Meet: Evan The Celebrity Artist

NAME: Evan Christopher Martin
LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA
TALENTS: Artist, Creator, Sketches

What artists do you look up to?
Artists that inspire and motivate me are Andre Walker, Robert Peterson, Ashley Cole, Justin Richburg, and Nessie Blaze. I used to want to be good at drawing but after seeing these artists artwork, I want to be a beast. I want the photorealism of Andre Walker and Ashley Cole. I want to express concepts like Justin Richburg. I want to use an infinite amount of colors to illustrate a portrait like Robert Peterson. I want to grind like Nessie Blaze.

How would you describe your art (sketching, drawing, painting, etc.)?
I have three main ways I do my art. All begin with a nasty rough draft of a person or scene, just to get it out of my head and on paper/ tablet.

Digital Portraits: I use digital paint or copic markers to create realistic portraits.
Vector Art: I use Adobe Illustrator to make my sketches into a cartoon and to give it a clean look.
Crayon Portraits: I use crayons to draw people. I enjoy this medium the most because experimenting and discovering the many ways to create depth and value through the exploration of colors is magic.

I know you draw a lot of celebrities. Have any reached out to you regarding your artwork?
I receive likes, comments, and rarely a follow by some of the celebrities I draw. Most notable engagement from a celebrity is when they share my artwork on their respective account. I appreciate any recognition because I am usually listening or watching that celebrity perform while I am drawing them. They are giving me energy to draw them. It is dope that I am feeding off their art to do my art, which is making art of them. For example, if I am drawing Kendrick Lamar, I am only listening to Kendrick until I complete the portrait.

Which celebrity is next on your list to draw?
Maybe Dave Chappelle or Allen Iverson. I really don’t know. I usually pick who I am going to draw based on the difficulty of drawing that person and if that person actually “affects” me. Basically if I can feel their energy, then I will consider drawing them. Sometimes, I will draw a rapper or actor because a friend suggested it. Sometimes, I am going through the highs and lows, a song randomly plays, and it has that uncanny ability to describe my feelings and I must draw that music artist.

Do you exhibit your work anywhere? If so, where will you be next? Do you have a website where people can buy your stuff?
I currently do not exhibit my work, but I am working on showcasing my artwork at Trapxart LA. My website is www.evan-martin.com or check out my Instagram, @evanski35 to request custom work or buy prints.

Did you take art classes as a kid? What steps did you take to cultivate your craftsmanship?
As a kid I did not take art classes. However, I did draw or “doodle” any and everywhere. I always wanted to just sit and create art all day long so anytime I am sitting or waiting, I either take out a piece of paper or my tablet (I take it with me Everywhere) and I draw. I draw on the train, bus, on my lunch break|, even in lines at the bank or DMV.

My favorite part of an artwork is the process. First, I find the music track that describes my feeling to get me in the zone. Once I am in the zone, I am no longer a slave to time, hunger subsides, the world around me cease to exist and I am in harmony with my art. I swear I am in another dimension. True beauty. To get better at my craft, I trust the process and draw subjects that challenge my ability. Usually it’s woman’s hair or concept drawing. For women’s hair, I would pick a celebrity with a “tough” hairstyle. For concept drawing, I will draw a zombie basketball player or cartoonize rap lyrics to convey a message. I also explore different methods to approach a style or type of drawing.

What advice would you give young artists who want to pursue art full time?

I do not do art full time yet. I teach it and I freelance on the side. Nevertheless, I will work on my art until art is my work. With that being said, my advice is always give thanks to God, create every single day, and learn to accept failure. Failure is not negative. It is growth. No one is perfect, but seeing and knowing your mistakes can lead to making better choices.

Meet: Prince Kofi The Vibe Maker

IG: @ForeverKofi

NAME:  Prince Kofi
LOCATION: Mid City LA
TALENTS: Writer, Singer, Rapper, Vibe Creator

How do you describe your music sound/vibe?

This is a hard question for me. I usually like to consider myself an enigma, because as a writer, I have created sounds in almost every genre, and even as an artist I love to venture anywhere from Hip Hop to R&B, to Rock Soul, Neo Soul, and some things in between. At the base of it, my sound is one you can trust, one that makes you feel good, no matter the mood, like comfort food, or a warm embrace.

Where do you find inspiration?

