I just chug-a-lug-o my coffee mug."
- Descendents, Coffee Mug
Photo by chsh/ii
Don't live the Deferred Life Plan.
Make life your song.
Enjoy the music.
Groove to the beat.
Keep your own rhythm.
Dance.
Sing.
Scream.
Live!
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Photo by chsh/ii
Simple words, yet true as can be, eh?
The only way we can bring our dreams to life is to take action and put them into play.
Don't wait for someday to come, grab your passion and GOoooooooo!
Photo by Richard0 - Catching up!
To get a jump on this, follow some advice from one of my favorite writers, Leo Babauta. About motivation and achieving goals, he says:
“Always think positive. Squash all negative thoughts. Monitor your thoughts. Be aware of your self-talk. We all talk to ourselves, a lot, but we are not always aware of these thoughts. Start listening. If you hear negative thoughts, stop them, push them out, and replace them with positive thoughts. Positive thinking can be amazingly powerful.”
Indeed. Listening to yourself is the most powerful trick of all. Encouragement and strength from those around us are fantastic elements, of course. But you are the one to bring it all to fruition. So keep those positive thoughts and words flowing and really trust in your inner strength.
We all have extraordinary capabilities. It's about finding what makes us tick, setting goals, and believing that we can reach them.
Some tips to succeeding:
Photo by Tambako the Jaguar
Photo by John Wardell
While I, myself, am not superstitious nor religious, many who are might recall that 666 is the occult "number of the beast," associated in the Bible with the Antichrist.
While the origin of this number is not certain, it may be as simple as the number containing the sequence of one symbol of each type (excluding M = 1000) in Roman numerals:
The beast number has several interesting properties which numerologists may find particularly interesting. In particular, it is equal to the sum of the squares of the first 7 primes:
And there's your random fact for the day.
Michelle X Star is one beautifully radiant package of superbness. A passionate photographer by trade, her zeal for cutting-edge photo art combines creativity and color, delivering big doses of punch and pizzazz. Not only will her artwork WOW you, but her kind demeanor, intelligent mind, and enthusiasm for life serves as icing on the cupcake.
Michelle X Star herselfI originally met Michelle online, but found myself lucky enough to shoot with her a couple of years ago. As an admitted dork when put in front a camera, I remember driving to her studio nervous and hoping that she wouldn't realize what a novice model I was. But lucky for me, I was instantly greeted by her sweet disposition and true professionalism. Needless to say, she taught me so much that day and I hardly even realized the camera was on, between our story sharing, chatter, and laughter. I have since been lucky enough to work with Miss X Star on other projects and it's always such a true honor and delight.
Always a creative soul, Michelle followed her heart and pursued a photography career, learning at the Art Institute of Photography in Denver, Colorado. From there, she hit the ground running, applying her skills in Los Angeles and working as a Production Coordinator for David LaChapelle.
As she incorporated many aspects of the skills she learned both in school and in the field, her unique style quickly emerged as she burst onto the scene. Her powerful photographs are easy to denote, with vibrant explosions of color, extraordinary scenery, and atypical models. Her work is full of emotion and the ability to story-tell with vivacious appeal.
Models with body art make prevalent appearances in Michelle X Star's photos, which isn't surprising, as she is a tattoo aficionado herself; with a spirited collection decorating her skin. In addition, she has been dedicated to the straight-edge lifestyle for a decade now and always radiates positivity and beauty when you are in her presence.
It was a true pleasure to interview this talented woman and I hope you enjoy a stroll through the world of Michelle X Star in today's Inkerview installment (our first in the Photography genre).
Were you born with a camera in your hands, Michelle? I am guessing that you were always artistic and captivated by photography, were you?
I have definitely always been artistic since I was a kid. Growing up, art classes were always my favorites. In high school I took all eight art courses they offered. I was also a part of the yearbook staff and realized photography was what I felt I was best at, even though I was interested in many different art forms.
As a child did you think you would become a photographer when you grew up?
