29.04.2014

Awkward Years Project

29.04.2014

Awkward Years Project

The girl below is Merilee and Awkward Years Project is her crazy photo project.
Continue reading and enjoy the interview if you want to know more and, why not, also join it!

What is Awkward Years Project in few words?
A fun & courageous project that highlights our awkward past to help bring hope to those who are currently struggling. It’s about being proud of who we are then & now.

Where did you get the idea from?
My friend and I were talking about how awkward we were when we were younger. She didn’t believe I had such a painful past, or that I could ever be awkward, and wanted to see proof. I’ve always been embarrassed over my pictures, so I thought it would be easier to show her my picture if I held it up, as if my younger picture needed the support. Then it sparked an idea to have more people do that same thing.

When did you started?
I started last year, April 2013

How did you get popular?
At first, I only had posted 8 pictures so far when my blog got so popular. I’m not 100% sure how it happened, but the same week, I was featured on the popular photo-sharing app called Instagram. They featured a picture I had taken, which was unrelated to my Awkward Years Project blog. But apparently someone from Laughingsquid.com must have seen Instagram’s feature of me and clicked on my bio, and saw the link to my blog, then they shared it on their website. All of a sudden websites all over the world started sharing my blog with everyone. I was so surprised and happy!

How do you promote what you do?
I have my main site: awkwardyearsproject.com; then I also have accounts on Tumblr, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+. I share all of my posts on those accounts, in hopes to reach out to more people.

What are the strangest pictures you have received so far?
I think the strangest picture I’ve seen was from a friend of mine. In her younger picture, she had gone to a photo studio and posed with her cat! I’ve never seen anything so funny, strange, and adorable! Here’s the link: http://awkwardyearsproject.com/submission/cynthia/

What are your plans for the future?
I hope to keep this going as long as I possibly can. As long as I get submissions and that I have time to take portraits, I’ll keep posting! I’m hoping that one day, I can turn this into a book. It would be a great gift to anyone who knows what being young & awkward was like, as well as for kids who are currently feeling out of place and can be comforted in knowing that they are not alone, and to see their full potential. Anyone can submit their photos and stories here: http://awkwardyearsproject.com/submit-a-photo/

So… What are you waiting for?

Stefania Boleso

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