Everywhere, whether from life experience, memories, stories friends tell me, things I see, do, or even am around. Sometimes I tell someone else's story, sometimes I blend the past with the present, just depends what kind of journey I want to take the listener on.

How did you get started in music? What's the ultimate goal?

When I was young my mother put me in the church choir, she couldn't sing so as soon as she heard me she kinda lived through me, had me singing at graduations around town and stuff like that. There are a lot of people who know me as the young boy who sang R. Kelly "I Believe I Can Fly" in my hometown. It grew for me from poetry writing later as I continued to hone my craft. 

My ultimate goal is to one day expand my fan base and tour the world, meet people from all walks of life, ask them how they connected to my music. This way I can bring fans together, bring more people together and use my influence to be a voice of change, just to leave the world better off than I came to it. I really wanna use this gift to heal, hopefully I can get that chance sooner than later.

What are your thoughts on "mumble rap"?

HA! I mean I know that things will change and evolve, I think that some of it serves its purpose, we have more access to information in the past kids that age wouldn't even have a studio, now we got everyone making whatever comes to mind. Some of it is artistic, Yachty, Uzi, and more like them created their own lane. My question is if it will be timeless, I mean their generation might play that when they are old, but I don't think it will last like that not all of it anyway, there are some songs that can stand the test of time, but overall I think it'll phase out over the next decade or so.

If you could collab with any major artists, who would it be and why?

That's a tough one, I would say Pharell. He understands music in such a different way, and I think he could bring the best out of me if we worked together. If you read this sign me! Haha.

Which do you enjoy more - creating R&B songs or Hip Hop slappers?

I enjoy R&B more because I can really take someone on an emotional journey, I can really pull things out of them that they didn't even know they were feeling. Rap is an art in itself don't get me wrong, but I feel R&B sometimes can be harder to craft, a real story a real feeling and vibe.

Where do you see Hip Hop in the next 2 years?

I see it still changing, still evolving, and presenting us with new sounds, vibes, and waves we didn't see coming, but it's up to the fans, so I hope that it continues to grow and change for the better. It has a responsibility to be the voice of a disenfranchised people, we can't forget that. We must pay homage, and do the duty that Hip Hop was created to carry out, I'm just along for the ride.

 

Meet: Dominic McDonald AKA "Nerd"

IG: @nerdraps

NAME: Dominic McDonald AKA NERD

AGE: 29

TALENTS: Poet, Arthur and MC

LOCATION: Long Beach, CA

Why do they call you "NERD"? Is this a nickname you chose or others chose for you?

I got the name “Nerd” in High School by one of the Seniors when I was a junior. A man who became one of my low key mentors at that age.  I started exploring into freestyle rapping in 2001 and I would rap in the ciphers that he would beatbox for. I’ll never forget the reaction (one that I still get to this day) on his face like “um, what’s he bout to do?” He must have been impressed because he said, “When I see you I’m going to call you Nerd” and he did the Star Track sign of the N.E.R.D band fame. It kinda stuck with me after that and that was my stage name.

How would you describe your artistry?

Versatile. I always push myself to do something that is not like the last piece so no one can say that they have me figured out right away. I have a unique story with many sides to offer so I feel that I should introduce them to my audience in sections. That is why I just don’t do poems about love, or only poems about politics. Additionally I like to philosophize and present fresh outlooks on life. Everyone has a unique story and try my best to present mine in my creative expressions.

What topics do you usually like to write about?

I like to tell stories - my stories, your stories, anyone’s. I am introducing myself to the world at the moment so I feel like writing about myself right now is important. When I wrote my first poetry book “The Love Song of D. Nerd McDonald”, I told the story through poems of my experiences with love and relationships from my late teens to my mid-20s. These moments in time relate to people because they are either going through the same things or they have overcame those experiences. I enjoy relating to people because I feel like it’s not “just me” *laughs*.

When did you start writing poetry?

My poetry was actually branched off of from my rapping. I wanted to become a rapper before I was a poet. Then when Def Poetry Jam started airing on TV it inspired some people in my high school to start a Def Poets club and at first I just did verses without the beat but then I played around with different styles and tried to emulate the poetry I was reading in my English class. I would then go on to be a part of the Poetry Slam team in college. Poetry has been in my caliber ever since.

What poets/artists do you look up to and aspire to be like?

