Stacy Julian Steps Down From Simple Scrapbooks Editorial Role

Simple Scrapbooks Founding Editor Stacy Julian and Simple Scrapbooks magazine have announced that Julian is severely cutting back her role in the magazine's operations. After the Sept/Oct 2008 issue, Julian will no longer have a regular editorial role with the publication but will continue to provide articles and layout content to the magazine.

Julian explained her decision on her blog, and said that she is not leaving the scrapbook industry:

As part of my quest for a RENAISSANCE this year -- I have decided to really examine what I do and why. Part of this self-reflection has led me to the decision to step by from my editorial role at Simple Scrapbooks magazine and CKMedia. I am often asked "how do you do it all?" and each time, I respond with "I don't" and I don't. I don't do it all and no one can. Life is about choices and when you sense the possibility of new directions, you have to make room and allocate energy for those possibilities. The fact is, the SS editorial team is better and stronger than ever -- they have not only internalized the original vision and overall philosophy, they have made it more beautiful and more readable and more effective and efficient than I could have  ever imagined -- and while I love contributing to the magazine, I have a strong feeling that my voice is needed in other places. The courage to make this decision has been hard-earned and I am beyond sad and will be for quite some time. Please know that I am not going away -- that as I stated in an email message to my colleagues, my passion and enthusiasm for scrapbooking is unwavering. I LOVE that I have seen this industry grow out of obscurity to become the force that it is today and I will continue to be an ambassador as it evolves into an even bigger and more widely accepted lifestyle.

To honor Julians' role as the magazine's founder, Simple Scrapbooks has declared this week "Stacy Julian Appreciation Week" and set up a toll free number to accept messages of appreciation for her. Call 1-888-HUG-STACY to leave one of your own! The Simple Blog is also posting links to the staff's tributes to her.

On a personal note, I have to say that I think Stacy's vision in founding Simple Scrapbooks was brilliant and she has always inspired me in the direction of my creativity. I've also had the pleasure of meeting her on multiple occasions and she is one of the most genuinely nice people I've encountered in this industry. I hope that her presence and vision continue to be felt even after her formal role with Simple Scrapbooks is done.