Formo Magazine Dec 2018 / Jan 2019 Issue by Formo Magazine

HAPPY 300TH San Antonio, Texas! That Suit Guy of Limatus Bespoke Interview with Musician MARCY GRACE

OUR TEAM Jose Valdez Jr - Editor-in-chief/Owner Michael Gonzalez - Head Photographer Kassandra Lozano - Content Director / Layout & Design Cassandra Garza - Content Editor / Writer Advenio Studios - Web Design Amanda Gentry - Hair & Makeup Consultant Clarissa Garcia - Staff Writer Jesus Garcia - Staff Writer Cuatemoc - Writer Catherine A. Smith - Writer

Editor’s Note

his is it! Our biggest issue yet! The December part of this issue is not only full of amazing talent once again, but also pays tribute to San Antonio’s 300th Birthday. You will see what fashion, music, and art has been like in San Antonio over the past 300 years, but mostly you will learn how the city's tricentennial events have brought a resurgance of interest and support to the local art scene. It is our mission to not only show y’all the up and coming talent here in San Antonio and throughout Texas, but to also show y’all the do’s and don’ts in the world of fashion, music, and art to help guide this wonderful state in the right direction. We want to see growth from all our cities, so we can continue to compete with states that have become the standard in the realm of fashion, music, and art. We hope you enjoyed everything you read from our 2018 Issues and that you will continue to read our magazine in 2019 and beyond! As always we would love to hear your feedback on past and present issues and your suggestions or ideas for future issues! Have a Very Amazing 2019 from all of us here at Formo! Jose Valdez Jr. Editor-in-Chief / Owner

Inspirational Tidbit - “Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” ~ Janice Maeditere

December | Contents 12

That Suit Guy Arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you that suit guy? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the question that James Castro has become accustomed to hearing since his journey here in San Antonio has led him to be a new local staple of the city for those who are in need of a quality custom suit. We visited with him to get the scoop on how that happened.

300 Years of San Antonio San Antonio, Texas celebrates it's 300th birthday. As the city of Fiesta, they certainly know how to celebrate! The city has partnered with numerous businesses and local venues to bring a year's worth of festivities and events to the public. San Antonians have responded with a renewed passion for their historic culture and a vibrant wave of support for local businesses and artists.

Cover Art by Kass Lozano - @kastle_1013

Marcy Grace An interview with Texas Musician, Marcy Grace. Marcy has proved that her unique sound has resonated with the local country and alt-country fans of central Texas, who have come to know and love her sound. Often found on the on the stage of the Rustic and Sam's Burger Joint, Marcy has much to look forward to in the coming year!

A Note on Grunge

Music: Marcy Grace

Runway Review: Cybergloss

Happy 300th SA!

That Suit Guy

The Beauty of Independence

NAEC Growing Momentum

From Gore to Glam

Music: Saxton Davey

The Faces of Ryane

FASHION

A NOTE ON GRUNGE FASHION BY: CLARISSA GARCIA

How to Dress Grunge - Be Bold! Be Rebellious! Be Optimistic!

ventually the style became one of the most wanted fashions of all time. This trend embodies a sense of carelessness while being comfortable, and using a lot of layers. Basically, the goal of this look is to look like you didn’t try, but at the same time you tried your hardest.

ver the years, this iconic style has evolved, This style has undergone construction according to different people such as vintage grunge, indie grunge, and hippie grunge. However, these style adaptations do not compare to the classic grunge style that everybody can accomplish and adapt to. Here, I will share have some tips on how to accomplish this fashionable identity style.

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ashion has been known to draw the eye of anyone looking to be with the times. Luckily, the so called “grunge” fashion trend, also known as “the 90’s,” that has risen from the back of our closets, has no expiration date. This fashion statement has come back with the intention of staying forever; this style has adapted to everyone’s own type of personal preference. The careless 1990s grunge fashion style was inspired by grunge music, such as Nirvana. This type of music came with the soon to be legendary band members, who became the trendsetters for fashion and attitude.

HOW TO DRESS GRUNGE If you're like me, you sometimes grow tired of trying so hard to live up to today's glamour and high expectations. Trying out these great tips will help you try less while accomplishing a great grunge look.

WEARING BLACK, GRAY, OR NEUTRAL COLORS This style allows you to stay inside your comfort zone and wear comfortable colors when you are feeling lazy or don’t want to worry about colors matching in your outfit.

FASHION

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Wearing black, gray, or neutral colors helps you put together a whole outfit without worrying about mismatching.

DENIM. DENIM. AND MORE DENIM! Denim plays a big role in this look. A t-shirt and jeans is going for it, but add a jean jacket and you’re golden. If you don’t feel like wearing jeans, just throw on some leggings. Leggings are a essential when in comes to throwing something on, but also not wanting to look like you rolled out of bed.

FLANNEL IS EVERYTHING. Flannel shirts can be used in many ways. You can use it as a wrap if you’re wearing only a tank top, It can be an accessory if tied around the waist, that ties your whole outfit together, Or it can be worn with your dashing leggings.

GRAPHIC T’S Graphic T’s aren’t just a characteristic of the look, they also tell the world who you are. If you have a favorite band that you are completely obsessed with, throw it on and flaunt it! If you slept in a t-shirt that you can also wear in public, even better!

astly, grunge is all about comfort, which means no uncomfortable shoes. Express yourself while feeling like yourself. Slip on those Chuck Taylor's or Doc Martens and be yourself. Step back from all the exhausting expectations of how society says you should look and try something new. There are no rules to this style. The most important thing about grunge is to be yourself. Experiment with what you have, while feeling great, and you’ve got yourself the perfect grunge look.