I had no idea when I was a kid that's what I would be. My aunt is an anesthesiologist and I always said that's what I wanted to be, yet I don't think I even knew what it meant at the time. Once I realized what it was I obviously changed my mind (haha). I was always interested in taking photos, but I realized I wanted to go to college and pursue photography when I was in high school.
When did you get your first camera and how did you start your photography career?
I always had little cameras growing up, but I got my first professional camera when I was 14 years-old. It all began there.
I know you went to school for photography. Can you tell us about how it helped prepare you for the industry?
I went to the Art Institute of Photography in Denver, Colorado. I really enjoyed my time there. I thought I was most interested in photo journalism, but once I started to learn more about other types of photography, lighting, and Photoshop, I realized there was so much more creative work that I wanted to do and that's when I started to develop my style. I learned the technical aspects of photography there and many things about the industry, but you can't really get a grasp of it until you are out in the world trying to make a living at it.
Who were your mentors when you were starting out? Who inspires you nowadays in the photography and/or art world?
In high school, Daniel Weiss was the teacher who pushed and challenged me, and really made me fall in love with many different forms of art. In college, Dave Neligh was that teacher who helped me grow into the photographer that I am and helped push me into my own style.
When I moved out to Los Angeles, I worked with a few different photographers, but David LaChapelle was my biggest inspiration and his work still is today. I worked with him for almost two years as Production Coordinator at his studio and it was the best learning experience that I could have ever had. No one compares to him.
As far as inspiration, I am more inspired by unique and interesting people than any artists, I think. They are the ones who inspire me to create the work that I do.
You are so talented and it seems that your photos always tell a story. How do you gather the ideas that you do for your shoots?
I guess a number of different ways. It all depends on the project that I am working on, whether it’s a client I am shooting for, a model, a band, etc. Ideas just come to me. There is no real way that I come up with them, but many times, it’s while I am laying in bed trying to fall asleep. I do, however, like to research and know things about the person I am photographing, because I love incorporating who that person is into the work.
Your use of color and vibrancy is explosive. Have you always liked working with bold, bright designs and settings?
Yes, I guess so. I'm obsessed with color, obviously. I do also love doing dark creepy scenes, but I don't get to do that as often. A lot of times even my darker imagery is still shot in a bright and bold way.
Not only are your photography skills incredible, you are an amazing photo editor too. How did you learn this side of the business and how important do you think it is to being a top photographer?
I think editing is a very important part of digital photography. When I was studying photography, I was still shooting with film and slides; but towards the end of my schooling everything started going digital. I love, more than anything, that I have a background with film photography because it’s so good to have those skills and actually know what you are doing. There are so many people these days who just pick up a digital camera, that know nothing about the technical part of photography. Just with the way digital is, I believe editing is a lot more important than it used to be with film.
I had a number of editing classes when I was in college, which really helped. When I first moved out to Los Angeles, I did editing for a photographer for a few years, which also really helped me. It just takes time and practice to get better and better.
There are so many ways to do everything, it’s just figuring out the way that works best for you. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of photographers out there that don't know how to edit and hire professional retouchers. It is what it is, and some of them just don't have the knowledge or time. But I love editing my own work, because in this digital age it’s what really makes the photo a lot of the time.
Can you tell us about some of your recent projects? And also about the collaboration project you have with artist, Callowlily?
I work with a number of different clothing and accessory companies, as well as models and bands. I love working with a variety of people because it keeps things interesting.
I am also working on a collaboration project with Callowlily Art. We are planning on putting out a book together and having an art show as well. Any free time that I have all goes towards that project. When I see models that fit what I am looking for, we set up shoots that will be a part of that. The photos for the collaboration are definitely more surreal than a lot of my other photography work. Over the last 2 years we have been doing interpretations of each others work and the book will feature the artwork side-by-side. That is the most exciting project that I am always working on.
Your models always look like they are having so much fun. How do you go about finding the people you work with and how important is that to a successful project?
