This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSB chapter.
Natalie O’Brien is a 3rd year English major from Encinitas, CA who is redefining the arts here at UCSB. As founder and Chief Editor of the Catalyst literary arts magazine, Natalie has changed the way students are able to express themselves. As an outlet for art, poetry, and prose, UCSB students are able to spread their talents through this journal. Although Natalie is mainly an illustrator (she has done work for Reel Loud, the Nexus, and WORD), she says her newfound roles within the magazine define who she is: project-oriented and able to turn nothing into something. Creating a magazine from the ground up into a popular name shows that she certainly knows what she’s doing.
1. What has been your role throughout the creation of the Catalyst?
Since early April last year (2013) I was informed of a literary journal through the English Department called “Catalyst” that once existed. I originally planned on continuing it, but soon found there to be no lasting funds or structure of the former journal. This was an opportunity to take a great name and apply it to a new vision. As founder of “The Catalyst”, the Literary Arts Magazine, I have served as not only the creative director and chief editor, but I have spent the majority of the time building the financial and organizational structure of the production and staff side of the magazine. I will continue as Chief Editor and Creative Director until I find replacements.
2. What does the Catalyst mean for UCSB and the IV community?
For UCSB, I can’t begin to assume I know how The Catalyst affects UCSB as a whole. But as far as I can tell, within the experiences I’ve had before and after the release of the first issue, it has made an impact. The launch party was an incredibly rewarding example of the type of communities we would like to draw together with the publication. The aim is to bring in artists, writers, and designers from all disciplines and areas of study and get them to work together. Things get much more interesting when you combine very different areas of study. For the staff members who have stuck with us after the lock in fee failed, it’s been a wonderful experience. We’re actually happy with the result, because it really feels like a collective now. The people who have stuck around for no reason other than the desire to make this happen are responsible for the continuation of this magazine.
3. Despite losing funding, what plans does the Catalyst have for the future to continue to thrive?
We’re fundraising through researching and talking to people. It’s similar to the funding of the first issue. It’s completely DIY for this issue however, which brings more pressure to the project. We’re coming out with a spring issue, though we don’t want to give too much away until it’s out. There will be another release party in IV, as well as a few other events within the community.
[Editor’s Note: Help out the Catalyst by donating or spreading the word through this website: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/incite-isla-vista]
4. What types of media is the Catalyst focused on publishing?
Print media, online publication, website as a resource for art/writing/events. We are still working on making this a class rather than just offering internship positions. Art – painting, drawing, collage, photoshop, design work, sculpture, graffiti, notebook pages etc. Writing – critical essays, social commentary essays & creative work, poetry, prose, adapted scenes etc.
5. How can someone within the community become involved?
To become involved, we have staff writers, photographers, designers and artists in addition to those who just submit work. If any artists would like us to publish work done in the past, a portfolio or flickr link would be the best option. However if someone is willing to do new work for a particular piece, they would attend weekly design/art meetings to find out about new assignments and work collaboratively sometimes. Writers can submit at any time, though generally submissions from one quarter go toward the issue that comes out the following quarter. Editing positions will be filled based on previous experience, writing samples, and level of dedication (volunteer hours, meeting deadlines, and attendance to weekly meetings). We are currently in significant need of a marketing/production side of the magazine, which entails the project of acquiring funding, promoting the magazine in both a social and professional sphere, and managing volunteers and promotion material. These positions once filled, will be offered internship credit (for most) of each individual’s majors. An accounting major could get a treasurer position and gain upper division internship units based on a small write up and their performance during the quarter.