LEATHER If you’re looking to spice things up a bit on your night out, then leather is the way to go. Leather jackets, skirts, or shorts are a great way to achieve a more trendy grunge style that’s perfect for a night out with friends or your someone special.

R U N WA Y

UNC E RTAI N DE SIGN

Hosted at the Brick in Southtown, the Cybergloss f collective strived to highlight a wide variety of creat the likes of which are ho

SEPT 1, 2018

Model: Sam, @peony_kaye) / Designer: Erica Reyna, La Santa Luna / Photographer: Donald Xavier

The Cybergloss show was meant to showcase innovative and futuristic designs. Complete with two local San Antonio Designers, hosts, musical performers, and vendors, there was a lot of moving pieces that were there to provide the overall atmosphere for the show. Let’s just get it out right in front. The show lacked professionalism and quality. The show started late, many designs appeared incomplete and lacking, the musical guests were missing, late, didn’t know the words to their songs and could have used a good sound check and rehearsal. All of this created an atmosphere that would cause any audience member to seriously question what else they could have used that $15 admission for. However there are some truly defining moments that come to every professional in the midst of chaos, which proves that they are indeed a professional. Between the chaos and confusion, Britney Newman’s line was the only solid experience of the entire night. Her use of metallic fabrics in gold and silver were a key part of the experience. As they hit the runway, the hot lights caused the clothes to shine a rainbow of colors, which come out great on camera. At the same time, using these fabrics really make a designer have to pay close attention to the cut, hemming and stitching, in other words the fundamentals. They become very noticeable, at times too noticeable. The hems in some neckline areas as well as the stitching in pants were presented as slightly uneven instead

REVIEW:

N I N C RUNC H T I M E

fashion show for La Santa Luna and their creative tivity and talent, but the night was full of surprises; opefully lessons learned.

of smooth and well measured. One piece had the neckline completely off center, (Brit 2) and although it may have been on purpose we have to remember that if a woman were to take the time to wear something, it should sit on her frame well, it should fit her comfortably, and above all else, she should look good. Risky and bold cuts on dresses, skirts and bodysuits took her line in a new direction than what I have seen from Britany so far. I’ll give her this much, as an up and coming designer in San Antonio, she has guts and she took risks. Some of her line came out edgy and beautiful, (Brit 4) others I would say need to go back to the drawing board with fundamentals in mind. However that is fashion. She came through. She delivered. She executed. Out of all the experiences in this fashion show, Brittany's designs and skills demonstrated professionalism in the risks she took. To her, I say bravo and keep pushing the limits. The night proved that your designs spoke for themselves and were the real show. Britney was not the main event of the night. The headliner was designer Erica Reyna who is with Santa Luna and La Santa Luna Magazine, who also premiered their first issue that night. The show was dreadfully late, to the point where performers went up on stage and performed the same acts as unrequested encores. By the time the next line of clothing finally came out, there was little to question. In fact the only question that really hung in the air was, “Is that it?” “Did someone forget to make clothes?” “Was that all?”

Model: Ashley Hardimon / Designer: Britney Newman / Photographer: Donald Xavier

BY: CUACTEMOC

Brit 2 Model: Sparkle Sauls Photographer: Donald Xavier Designer: Britney Newman Hair: Gloria Sanchez MUA: Gloria Sanchez, Elizabeth Harrison, and Kylie Thomas

Erica 2 Photographer: Donald Xavier Model: Amanda Hurley, La Santa Luna Brand Ambassador Designer: Erica Reyna, La Santa Luna MUA: Gina A. Sandoval-Garcia

5 of the models were wearing nothing but stickers and earrings. A fashion show is many things. It is a place for innovation, and experimentation. It’s also a place to showcase a designers skills. Those models weren’t wearing clothes. They were wearing many triangle stickers that were arranged just enough to cover everyone’s saucy bits. That’s not the work of a fashion designer, no clothes were designed at all. No one could purchase the design if they wanted to. As for the rest of the line, it was trying to achieve a darker and borderline erotic sort of theme. Most of it was minimal in its design of unremarkable boy shorts, skirts and what looked to be swimwear. (Erica 2, 3) There were accessories, fishnet and

small interesting corsets that appeared in designs, which would have been great for a more developed look, but the use of them in the show was not very strong and not what one would expect from a designer that has their own show. If anything, it was amateur for its lack of skill and originality. For the main event, it was anticlimactic. It showed in the professionalism in the majority of the event, from how late everything and everyone was, to the confusion felt by the those in attendance, who were all rushed out of the venue as soon as the show reached its end because the venue was closing, the night did not speak well of La Santa Luna or Erica.

Erica 3-5 - Close ups of designs by Erica Reyna of La Santa Luna for "Cybergloss"

Ingrid 1 - Model: Ingrid Gatica-Lujan wearing Britney Newman's "Out of this World" / Photo by: Donald Xavier

With all of that said, for readers and designers alike, the goal of any good fashion show review is to give constructive feedback that gives the reader an impression of a designer from a distance, and also for the designer to have an objective outside frame of reference on their work from a source other than friends, family or colleagues. All creative pursuits need feedback. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one way that the fashion community in San Antonio can grow itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent and deliver at a higher standard. This is hopefully one of many shows that everyone involved has.

