Hoes Do(n't) Cry with Aly

Instagram.com/_trillspice

Have you ever seen someone whack a giant penis shaped piñata while throwback jams play in the background? No? Well I did this weekend at the all girls art show and lit function 'Hoe Tears'.

With art work and clothing by a collection of totally cool girls, and a selection of great djs's, this was certainly one of the dopest events I'd been to in a while. Because I always have to get down to the source, I asked Aly who created the function about why this was everything we needed in the City of Angels.

Describe yourself in three words:

 Crazy/sexy/cool. A little nuts. Either of those would work. 

 Where did the name Hoe Tears come from?

 Honestly when I made the tumblr I was kind of rushing and my favorite Kim K crying meme with 'hoe tears' in parentheses gave me the idea. And it's fitting with the all girl emotional content so I'm really glad I was rushed into choosing that for the name haha. 

http://h0etears.tumblr.com

How did you come up with the idea to make Hoe Tears an event?

Basically, I was sitting in my friends living room, heartbroken and talking shit saying I could fill a gallery with the screenshots I've collected from a certain guy. That turned into me making a tumblr right then and there for other girls to submit and share stories. Because we all have our friends to confide in but opening it up to girls who don't know each other and can still relate is the point I'm trying to get across with this whole thing; manipulative fuckboy behavior is an epidemic and we're all suffering. Anyways, the tumblr was started to collect screenshots to put up at an event, my friend who I was discussing this with is an amazing artist (Sierra Hood) so I just thought we could use her art and my screenshots and call it a day, but then it completely took off and we turned it into a complete pussy power party and I'm so happy we did.  

Did you find the artists who showcased mostly through knowing them prior or through submissions?

Half and half! My friend who planned it with me Sierra who I mentioned above had the majority of the art and then I reached out to a couple of girls I know who I liked their work and then we opened up submissions for girls to submit their art to us. 

Was there anything in particular that inspired you to make the Tumblr where people could submit their text threads with fuckboys (which I might add were very relatable)?

I was sick of being made to look crazy and like I've had conversations and fell in love with someone inside of my head and I knew I wasn't alone. I wanted girls to share all of their stories; emotional and painful, funny, and just pure fuckery. I love all of the differences but also how every single one could have been me or one of my friends. It was almost therapeutic to know and realize I wasn't the only person having fucked up and absurd text conversations with an asshole I fell in love with and pretty much every other guy that passes through my life. 

How can we best advance feminism in the 21st century?

I think small things like this are amazing to advance feminism. It makes women have a stronger voice and let's people know we're absolutely not going to take shit anymore. We have to support each other emotionally, through our art, businesses, etc and the rest will follow. 

Who’s in your gurl gang (aka who are you obsessed with at the moment)?

 I'm obsessed with literally all of my girl friends. We're all so special and unique but can all fuck it up and reap the benefits of our success together. Every girl I'm friends with is doing such cool shit like owning their own lines, being amazing artists, and multi faceted angels. I'm starting to believe there's nothing that any of us can't do. But also Riri is forever and always the leader of my gurl gang in my head. 

Can we expect more events like this in the future?

Absolutely!! Already thinking about how to make it 1000x better and cooler. This is definitely just the beginning for Hoe Tears. I didn't expect it to take off like this but I'm definitely ready.

Follow Aly to see the latest!

Twitter

Tumblr

Instagram

DP Luis Perez on 'Empty' and working with Kevin Abstract

If you haven't already watched Kevin Abstract's music video for 'Empty' (such a broad term for the content that's out there nowadays) you should try to do that as quickly as possible. You might get the same sense you get from watching one of your favorite films; this isn't a production made for money, this is something bigger that digs at you feelings. 

As a huge fan of not only Kevin Abstract and the rest of Brockhampton team, I was lucky to be able to ask director of photography Luis Perez , who's also worked with a roster of amazing talent such as Anderson .Paak and Tyler, the Creator, a few questions on the process behind the art. 

(In your own words) who are you and what do you do?

