don’t have to “work” from 9-5, Mon-Fri. I choose my schedule, my Monday night, might be someone else’s Friday, and working on a Saturday afternoon, isn’t so bad when I already cleaned the house Thursday afternoon.  Time becomes abstract, and unlearning the schedule ingrained into society is an interesting challenge to take on.

With my 30th New Year around the corner, these next few months will take on the script of a suspense thriller.  I’m not sure how it’s going to end, but I do know I’m just getting started…

The higher the stakes, the more you realize how important it is to invest time and money in the legal aspects of your business.  This is something entrepreneurs should do first, to protect your assets is a top priority.  So when I got an email about a music business seminar happening in the Bay from Kofi Acquaah-Arhin (Papa Lo Down’s attorney/legal advisor), I thought I should let you know as well.

The Volume 2009 - Music Business Seminar, an all-day educational event for the Bay Area music community, is the perfect place for independent artists to learn more about this element of their career.  I highly suggest attending, especially since the fees are WAY less than many music industry events.

Check below or go the website www.calawyersforthearts.org for more info:

iLL-Literacy (formerly a spoken word collective from Oakland), recorded a music project, moved across the country to form a new city - “Brookland” (Brooklyn+Oakland), and hooked up with Brooklyn based entertainment marketing and publicity firm,(hi Michelle!) Audible Treats

The release of their first EP, iB4THE1.1, is putting them in the same shark tank as some of their favorite artists, so the pressure is on to make the right moves.  From spoken word to recording artists, iLL-Literacy has been plotting these moves for a long time.  Research has been done, money has been strategically invested, and the power of the iLL is with them.  These next few months will prove to test their persistence, not just cause they’ll experience LIVING in the snow for the first time, but also because it’s game time!!!

NOTE TO ASPIRING ARTISTS - If you’re just starting out, it takes TIME, lots of strategic planning, (some collage making), and a solid team to work with. It also takes courage… to jump.

http://www.illshare.net/koolaid

Here’s to my new happy hour, who wants to join?! :)

Yaaaay! I’m really excited to teach this workshop in a city bursting with talent.  Some of you may know that Ruby and Dahlak are from Sacramento, AND happens to be the city iLL-Literacy recorded the majority of their album iB41 before they moved to NY.  There are so many more designers, DJ’s, producers, emcees, dancers, make-up artists, hair stylists, and all around dope.talented.creative souls in this city, I had to come through and support.

Special thanks to Cheryl and Jen at Capitol Roots Studio, Glenda Macatangay, and Jen Nodora, for all your help and support in making this happen.

———————————————–
WEAPONS OF MASS PROMOTION
Understanding the purpose and elements of a one-sheet
(A PAPA LO DOWN PR WORKSHOP)

Join iLL-Literacy’s PR Manager,  Paloma Belara aka “Papa Lo”, for an educational workshop designed for the independent hustler in mind. Artists and entrepreneurs from all creative backgrounds are welcome.

What is a one-sheet? A one-sheet is a press kit on one page, and a standard industry tool artists can use to promote themselves for press, booking, and general business opportunities.

WHEN: Tuesday October 13, 2009 / 8:30pm
WHERE: Capitol Roots Studio
35-D Quinta Ct. Sacramento
www.capitolroots.com / 916.681.6882
FEE: $15 (1hr session)
RSVP: required - paloma@papalodown.com

*refreshments will be served!

For the past few months Bay Area graffiti legend, Estria, has traveled to Harlem, Chicago, and Honolulu, in the 3rd Annual Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle (EIGB).  This year’s battle is in collaboration with “The Life Is Living Festival” curated by Marc Bamuthi Joseph, and will come to an end on October 10, 2009, where one graffiti artist will be crowned champion.  Winners from the Harlem, Honolulu and Chicago battles will be flown to Oakland to compete in the finals!  
 

Opportunity Day “Opportunity Knocks”
Tuesday September 8^th, 2009
6pm to 8pm
@ Yoshi’s San Francisco

For a full list of events and to learn more about IAW check out http://www.infin8sync.com/iaw/ 

Just to fill you in, I quit my day job and legally licensed my business, it’s official! I’ll forreals be an independent hustler now, and I’m excited to finally let go of my security blanket of a steady paycheck to maximize my full potential as an entrepreneur. 

I’ve updated the website with new information about the Papa Lo Down PR & Marketing Consulting service, and invite you to get to know me, how I plan on supporting other independent hustlers, and all the current projects I’m working on.  All the links you need will be located at the top, right hand column.

Here’s a quick recap of links to check:

- About Papa Lo Down
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Description of Services
- Description of Workshops

See below for a description of current projects:

• Business Advisor/PR Contact for iLL-Literacy.  The Bay Area’s critically acclaimed spoken word collective, and New York’s iLLest arrival into the entertainment industry.  

• Business Development for Devil’s Pie.  A monthly soul party with locations in SF & LA, created by DJ Phatrick in 2007.
   
• West Coast Sales Rep for MADE Jewelry.  A SF based, independent jewelry company founded by two law students, Abigail Rivamonte and Debbie Sheen, that design fashion forward pieces, for forward thinking women.
   
• Speaker for FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising).  The West Coast’s leading fashion, design, and entertainment college, (and my alma mater!). 
   
• Business Advisor/PR Contact for Ruby Veridiano-Ching.  A poet, arts educator, VJ/television host, performing artist, model, fashionista, and formerly touring (and sole female) member of acclaimed spoken word collective iLL-Literacy.

• PR/Marketing Coordinator for Estria Miyashiro.  A graffiti living legend from SF (via Hawaii), who educates youth, and promotes community activism through art.

• PR Coordinator for People Power Tour - A social justice campaign featuring emcee/organizer’s Kiwi and Geologic (Blue Scholars), to bring awareness to the plight of the Filipino people through critical, class-conscious music.
   
• Advisor/Project Coordinator for Beats, Rhymes, and Life.  A youth based mental health organization using Hip Hop as a catalyst for change with students in Oakland, CA. 
   
• Volunteer for NFTE (National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship) – A youth based organization promoting business knowledge in high school classrooms across the country.

If you’re in The Bay tonight, begin the celebrations with me, and support the Beats, Rhymes, and Life Film Project at Club 6!

I’m currently setting up meetings with potential clients, please contact me at paloma@papalodown.com for your first steps in mastering the independent hustle :)