sam desmond

After having an essay and short story published by HiConcept Magazine in 2015, Sam Desmond was asked to be Editor-in-Chief in July 2016.  Coming from a lifelong passion for art and literature, Sam is devoted to discovering and showcasing emerging artists and authors.  She began her career in writing as a legal writer in corporate immigration law where she prepared visa applications for artists, actors, writers, dancers. 

In addition, Sam is a reporter for The Suffolk County News, a contributing writer for the not-for-profit animal advocacy group, Long Island DOG, and continues to write short fiction.

Her essay, “The Gift of the Tortured Specter” was chosen for an anthology titled, “Fever Spores: The Queer Reclamation of William S. Burroughs” which will be published in spring 2022 by Rebel Satori Press.

Rachel wilkins

Rachel Wilkins is Director and Co-Founder of Conception Arts, an organization that provides emerging artists and creators with opportunities to promote their work. Strengthening artistic communities from New York City to Los Angeles, Conception's pioneering platform has been featured in The Wall St. Journal, Paper Magazine and ABC News. Rachel is a recipient of the New York City Business Journal, Woman of Influence award for 2016 and an active member of the 'Biz Women' mentor panel for New York City

Jennifer M. Blum

Jennifer M. Blum, Esq. is a Co-Founder and General Counsel for Conception Arts.  Jennifer is licensed in both New York & New Jersey and has been practicing law since 2002.  Jennifer Currently works with her mentor and father Malcolm Blum, Esq. out of River Edge, New Jersey in a General Private Practice firm. Prior to entering private practice Jennifer worked as a Deputy Attorney General in both the Correction and State Police Section & the Insurance Fraud Section of the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.  Jennifer is grateful that her position with Conception has opened her world up to the arts and the extraordinary talents of the emerging artists that the Company is fortunate enough to work with.