I’m just a simple guy who loves to take photographs and occasionally they happening to be moving as a director of photography. ­­­­­­

 How would you personally describe the mood or the feeling that the ‘Empty” video evokes?

The feeling is one of love postponed. You have a love triangle play out in a very direct manner. You have a boyfriend not coming to terms in time with himself to tell is girlfriend who he really is and in the process hurting people who care for him and ultimately himself.

Instagram.com/luisperezdop

What was it like working with Kevin Abstract who directed the video and obviously has such a strong creative vision of his own? What was the process of brainstorming to creation like?

Working with Kevin was very easy due to his ability to articulate what he visually saw for the story and his concise reference library of movies that helped shape our approach. I first got a call from his management Chris and Brian of 4strikes who I’ve worked with before since they also manage Tyler and a few other oddfuture artists. They went over whom he was and what he wanted to do. I immediately loved what Kevin wanted to do and the ball rolled from there. They sent me the treatment, which was basically a few picture references, and lines that outlined the narrative. From there we corresponded by email and ultimately a meeting face to face.  Once we met we vibe’d and expounded a bit from the original idea to include a few set ups that help create a level tension and emotional impact.

Was there a specific way you captured the suburban and adolescent feel of ‘Empty’ through the aspects of cinematography?

Well Kevin being a fan of Paul Thomas Anderson like myself we agreed it had to be shot with anamorphic lenses.  With shooting anything with anamorphic lenses there is a really soft and textured way light and color is picked up by either film or chip.  Being that we were going with and Alexa as our camera it was a perfect mix of old glass with new technology. This allowed for the moments when lit by the sun not feel over whelming and the softly lit intimate moments feel more pronounced. Kevin insistence in shooting his bike ride with the boyfriend at dusk kept the warm tones of the bedroom continuous until the end

Instagram.com/luisperezdop

How do you create a piece of work that accomplishes what the artist wants visually while at the same time making something that you love yourself?

Filmmaking is a collaborative process. No one gets what he or she really wanted no matter how much money is being spent. As a filmmaker you have to be able to compromise along the way in order to do what’s best for the project. There are times as a creative you are allowed to be selfish and get something that you can point at and say that’s me but that’s not something I look for when taking on projects. I would like to think that anyone who hires me hires me because they saw or see the potential in collaborating with me and entrusting me with their vision. Your name ultimately will be attached to the project you are creating so you will always need to find something to love about it regardless big or small.

·Do you take on most projects you’re contacted about or do you prefer to work with people who’s own artistic ideas you admire?

I’m not allergic to money lets start by saying that but I do feel at this point in my career that if the projective doesn’t peak my creative interest I find it hard to accept. 

 If you could give someone looking to get into cinematography/film making one piece of advice what would it be?

Be yourself and find your voice in your approach. There is only one you so why try to be someone else.

Thanks! 

Follow Luis to stay up to date on his projects:

Website

Instagram

Defining Jirawadi.

Jirawadi says she's an 'earth based photographer' but she could really be from another world. Capturing girls as goddesses of sorts, she realizes the power of imagery without ever making it seem forced. Coming from Florida (where Franklin is also from) she utilizes the surrounding environment and diverse population to create photos that feel much of the time. Here's a little bit more:

Describe yourself in one sentence (think Tinder but also 100% not like Tinder):

Oh man, I don't know how to answer questions like these. If I could phone-a-friend I would.

 I like how you focus on details in your photography, from the subtle poses of hands, to color coordinated outfits in a girl gang, do you have this in mind when you take photos or are you looking at the bigger picture (maybe the feeling in an image)?

Thank you, I'm thinking I like the idea of several well-composed parts coming together into a scene or a photo to form a perfect and balanced "unity" 

 I think its hard to delve deeper into thought with the distractions we face in modern times, how do you stay connected to yourself spiritually?

 You have to form a habit of reminding yourself to return to Self. Everything comes smoothly after that, everything just comes to you naturally, it's really crazy and it feels like jazz music.

It’s also no secret that even in 2016 its not easy being a girl (or I guess a woman), have you learned anything over the years that you’d perhaps pass along to the younger generation?