I’ve always enjoyed various African American poets from different periods in American History. I honestly think that some rappers are poets. I was heavily influenced by Hip Hop music being that my stepfather was a DJ and my dad collected albums. I also followed a lot of the classic recorded poets such as The Last Poets and Gil Scott Heron. Right now I look up to a poet named Paul Mabon. He has frequented Da Poetry Lounge in Los Angeles and I also have had the chance to perform for him before. His style is very comedic and dramatic which is the tones that I like to write my pieces in.

Where do you see spoken word/poetry in the next 5 to 10 years?

I see spoken word going into new places as far as production. Last year I saw a Los Angeles based production organization put on a poetry stage play for the first time. You have a world known play like Hamilton which uses a lot of poetic material and is enjoyable. Other than that, poetry is a classic activity like skateboarding or playing baseball, I don’t really see it doing anything but be better.

What is your favorite piece that you've written and why?

My most favorite piece to date is a poem called “Captain Save a Ho”. It’s a pretty fun piece and it came from a writing prompt about a “less than super, hero”.

I follow your Snapchat and you seem to like the topic of relationships and being single. What type of lucky lady are you looking for?

I personally believe that if you haven’t found the love of your live in high school or college, you’re screwed. *laughs* Just kidding! But dating in LA is such a hard thing to do because there is so much variety and space it can be overwhelming and in most of my cases very frustrating. Over the years though, I have gotten to figure out what I like and I want I don’t like in a potential partner and really want someone that is an affectionate friend and a leader in her community.

When is your next show?

I will be performing at The Loft on Avalon in the Compton area on February 3^rd at 8 p.m. for a bi-weekly Open Mic Night. Other than that you can catch me at a weekly open mic in the Los Angeles or Long Beach area. I usually post my shows on my Instagram page @nerdraps or on Facebook under Dominic Nerd McDonald.

Meet Brittany Dixon: A Curlista On the Move

Follow Brittany's Journey - IG: @CurlTalks

NAME: Brittany Dixon

AGE: 32

TALENTS: Curl Girl and Marketing Creative

LOCATION: Los Angeles

What is CurlTalks?

CurlTalks is a speaker series taking place in the Los Angeles area that focuses on the journeys and experiences many women have gone through during the discovery or rediscovery of their naturally curly hair. There are so many forums, websites, YouTube channels all of us curly girls frequent, so I wanted to do something different and take the conversation offline and meet in-person where women could come together and bond over something they have in common - curly hair. I truly believe there is power in personal stories - they are inspiring - so I wanted to create a platform where those experiences and topics of importance could be shared and told. Who doesn’t love a good story?! I want CurlTalks to be more than just another "event" about hair care products and regimens. It's more about connecting through the curl and diving deeper into what it truly means to be a curly girl. CurlTalks is for all women who share in the experience when it comes to embracing their curl.

What's the goal for CurlTalks?

Every time I looked up events surrounding natural hair, many times they always seemed to be elsewhere like in New York, Atlanta and Texas. Not saying that they didn’t exist here in LA, but they just seemed to happen more frequently in other states! Being that I have lived in Los Angeles my entire life, I wanted to bring something to the city and make a mark on the west coast with the goal to hopefully expand to other states to continue the conversation and open up the dialogue in those places. 

Ultimately the goal for CurlTalks is for like-minded women to be able to come together in-person to connect and learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives. To have some amazing speakers who will be able to share their journeys and experiences and panelists who will share various perspectives on hot topics. It’s about coming together to embrace the hair you have been blessed with and to celebrate it, discuss it and be inspired by it!

How did you begin your natural hair journey?

I am half black and half white. I think early on my dad did my mom a solid to help her out when it came to my hair because it wasn’t always the easiest - she did her best. I did get a relaxer at a very young age, probably 4 or 5. Growing up I didn't know anything else other than wearing my hair straight and had very little recollection except in photographs of what my naturally curly hair looked like when I was little. I had no clue what my curl pattern was. I would regularly go to get a relaxer when my hair would grow out and saw other girls that looked like me at school who wore their hair straight, so I just thought that was the norm. At some point during either high school or just before college, I went to my hairdresser to get my usual “touch up”, and she said, "You know, you don't need to get a relaxer. Your hair will straighten just fine without one" and ever since then, I never chemically straightened my hair again. I did continue to get my hair flat-ironed, but never touched another relaxer. The more and more I let my hair grow out I began to see the curl that I was born with coming through. I slowly transitioned into wearing my hair naturally curly, but wasn’t fully comfortable just yet wearing it out. I would rock my curls in a ponytail pulled back; however, it wasn't until 2010 when I took a trip to New York City that I decided to wear my hair down and curly. It was a defining moment for me, learning to be comfortable with my curls and really embrace them. I definitely felt as though I somehow started along a new path; a path of self-discovery, a path of self-confidence, it was like a new me.

