About Us
Who We Are
Originally based in the Heart of Texas, theGrindLab is an independent network of artists whose goal is to use their own talent, desire and ambition to increase public awareness for themselves as well as for the culture of independent art. Our goal is to develop this culture through networking, information, collaboration, lobbying, training and advocacy. Our community combines informative aggregated content, artist profile music players, crowd funding resources and support of over 15 different talent classes. Additionally, all our members can sell their original works directly from the site.
Who Are Our Members?
The membership to theGrindLab is open to individuals and organizations - such as independent artists, venues and festivals as well as local authorities, support organizations, agents, trade associations and funding bodies - who actively support the development of independent art culture into the form of professional work.
If you are interested in joining please login through Facebook now.
Artists: Although theGrindLab is not specifically a network for individual artists or companies, membership is open to all individuals and organizations who actively support the development of independent art. Why should you join? Whether you're a recording artist, model, photographer, writer or a long list of other classifications of talent, you'll find on theGrindLab.com fresh, new artistic media to browse, a growing community of inspired aspiring artists and a means to share your own creative genius with others who are very much like you - passionate about your talents, your blessings.
Supporters: We also wish to work closely with fans, supporters and other organizations that represent artists and encourage you to contact us if you wish to open a dialog, provide creative suggestions or simply to let us know how we are doing.
Member Types:
Upon launch of the community, theGrindLab had 16 member types based on the talent you shared on the site. Visit our Talent Wanted page which lists the different member types we accept. This list may evolve as our network grows in the future.
Karma System:
Karma is a user point-system used on theGrindLab. It shows how much you interact with other members of the community. Karma will only be activated after you have uploaded a profile picture to use as your avatar. Again, Karma represents how much you interact with other members. Please do not confuse your Karma level with the activity level of the main points system.
Points System:
Our main points system is intended to motivate member referrals and member activity within the community as a whole. Members of theGrindLab receive points for various actions and activities they complete throughout the site. Points are obtained instantly for actions such as daily logins, uploading images, posting videos, adding friends, etc. Different actions generate different amounts of points but the basic concept is that the more you do, the faster you add up points.
What can you do with points? [05.07.11 - feature removed until further notice]
At a value of 1000 points per $1.00 (US) members can use their points to purchase merchandise, event passes, advertisement credit and feature spots from theGrindLab store. Merchandise includes items such as official GrindLab apparel, Compilation CDs (featuring community recording artists and DJs) and calendars (featuring contributions from community models, photographers or graphic artists). A detailed list of the actions that earn you points can be viewed here.