Red 1 - Model: Linda Penn / Body Paint by: Rebecca Rojas, Red's Body Art / Photo by: Donald Xavier

SHOW STOPPERS __________________________

One model consistently stood out throughout the entire night. Using her poise, having a killer runway walk, and using her whole body along with expressions to tell the story. She was always interesting no matter what she was wearing, Ingrid Gatica-Lujan. (Ingrid 1) A couple of special guests that graced the stage as non fashion designers, including Rebecca Rojas of Red's Body Art and lead artist of Beyond the Canvas began painting long before the show even began. With such attention to detail, the living canvas was bursting with colors, appearing to be a futuristic humanoid race that if real, would have living circuitry in her body accessories to control technology they had in their ships after the show (Red 1).

That Suit Guy BY: JESUS GARCIA

“Aren’t you that suit guy?" That’s the question that James Castro has become accustomed to hearing since his journey here in San Antonio has led him to be a new local staple of the city for those who are in need of a quality custom suit. ______________

James is the Operations Director of Limatus Bespoke, the one stop shop for custom suits. Their mission? To suit up the city of San Antonio. After three years of being in San Antonio, the people they have served has ranged from the everyday average Jose to a former Spurs player. As Limatus Bespoke has grown, so has the notoriety of James. If you check their instagram, you’ll find that in the earlier posts James can be found sporting a variety of different style suits. Many customers that he served came to trust him and his judgment on finding the best look for them. Between the social media and satisfied customers, he gained a fan base that eventually led to him walking around San Antonio with random people approaching him asking if he was “that suit guy” from Instagram.

Photographer: Josh Huskin Model: James Castro Suit: Castor Troy

FASHION

There was once a time where he went into said “Excuse me sir, but aren’t you that suit Nordstrom, walking down one of the aisles and guy?” It turned out that he was an employee of a man carrying a bunch of boxes called out to Nordstrom, the head of the shoe department, that recognized him from his pictures. It was after that moment that he and the creative director agreed that he had to start his own Instagram account separate from Limatus Bespoke, which later ended up as “@arent_you_that_suit_guy” Long before James became “that suit guy,” he was working in the hotel industry. His girlfriend had a friend that she hadn’t seen in a while that owned Custom Shirts Monthly. One day, she was walking out of the gym and saw an open house for her friends business. It turned out that there was only an intern there that didn’t really know what Photographer: Josh Huskin to do or how to answer questions Suit on Suhail: Burgundy Noir Suit on Cole: Jack of all Trades that she asked. She later called up Suit on James: District 3 her friend that owned the company and told him she saw the open house and the him saying, “Excuse me sir!” He thought he was intern, and that she thought her boyfriend James calling out to him because he was in the man’s would be really good at doing that. So James came way, but the man stopped in front of him and in and did a “better sales practice” workshop for his interns. The owner loved it so much that he was invited to join the team! James ended up bringing so much new business through people he recommended that the custom shirt company was getting overwhelmed. The owner shared with him that although the business was great, he couldn’t keep up with it, because it was a small business he ran on the side. He offered James the opportunity to take people’s measurements in order to balance the flow of work and get paid commission. He learned from the owner, youtube, and studied the craft on the side. After about a month, the joy that he got from meeting and helping people get custom shirts made it clear that it was time for a career change. He went full into Custom Shirts Monthly and dedicated all of his time to make it grow. Eventually, with the permission of the Owner, Devon, and with the help of the Creative Photographer: Josh Huskin Director Hailey Rico, they made the jump to Suit on Katie Harvey: Mimi making custom suits; Limatus Bespoke was born. 14

FASHION

Photographer: Josh Huskin / Suit on James: Castor Troy

Nowadays they have a showroom in the swanky Roosevelt Library where one can not only get a custom suit, but also a shave and a shoe polish as well. Visiting the showroom is by appointment only, but there is also the option to get a house call where someone will be sent to take detailed measurements and consult you on finding the best style for you. They also have a women’s line that was just released this year focusing on a diverse group of women and telling their stories through suits. “The women that we searched for were from different professions and backgrounds, so that we could tell their story with the suits we made for them. You can see their suits and their stories on our website. They are all very different, and I like that. The experience for them is the same. Getting to know them and what they need, so we can make the right suit for them.”James has clients that will come in that may be nervous, but they came to invest

Photographer: Josh Huskin Suit on Dawn: Classic Gayle Suit on Elenora: The Ellie Suit, vest, and pants on Sara: Lita

money in themselves. They don’t make cheap suits - that’s for sure! The cheapest suit Limatus Bespoke has is $650. However they do try to give a high quality custom suit that not just the rich can have access to. “When you do wear a suit and when you feel good, I think you just get way more done. You speak differently. People treat you differently. Its kinda weird.” According to James, “San Antonio is on the cusp of an amazing birth of fashion in San Antonio. People in San Antonio know this. People outside of San Antonio tend to ignore it. They would rather go to Dallas or Houston.” Limatus Bespoke also has clients in those cities, but they only have a showroom here in San Antonio. They want to contribute to the suit wearing culture here in the city. “This is it. When I’m 78 years old in San Antonio. I’ll know that the reason I'm comfortable is because I suited up San Antonio! Maybe [as] that older suit guy.”