What's your take on natural hair in the workplace?

This always seems to be an interesting topic. It’s a little hard for me to digest the idea that an employer wouldn’t allow me to wear my hair the way it grows out of my head or that I must somehow conform to a societal standard of what is deemed to be ‘professional’ and ‘acceptable’ in the workplace. It’s one thing if I MAKE THE CHOICE to wear my hair straight or change it up, but to feel as though I HAVE TO in order to keep or get a job doesn’t seem right. Like who is making these rules? Who is to say my natural hair isn't professional?

I had this conversation with my sister-in-law when she was recently looking for a new job and had an upcoming interview. She mentioned over the phone, “I just don’t know if I should wear my hair [natural] it might not be professional.” I had to stop her right there and ask her why she would think that wearing natural hair equals not getting a job? I told her she should feel COMFORTABLE wearing your hair however she would want to for the interview – whether natural, straight in a protective style etc., but that she shouldn’t feel as though she can't or shouldn’t wear her hair natural.

Even with the recent news regarding dreadlocks in the workplace, I was shocked and confused. I watched a clip recently where Whoopi Goldberg was talking on The View about it and educating her fellow co-hosts on the topic of natural hair and she made some good points. She said, “Work where the people accept who you are.” I know in this day and age of looking for a job is easier said than done, but it just seems as though for me, I would want to work at a place where they determine I am fit for the job based of my abilities and qualifications and not my hairstyle.

What music are you listening to right now?

Albums and/or artists I am listening to are Frank Ocean “Blond”, Chance The Rapper "Coloring Book", Anderson .Paak “Malibu”, Banks and Kamau “A Gorgeous Fortune”. Songs that keep me motivated Phonte "The Good Fight", and BJ The Chicago Kid “Dream II”.

What's next for you?

I will be speaking on a Worthy Women panel sometime in October. First CurlTalks is slated for mid-October! More info to come!

Meet: Julius Wellington aka Spiffy

NAME: Julius Wellington AKA Spiffy

AGE: 26

TALENTS: Lyricist, Rapper, Writer

LOCATION: Sacramento, CA

What new music are you working on currently? 

I am currently working on a project with Producer and friend J. Marcell. We have history from college when we both attended Sacramento State, but recently we were able to collab on a track Called "Zing Zing," which ultimately made us sit down and do a project together. The track did well with 1,000 plays the first week on Soundcloud. After the video dropped we sat and thought about doing a 50/50 album where I would produce 50% of the album with long time friend and label mate of HeadphoneMusik Group, Mazlow, then the other half would be produced by J. Marcell.

Honestly, I heard the different style of beats that he brought to my attention and we just clicked from there. This project is scheduled to drop October 5, the same day as my birthday. I'm excited that this would be my 7th studio album and 5th solo album. I don't have a name for it yet, but I know that something fitting will come soon.

Is the UnderGrads still a group and how has the passing of Darren AKA Savvy affected the group and its music?

The Undergrads are still a group!! Rest in Power to my Brother Darren Savvy Wayne Stowes!! Zayy and I are working diligently on Zayy's new Solo Project. He has some amazing work and of course you know I'm on a few tracks and produced a few tracks as well.

The passing of my Brother Savvy did affect the group in a major way. We took some time away from the music to wrap our heads around his passing. It was crazy not to be able to call or text him, or be in the studio long hours bouncing ideas off of each other. I think it hit us the most when we didn't see him on campus anymore. The music kept going after a while then I dropped a song for him called, "Keep IT Savvy" and then I dropped his lost verse entitled, "Black Man". His verses still speak relevance to this day because our brother was conscience. He taught us with his word and he made sure to tell us in his rhymes and he showed us in his lifestyle.  

You also started your own bow tie fashion company. Tell me more about it.