I mostly find people off the internet or in magazines these days, but sometimes I see people out in public or at events and my eye is just drawn to them.
You are an avid tattoo collector. Can you tell us about your tattoo collection: artists, locations of tattoos, etc?
How do you come up with your tattoo ideas? What inspires your designs?
Most of my tattoos are based on either music, movies, inspirational people, or traditional themes. It’s all about passion and inspiration for me.
What new tattoo projects do hope to ink soon? Who will tattoo them for you?
I have a lot of what I want all planned out. I want to finish my knees, which are being done by Joe Truck; and then I have plans to sleeve the rest of my lower legs. I have a theme planned out and I would love Megan Massacre to do them. I also have plans for sleeves that will be themed, but I am not completely decided on who will do them yet. I've held out this long because I want them to be done right and all at once.
You are also a huge music fan and some of your tattoos reflect your favorite bands/lyrics. Does music also inspire your photography? Have you photographed some of your favorite musicians?
Music is definitely a huge part of my life. I love incorporating lyrics or themes that bands use into photo shoots with them, sometimes because it just puts more meaning into the photos; whether it’s subliminal or obvious.
I love working with bands and musicians because they are also very creative people, typically. I have had the pleasure of working with some of my favorite bands; and some of the bands I have worked with have become my favorites (haha). There are still a few on the list I would love to shoot one day. I haven't given up yet!
You are straight-edge and I know that is very important in your life. When did you first decide to live the sXe lifestyle? How has it benefited your life?
I became straight-edge when I was 18 years-old and going to college in Denver. There were a large amount of straight-edge kids involved in the music scene and that's when I learned what the lifestyle was all about. I have never done drugs or smoked in my life. I rarely drank before and have only been drunk once, and that was the last time I drank. It was a bad situation and the following day I decided that I wanted to live the straight-edge lifestyle. My parents liked to party when I was growing up and I realized that lifestyle wasn't something that I wanted for myself. Family members dying from smoking made me never want to smoke and I've always just thought of it as a gross habit. I have also seen people I care about become involved with drugs and it just ruins lives, and that's never something I want to be a part of. I believe being straight edge is the best thing for my life because I can concentrate on the things that really matter.
What projects do you have coming up & what are your goals for the coming year?
I want to keep working on the Callowlily project and get that wrapped up. We are starting to look for publishers right now. I am also looking into doing a little bit of traveling and photos around the US so that will be a fun adventure.
I haven’t been in the past, but I am open to working with an agency now and trying out something new. I love the companies I work with, but would like to do some more commercial projects. We will see how that search goes.
What one word best describes you?
Passion.
What one word best describes your work?
Inspiration.
What is your favorite sweet treat?
Gummy Worms ;)
Be sure to visit Michelle's website and her myspace page, to see LOTS more of her amazing work.
*All Inkerviews will be cataloged in the Inkerviews section of the site. Just click on the link at the top of the site.
Michelle, herself
If you have caught it already, how can you help but marvel at it one more time, eh?
Enjoy!
*Directed by James Frost, OK Go and Syyn Labs. Produced by Shirley Moyers. The official video for the recorded version of "This Too Shall Pass" off of the album "Of the Blue Colour of the Sky". The video was filmed in a two story warehouse, in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA. The "machine" was designed and built by the band, along with members of Syyn Labs over the course of several months.
This was especially exciting for me because it was my first meet not swimming as an “unattached” participant. See, I train all by myself in the mornings at a local pool, so when I decided to start participating in meets again, I didn’t have a team to affiliate myself with. If this is the case, then you are labeled unattached, as you are not “attached” to any club.
Well, this all changed when my friend Rob (who runs the awesome RobAquatics.com blog), introduced me to Coach Ahelee Sue Osborn, who, along with Coach Nancy Kirkpatrick-Reno, run the fantastic Conejo Valley Multisport Masters (CVMM) team. After my last meet, Ahelee was kind enough to give me some technique tips and through a series of correspondence, she acquainted me with a satellite coaching program that they offer. Given that these are two of the most excellent coaches in the biz, how could I say no?