NAEC GROWING MOMENTUM BY: CUACTEMOC The Native American Entertainment Coalition

For Native Americans here in San Antonio, you may want to check out the Native American Entertainment Coalition. Its small and just starting out its chapter, but it promises to create a new level of awareness and opportunity for those seeking to get into the entertainment industry, or for the industry itself to find a diverse selection of native talent. Originating in Oregon, the coalition was first created to address the lack of representation of native people in entertainment, and to concentrate the knowledge and resources that natives

have available and make it available to those who want to enter the industry. From there it spread to other states and their major cities â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;till eventually, in 2017 the NAEC reached Non-profit status and became a 501(c)(3) organization. With all the chapters that do exist, there is still a long way to go. Texas very recently got its first, long awaited, chapter right in here in San Antonio. Joseph Bailey is a newcomer to San Antonio that is founding the local chapter here in town. You can find him working the creative scene of San Antonio, speaking to people working in various areas of the entertainment industry. He himself is a working actor, writer and director, looking to join forces with fellow creative natives to make works that are done by an all native production team. When Joseph looks for members, he talks to those that are both openly and knowingly native, and those who have never actually had the chance to explore their mixed heritage. As it is, many people in San Antonio are mixed and are by definition mestizos, which is the combination of the Native American and Spanish bloods. So, membership may be more attainable than you think. By focusing on those that have deep roots from the Americas, they hope to promote the respect and understanding of native culture, not just for the now, but for always. With all of the specialized knowledge of tribes that comes through its members, it's

Model: Siri Prem Kaur ("Shanna") / Photographer: Alez Arrezola

Photographer: Alex Arrezola / Model: Nicole Lynn

Photographer: Alex Arrezola / Group photo of NAEC photoshoot participants

The facebook group of the local chapter here is filled with pictures of people that have joined the coalition. Various events are to be posted ranging from photoshoots to future casting opportunities. If you check out their facebook page, you can find news of casting calls, photo shoots and other events to bring opportunity and awareness to local San Antonians. Most recently for Native American Heritage month in November, they had an open call photoshoot for those looking to get involved. It focused on the mixed San Antonian native that is inside many here in the city. Some photos are already posted on their facebook page showcasing a few of the attendees in various poses out in nature. If you’re interested in joining, the chapter and Joseph can be reached through facebook by searching for the “NAEC of Texas” and also by emailing Joseph directly at nativecelt76@gmail.com

Recent photo shoot hosted by the NAEC capturing the contrasts and similarities between traditional and modern native image. (Location: Roundup - Bergheim, TX / Photographer: Alex Arrezola / Model: Ronni Rodriguez )

easier to make sure that natives are accurately and respectfully portrayed in the entertainment industry. It carries over into the future of the youth that exist here in the city, as well, where they too need awareness of their past and need to see people that look like them in the media that they experience everyday.

MUSIC

Photo Credits - Photographer: Mike Gonzalez / Edited by: Chris Liek

MUSIC

Saxton Davey Saxton Davey, 22 year old San Antonio musician, is ready to take on the local music scene!

BY: Cassandra Garza Saxton Davey, 22 year old San Antonio musician, is ready to take on the local music scene and ultimately find her place in the music industry. Having always had a passion for music, she has chosen to take her passion and talent in a more serious direction this past year. She began working with Chris Lieck Studios to hone her craft and record her singles. Her singles are almost ready to be released and she is ready for what comes next! Formo Magazine, and Editor Cassandra Garza visit Chris Lieck Studios get to know Saxton and chat about her upcoming singles. Formo: Were you born and raised in San Antonio? Saxton Davey: Yes, born and raised. Well, technically, I was born in Waco but I’ve lived here [gestures: forever], so I like to think that I was born and raised here in San Antonio. Formo: How did you get into the music industry? Saxton Davey: I wanna say that it came to me naturally. It wasn't that I was really put into it, I’ve just loved music since I was a child, you know? My mom has videos of me singing “Itsy Bitsy Spider” in the bathtub when I was 2! My mom’s a singer as well and

she works with Chris too. I'm pretty sure it was open mics that she would go to when I was younger. I would tag along and this one time she even put me up on stage and I sang “Cowboy Take Me Away.” I sang that song in front of everybody and I was 6 years old! I wasn't scared of anything; being on a stage was just no big deal to me- I loved it! I was also in dance for over 17 years and so I was just kind of into the Performing Arts. I didn't really start getting into the music industry until I was about 16 years old and that's when I started working with Chris. I started taking vocal lessons, but I was already writing songs. I've been writing songs since I was 6. I kind of even took some of the songs that I wrote when I was like 10 or 11 and I showed them to Chris because they are pretty good and I was working on them and I guess that’s just how it took off. Formo: So you’ve gotten a ton of support to start your music career from your mom? Saxton Davey: Absolutely! And it’s all her! She’s always telling me that she doesn’t want me to get a normal job and that she wants me to follow my dreams. And it’s very true, this is my dream. She’s not one of those mom’s who’s trying to push me into anything. This is definitely something

MUSIC I am willing and wanting to do. She is 100% backing me up on this. If anything, she’s the one that has kept it all going because there’s been times where I’ve been like, look I need to get a job, I need to work, but she’ll always say no, because a job would get in the way of my music career and I won’t have any time to practice or focus on my music. Over the past 2 years, I’ve really buckled down and started to listen to what my mother has been saying all along. Formo: So, you were singing and writing songs at a young age, did you start learning any instruments when you were younger? Saxton Davey: I taught myself how to play piano when I was 10. I've never taken any type of lessons like guitar lessons, well I took lessons for like a month or two and was like - I'm too good for this! <laughter> They were teaching like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and I was just more advanced than that. I was going on YouTube and I was teaching myself. I can’t read sheet music or anything like that but I want to that’s definitely a goal but, I can play things by ear. I can hear a song and pick it out. Then, with the guitar I didn’t start until I was like 18, so a couple years ago and that was just with practice too. My brother was playing guitar and he would learn songs and I would be like hey teach me that song and then eventually I would just start playing my own stuff and writing my own songs with it.

