$('#fade').cycle();Mezzanaie
by Julian Morency, 2007
http://mezzanaie.com
Mezzanaie.com is an online collaborative social network for graphic designers, interactives, photographers, 3d animators and artists. Not only does it provide the ability to display and promote the work of its users but gives the opportunity to earn money by freelancing on creative projects. It uses Paypal to charge companies/users that need design and artwork, listing a timed project (similar to ebay) onto the site. This is then marketed via email to all of its users, where they can join, collaborate, and upload their ideas. A voting system decides on the most appropriate uploaded piece of artwork that best suits the brief and effectively win the project. Funds are then transferred to the user with the most amounted votes, providing approval and sign off by the project owner via the email confirmation system. It also gives an area for users to post work experience opportunities and apply online directly as well as many other useful features.
The main aim of the site is to try and bridge the gap between freelancer (primarily graduates) and the industry. Building a constantly updated portfolio of work through online projects within the site. While giving the opportunity for graduates to utilize those skills earned through study into a commercial sphere.
