Y Crazy Mind

Diamante Lavendar is an award winning artist. She has three published books (all which have won awards) with another book that will be published in early 2019. She also has an art site where she uploads all of her work. Diamante has won numerous awards for her art, including winning in the American Art Awards last year and this year for her photography and digital art. We have conducted an interview with her. Comparing writing music, publishing books and creating art, which is your personal preference in art form and expression? I don't really have a preference as far as creativity is involved regarding the different things that I do. Generally, I will be in certain moods to either write, create art or music. Each form of creativity is a deep expression of who I am and what I've been through. Everything I create holds meaning for me in a personal way. Sometimes when words can't capture what I want to show I will go to art. At the times when words are bubb...

It might seem grandiose to refer to an item of clothing as revealing something deep about the person wearing it and yet, something as ubiquitous as a pair of Levi’s jeans does this. A worn pair of Levi’s communicates both an ease with one’s self as much as a loyalty to the jeans and the company who creates them. You can dress them up with the right pair of shoes and jacket or just be yourself, pairing them with a worn tee. Above all of these, Levi’s communicates the wearer’s willingness to be confident in who they know themselves to be. The company was counting on these ideals resonating in their “Use Your Vote” commercial; a light-touch call to be active in one’s civil duties and responsibility. James Drew worked closely with Charlotte McConnell (creative agency producer) and director Benito Montorio to craft this message with the postproduction team at Electric Theatre Collective. The goal; remind Levi’s wearers and fans that they are active rabble-rousers and voting is a revolution...

Dr. Briggs E. Cook serves as the Medical Director for Pure Facial Plastic Surgery and MedSpa in Huntersville, NC and has been rated among one of the 10 Best Plastic Surgeons for Patient Satisfaction in 2018 by the American Institute of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Cook specializes in eye and facial plastic surgery and is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He received his Doctorate from John Hopkins School of Medicine and his undergraduate from Duke University. When not helping people look and feel their very best at PURE, Dr. Cook can be found spending time with his wife and five children. He is also an advocate for PANDAS (or Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). We recently had the opportunity to sit down and learn more about Dr. Briggs E. Cook and his work both inside and outside the office. What Made You Decide to Become a Plastic Surgeon? There was no one real thing that made me instantly decide to become a plastic surgeon. I’ve always been d...

As they say, “Talent recognizes talent.” In the case of Makeup artist Alex T, that’s an understatement. Her resume reads like a holy book of fashion icons. From Esquire to Elle and Sephora to Hollywood’s most successful films, Alex is sought after by the biggest names for her skill and creativity. Red Carpet premiers, iconic fashion magazines, advertisements in prestigious stores, or web-based sites; you’ll see her work just about everywhere. It’s an unobvious ubiquity because Alex T is a professional using her talent to enhance the faces which capture our attention. Working for some of the most well-known names in the world of beauty and fashion, Alex’s brand is versatility that’s always intent on clarifying the emotion of the models and photographers whom she works with. Vetted by her recurring employment, Alex T is performing this task exceedingly well. Esquire was created in America but has flourished internationally. The publication (founded in 1933) appeals to men’s int...

World’s Most Expensive Artwork, an artwork made by the freelance artist and illustrator Frederik F. Mettjes, launched as the very first of its kind crypto-artwork of the planet. The artwork is programmed by the blockchain-based ‘smart contract’ algorithms to be costlier than any other artworks in the globe. We have conducted an interview with Frederik. How is the very first of its kind crypto-artwork of the planet made? What makes it the most expensive piece of art in the universe? worldsmostexpensiveartwork.com is a combination of a unique digital painting and various so-called smart contracts running on the Ethereum Blockchain - an open-source, public, decentralised distributed computing platform and operating system. This technique makes it possible to store the original image, administer the ownership, and run self-adjusting price algorithms guaranteed to always be more expensive than any other artwork in the world. The programming code is written in 'Solidity',...

Jonah Engler never pictured that charitable endeavors would be his life’s work. But the “cause” was instilled upon him early, helping his mom with several projects sponsored by her employer, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). While attending college, Jonah discovered an innate aptitude to lead, and to build. This powerful combination built the charitable man he is today. His first endeavors were funded by writing competitive grants. Slowly, donations appeared. His goal has always been self-funded charities. However, he tries to avoid turning them into “businesses. He believes in giving his charities a “humble” feel. Charities have specific missions and visions, but at the end of the day, he knows they are just about giving to those who need help the most. Jonah is very outspoken about ‘other’ charities that do not truly support what their missions. What has been the biggest accomplishment in your career? Most would answer this question like, “when I got an...

