Become a Personal Memory Curator

So, why become a Personal Memory Curator? Because you have the power to make memories matter. 

You have the ability to turn moments into masterpieces, and dreams into realities. Whether you’re capturing the laughter of a family reunion or the quiet moments of solitude, your work as a Personal Memory Curator will leave an enduring legacy of love, laughter, and life. 

Becoming a Personal Memory Curator means being the guardian of precious moments. Unleash your creativity and imagination as you craft unique experiences that capture the essence of each memory.

• Preserve cherished memories for generations.
• Combine creativity with storytelling and technology.
• Make a positive impact on people’s lives.
• Help people reconnect with their past.

As a Personal Memory Curator, your main role is to curate and preserve memories for individuals and families. This could involve creating photo albums, compiling videos, designing scrapbooks, or even organising special events to commemorate significant moments. Your goal is to capture the emotions and stories behind each memory and present them in a meaningful and personalised way.

A Day in the Life of a Personal Memory Curator

Interview Clients to Capture Stories
Start the day by interviewing clients and their loved ones, collecting personal anecdotes, photographs, and memorabilia.

Organise and Digitise Memories
Sort through old photographs, videos, and letters, digitising and cataloguing them for easy access and preservation.

Create Digital Memory Albums
Use graphic design software to create beautiful digital albums or interactive multimedia presentations.

Develop Custom Memory Packages
Design tailored memory packages such as personalised videos, audio recordings, or printed books, based on client preferences.

Collaborate with Designers and Technologists
Work with web developers and designers to create innovative digital platforms that make sharing and storing memories effortless.

Research and Verify Historical Details
Investigate historical details and background information to provide context to the stories you are curating, ensuring accuracy and richness.

Personal Memory Curators can find opportunities in various industries, including:

Event Planning

Organising milestone celebrations and commemorative events.

Photography

Capturing special moments through photography and videography.

Hospitality

Creating personalised experiences for guests at hotels and resorts.

Digital Media

Designing digital scrapbooks and memory archives for online platforms.

Therapy and Counselling

Using memory-related activities for therapeutic purposes.

Education

Teaching memory preservation techniques and storytelling skills.

To excel as a Personal Memory Curator, you’ll need a mix of creative and organisational skills:

• Creativity
• Attention to Detail
• Organisation
• Empathy
• Communication
• Storytelling

Studying certain STEM subjects can help you develop the skills needed as a Personal Memory Curator:

Art and Design

Learn about composition, colour theory, and visual storytelling.

History and Sociology

Understand the cultural significance of memories and traditions.

Psychology

Gain insights into human behaviour and emotions.

Digital Media

Master digital editing tools and multimedia production techniques.

Event Management

Learn how to plan and execute memorable events and celebrations.

Creative Writing

Use your storytelling skills and narrative techniques.

Personal Memory Curators get to create magic out of memories. Whether it’s designing a surprise anniversary party, curating a family photo album, or capturing moments of joy through photography, every day is filled with opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives.

Create a Virtual Reality Memory Tour
Develop a virtual reality experience that allows clients to relive their favourite moments in an immersive 3D environment.

Build an Interactive Family Tree
Design an interactive family tree that features multimedia elements like videos, photos, and recorded stories from various family members.

Host a Digital Memory Sharing Event
Organise an online event where families and friends can share their curated memories, creating a collaborative storytelling experience.

Customise Smart Home Memory Displays
Use smart home technology to create digital photo frames or interactive memory walls that update in real-time with family memories.

Enhance Old Photos with AI Technology
Use AI tools to colourise, repair, or enhance old black-and-white photographs, bringing them to life in new ways.

Design a Personal History Podcast Series:
Create a podcast series that captures and shares the unique life stories and experiences of clients.

While the role of Personal Memory Curator is relatively new, Australians like Tina Georgiou, founder of “Memory Lane Creations”, and James Fisher, known as the “Memory Maker,” are making waves in the industry. Their passion for preserving memories and creating meaningful experiences inspires others to cherish the moments that matter most.

Meet some of Australia’s leading women who are innovating the field of personal memory curation:

Louise Maher

An experienced oral historian and memory curator, Louise specialises in preserving life stories through audio recordings and digital storytelling.

Fiona McIntosh

A digital archivist who focuses on creating virtual memory vaults, blending traditional archiving techniques with new digital tools.

Anna Allsopp

Founder of a boutique memory curation service that combines photography, graphic design, and digital tools to help clients preserve their most cherished memories.

Jodi Hargrave

A multimedia curator known for creating unique and interactive family histories using VR technology and digital archives.

This is a unique role, and you’ll need more than just technical skills. Here are some key personality traits that can set you up for success:

• Empathetic
• Creative
• Organised
• Adaptable
• Patient
• Detail-oriented

Let’s start with the University options:

Bachelor of History or Digital Media

Begin with a degree in History or Digital Media to learn essential research skills, storytelling techniques, and digital tools. Curtin University in Western Australia offers a Bachelor of Arts in History with modules on digital humanities, providing a foundation in both traditional and digital archiving methods.

