Pyragraph’s Mission and Core Values

Pyragraph is committed to lowering barriers for people working in the fields of arts, culture, microbusiness and community organizing in 1) obtaining media exposure, 2) developing digital media literacy and 3) building professional digital media skills. 

Pyragraph was founded on the belief that creative and independent workers are each others’ best resources and support systems for pushing past challenges and thriving with their work, and contributing to healthy local creative economies. That’s why we focus on sharing stories from artists, microbusinesses and community organizers in their own words, and with an emphasis on their practical, hard-won wisdom. 

We recognize that many members of our communities have been underrepresented in media and publishing, both as subjects of media exposure as well as professionals in the field. This is especially true for BIPOC, queer, trans, nonbinary and neuro-atypical folx. We aim to maintain a publication and social media channels that serve to improve equity for all marginalized communities, and to use the power of our voices to dismantle white supremacy culture. As content creators we reject the myth of objectivity, and embrace the reality that our perspectives and lenses matter.

To these goals, we are committed to tailoring our operations and processes to promote a safe, equitable and inclusive work environment and public space for people’s voices and ideas. We reject fascism in all its forms as well as hate speech and any content that tends to oppress rather than empower people and communities.

 

What We Do

Pyragraph publishes blog posts, videos, podcasts, promotional campaigns, resources and other content from folks working on creative projects, business ventures, community work and passion projects of all kinds. Our format is “entertaining stories and lessons learned” with an emphasis on helpful, supportive, practical content by and for fellow indies.

Through storytelling and sharing practical tips, Pyragraph’s bloggers help illuminate the path for others heading into similar territory. We also offer low- and no-cost ways for artists to promote themselves and learn about online advertising, branding and digital promotions.

Our posts share the good, the bad, the ugly, and the mildly unsettling in the life of being an independent creative, business owner or organizer.

Pyragraph also offers resources such as downloadable contract templates and e-guides to help indies pursue projects and self-employment. Some are free and some are available for purchase; you’ll find all of them on our Resources page.

Pyragraph’s content and projects are all aimed at helping readers keep their fires burning and navigate their own unique independent path.

 

Who We Are

Peri Pakroo—Founder, Publisher 

Outside her work with Pyragraph, Peri is a business author and coach, specializing in creative and smart strategies for self-employment and small business. Her focus is on helping people build structure for their passions to find success on their own terms. Peri is the author of several books on small business and nonprofit start-ups including The Small Business Start-Up Kit, The Women’s Small Business Start-Up Kit and Starting & Building a Nonprofit, all published by Nolo. She plays in a number of bands including Bellemah, The Directory and her own folk rock project, Peri & the FAQs.

In 2012, Peri saw the need for a resource featuring the voices of a wide range of creative workers and the many different career paths they take. She founded Pyragraph to fill this need. Here’s the Pyragraph start-up story.

Lisa Barrow—Editor

Lisa Barrow occasionally worries that her professional creative life is spiraling into control. She’s a freelance writer, editor, and “whatever-you-needer” who spent two years at Albuquerque’s Weekly Alibi as Arts & Lit editor and Web editor. A member of the Dirt City Writers collective, she speaks Spanglish at home and has a book obsession that is definitely, absolutely, without a doubt under control.

Eva Avenue—Art Director

Eva Avenue works daily in the fields of art, music and journalism. She has lived in Amsterdam, Portugal, France, Florida, New Mexico, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago and Seattle. She sits at Zen centers and takes ballet on the side.

Jordan Tate—Design Director

Jordan Tate is the Owner and Multimedia Designer of Creative Duke, specializing in graphic design and branding identity. Jordan has experience working in most forms of media including video, photography social media marketing, and web design. When he’s not coming up with creative content (check him out on Instagram and LinkedIn), he can be found crossing someone over on the basketball court. 
 

Advisory Group

Cristina Rogers (Community organizing, creative economy ecosystems)

Javier Romero (Technology, music)

Nancy Zastudil (Visual arts curation, arts publishing)