Monday, October 4, 2010

GRAPHIC DESIGN - Model Workshop

This is for all the upcoming and/or potential models out there. Attendance to this workshop would be extremely beneficial for the non-experienced and experienced model, even the experienced model should strive to grow and take every opportunity to further themselves in this industry. The class is taught by the casting director, Esquire, who has coordinated and casted for successful fashion shows such as The Candy Shop fashion show, and also casts for MTV. Celebrity photographer Allen Cooley often heads photography workshops and has done many shoots of well known celebs such as Trina, Lil Kim, and many more. For the flyer design I teamed of with celeb web designer Lorenzo Turner, who often mentor and critiques my design work- Lorenzo Site

Sunday, October 3, 2010

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY - Official BET Hip Hop Awards Pre Parties

Gyant, a social media personality hosted one of the first events I attended that night for the BET Hip Hop awards. Supported by big sponsors such as Comcast, BMI, BET, Fuze and more, this beautiful event took place in the often overlooked venue "Aurum Lounge." This place may be one to consider for birthdays and other special events if you would like to do something a little out of the norm. One of the highlights of this event for me was seeing Kelly Rowland among the crowd, a member of R&B group Destiny Child and the lovely Dondria, who sings "You're the one".

Another event to note was the private, invitation only “An Evening of Luxury” hosted by Polow da Don, BMI Producer of the Year, and Interscope Geffen A&M Records. This event introduced Belvedere Vodka’s newest “luxury” vodka, Belvedere Intense Unfiltered. Some of the most beautiful and elite of Atlanta joined in on the celebration along with several celebs such as LLoyd, who also performed, Princess of Crime Mob, Terrence and Rocsi of BET’s 106 and park, Keri Hilson, Rasheeda and many more. For more information check out: Kontrol Blog









Saturday, September 18, 2010

Photography- Candy Shop Fashion Show

I must say that hands down this was the best fashion show I've had the pleasure of attending in Atlanta. As someone that gets easily bored at events over an 1hr and a half, this one held my interest way beyond my usual span. Not only because my unusual addiction to sweets was fulfilled; and this show provided them left and right, from cotton candy to chocolate bars to mini cupcakes :) but everything was outstanding, the models, the fashion, the celeb appearances and interaction... I am sure everyone who contributed to this show is very proud.


On the left is Chilli from music group TLC and from VH1's "What Chilli Wants". On photo to the right is Jazzy Pha new artist Reign, in the center. Between 2 of the casts members from the upcoming reality show “The JC”. The show will take place in one of Atlanta’s leading suburbs, Johns Creek, Georgia similar to The Hills according to the cast in the above photo.



On the left is the cocky Ray Lavendar (TV1's Omarosa: The Ultimate Merger). On the right is the stunning Recording Artist/Model Graham Knox between two of the shows models.



Brandi of music group Blaque hits the pink carpet (on the left.) On the right is the edgy Kalenna (from Diddy dirty money)




Two of the men behind the fashion are seen above. On the left is Julian Lark, editor and chief of Kontrol. On the right is Esquire, creator of Esquire Casting.




Here are just a few of the hot styles and wardrobe I saw during the show. It was hard to decide which photos to display. Below you can see Brandi of Blaque decided to join in on the fun, can you tell which one is her? hint look at the walks. lol




One of the highlights of the show was seeing this "Dougie dance off" between Chilli, Neffe (BET's Frankie and Neffe show), Jazzy Pha new artist Reign (who seemed to thoroughly enjoy every moment of spotlight).

For more check out Kontrol Blog

ILLUSTRATION - Ptolemei


After a little over a year, hard work has paid off with the completion of Ptolemei. My longest yet most prized illustration project to date. Right now it is undergoing editing stages, but the hard part is over for the first book of its series. The author and I share similar aspirations and dreams for this series which basically are limitless. We want to see this book on shelves, merchandise, action figures, maybe even made into a video game and series. Ptolemei is an extradordinary boy who adventurous spirit learns and grows in his beautiful country in Africa. I believe the release of this story could not enter this country at a better time. I believe the children of this generation are less bound by racial ideas and will welcome Ptolemei, or any hero, regardless of race but will see them for the content of their character as the late Martin Luther King wanted.

PHOTOGRAPHY - Disney XD New Series: "Pair of Kings"



I couldn't resist being an event photographer for Kontrol Mag for this special event, Disney has always been a huge mentor and influence with my drawing style. This private premiere took place at Ludacris restaurant Straits in midtown Atlanta. I've passed by this spot numerous times, but it was the first time I had the pleasure of trying their Asian influenced cuisine (I recommend the wings). The event was hosted by one of the stars of the series, Doc Shaw (Marcus on “The Suite Life on Deck”) and his mother Tammie Shaw. Both were kind and gracious to the children and parents who came out to view the premiere and share the food that was provided. I secretly wanted a gift bag that was put together for the kids, but I was only able to snag a poster. Karma Bridges (Ludacris daughter) was there eagerly awaiting media to take her pics along with her mother Christine. We also ran into the sweet actress Terri Vaughn and her son Daylen. Here are just a few pictures from the event, for more check out Kontrol Mag Blog.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

ILLUSTRATION - Book Page





Here was a book page that presented quite a challenge during its creation. Originally we did not want to depict this African community as the stereotypical primitive village we always see on TV. We felt that in 2010 it was unlikely Africa was still that way, but after doing research we found that a vast majority of Africa is actually still not modernized. With that being the case, I changed my focus from finding a "modern" village to exalting the beauty of the African land and a close knit community. Creating the characters for this page is always fun. Above I show the process as some of the new characters went from sketches, to ink, to flat color, and then to fully colored. You can see the sketch of the woman was the only one revised before inking, along with her instrument.

Monday, August 2, 2010

GRAPHIC DESIGN - My Business Cards


So here is my business card. This is a design I've been wanting to share for quite some time with you all, but I never posted them online because previously they had my cell number (this number is my business #). It always seems to be the most challenging to design things for yourself. I went back and forth for weeks about how I wanted to design my card and finally I found inspiration in the black card a.k.a. the American Express ultra exclusive centurion card. The power the black card gives its possessors is very similar to the power I want to give my clients that I hand my card to. This card should be a reminder of the commitment I make to them. With my card in their possession they now have an experienced designer on their team, not just a "one and done" engagement. I intend to be a reoccurring force in the lives of my clients, and look forward sharing my compelling visions along with an outstanding delivery.