It was really great to have the support of such an enthusiastic team behind me. The other CVMM swimmers could not have been more kind or encouraging; and Coaches Nancy and Ahelee really helped me to pinpoint some things I can do differently in my training and races.
I had not swam the first three events yet in a meet, so all of my times were in essence “best times” at this point. I was pleased with them all and qualified for an additional US Masters Nationals event, this time in the 50 Butterfly, swimming a 31.35.
The last two events (50 Freestyle and 100 IM) were also both “best times” for me, as I lowered the 50 Free to a 28.25 and the 100 IM to a 1:11.28. In my age group (Women 35-39), I won two events and tied for first place in the 100 IM; which cumulatively put me at 2nd place overall for my age (behind the winner by just 8/10ths of 1 second).
Competing again is proving to be so rewarding. It’s funny how differently I approach the whole concept nowadays, as compared to my younger years when I grew up swimming. The pressure was quite intense back then and while I obviously enjoyed what I was pursuing, it was also very emotionally draining. By the time I stopped swimming during my college years, I was really anxious to have a life outside of the pool. But now, as I approach 40, I appreciate each ability and opportunity in such a different light. A new perspective that brings with it much more diverse (yet simple) goals than I have known before in my chlorinated state.
I totally want to thank Steve for being the most supportive, wonderful husband ever. He has been so amazing at each of my meets. He is always there for me: helping me with tasks, giving me encouragement, filming my races, keeping me warm, getting me snacks, and cheering me on. It really means a lot to me to have him in my corner, and I hope he knows how much I appreciate the sacrifices that he makes to allow me to chase this new little adventurous dream. He’s the best.
Here’s a video montage of all five races together if you want to sneak a peek at what I was up to in the Pasadena pool.
]]>It was only when chocolate was flavored with mocha coffee centuries later that mocha became the word for a chocolate brown color.
Today, the city of Mocha is in Yemen and is called Mukka.
To veganize this treat, it's easy!
Creamy Vegan Hot Mocha Recipe
1/3 cup hot coffee1) Mix cocoa, brown sugar, and salt in mug.
2) Heat soy milk.
3) Pour a little bit of boiling water into the cocoa mixture and stir to a paste.
4) Add coffee, hot soy milk, and vanilla.
5) Blend well.
6) Enjoy!
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Sometimes, you just know that someone was meant to be doing what they are doing. When one embraces and loves what they are creating, and are focused, determined and driven to improve upon that talent; well, it's pretty much a winning situation. Case in point, is Mr. Jason Reeder.
This talented new artist is about as humble as they come. He appreciates every step he has taken on his tattoo journey; and he is grateful to those who taught him, those who continue to teach him, and those whom he works with each day. He is dedicated to growing as an artist and has the most simple, yet most sincere of goals: to do solid tattoos and make people happy.
Though he has been involved in the tattoo industry for a long time and had nearly a full body suit collection on his own skin before he picked up a machine, his career as an artist has spanned less than two years. You certainly wouldn't know that looking at his work though. It's crisp, clean, bold, and whimsical; traits that are actually tricky to find done so beautifully in many corners of the tattoo world. Jason executes them like the pro that he is, and does it with a true sense of respect and gratitude.
Jason and his gorgeous wife Tasha are devoted to body art and all that comes along on the ride. An inked beauty herself (be sure to check out her Inkerview and see for yourself), she understands all that comes with the long hours that a tattooist keeps. Together, they eat, breathe, sleep, and love the tattoo industry.
It was such a pleasure to talk to Jason for this feature. He is an incredibly down-to-earth and kind person, with major league skills and an extremely bright future ahead of him. I hope you enjoy his excellent artwork and genuine words, on today's episode of Inkerviews.
How did you get started in the tattoo industry? Did you have a formal apprenticeship?