Bachelor of Archiving or Librarianship

For those interested in the preservation aspect, a degree in Archiving or Librarianship offers specialised training in managing physical and digital collections, metadata, and information retrieval.

Master’s in Digital Humanities or Archival Studies

A master’s degree in Digital Humanities or Archival Studies provides advanced training in digital preservation, data management, and storytelling techniques. The University of Western Australia (UWA) offers a Master’s in Information Management, which includes modules on digital archiving and curation.

Graduate Certificate in Oral History or Multimedia Storytelling

For a shorter, more focused route, consider a Graduate Certificate in Oral History or Multimedia Storytelling from institutions like Murdoch University. These courses cover the essentials of collecting, preserving, and narrating life stories.

Also look into:

• Bachelor of Arts in Photography
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts
• Bachelor of Communication (Digital Media)
• Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design)
• Bachelor of Arts in History (with a focus on cultural heritage)
• Bachelor of Event Management

Combining degrees can unlock endless possibilities for your career as a Personal Memory Curator. For example, pairing a degree in Photography with Graphic Design can enhance your visual storytelling skills, while studying Event Management alongside Digital Media can prepare you to create unforgettable experiences for your clients. Embrace the opportunity to blend your passions and carve out your unique path!

During your studies, you’ll embark on a journey of discovery, learning everything from the art of photography to the science of storytelling. You’ll delve into the history of memory preservation, explore the latest digital media technologies, and develop your creative vision through interactive projects and physical experiences. Along the way, you’ll improve your communication skills, refine your attention to detail, and cultivate the empathy needed to connect with people on a deeper level.

Getting in person experience is essential for aspiring Personal Memory Curators. Seek opportunities with professional photographers, event planners, or digital media agencies. Whether you’re capturing moments behind the camera, assisting with event coordination, or creating multimedia presentations, each experience will help you build your skills and portfolio as a memory curator.

Internships with Museums, Archives, or Media Companies

Gain practical experience by interning or volunteering with museums, archives, or media companies like WA Museum Boola Bardip. These opportunities could have you working on nationally significant memory curation projects.

Collaborate on Research Projects

Participate in research projects with Universities or other archiving organisations. These projects often involve partnerships with historical societies or digital platforms.

This unique career can evolve from a number of different pathways. It starts with commitment to STEM studies while you’re at high school and pursuing the opportunities you find along the way.

Microlearning Platforms

You can dip your toe into online courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera to learn essential skills in photography, graphic design, and storytelling. With microlearning, you can pick and choose your education to fit your schedule and interests, allowing you to explore different aspects of memory curation at your own pace.

Workplace Training or Freelancing

Consider starting your career as a freelance photographer, event assistant, or digital content creator. Through on-the-job experience, you’ll gain practical skills and industry insights while building a network of contacts in the memory curation field.

Join Archiving and Digital Storytelling Communities

Connect with communities like Australian Oral History Association or Australasian Society of Archivists to stay informed about job opportunities, new technologies, and trends in personal memory curation.

Attend Digital Humanities and Storytelling Conferences

Participate in events such as the National Digital Forum (NDF) to learn from industry leaders, showcase your work, and network with other professionals.

Certifications in Digital Archiving Tools and Techniques

Obtain certifications in digital archiving tools, software like Adobe Creative Suite, or storytelling platforms, available from online courses or local institutes

Workshops on Oral History and Digital Preservation

Attend workshops on oral history methods and digital preservation techniques provided by organisations like Australian Society of Archivists.

A career as a Personal Memory Curator offers diverse opportunities, from working with museums and archives to launching your own storytelling business. As a Personal Memory Curator, you could collaborate with families, companies, or digital platforms to preserve and celebrate personal histories in unique and innovative ways. 

Let’s explore where your career as a Personal Memory Curator could take you!

Western Australia

In Western Australia, opportunities abound for Personal Memory Curators in the events industry, hospitality sector, and creative agencies. With its vibrant cultural scene and thriving arts community, Western Australia offers a fertile ground for budding memory curators to flourish and grow.

Australia

Across Australia, Personal Memory Curators can find opportunities in a variety of industries, including tourism, education, and not for profit organisations. From designing immersive museum exhibits to curating digital archives, there’s no shortage of ways to make your mark as a memory curator.

Rest of the World

Globally, people are seeking meaningful ways to preserve and celebrate their memories. As the world of big data continues to rise, innovating in this sector could take you all over the world.

CONCLUSION

Whether you opt for a Uni start, a freelance entry or something else every step brings you closer to a career where you can preserve and celebrate the stories that shape lives. With the right skills and traits, you can turn memories into masterpieces as a Personal Memory Curator!