Types of Community

Hi millennials!

A community connects with others who share similar interests and experiences or dedicates to a topic or experience that is owned collectively by the community connected to it.

Those who wish to set up a community of your own, 

check out the types of initiatives below to start:

Community #1: Local Characters

Designing an icon or character that showcase part of a popular culture or heritage can create a franchise. Take for example Sanrio - a Japanese company that designs, licenses and produces products focusing on the kawaii segment of the Japanese popular culture. Ang Ku Kueh Girl also designs and features in-house characters to showcase a part of local culture and heritage. And like Sanrio which has Hello Kitty & Friends school supplies, gifts and accessories products sold worldwide, Ang Ku Kueh Girl also has Ang Ku Kueh Girl and Friends bags, stationery and accessories merchandise on sale! Hello Kitty is the best known character and one of the most successful marketing brands in the world, similar to how Ang Ku Kueh Girl is the main character and one of the most prominent faces in promoting the arts and cultural scene in Singapore.

Are you a graphic designer? If yes, you could create your own empire too! 

Look out for a particular theme that is meaningful to you and also relevant in present-day culture. Check out BritneyByMe, a fan site that draws and illustrates cartoon versions of the legendary Miss Britney Spears! His creative works were contemporary and well-received, that led him to be interviewed by BLACKOUT Digital Magazine to now opening an online store selling his range of cartooNEY merchandises!

Community #2: Marketplace

Developing a platform to bridge two or more parties together to meet mutual objectives solve community needs. There is a supply of volunteers with design skills offering their time and services to charities, at the same time, growing demand of charities and non-profit seeking this source of help. Therefore, Make the Change provides a platform to connect the creative community to NGOs and social enterprises to solve the largest expertise and resource gap for creative skills in the social sector. This is similar to how Startup Jobs surfaced from the in-between gaps of talent acquisition that startups faced and the supply of job-seekers. The same goes to GoFundMe, the world's #1 crowdfunding site that is launched from the fundraising demand for personal causes and the supply of financial support by people eager to help.

Do you know of any gap in society now? If yes, you could be the next change-maker!

Look out for uprising trends in social media. Spot potential opportunity in problems seen in news or daily life. Identify the stakeholders - Receiver and Giver - and work out a field to form a mutually beneficial relationship between parties. Check out ShopBack, a one-site shop that assemble one's favorite online shops from over 300 renowned brands. Consumers get to earn cashback with each purchase - on top of existing discounts and promotions!


Community #3: Education / Forum

Empowering creatives with education and a forum to help people make a living doing what they love is what Dear Handmade Life does. They produce 1) events such as biannual fairs and festivals to showcase local emerging artists, crafters and designers alongside artisan food, DIY Craft workshops and indie music. They founded 2) Craftcation: Business + Makers Conference to feature industry professionals leading attendees in hands-on food & craft workshops and lectures and panels on creative business, as well as share DIY craft projects, tips on creative entrepreneurship, recipes, adventures and inspiration to make every day awesome on their 3) blog. 

Are there any niche you like to support? If yes, you can build a community around it where people can help each other! Check out Crazy About Chinese, a platform where Diana Ser shares with parents what she has tried, failed and sometimes succeeded in teaching Chinese to her kids through 1) articles as well as 2) videos on games, activities and excursions. Not to miss out Homemade SG which encourage youths to actively inherit their family recipes and the stories that come with it through 1) online tutorials, 2) recipes, 3) printables and 4) workshops!

Community #4: Online Resource

Everygirl is the ultimate source of reference for girls who wish to be inspired, featuring editorial content on inspiration, tips and life hacks for categories including Career & Finance, Culture, Fashion & Beauty, Living, Travel and Wellness. Everything is designed to be serviceable and easy to share. The same goes to Ivanka Trump, a solution-oriented lifestyle brand celebrating the multi-facets of women who work, inspiring and empowering women to create the lives they want to lead. Editorial content features skill-building interviews with rising stars and industry thought leaders, as well as life hacks and styling suggestions to make the most out of your wardrobe. 

Have you benefited from a one-stop resource with everything you wish to know? If yes, you can share what you know with others alike! First, identify a theme and then expand into sub themes. Check out The Positivity Blog which shares practical personal development advice from simplifying life, social skills, to reducing stress and becoming happier for anyone who wants to produce positive results in real life. 

Hope it helps and good luck! :)