Well, I've been tattooing for about a year and a half now. Before tattooing I drove a tractor trailer for FedEx. I was talking to someone about building machines for him with a possible apprenticeship because I was tired of the normal day-to-day life. I hated the stress of driving a truck, but I was unsure of taking the step to do it. And for some strange reason my house burned down and I lost my 5-year career at FedEx all at once. Haha, if that wasn't a sign that I needed to do this, I don’t know what is.
So I said, “Screw it,” packed everything in my car and never looked back. I ended up in Springhill, Florida. There I apprenticed under CJ Harper, Thomas Kersnowski, and Marcus Lund of Brass Monkey Tattoo. I apprenticed for about nine months. They kept me busy doing your everyday apprentice stuff. I did a lot of drawing, tracing, cleaning tubes - all the fun stuff. I feel like I had a very good apprenticeship. They really pushed what makes a good tattoo into me. And I feel that CJ did an awesome job at teaching me how to be humble. For every time I felt that he was out of line or being a dick, I totally look back at it now and understand what he was trying to prepare me for. And I’ll forever be grateful for what that ol' man has given me!
After my time in Florida, I moved to Georgia to be closer to a lot of my friends and family. I'm currently working at Atomic Tattoo in Warner Robins.
Have you always been interested in art? When you were a kid, did you ever see yourself as a tattoo artist when you grew up?
I've always been interested in art. My parents always had me involved in something. I had all kinds of private art classes. And I always did things for the local fairs. I even tried to get a comic strip published in the local paper. But me being the hard-headed kid I was, I eventually got tired of only getting attention for my art. I was good at other things to. So I gave it up and focused on skateboarding, music and movies; which eventually lead to my love of tattoos.
I remember sitting on the couch with my grandfather and seeing all the "bad guys" in movies with their tattoos. And I remember telling him how cool they were. and that I wanted to be just like them. So I guess at first I just wanted to be covered in tattoos. I didn't have interest in doing tattoos until a little later in life.
Your work is so fantastic because it includes elements of realism, with whimsical touches, bold colors, clean lines, and more. How would you describe your style?
Thank you. It's hard for me to hear it being called “fantastic.” To me, it's probably the furthest thing from that. As far as my style goes, I wouldn’t know what to call it. I really hate labels and being put in a box. I honestly just do whatever hits me. I just want to do good, clean, solid tattoos.
I grew up with a huge interest in animation so I feel that plays a role in my tattooing. But other than that, I pretty much take the elements of tattooing that I most enjoy and try to jumble them all together. I mean, I love realism, but I personally fell like "absolute realism" with the minimal line work, won't withstand the test of time. But on the other hand, I feel that a "true traditional" tattoo is too limited. I feel like there are too many rules to it. So I want to try to meet them both in the middle; so it looks interesting, but it's also built to last. I figure as long as I’m having fun and I’m staying busy, and making people happy; I'm doing something right. The best I can do is take it one day at a time and see what happens.
How did your tattoo art journey lead you in this direction?
I don’t know, I guess a lot of it came from getting so heavily tattooed. I didn't start my apprenticeship until I was 28, so I had almost a whole body suit before I even touched a tattoo machine. So I guess having such an extensive collection from all of my favorite artists, and watching the whole process from beginning to end, I was able to see how time consuming a piece could be, how painful it is on the client, and how a piece of any given style is going to heal and break down over time. So I feel I developed a lot of my theories and application through my own personal experiences.
Who are your inspirations in the art world and in the tattoo industry? How do you feel they have had an impact on your work?
I'm very lucky to have the friends and family that I do. And they push me more than they could possibly ever imagine. I'm very inspired by Thomas Kenney, Les Collier, Bryan Reynolds, Taylor Cort, Sean Herman, Short, Bird, and Russ Abbott. These guys have all gone out of their way to be there for me at any given moment. And their friendship and advice means more to me than they'll ever know. These guys push me to be the best artist I can be, and helped teach me to not be afraid of taking risks and do what my heart says. I'm also influenced by Lu's Lips, Adam Hathorn, Jime Litwalk, Jeff Ensminger, Jeff Gogue, Alphonse Mucha, John Baizley, and Florian Bertmer. All of their personal art is so innovative and inspirational. I'm not afraid to admit that I’ve spent hours studying every line and every blend these guys have ever done. Hahaha, whatever it takes, right?
