Writing Portfolio

Dizzy Grows Up and Gets Vulnerable Behind the Mask in New Self-Titled Album

“They come into my head and rattle around in my brain until they become something bigger,” says Katie Munshaw, vocalist of Dizzy, of the lyrics she writes for the band. “I’ve always been like that. I'm really lucky [that,] growing up, I went to an elementary school with a songwriting program, so I’ve been writing songs since grade 5 or 6,” she adds. “It’s always been a big part of my life and how I express my emotions.”

An Introduction to Grants: How to Get Funding for your Small Business

While you’ve been looking to fund your new business in Canada, you may have come across mentions of grants or “free money” from the government but have no idea how to get it. There are countless funding opportunities; you just need to know where to look and which ones apply to you. This article will give you a current overview of small business grants in Canada, which could be a good fit for your business, and how you can create a competitive application to increase your odds of success.

Trevor Sloan Creates A Nostalgic Blend of ‘70s Psych-Folk, City Living and Everyday Imagery in New Album "Dusk Among the Plum Trees"

During a cold and dark winter in Toronto, Trevor Sloan—a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and mixed media artist based in the city—found himself in a cozy room filled with loved ones. His friend started talking about his family’s plum trees and their process of making homemade brandy, and there came the inspiration for his latest album, Dusk Among the Plum Trees, released this spring.

Book Editor: Stop Looking for Zebras by Robert Smith

I edited the book Stop Looking for Zebras, a no-nonsense, engaging and practical guide to keeping your job and sanity in this ever-changing world of creative communications. It is a deep dive into the creative process providing observations, exercises and anecdotes to help readers deliver work that resonates better and faster. The author, Robert Smith, is a creative director, agency owner, author and branding professor with over 25 years in the industry. His clients have included Warner Brothers and DC Comics.

Will My Business Make Money? 6 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Success

Starting a business is risky. That’s why many people prefer working for an employer. At the end of the day, if you want it to survive, let alone grow, your business needs to be profitable. While there’s never any guarantee of how something will go, there are steps you can take to figure out if your business will be able to make money and give you the confidence to keep moving forward through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

96-Year-Old Rejeanne Fairhead Runs for World Record at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

In 2022, 95-year-old Rejeanne Fairhead participated in her first road race after being encouraged by her friend Marie. She completed the Ottawa 5K presented by ASICS Runkeeper at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend walking in Keds, and set a new national record for women’s 95+ 5K at 58:52 minutes. This year, at 96, Fairhead aims for the world record with a new pair of running shoes, a training plan, and a supportive community to back her up.

“It’s like a Love Letter”: Mai-Lan Tomkins on Photography, Her New Embroidery Business and Getting Involved in Ottawa’s Creative Community

“I like shooting places as people,” says Ottawa photographer Mai-Lan Tomkins. “When I take a picture of a place, I don't want to simply document it–I’m trying to capture my connection to the moment and its place in time.” It was around 2013/2014 when Mai-Lan started pursuing photography projects. She’d just finished university, where she explored painting, wood shop, sculpture, film and photography - a blend of creative interests. “I wanted to see better photos on Facebook,” Mai-Lan says.