Formo: What inspired that song?

Saxton Davey: It’s called “Beautiful Mess,” and I was in a past relationship and it was long. 3 years, all this stuff, and a lot of commitment. I guess I just felt like a mess but I knew inside that it was a beautiful mess and I think it speaks out to a lot Formo: I listened to one of your songs, the one with of people, not just girls, but all people. But that's the music video on YouTube, Tell Me Why, what one of them, that's one of my favorite songs so far. genre do you think that song is or rather, what is I've heard it a million times already over the past couple of weeks. your genre? Does it change from song to song? Saxton Davey: What Chris says, is that I’m a chameleon. It’s different genres sometimes and that song is kind of an acoustic, maybe, Indie song? I didn’t know how to describe it! I think I’m just kinda finding my genre right now. I’m discovering and experimenting with that, but I would definitely say indie/alternative or somewhere around there.

Formo: How long ago did you write that song?

Saxton Davey: Last year. I had the melody in my head for a good while and the lyrics just never came to me. I guess I just had to go through what I went through in that relationship to find that song, because it finally came together. I remember the day I was just so done with everything and Formo: So you said you’ve written a couple of I started playing and I was like, “Okay! I got something here!” songs already, do you have a favorite? Saxton Davey: I think “Beautiful Mess” is probably Formo: So you start with the melody but you don’t the one, and I'm about to release that song in about always have the lyrics, like a creative block. How do you handle those? 3 days.

MUSIC Saxton Davey: Yes. I go through a lot of those actually, and I think it has to do with what I'm going through in my life. When I go through a creative block, I look at who I'm hanging out with or what I’m doing with myself; having a good influence around helps a lot. Also having the right, I don't want to say mind set but emotionally; when I’m about to emotionally break is when I come out with the best stuff. When I’m happy and okay, I feel like nothing is wrong, I just can’t come up with anything! Getting out of [a] creative block I try to get myself away, not isolate myself, but like put myself in a little box and kind of meditate. As long as you're doing something and not just doing nothing.

mom's the one who definitely told me, “this guy knows what he's doing.” She was the reason why I started with the vocal lessons and the reason that everything started to happen for me. Formo: So you said that you recorded a music video, was that something that you were excited for or were you nervous? How did that feel? Saxton Davey: The music part of the music video didn't make me nervous, because it was just singing, which is something that I've been doing for a really long time. The music video though, I guess I've never really acted before; it’s not even acting so much [as] being on camera. I was very conscious of my angles! I wasn't so much nervous I was just learning.

Formo: Sometimes songwriters get a melody in their head and they can’t make it fit with There was a person that was filming me, you know anything specific, but they really want to use it he was doing a good job, but then Kristen came, for something, has that ever happened to you? another person who works here, and helped me and gave me suggestions and told me, “How Saxton Davey: Yes! On my phone I have recorded about you do this? Maybe turn this way?” She notes and it’s just me and I’ll be like in the bathroom started to direct the music video. After Kristen singing or humming a tune or song that I hear in came and helped, I felt much more calm about the my head that I don’t want to lose. Or even a lyric music video. I couldn't just naturally jump into that I come up with that I just want to remember, doing a music video, it’s definitely going to take so I just say it into my notes on my phone. And then one day I just grab a notebook and go through everything that I like. There’s some that don’t sound like anything, but then there’s some that I hear and I’m like yeah, I was definitely onto something there! Formo: So you went from working on your vocals here to just one day being part of the label? Saxton Davey: Yes, there was a program that he had, like a writer's program, like learning how to write songs. I would write my songs and then I would bring them to him and then he would be like do you want to record this and I said yeah and then we started recording! Actually it started and then things started happening and he was like “Hey so I've been showing you to this person and this person and they really like you!” And then they would listen to my songs and they would really like them and then that's how one of my songs got made. “Tell Me Why,” was one of the first ones that I brought to him and we made a music video. Things just started happening naturally! I know my mom is the one who found Chris and my

MUSIC some practice.