I recently started a bow tie and accessories line with my father Mr. Victor Wellington Sr. One day, God blessed us with the idea. The company is about one year old and I believe it's time to show the world it's okay to look different. We hand make every bow tie, tie and boutonniere from scratch. They come in a variety of textures and fabrics, such as suede, leather, linen, cashmere, silk and snake skin. We even do baby, child, adult and dog accessories.  

Where can people purchase your bow ties?

People can purchase our bow ties at WellingtonBowties.com on September 5, 2016. 

What made you go into the bow tie making business?

My dad and I always dress up when we go out together. I really learned a lot from my dad about life, but also in the fashion sense. Thinking back, I feel like it was a bonding experience that turned into a business. Trying to make something that was different for ourselves, but when I would wear some of them to work or out with some friends I would get a lot of compliments, so would my father. So, we sat down and came up with a name and started working. Wellington Bowties Work was a given because our last name is Wellington. LOL. 

Who do you want to collaborate with in the future with?

Only my Pops on the bow ties, and maybe Mo's Bows from Shark Tank. In the fashion and the music world, of course Pharrell Williams. Then I would have to say Timbaland because he is one of the greatest producers of all time, The Dream because he has always stayed the same. I like people that are multi-talented, that can balance it all and still be great at everything. That's what Im trying to do myself and it's challenging at the same time.

Who has influenced you throughout your music career? 

My family - seeing how hard they worked for us to live a semi comfortable life. They are the people that can help me through any situation and we have been through it all. I'm musically influenced by my long time friend Markel AKA Mazlow. We have always tried to out do each other in the music since we were 7 years old. I used to listen to NERD when I was young and I was okay with being different . Outkast was the soundtrack to my life. I viewed Andre 3000 and Big Boi as me and Maz, long time friends that create funk any and everyday.  

Follow Julius' journey through his music and fashions:
@hellaspiffyhuh

Meet Brandon Allen

NAME: Brandon Christopher Allen
AGE: 29
TALENTS: Lyricist, Poet, Actor
LOCATION: Inland Empire

What made you want to start your own clothing line (Poetically Adorned)?

I literally stopped doing poetry. I retired for more than six months. I fasted before God and committed all my talents, dreams and desires to him, and asked him to reignite my life in purpose. I went to a conference in Chicago and received a very vivid prophetic word about my purpose and about businesses opening up for me and creative forums to be able to get my voice out and it would leave a legacy for my daughter. I immediately went to writing and praying and God gave me a vision for a clothing line that makes impact by taking what's inside of me and pour it out on those in need. 

How did you get into spoken word?

I literally have been writing poetry since second grade and I won my first competition. Poetry saved my life. When I was suicidal and attempted to take my life twice in 7th grade, I vented my pain through writing. What once was a dark outlet turned into a place for freedom. My first real poem was in 8th grade and it was filled with emotion, pain, tears, blood and questions...literally! It transformed me into delivering messages of hope, refuge and escape. 

Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?

I am inspired by culture. I see people everyday getting sucked into the everyday cultural norms of society and not exploring outward. So I want to jump in that river with a creative advantage. Knowing I have a source or idea portal that transcends time and thought. I'm more inspired by old school hip hop icons like Karl Kani and old Kanye. I like to describe it as modern fashion meets urban creativity.

Where do you see Poetically Adorned in five years and when can we anticipate the relaunch?

I see it in multiple stores as well as having its own new style store that doesn’t fit in your everyday box. I anticipate relaunching in mid-September looking into a fall release. 

You also started your own entertainment company with Co-CEO John Billinger, The Corner Ent. Why did you decide to begin this type of company?

I always desired to give an avenue and space for the creative to let loose and be empowered to soar. I believe in enlightening the hearts of the people and why not create a stage for that? To give people truth through the eyes of their peers and artists alike. 

When's The Corner's next big event?

We have a couple on the horizon, but we have a new type of experience coming. We are doing an all white party that isn’t your everyday shin-dig. It's an experience that will take people through culture while grooving and tasting their hearts away. 

How has your faith played a role in creating your own apparel brand and entertainment company?

MY FAITH IS THE FOUNDATION! IT IS EVERYTHING! WITHOUT IT, NONE OF THIS WOULD EXIST OR BE POSSIBLE OR BE A REALITY!

Click on the image and visit Brandon's website. Follow his journey on social media.
@iamelisha3