You aren't defined by anyone but yourself and that is your power.

Finally, what’s one thing you hope to accomplish while continuing your photography?

I want to travel the world, manifest my destiny, work in fashion, be the head of a charity organization, feed my family, and own homes in several countries.

Don't forget to follow Jirawadi to see more of her amazing work and her future endeavors:

Twitter 

Instagram 

VSCO

Atlanta's Next Up with Gunner Stahl

photo by pizza slime

We all know Atlanta has (and continues to be) a major player in the current hop hop scene, with a multitude of rappers and producers out of the city leaving their mark on the global industry. But not only are there artists bringing the city's culture into the mainstream, there's also those capturing this phenomenon.

Gunner Stahl is one of the photographers giving us a look into a world we otherwise wouldn't be able to. With a portfolio of subjects from Metro Boomin, Young Thug, and the West Coasts's Kendrick Lamar, you could say he's doing big things. Read the quick interview below to get a little more than just the visuals.

In your own words, who are you?

Hi. I'm Gunner. I take cool pictures of people I like. I love Broad City & Girls

What do you think is the key to capturing an artist, whether it be a musician or a style icon of the moment, how do you get their personality to show through just one image?

The key is to get them as they are. Never plan anything. It will hurt the photo. Try to show them you have a personality as well.

What was it like having shot for Fader and having it be an artist from the same place you’re from?

 It was amazing. Metro’s a friend of mine so I was happy I got the opportunity to shoot it with him.

In your opinion, who’s the next big thing we’re going to be seeing come out of Atlanta?

21 Savage. Playboi Carti & of course Lil Yachty.

Is photography the main art form you’re pursuing right now or do you do anything else in your free time that could be considered creative?

No I wish. I’m so one dimensional. Im just good at taking pictures :(

Has there been a specific photo that you’ve taken this year that you consider your favorite visually or even just as a memory?

Mmmm probably the picture of Tyler The Creator’s chains. I didn't want a portraits once I saw his chains. Felt like that would be a better pictures.

As someone who’s young I often question what I’m going to be doing when I’m say 40 just because I change my mind about a million times a day, where do you hope to see yourself in the future either personally or as a ‘brand’?

I want to become a teacher. I’m going back to school next year to get my degree.

Finally, if you could say anything to young people out there feeling stuck and like they’re not going to be the ones to make it in the industry what would be your #1 advice?

Be yourself. People attract faster to personality.

Follow Gunner for the new new:

Twitter

Instagram

Fucci; Pop Art's Next Killer Artist

They say sex sells. 

"No one knows what it means, but its provocative."

Both of these statements meld perfectly into the world that is the internet, and 5 second attention spans. But eye catching doesn't always mean good (although that is of course subjective).

Luckily, I happened to cross paths with some fresh visuals that I immediately fell in love with, even past initial glance. With pieces that don't take themselves too seriously, Fucci is taking pop art into the new age. Combining bold graphics and bright colors into modern art pieces, you can't help but pay attention.

In your own words, who are you and what do you do?

I go by Fucci. I'm an illustrator and painter living in Toronto. I make female-centric pop art.

In terms of creativity a lot of amazing people have been coming out of Toronto in the past few years, as someone who has never visited I’d love to know the vibe, how would you describe the culture & atmosphere of the city?

Yes, lots of names coming out of the city. Toronto is the fastest growing city in North America and it's a great spot to be a young creative. History is being made here right now. Toronto is a young city with a completely different vibe than somewhere like NYC or LA. Things aren't pushy here. We have so much talent but we need to work on supporting and working with each other rather than competing against one another. There's room for everyone to grow.

I also think the fact that it says you’re partly Finnish in your site bio is interesting, I was actually born in Finland myself, do you think being Finnish-Canadian has had an impact on your ability to express yourself as an artist? 

I don't think so really. But us Finns are known for good design so I'll try to live up to that!

As sex is a recurring theme in your work, what do you think specifically about it is so inspiring in terms of making art?

