Many people are familiar with the opening paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence, but I’m rather fond of the ending (SPOILER ALERT!): “we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” The Declaration was as much a statement of principles as it was a memo to King George. And the application of this ultimate principle, trusting to each other that which is most valuable, was the bedrock upon which a new country was built.

As an engineer, I’m interested in the building of new things, which is why working at Zivity is so exciting. We’re developing a platform for models and photographers to showcase their work. Taking a cue from the guys on the back of the two-dollar bill, we understand that our platform depends upon models and photographers entrusting us with their most valuable assets. Our task is to frame those assets — beautiful photographs — in a way that honors the artists who created them. In turn, we entrust our business to them, without whom Zivity would be a frame without a picture.

We’ve taken this understanding and combined it with voting, another democratic idea that empowers artists to profit from their work. Every vote you cast on Zivity puts money in the pocket of the person you voted for. It’s the American way…

So, between the barbeque and the fireworks, make it your duty to check out the latest bright star on Zivity. And if you like it, pull the lever. Have a happy Fourth of July!