What would your dream piece be to work on?
My dream piece, huh? I would say one that I’m not scared to death to do! I sit back and look at how guys like Gogue, Russ Abbott, and Lu's Lips are throwing down these massive tattoos, that are just simply breathtaking; and I would love to have the confidence to pull something like that off. But I’ve got to learn how to crawl before I can run.
You have a gorgeous wife who is heavily tattooed and adores you. How does your relationship impact your work? Does she inspire you?
That girl pushes me pretty hard as well. If anything, she's not afraid to tell me what she really thinks. Whether I want to hear it or not, she's always got something to say. And it's usually pretty on point with what I’m already thinking. She's proud of me and always by my side. We've had it pretty rough and it takes its toll. But in the end, we stand by each other. We've been through so much in such a short period of time. I mean, we lived in 4 states in 2 years. It's hard, but it helps having someone who understands how demanding this industry can be. I never have to explain why I work so much, or why I’ve got to sit at home and draw instead of doing “couple” stuff. I try to make it up to her as often as I can. I wish I could do more. But there’s only so much time in a day. Someday it'll be better, I suppose. At least it gives us something to work for.
You are working at Atomic Tattoo in Warner Robins, Georgia. Can you tell us about the shop and your fellow artists?
Atomic is a busy little shop right outside Robins Air Force Base, in the heart of middle-Georgia, and is owned by my homeboy, Oscar. We actually just went under a massive remodel and the shop is dope. It's funny to hear your clients walk in and say, “Man, this place looks like the Olive Garden.” (haha)
The shop and crew is really rad. It's laid back, extremely comfortable; it's pretty drama free and super busy! What more could you ask for? We have six artists (myself included) and our piercer and counter help. I also get to work with one of my biggest inspirations in tattooing, Les Collier. Les is the real deal. He's so kind and humble and doesn't believe in all the politics of tattooing. He just eats, sleeps, and breathes art. His main goal is to just better his tattooing and making people happy. A lot of people forget that's what it's really all about. And it's a privilege to have that daily reminder. Love you, buddy!
Do you have plans to do a lot of traveling and conventions in 2010? If so, can you give us a rundown of where people will be able to see you and make an appointment with you?
I don't feel like I’m really ready for the convention monster yet. I'm going to do a spot at Sunken Ship in Seattle this spring; a few spots at Taylor Cort’s shop; and possibly Brass Monkey Tattoo. But I’m not doing anything on the circuit until next year. I just want to sit and focus on my art. I figure the traveling will come when the time is right. But if anyone is interested in getting tattooed by me, they can email me directly at jasonreedertattoos@gmail.com or hit me up on ol' myspace: myspace.com/jasonmfreeder
What are your goals for the coming year?
I just want to get better. I would say my biggest goal in tattooing isn't to be the flavor of the week and get printed a million times. I just want to be respected. I want to do good clean, solid tattoos, and make people happy. I would love to have the people I look up to and admire look at my portfolio, and not have any reason to hate on it. I care less if people dig what I’m doing, I just want someone to look at my stuff and be, like, “Man, that's clean! Good job.”
What one word best describes you?
Workaholic.
What one word best describes your work?
Average.
Since your wife is an incredible baker, what is your favorite sweet treat that she makes?
Man, the girl can make a cheesecake out of anything!! So I’ve got to say her cheesecakes. Although she made these brown sugar, maple, bacon muffins thingies that were the bees knees!
*Be sure to visit Jason's myspace page to see more of his incredible work.
**All Inkerviews will be cataloged in the Inkerviews section of the site. Just click on the link at the top of the site.