I wouldn't say sex inspires me to make the work. I love the female form and try to add some humour or relatable innuendos into the picture. I had some blog call my work misogynistic the other day but I think the writer didn't know the meaning of the word. My work is meant to empower women and be appreciated by both sexes.

Would you say you have any specific artists who've inspired you to start creating your own work or was it something that happened more organically? How did your style come to be?

Piet Parra was definitely a prominent influence in the development of my style of drawing. I learned how to draw the female form from looking at Wonder Woman and Vampirella comics and old pin up poses. I've spent like hundreds of hours just flipping through comic books and looking at old animation cels. I was working on this endless project when I was working as a graphic designer and I realized art wasn't fun or therapeutic for me anymore so I started putting some random drawings on Instagram in late 2014 and it got way more attention than I expected. By mid 2015 I decided to buckle down and take my art more seriously and work on some paintings and higher quality releases.

 Finally, whats you next move in 2016? For example any merchandise or more events that you’re looking to be a part of or create?

2016 is looking to be a great year. I decided I wanted to start doing group shows this year and I'm working on some t-shirts and stuff. So far plans are being made to show in NYC, LA, and Vancouver and I will have my first solo exhibition in Toronto this summer.

All images via: https://www.instagram.com/fucci/

And check out Fucci's website here: http://www.fucci.ca

Ian Woods on Making Art & Not Drama

Art isn't dead in 2016. No matter what your relatives or Twitter timeline states, creativity is very much alive. Although the art scene and its mediums have changed tremendously over the past few years, and new content is debated every day (ahem that Kanye cover), countless individuals are still putting their viewpoints and visions into thought provoking material. Because of this I decided to ask Ian Woods, who's  the topic of much discussion at the moment, a few questions about what it really means to be creating right now, enjoy:

 In your own words, who are you:

Ian Woods and I draw on my i-pad.

Thugger at Yeezy Season 3 by Ian

 Have you always been into creating art or has it been something you’ve discovered recently?

I've always been into creating ever since I was in kindergarten, but I got into soccer so I just did that till high school, and I got serious about it again when I was a freshman.

Are there any specific people, works, or maybe even places that you feel inspire you on the daily to make moves more than others?

Looking at other peoples art inspires me to work harder and create more. Also shoutout to AWGE, Isaiah, Kuest, Kourtland, Kolt, Nick, Crystalmeth, Craigxen, and Orhan!

Yamborghini High cover art

As a big fan of hip hop myself, its been amazing watching you work with these influencers. How has it been like working with the A$AP Mob & Ian, and how did that come about in the first place?

It's been surreal. I've been a fan of them since Rocky's first project and Ive always looked up to Ian. But I guess Ian or Carti showed Rocky my artwork and Rocky really liked it so he messaged me on Instagram saying he liked my aesthetic and within a week he flew me out and the rest is history.

 Do you think cover art is as important now as it was before, since almost all music is digital (no vinyls, cd’s etc.)?

I think it's very important now and artists are getting more well known for it.

A$AP x Drake cover art

Also, with all the clutter and frankly haters of the internet, I think artists face more scrutiny than ever, as well as an urge from the public to explain their pieces and creative process. What do you think about ‘art’ in 2016 & what influence do you think social media and the internet in general has on it?

I think it's more of a competition now and it sucks. Instead of supporting each other they try to put each other down saying someone's art isn't art or it isn't good enough, its very sad to see.

'the life of pablo'

 If you had the chance to collaborate with anyone right now who would you pick?

 I wanna collab with Supreme. That's it.

Finally, what are your goals for the year, not in the sense of resolutions obviously, but what are you hoping to accomplish to feel content?

Have my first art show, work with bigger names in the industry, keep perfecting my craft and improve, and keep myself relevant.

https://twitter.com/poserrboy

https://www.instagram.com/poserrboy/

Searching for More with Alli Marie

Honestly if you’re not a feminist get off this blog.  