Formo: Do you ever sing at any venues in San Antonio? Saxton Davey: No I have not. But that's definitely something I want to do, it's a definite goal that I have right now. Right now I am working on some covers and perfecting some originals and working on my set list. I basically already have one. I have some friends that have already gone to open mics and sang on stage and they always tell me that they love the experience and I feel very ready for that. It's a feeling of, “I need to take this to the next level.” Formo: So your close future goals are to sing on stage and release a single, anything else? Saxton Davey: “Beautiful Mess” will be coming out soon and then following that will be a song called “Sadness Pays.” I connect more with “Beautiful Mess,” but I really enjoy how “Sadness Pays” sounds. I think it just sounds so cool! I have other songs that I'm working on and recording, at least another 10 songs as of right now. But right now we're trying to get out “Beautiful Mess” and “Sadness Pays” out onto iTunes and Spotify as singles and then eventually start working on a 4 song EP. I have so many songs! We just need to take the time to work on them. That's a bigger priority right now than playing on stage - getting in the studio more. I want to build an audience. You can build an audience around the world on social media. 3 or 4 years ago I downloaded an app called Musically, just for fun, and I started doing lip sync videos and I got featured on the app and I started to get a lot of followers and then eventually they updated the app so that you could post your own audio and videos on it, so I posted a video of me singing and that video got featured. That video 80,000 likes on it. About two weeks later I had eight hundred thousand followers. And in my head I was thinking that I didn't even really try, I was just having fun and posting a silly video and look what happened. I gained all of that from not even really trying. Imagine when I do try! Formo: Well those definitely sound like plans for the future! And we are looking forward to seeing where your talent takes you!

To learn more about Saxton and her upcoming singles, follow her on Instagram

@bsaxtond

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Marcy Grace Texas Singer/Songwriter, 24 Marcy is an alum of the University of Incarnate Word (UIW in San Antonio, TX) and can be found gracing local venues like the Rustic and Sam’s Burger Joint. In addition to being a local favourite, she has also performed in Nashville, TN at places including The Bluebird Café, Douglas Corner, Two Old Hippies, Red Rooster, and Antique Archaeology. She is the recipient of the New Female Vocalist of the Year from Big Star 97 (2018), was nominated by the Texas Radio Music Awards for Best New Female Artist and her single, “I Wanna,” reached #37 on the Texas Regional Radio Charts. Her country twang and alt-country sound is heightened by her skill with the drums, guitar, keyboard, and banjo! In anticipation of her upcoming 2019 album, No Limits, we sat down with Marcy to hear all about her career thus far and what it’s like to be on the road as an up-and-coming musician.

BY: Kassandra Lozano Formo: Thank you so much for sitting down with us today! We are going to just jump right in! Tell us a little bit about how you got into music? Marcy: My dad was a musician in 90s and he did Tejano, and then had a country band when I was growing up. So, it just kind of came time for me to choose an instrument and it's just like - “hey, you're gonna do music!” So, I started playing drums when I was 5 and I did that all through high school and college. And then just picked up the guitar and started writing in high school, and then it kinda took off from there. So really, I guess, it all started with my dad. Formo: So you definitely have music in your bones! And you actually play quite a few instruments -

Formo: The banjo! That’s rather unique, was that hard to learn, or how did you find someone to teach you? Marcy: Well...I mean, YouTube helps! <laughs> But yeah, so I cheat a little bit! I have a six string banjo, so it's kinda the same as a guitar.

Marcy: Yeah! Well, so drums was my first instrument. And then guitar was my second and I play a little electric guitar, keyboard, Formo: Well either way, that is a fun instrument to include into your music. And banjo...

MUSIC you have certainly taken the time to hone your art. From learning multiple instruments to even studying music in college. That major has to have helped you along the way, right?

recording, but it's different when you're in it and actually doing it and so I learned a lot in that job and it's helped me right now in my career.

Marcy: Yeah, it was Music Industry. And well, I worked at a recording studio, at Community Bible Church with Marius Perron. Marius is a 2-time Grammy-award-

Formo: And that career has been off to a great start! I know you've got a couple songs out on Spotify and a new one titled "Midnight Kiss." Do you write all your own music? Marcy: I do. Formo: That’s awesome! So, what's your process for writing a song? Marcy: It happens different ways for me, but mostly I'm more melodically driven. So, the melody comes to me first. And then I'll write the lyrics after that, kind of what the song calls for. So, if it's like... a cheating song or a happy song or something, then I'll just kind of go from there. And I've been doing some co-writing lately as well, so that's been cool. Formo: Who have you cowritten with so far?

winning engineer. So he worked with Selena, Flaco Jimenez, and then a bunch other Christian artists too...and Beyoncé! But so I met him through college and I needed an internship. So, I interned with him and after the internship ended he went ahead and hired me on. I worked with him for about three years, I think, my junior [and] senior year of college and then a year after that. And I just learned a lot about the production process. I took some classes at UIW about

I've written with some friends from Nashville. One is Daniel Reifsnyder. He's a great writer! He got nominated for a Grammy for Meghan Trainor's album. So it's really cool to get to write with him. But yeah, just a ton of different people. There's local people I've been writing with too, so it's awesome. Formo: That’s great! We’re looking forward to hearing those collaborations. Do you have favorite song you've written so far, collab or otherwise? Marcy: Ooh, that's hard question. It's so hard to pick one. There's a newer one that I wrote and it's kind of like a little bit classic country, a little bit soul country. It's a cool song, it's called "Damaged Goods," and I

MUSIC haven't even played it out yet. That's how new it is! But as far ones I've recorded so far, I mean, "I Wanna" was a fun song to write and everybody seems like that one at the shows.

just my bedroom. It's just quiet. I can be there and do whatever. In the summer. I do like to write outside some too. I mean... I mean I write some songs in the shower! But I'm not you know.. in the shower all the time!

Formo: Yeah I definitely agree, I have heard some of your live performances and that is one the locals certainly enjoy. So, as you’re writing, do you pull from personal experiences for the lyrics?

