The Shelf Creator Residency invites established content creators, tastemakers, and curators with a substantial online presence to apply for a part-time paid 12-week residency with Shelf.
The residency allows you to continue to pursue your own personal creator projects while gaining work experience and earning a stipend working on a project with Shelf.
During this residency, creators will produce their own original show, cross-posted across both their own accounts and the Shelf brand account to maximize reach and engagement. This residency offers creators an opportunity to explore unique, episodic content centered on taste, culture, and personal narratives.
The program is structured to provide creators the space, resources, and community connections necessary to produce a new original online series. Residents are encouraged to pursue projects that reflect their own interests while aligning with Shelf's focus of curating cultural and personal taste — which can be interpreted very broadly.
Throughout this residency, you will:
Collaborate with the Shelf creative team and our network of influencers and tastemakers to develop, refine, and launch your show.
Present your project and receive feedback from the Shelf team and community, helping shape and improve your content.
Engage in regular creative sessions with Shelf’s team, gaining insights and advice from thought leaders and potential collaborators.
Participate in asynchronous and synchronous spaces to share ideas and gather support for content development.
Get invited to selected exclusive events in NYC - movie screenings, book signings, concerts, meetups, and hangouts with other residency members!
Requirements
Established Creator: Applicants must have a strong, visible presence on major social media platforms or media channels, demonstrating influence and engagement.
Shelf Account: Residents must have an active Shelf account, though an existing following on Shelf is not required.
Content Concept: Residents will design an original episodic show that aligns with Shelf’s focus on celebrating our tastes and pop culture — this can be interpreted very broadly as most things can be considered culture. The content will be cross-posted to both their personal and Shelf's platforms to reach a broader audience.
Participants and Alumni of the Shelf Creator Residency Program
The Shelf Residency pushed me to explore my creativity and connect with a like-minded community, transforming my content vision into a polished series.
Working with Shelf gave me access to incredible resources and feedback, allowing me to elevate my storytelling and grow my audience significantly.
Shelf Couture Merch Drop: Edition #2
Residency Structure
Duration: The residency is a duration of 12 weeks part-time, with flexible timelines structured to accommodate creators' schedules.
Location: Remote, with options for in-person collaboration at Shelf’s NYC studio in West Soho.
Stipend and Resources: Residents will receive a $1500stipend, access to production resources, and support from the Shelf team, allowing them to focus on creative output without financial concerns.
Who Should Apply?
Ideal candidates are content creators with:
Experience and Influence: A distinct online persona and a track record of producing high-engagement, culturally relevant content.
Awareness of Trends: Insight into cultural trends, with the ability to adapt and create resonant content.
Application Process
Prospective residents should apply with the following:
Portfolio: Examples of past work that demonstrate high engagement, cultural relevance, and a unique creative voice. Feel free to include past partnerships with other brands that you are proud of.
Content Proposal: A brief description (up to one page) of the show concept to be developed during the residency, including possible themes, formats, and target audience.
Interview Process
Each candidate will assist in an informal interview with the Shelf’s marketing lead where the candidate will describe their content proposal and receive feedback.
Timeline and Stipend
Applicants should indicate their ideal start date. The Shelf Creator Residency typically runs for 12 weeks, but we can also offer alternative durations to accommodate.
12-week Residency: $1,500 stipend
Pay-per-download: $1 per download ($500/month max.)
While the residency is remote, participants are encouraged to visit the NYC studio at least once during their residency.
TO APPLY EMAIL: JOINUS@KOODOS.COM
For further information or questions, please DM us on IG @getashelf
Example of a show produced by residency members:
ALT
What’s Shelf?
From sharing our interests to capturing our collective love for nostalgia and documenting what’s in your bag content, taste is becoming the currency of cool and the days of brain rot are over.
Recently we’ve entered the age of the thought daughter, a growing movement where we’re less focused on passing trends and instead plugged into our thoughts and who we are as individuals with unique tastes.
Amidst a tumultuous world, what’s interesting is no longer about scrolling endlessly or whatever core is trending, instead it’s about what we’re digesting, our feelings and opinions, and what it all says about us as people.
Shelf is a digital shelf that updates as you read, watch, and listen online. Consider it a personal storefront for your taste.
Shelf has been topping app charts and was named one of Business Insider’s Top Apps of 2024.