As much as I absolutely love all the boys and men who are artists, as well as just members of my life, I realized I haven't posted nearly enough about women who I admire. Adding to my last post & interview with singer Vivian, I’m continuing 2016 with another girl gang feature. After mutual internet stalking and meeting up a few weeks ago in Seattle, I’m happy to call Alli my friend, and am equally as impressed by her multiple talents (peep the photos she took of me in this piece) as I am by her kind soul. With the launch of her new website Bonafide Ruffian, I decide to ask her a few questions:

Photo by Hannah Nelson

What are you hoping to accomplish with the relaunch of your blog? 

I think being raised the way I was, and being in the environment of suburbia (as you know), talking about things that make people uncomfortable is not a thing whatsoever.  Talking about like feminist issues, or issues about race is not an option. So as much as I want it to be a place for aesthetic value, I want it to be a space where I can talk about those things and a place where I can have hard conversations with people. Whether I post someone’s beef with me, or I post something and someone on the Internet agrees with me, I just want it to be a space that can be talked about. Oftentimes fashion blogs don’t have any substance, and I can’t justify that.

Photo by Alli

What do you think is the best part about your own personal style?

I think a lot of the time I like that’s its something that I cant just get at one store. Also with the transition before I was very eclectic/hippyish, and now I’m sort of narrowing it down to some of that, but mostly pretty minimalist and vintage punk. But if I had to narrow it down to one thing it would be that you cant just walk into Urban Outfitters and get everything that I have. Most of the time people can't tell where I get stuff, and I like that.

* Alli also wants to redo her closet like Andy Warhol’s and is obsessed with https://www.instagram.com/itsdorothysucka/

Photo by Mary Campbell

Do you think personally clothing has a value higher than just being a necessity? 

Yes, the reason being that it’s an extension of your personality, whether you want to admit it or not. Like even people who dress in sweatpants, that’s an extension of the mood they’re in, or the place in life they’re in. Maybe not as many people are in tune with in intimately, but I totally think it’s an extension of your personality.

Me shot by Alli

Moving on from style since you’re such a good writer yourself, do you think in this age of Twitter we’re missing reading and writing as an art form?

I think I experience that, not so much in writing and reading, but at least in for example analog photography. Like when we were walking around earlier looking for spots, you have to be ten times more intentional in what you’re doing because you cant take a bunch of snap shots on your phone and call it good. So I think we are losing it and people don’t care, which makes me sad because I love analog photography. It’s magical and people don’t think it is, which makes me sad.

Me pt.2 by Alli

And finally, what’s your favorite medium of art?

I really prefer making stuff with my hands. Photography is the most accessible and the most instantly gratifying, which is something I crave more than I used to as a kid because it’s our world now. But right now I do stuff with like mixing stuff you’re not supposed to. Like one time I had one of those micron pens and I didn’t like how it looked so I just decided to get some acrylic paint and paint over it, and it smudged blue, so the next thing I knew it was turning into this bluish/greenish color and so I just turned it into a leaf. So I just kind of go with the flow…

Art by Alli

Read her blog here: http://bonafideruffian.com

And follow her on Instagram for more of her work & inspirations: https://www.instagram.com/allimmarie/

Miami Vice: A Q&A with Franklin Mendez

The internet is the last wild frontier. In the depths of the 'sad girls' Tumblr pages and your mom's Facebook posts, you never know what you'll encounter. But even through the clutter of mediocre images and supposedly admirable people, I've found yet another true gem. Franklin Mendez isn't your favorite Instagram photographer, because he isn't just an Instagram photographer.  With photos that capture feelings instead of measurable aesthetics he's someone who's work to admire, and more importantly someone who I'm excited to watch grow. Listen in.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, how do you want to be seen or perceived as an individual?

I'm just another person. I'm on the same journey of life everybody else is on. I just want to be happy. I don't care what people think or say about me because people will think or say what they want about me regardless. They don't know me, they just know an @ name and some tweets. People's perception of me are going to be false until they sit down and connect with me.

 What inspires you to take photos and film?

I think I'm inspired to take photos and film because I need to express myself and I chose photography. I've been experimenting with a camera since I was 14 but I recently found a new love for it. The pictures I shot 10 months ago hold so much more meaning to me now because all the memories I try to access and cope with are literally in these pictures. I love that those moments were captured forever and there will be new moments for me to capture.