Photographer: Andrew Quinn

Formo: You know what!? That’s not the first time we get that answer! It must be something in the Texas water! But really, it's such an honest answer - I feel like people get that, and it'll resonate with them, cuz we all sing in the

shower! But okay, so what about when you’re not writing, do you have favorite spots in San Antonio to just hang out on the weekends?

Marcy: I pull a little bit from personal experiences. Most of them I just kind of write from what's around me and maybe based on other people's experiences, but I try to pull from my own too, just so I can have a little bit of myself in the song.

Marcy: Yeah! Oh man. I don't know..I mean, it's not San Antonio but I like Gruene a lot. It's a cool place, man. I just like that they have lot of music there and ‘course Gruene Hall. So, it's always a fun place to visit there. And San Antonio, I don't know. I don't get to go out to concerts a lot...because I'm playing -

Formo: That’s a perfect way to describe putting your heart into what you do. As you write, do you return to any specific writing spots?

Formo: Because you're in the concert!

Marcy: Yeah, um, mostly my room <laughs>

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Marcy: Yeah! Right. But last night, I did get to go to the Rustic to see Margo Price, and that was a cool show. I like that place a lot. Formo: Yup, those are definitely great places for music! And so what about local shops - do you have any go to places or favorite brands? Marcy: My cousin, actually, will shop for me! Just because she's better at dressing than I am. Formo: So, she's your stylist! Marcy: Yeah! She is! Definitely! Formo: Well that’s helpful! And, so you don’t just visit local music venues, but you’ve actually been able to play at quite a few, including the Rustic. Do you have any favorite ones? Marcy: Oh man! Everyone's gonna be mad, if I don't choose them... <laughter> Formo: So what you’re saying is you like ALL of them! Marcy: Yeah! Formo: Okay! Well let's just talk about dream venues then! They don't have to be just in Texas. They can be wherever. What’s a dream venue that you’d like to play at? Marcy: ...dream venue... that would be like the Ryman {Ryman Auditorium} in Nashville. It's cool, it used to be a church. And so it's got pews and the stained glass there. I got to see a concert there once and I was like, oohh this is cool place! But like locally, I do like Sam's Burger Joint a lot. We played there I don't how many times maybe like eight times or so. But yeah, that place is really cool. Formo: And you've played out in Tennessee quite a bit, have you gone anywhere else traveling for music? Marcy: No, mostly just Texas, Tennessee, a little bit of Oklahoma too - I've done some radio tours up there...

Formo: So all the major country states! Marcy: Right?! Yeah. Formo: Most recently, you were actually in Tennessee for a St. Jude's benefit, right? Marcy: Yeah, it was cool! We played at Kimbro's, just like right on the outskirts of Nashville. We had our own show Saturday night, which was like packed! It was really cool to have a packed house over there. And like everybody stayed like the whole time and then Sunday was a Saint Jude's benefit. And so we played at that with a ton of different bands, and Craig Wayne Boyd was there. Formo: It sounds like a great night! What's it like to kind of be traveling around so much for radio tours and performances like that? Marcy: You forget where you are! <laughs> Formo: <laughs> Okay, now that you have to explain! Marcy: Well it's so true. Like when at a concert, you know? They joke around like [about] how they [performers] say the wrong name. But I'm like, if somebody asked me, “oh where were you today?” I’m like..I have no idea where I was!! But it's really cool. I've gotten to see a lot of Texas that I haven't gotten to see before and it's really cool to see the differences...the way it changes from, you know west to east, and north and it's been a lot of fun getting to know Texas and the surrounding areas more. Formo: As you’re traveling through the states and throughout Texas, do you get to check out the local venues or are you too busy? Marcy: I try to. Mostly it's just like, place to place to place. But I try to see like what city we are staying in, and if anybody cool was playing that night, and so we had to go to those but yeah, it's very fast-paced when you're on the road. Formo: I would imagine it is, especially as you’re going between states and then back

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to here for local performances, but you’re not entirely solo, as you actual travel with your band, right?

the others and some are a little bit more... like I don't know, a little different than country, but it's still country! So it'll be a cool album.

Marcy: Yeah, it's cool! And so my drummer, I met at UIW and he's graduating this semester, so December he should be graduating. And my guitar player, he actually played at my dad's band when he was 16! So, I've known him my entire life, so he's like a brother to me. I’m very blessed with the players I have {Guitar: Jason Valdez / Bass: Patrick Camacho / Drums: Dominic Trevino}. And this last trip to Tennessee was really cool. My dad plays bass in the band. So, when we went to Tennessee..I mean you're like in close quarters trying to save money, so we're like in one hotel room, you know, but we all get along pretty good. It's fun getting to not only just go places with them, but to just share the stage with them and see different places. It's cool.

Formo: 2019 is not far away! [Interview taking place in November of 2018] How was the recording experience, do you like being in the studio? Marcy: Yeah! I do. So, my band that I play with live, we go into the studio together. And it drains a lot out of you, because you're concentrating the whole time, but it's really cool to hear everything come together. To hear it on a recording rather than just you know, with each other. So, I am just like smiling the whole time in the studio! [The sound engineering] is all left to Marius, and we both co-produce it though as far as, you know, what instruments and everything. But yeah, he does all the hard work! Formo: An album is certainly a lot to look forward to in the new year! I know this album deviates from traditional country a bit, and actually some of your earlier music was a little more indy, or even pop, so did you always want to play country music, or how did you end up in that music genre?

