Eva Schenck, one of three PJFM New Media Fellows. Courtesy of Eva Schenck.If you need someone to illustrate something for you, Eva Schenck is your girl! A graphic designer, illustrator, and photographer based here in Philadelphia, Eva is one of three PJFM Jewish New Media Fellows.
What is a Jewish New Media Fellow? Beginning in the summer of 2022, PJFM teamed up with Tribe 12 to start a Jewish New Media Fellowship. Three applicants, all sharing a love of creative digital media content, were selected under the tutelage of both organizations and Elaine Lindy, PJFM’s Presenting Sponsor. Each Fellow crafted together an original, virtual initiative with a Jewish angle to engage peers (publicly) through social media. The essential goal of the fellowship was to select one type or a collection of new media platforms – such as YouTube, TikTok, podcasts, etc. – and come up with their own content for not just PJFM and Tribe 12’s viewers but ALL viewers who are as obsessed with new media as I am, at least.
New media, as you may take it, has become a part of everyday life. Obviously, we’ve had versions of it, like Instagram and YouTube, for quite a while now, but being stuck at home during lockdown was a catalyst for the emergence of new and up-and-coming digital content creators. They’re everywhere now. Individuals from around the globe are becoming celebrities by simply taking their phone and recording their own content.
While Eva’s primary focus is in the entertainment and media spaces, she is drawn to community organizations and has a passion for working with nonprofits that benefit the public. She believes that art, entertainment, and media are powerful tools that can be used to build connections and strengthen communities. Collaborating to find new ways of utilizing them to uplift Philadelphians is of a huge interest to Eva.
For the Fellowship, Eva worked on Illuminate, described as a creative showcase for up-and-coming creatives in Philadelphia. Created with the intention of giving young creators of any kind a platform to share their work, the showcase was open to performance artists, visual artists, musicians, and more. Illuminate took place in anticipation of Hanukkah 2022, a Jewish holiday that celebrates themes of perseverance, liberation, and courage. Applicants were asked to submit their work and provide a piece of writing about how their work relates to one or more themes of the holiday.
Check out my interview with her below.
So Eva, tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do?
Thanks for asking! I’m a student, graphic designer, and illustrator based in Philadelphia. I work primarily in the music industry but am always looking for new opportunities to connect with the communities I belong to. When I learned about the Jewish New Media Fellowship, I jumped at the chance to express myself creatively and connect with Philly’s Jewish community. I absolutely love finding new ways to collaborate and be creative, especially as I conclude my undergraduate program at Temple University.
What has it been like being a part of the Jewish New Media Fellowship?
Participating in the Jewish New Media Fellowship has been a wonderful learning experience. By taking part in the fellowship with PJFM and Tribe 12, I have had uncounted opportunities to brainstorm, critique, and present and have built on my creative skills tremendously.
Tell us a little bit about your project.
My project is titled Illuminate and is a creative showcase for up-and-coming creatives in Philadelphia. It took place in anticipation of Hanukkah 2022, a Jewish holiday that celebrates themes of perseverance, liberation, and courage. Created with the intention of giving young creators of any kind a platform to share their work, the showcase was open to performance artists, visual artists, musicians, and more. Applicants were asked to submit their work and provide a piece of writing about how their work relates to one or more themes of the holiday.
How important do you think new media is in everyday life?
As everyone these days knows, media of any kind is now a part of not only every day but every hour and minute. Unless someone makes the conscious decision to go without looking at screens or interacting with others, it’s nearly impossible not to engage with some sort of creative content. That’s part of why I love what I do so much — art and design are everywhere, from TVs to billboards to cell phones.
Is there a digital content creator who you’re a big fan of at the moment?
I have followed @psuedodudo for ages and am obsessed with their illustration and design.
Totally non-Fellowship related question: what’s your favorite movie?
That’s a tough one… Right now, I would have to say Inside Llewyn Davis.
Stay tuned for the latest on the selected winners of ILLUMINATE.