Do you have certain subjects you prefer to shoot (since you have such a wide range from still lives of flowers, to rappers at shows)?

I don't have a preference on the type of subject I shoot, as long as the moment is perfect.

Having never been to Miami I don’t know nearly enough about the culture or atmosphere, is there anything specific you really love about the area or perhaps would be content without?

I grew up right on the beach and I hate it. But if you grew up somewhere in the middle of the woods and never got to experience a city like the one I live in, this place is probably beautiful. I'd be content if people learned how to drop their egos for a second, but that sounds egotistical in itself. 

Where you surrounded by ‘creative’ individuals growing up, or is your foray into art something that grew more personally?  

My family isn't really into art, I first found my love for art through music. Through the Internet and being a curious 14 year old listening to Tyler the Creator i just realized I didn't like sports and that I thought differently. I learned to appreciate art for what it was.

 In this age of Instagram and content overload, how do you separate yourself from the masses of images/creators out there?

I think what separates any person from another is what you know and what you do with that knowledge. It's hard to stand out on social media because we all put up this image of ourselves that is what we want people to see us as and it's just ego. I'm just making sure I'm as honest as I can be when presenting myself online. 

http://shotbyfranklin.com/

Who has been your favorite person or group of people to work with so far?

Working with brockhampton thought me a lot about my craft and myself. I learned so much about work ethic and how to create an image. I know now that I can only create a moment in the moment. and I spent a lot of time not living in the moment. I enjoy working with people I can learn from and who enjoy working with me, that just makes me happy that somebody would like to create a feeling with me. The 1234 family is nothing but love, those people have inspired me to love myself in ways I couldn't before. They really make me feel like I'm apart of a family and it's through our mutual love for art. I don't have a preference over anybody I've worked with because I just feel like people are in my life for a reason and I need to make the most out of it while I can.

On a more I guess imaginative note, what would be your ideal day? Perhaps where you would go or who you would share it with.

An ideal day would be waking up in my house in LA, with a puppy and a person to share life with. a little bit of money in my pocket and no worries in the world.

What’s next?      

2016 I'm going to show everyone who I really am. I'm moving to LA in January. Makeout is starting. I'm really excited to show people what that's all about. The zines are coming soon and I'm super hyped on finally being able to show people what I've been working on. Kleber Jones & I have a radio show on dash radio if all goes well, and that is just another journey I'm really excited about. I'm also gonna learn how to love in 2016. I look forward to experiencing life a little more.

MAKEOUT 2016 IM GRABBING THE WORLD BY THE CLIT. 

p.s. i'm on acid 

Follow Franklin to keep up with the latest:

http://shotbyfranklin.com/#1

https://www.instagram.com/franklinmakeout/

https://twitter.com/franklinmakeout

An Update on the State of the Youth with Titus Gilner

Mediocracy is the new norm. From never ending list articles stating “top 10 this” to “look at what female celebrity posted a butt pic on Instagram today,” the quality put on the internet seems to dwindle every day. But in the sauce of Buzzfeed articles and Complex written pieces (ahem talking about that Kendrick Lamar write up) there are a few winners. One of these young individuals is Titus Gilner, found of course through my routine web stalking of so called cool people, I was immediately impressed by the honesty found in his social media postings and musings. On his newly launched site a little while ago Titus posted an opinion piece entitled The State of the Youth.

Full of relevations I agree with, I found comfort in knowing that someone else was looking in at our generation while simultaneously living in it. Delve into generation y:

As a member of generation y and a society that is constantly pressuring us to make decisions, how would you describe yourself right at this moment? (Perhaps an “occupation” or just student or something way different)

Stuck in a vacuum. Stranded on an island. Lost in the desert. Falling perpetually. All of those cliches about feeling uncomfortable in life's current stage. I don't have a job and I am not in school. I'm probably going back to school sometime, though. I am just as confused and unsure about the future as anyone else my age, I think the only thing that separates me from a lot of people is I at least recognize that this feeling is wrong and not the way it should be. When people ask me what I do I tell them "I'm always just chilling."

https://www.instagram.com/titusgilner/

Was there a particular event or sudden thought that inspired you to write state of the youth?