By Kelly King Australian artist SNY has a soft spot for America. His love of hip hop makes this natural and he’s given props to the culture in his video and audio presentations of these. The hit song “I Might” features a video filmed in the Hollywood Hills and on iconic Rodeo Drive. It’s an ode to the joyful SoCal lifestyle and music which inspired SNY. He followed this with “Fountain” named for the intersection of Fountain Ave and Spaulding Ave in West Hollywood. A music artist writes when inspiration strikes and SNY (aka Sonny Stojanovic) felt the allure that California holds for so many visitors from all corners of the planet. Chicago Producer/artist Young Chop collaborated with SNY on “Fountain” in terms of the beats which punctuate the melody and cadence of SNY’s raps. Young Chop is known for his work with such internationally acclaimed artists as Wiz Khalifa, Kanye West, Swae Lee, and Chief Keef’s multiplatinum hit “I Don’t Like.” Chop and SNY have worked on previous ...

Commercials and advertisement has come a long way from what they used to be. What was once background information or a pause in the “real” action has morphed into productions that gain massive attention when done well, as in Superbowl commercials. The modern iteration of these mini stories receive acclaim when possessing heart, ingenuity, and captivating visuals. Guangtao Pi has worked with Visual Effects in television, films, and commercials. As VFX supervisor on an “in house” production for Haidilao restaurants in the US, his team created a fantastic story that entertained customers and attracted attention for the company. The advancements of VFX whether in the area of film, TV, or commercial productions has revolutionized storytelling just as much as the invention of the moving picture format itself. Through artistry and software, the visions and dreams of writers and directors are manifested for all to see. When hot pot restaurant Haidilao wanted a transfixing depiction of...

There’s always one; one of those films that everyone begins to talk about because it has unexpectedly announced its greatness. Son of Wanderer is that film. When watching this film, you will find yourself identifying with multiple characters; the uneasiness of a Chinese mother visiting her estranged son in America, the son whose unvented rage and resentment is always quietly simmering, even the peace-making wife who wants to see some unification for this strained family. Ziyang “Lucia” Wang was the on-set editor and DIT for this award-winning film. It was her job to help the viewer empathize with each of these characters in the film. Director Chi Zhou, two time Oscar-winner Jana Sue Memel (screenwriter of Son of Wanderer ), DP Nan Li, Lucia, along with the rest of the cast and crew have created a film which displays the pain and the hope of a family steeped decades in crisis. Son of Wanderer has already begun receiving accolades across the planet, including those from the L...

Natalia Dagenhart is an award-winning independent writer and artist from Naperville, Illinois. She writes about cultural and social events happening in the Chicago area and in the world. Natalia received the Journalist of the Year 2018 Award from Congressman Danny K. Davis on October 28, 2018. Her brand, "Articles by Natalia Dagenhart," will celebrate its anniversary on November 11, 2018. We have conducted an interview with Natalia. What makes you different from other writers and why should such organizations as orchestras, PR agencies, cultural centers and educational institutions hire you? My writing style. Being an independent journalist and writer, I am my own boss and have freedom to write the way I want. People call the way I write sincere and unique. My slogan is "Combining a personable style of writing and great care to details." I write from my heart, yet I am very detail-oriented. Each story I treat individually and believe that a writer has t...

Shapes, colors, photography, art and perspective, everything that catches Rupa Rathod’s eye are all major influences in her craft. She is constantly working out how to turn anything she sees into something graphical, abstract and moving. Her interest in design and art have always been very much a part of who she is. This innate talent is what makes her extraordinary at what she does as a motion graphics designer, and why she is a leader in her industry. Rathod combines her instincts for design with her passion for music. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside some of the music industry’s most iconic performers, from Kylie Minogue to Shania Twain, as well as rock bands like Bastille and The Killers, the latter of which Rathod recently received a major award for her screen content for their tour. Music is what drives her every day, and why she loves what she does. “Music has always been a huge aspect of my creativity, from sound beds, to mood music and everything in ...