The Ennui Project

The Ennui Project was a digital and print publication dedicated to helping artists be artists.

A stylized logo on an orange background featuring the letters "äe" enclosed within a minimalist banner-shaped frame. The design includes umlaut accents above the "a" and a macron accent above the "e," capturing the brand’s distinct aesthetic. A small copyright symbol is placed in the bottom right corner, reinforcing brand identity.

A Creative Guide for the Music and Art Communities

As the founder of The Ennui Project (also called Ennui Magazine), I took a hands-on approach to every aspect of the project. I designed the website, developed the brand’s aesthetic, and led all content creation.

From building our SEO strategy to implementing content that resonated with a niche audience, I made it my mission to provide a unique space where artists felt seen and supported.

Mastering SEO and Content Strategy

A key component of Ennui’s success was our strategic approach to SEO. Our posts ranked highly in search engines by focusing on keyword optimization and developing content strategies based on industry trends.

Thirty of our educational blog posts held top positions in Google search results, frequently appearing as #1 snippets. This SEO success drove over 15,000 monthly pageviews, positioning Ennui as a go-to resource for music and art enthusiasts seeking honest insights and advice.

Two band members playing together on stage, with one guitarist in the foreground and the second musician partially visible behind.
Artist playing an acoustic guitar in a professional studio setting, flanked by multiple cameras and lighting equipment, preparing for a video recording session.
A guitarist playing energetically under dim, moody lighting, highlighting the motion and intensity of the performance.
A musician from The National Parks performing on stage with a guitar, captured in a vibrant double-exposure image that showcases movement and colorful light effects.
A blurred, dynamic stage shot of a drummer from The National Parks, with vibrant blue and teal lighting creating a ghostly double-exposure effect.
The drummer of The National Parks in focus, surrounded by vibrant, atmospheric lighting during a live show.
A close-up of a lead guitarist intensely playing, surrounded by colored stage lights and shadows.
Musician performing live on stage, surrounded by electronic instruments and a laptop, creating an atmospheric and immersive setup against a vibrant red background.
A performer passionately singing into the microphone while gripping a large spoon like a prop during a live concert.

Engaging the Music Community Through Content Creation

Ennui Magazine wasn’t just a music blog—it was a hub for in-depth interviews, concert photography, and behind-the-scenes insights. I conducted countless interviews with local and regional artists, capturing their stories and providing a platform that emphasized their creative journeys.

I also documented live performances, designed promotional materials like flyers and merchandise, and wrote blog posts that tackled real issues faced by the creative community.

Creating Impactful, Honest Content for Artists

I focused on creating content that went beyond surface-level music reviews. Blog posts addressed the emotional aspects of the creative process—topics like band dynamics, burnout, and the psychological toll of touring.

This approach struck a chord with our readers, who appreciated the magazine’s candid, thoughtful perspective. We were referenced in industry podcasts and radio shows, underscoring our reputation as a trusted voice in the music scene.

A black T-shirt featuring a minimalist design in white text. The front displays the phonetic pronunciation "/än'we/" with the phrase "Designed in Seattle, Made in USA" printed below.
A white T-shirt with bold orange branding on the back. It prominently features the text "ENNUI MAGAZINE" in large font, along with globe icons and eco-friendly icons indicating it is made in the USA from 100% recyclable materials. The bottom section includes the phonetic pronunciation "/än'we/" and sustainability symbols.

The Decision to Close and Shift Focus

Ultimately, I decided to close Ennui to dedicate my time and energy to other projects. While the decision was difficult, I’m proud of what I accomplished through this platform.

Ennui was a labor of love that showcased my full range of skills—from content strategy and SEO to design, writing, and community building. Its impact is still felt by the artists and readers who connected with our work, and it remains a defining highlight of my creative career.

COPYRIGHT © 2024 JORDAN JAMES HENRIE