 I was at my brothers apartment and he was taking gravity bong hits with his friend that neither of us really like and I don't smoke weed. I felt like I was some cliche character in a coming of age movie sitting on the floor in college apartments watching my friends mindlessly take gravity bong hits and I had to do something to snap myself out of it, so I wrote state of the youth for myself because it is everything I needed to hear at the moment. I write exactly how I think. 

In your opinion is there a recipe for staying true to yourself while growing up or is it more about (hopefully) learning to cut through the bullshit?

 There is no right way to be yourself. There are only wrong ways to be yourself. When you try to be or do something that you really don't give a fuck about you are being yourself wrong. I think the most affect thing is BALANCE, you gotta allow yourself to be comfortable in your own skin while at the same time adapting to your surroundings so that you can strive in the world a little easier. People that figure out how to get to the top before they have ever been to the bottom don't last long. I strongly believe that if you want to be the best you that you can be you first gotta know what its like to be the worst you that you can be

https://www.instagram.com/titusgilner/

Who are some of the individuals you look up to for creativity/paving their own path?

Kris Kidd, Ernest Baker, Nok from the Future, and all of my homies from BROCKHAMPTON. I wanna look like Kris Kidd, act like Ernest Baker, think like Nok, and be as respected as Brockhampton.

(If you know) what do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?

 I just want a nobel peace prize. :-(

https://www.instagram.com/titusgilner/

Is the internet more positive or negative in the sense that it has almost entirely consumed our day to day lives and turned us into half virtual creatures?

Like the internet my answer is not black and white. the internet does not make people virtual entities anymore than real life makes people physical entities. What makes people who they are is the combination of things that go into their personas. Someone that plays baseball, listens to Rat, wears Lucky Brand Jeans, thinks that weed is bad, and really enjoys the Avenger movies is someone that plays baseball, listens to Rat, wears Lucky Brand Jeans, thinks that weed is bad, and really enjoys the Avenger movies. They are not just a baseball player. The internet broadens the spectrum of individuality more than ever. The person that i just described is subscribed to TheNeedleDrop on YouTube, follows Lebron James on twitter, reads the Onion articles, really enjoys WSHH Vine Comps, and only follows people that they know in real life. So maybe they are a half virtual person, but then maybe they are a half physical person too. Instead of the negative connotation that goes with people having essentially two different lives I think we should look at internet use as an extension of the self rather than an obstacle. Besides, having too much of a real life can cut into your virtual life and having too much of a virtual life can cut into your real life. Some of us need to find balance. I need to find balance.

What will we learn in 2016?

 2015 really wasn't $#it

Don't forget to hit that follow for the #newnew:

https://titusgilner.wordpress.com

https://twitter.com/titusgilner

https://www.instagram.com/titusgilner/

Flaws and All

As a writer its really exciting to get the opportunity to express your own opinions and ideas without being limited, or having to stay conformed to a certain mold. So when I recently got asked to create a personal piece for a start up magazine you can imagine how liberating this concept was. It was even better when I learned more about this publication and their message of self love and empowerment. Considering how refreshing this thoughtfulness is in a world full of plastic and photoshop, I dug deeper into how Flaws got its start by asking Editor in Chief Kyla Spencer a few questions. Read below and check out my features tab for a link to my article!

What inspired you to start this magazine? Just generally the lack of realism in magazines and media or a specific event?

For me growing up I never felt a desire to look like girls in magazines because I knew my beauty was completely different from theirs. I also think that my friends in high school were a huge key factor in the way I looked at beauty. Many of my friends never cared about makeup- damn they didn't care about what they wore, they cared about their sports and friends. It truly gave me a different outlook on female beauty and empowerment. Beauty shouldn't be defined by this ideal shown in advertising, but rather the beauty of how we are as people and our actions. It sounds cliche but their isn't anything more beautiful in this world then not defining yourself by your flaws but rather embracing them. So I came up with Flaws with every intention to help shape the future of publications- I don't want to be a stepping stone in change, I want to start the revolution.

Flaw’s motto is “Changing the perception of perfection,” is perfection a real thing?

We find perfection to be interesting because each person will have their own idea of what "perfect" is. Perfection is this ever evolving idea, evidence has shown that what the times show as beauty changes not just decade to decade, but also country to country. I always found that interesting because how can a single publication tell me that my hair will look flawless if I do those 10 steps? It sets my expectations high, and when my hair doesn't turn out how they tell me it will I am irritated how we can throw words like flawless around like it is nothing. Don't get my wrong, I will still song Beyonce's flawless song, but Flaws wants to change what perfection means. Who knows, maybe the dictionary will change it in the future?

Artwork by: https://instagram.com/ommmrose/

With today’s society being deeply routed in appearance, with everything from the selfie stick to the obsession with Kylie Jenner, how do you think girls can avoid the trap of self-scrutiny?

 Even though I see Flaws as being the change in the fashion industry for self acceptance and peer acceptance, we as humans will always naturally be creatures of habit. We will always have a hard time with dealing with the way we look, hell even the way we act. That it can often seem near impossible to block out the words of others- especially when those words at the moment seem like the most important thing in the world. I think this "trap" isn't just about yourself but also the way in which we treat others. If we can find it easier to accept people for their Flaws, then we can only hope others will do the same. It is like cause and effect- so I guess my point is is to realize that if we can look at ourselves and be able to understand our Flaws our apart of our character and that our character is special, others will notice and get trapped in our self-love.

Who are some millenials who you personally appreciate for their genuine character (be that in fashion, music, or art)?

Amandla Stenberg, while I may not fully agree with her position on things, she isn't afraid to speak out. I find it fascinating that even though she is a teenager she isn't afraid to speak out against the pack. That to me is a good leader for the millennials- because she can show that opinions are valid if you are just brave enough to speak out against it.

If you could pick anyone to be on the cover of your magazine right now, who would it be and why?

I honestly don't think I can answer that question because who I would choose to be on the cover has to not only be right for our vision, but also for the concept of that current issue. And Khalifa (Creative Director Khalifa Flowers) and I haven't figured out what the next issues "theme" if you will will be. I hate when a publication just throws someone on the cover because they have a movie coming out that month but then you will hear nothing about that person because they were just in the moment. I want people on the Flaws cover eventually that have a strong message to share with the world, they can't just be the face, because at the end of the day we should remember them by their impact on the world.

What do you think about the phenomenon of social media as a millennial (just right or over load)?

Regardless if people want to admit it or not, social media is able to accomplish many issues on things on such a grander scale. Companies are able to essentially have "free advertisement" to get their products out there, and their name more known to a younger audience. A younger audience who has great buying power. I am nineteen years old and when I see on my Instagram a celebrity that I follow post about a product and tag them- I click on the company. I do it because I am curious with what product they are selling and the fact that I go to their Instagram says a lot for what the future already has in store for consumers.

Describe a perfect day in Los Angeles:

Well my version of a perfect day (since every single one of us will have a different answer) is to sleep in and begin watching a TV show to get my morning off to a good start. More then likely I will probably have something funny like Dance Moms to make me realize how blessed I am to not have Abbi Miller yelling at me haha. Oddly enough shows like that inspire me to do more. Then hunger begins to take over me and when this happens, everything else in the world is at a stand still. So I go on Yelp and literally will find a random place once in a while, or grab Jack-in-the-box. Yes, that is quite unhealthy of me, but I love that place. Then I just work on the magazine and do research and hang out with my friends. I am young and I still want to be young and have fun experiences.

What can we expect in the future from Flaws?

My only wish I have for Flaws is for it to reach an entirely new audience of people that would've never imagined a magazine like it. I find it essential to in the success of Flaws for it to not only look visually appealing, but for it to have a strong voice. Like I said in my first Editor's letter, "I can't promise that we will get it right right away, but we will try our very best."

Keep up to date with Kyla and Flaws:

Flaws 

Flaws Instagram

Kyla's Instagram