Formo: Meaning you’ve got not only friends, but even family to share the experience with. Does anyone else in your family also play music? Marcy: Not really. Mostly it’s my dad's side of the family that’s musically inclined, you know, my grandpa plays guitar and accordion. So, my mom's side is not so much musically inclined, but I get my rhythm from her! So, yeah. I'm very blessed to have them behind me a hundred percent.

Marcy: No, not exactly. I started off more pop. Then, I don't know, I wrote one country song and then I just kept writing country! Formo: So, really, it just came out country! Marcy: <laughs> I guess I always wanted to be country at heart...I don't know..

Formo: I’m sure that support system will be even more important as you continue in your career, which is certainly picking up speed! What exactly is coming up next for you?

Formo: Well you’ve certainly found your country sound! And we can’t wait to see what all you have coming up for 2019! So, thanks again for sitting down with us today. We are wishing you the best and will certainly be on the lookout for your new album!

Marcy: Oh, man. We are working on new album! We are recording with Marius and it is going to be really cool. We've been working on it for a while about a year now and it should be out early 2019 and it's going to be called No Limits. No limits as far as you in how far we can reach, but no limits as far as... genre-ly, I guess. So, some are a little more country than

To keep up with where she's performing next follow her on Instagram and facebook @MARCYGRACEMUSIC

A CITY OF ARTISTS BY: Catherine A.

As the seventh largest city in the country, San Antonio has continuously grown since its establishment in 1718. The city's history resonates throughout their architecture, art, museum collections, their annual event's, and in the everyday lifestyle of native and new San Antonians alike. This year the city celebrates its 300th anniversary with all the gusto and passion we have come to expect from the city of Fiesta. Established in 1718, San Antonio, Texas is known for different things across the states: the Riverwalk, the Spurs, the annual Fiesta, and even the giant Justin boots that tower over North Star mall. And of course, there’s the Alamo, which marks the city’s anniversary. Originally known as the Mission San Antonio de Valero, it was first established in 1718. As Texans became dissatisfied with their Mexican

government and Spain’s hold over the territory diminished, the state rose up in revolt. The Texas Revolution began in 1835 and would lead up to the historic Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Eventually, Mexican forces were defeated at San Jacinto, and Texas experienced a short period of independence preceding its statehood in December of 1845. The Alamo’s story is one that most Texans are

HAPPY 300 TO TH

familiar with - remember the Alamo! And the Alamo itself is at the top of many tourists’ sightseeing list. What is often less known, is that even the city's annual Battle of Flowers parade and Fiesta events commemorate the historic events of the Texas Revolution - a yearly reminder of the city’s history. San Antonio has certainly grown since the Alamo was first established. Currently the 2nd most populated city in Texas, San Antonio is now home to over 1.5 million people! And as a second generation, bornand-raised San Antonian, I can tell you that my family and I have seen this city grow and change, sometimes for the better and sometimes simply because it was time to change. Yet, as the city has changed, the people of San Antonio remain the heart

of what the city has to offer. Now, it’s not always perfect and picturesque, even within its downtown blocks - after all, it’s a big city, not a utopia. And with its Texas size, comes the usual socio economic woes and there’s definitely a pothole or 10! Nonetheless, it is a city that celebrates its people’s culture and heritage on a regular basis, and this year the people of San Antonio were given many reasons to show their love and support of the city they call home. Beginning with last year’s New Year’s Eve celebration (for the 2018 year), Celebrate 300, the city has been commemorating its 300th anniversary through numerous city wide initiatives and events all year. With the intention of making a lasting, positive impact that extends past 2018, the city created a

SAN ANTONIO!

Blacksmith shop, San Antonio, Texas Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA/OWI Collection, [LC-DIG-fsa-8a25545] LC-DIG-fsa-8a25572

grew, reaching over 700 partners and thousands of volunteers. The many events that have taken place over the year have left the city with a renewed sense of interest and support for not only the city's history and culture, but for the local businesses and artists that call San Antonio home. The arts and culture initiatives have embodied the spirit of the tricentennial and showcased the collaborative spirit of local artists. One in particular is the Common Currents project that expands across 6 arts organizations and is a collection of artworks from 300 different artist. In addition to this, Triart grant program was a way to become a part of the tricentennial and provide a wide range of artworks that embody the local culture and history.

commission that would be the hub of all things Tricentennial. From releasing an official magazine, to advertising events, and securing local partners, SA300 was (and is) a success on many levels. For starters, the city partnered with local businesses, museums, schools, and organizations to bring about a year’s worth of events that would embody the goal of celebrating the anniversary of the city as well as the culture and history of the people who call it home. Official partner events were marked by the SA300 logo and the city itself held unique educational, cultural, and service based events over the year as well. These events often correlated with the city’s usual main events, like the San Antonio Stockshow and Rodeo and the annual Fiesta San Antonio. The positive response to the SA300 events grew as the year continued; the city and the people developed a renewed sense of passion for their culture and history, which is saying something! Because if you’ve ever visited the city, you can certainly see how the culture and respect for San Antonio’s past resonates in the architecture, artworks, and people of the city. As the year continued, the number of SA300 partners and events

Twenty awards were given to artists and arts organizations ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 and additional funding was provided for nine other artistic projects. In addition to the Triart program, SA300 has brought about multiple public artworks through the city and private organizations. Even the parks have had new art sculptures installed! The World Heritage Trail now has 2 new works, the airport became a canvas for a Tricentennial

Secondhand store, San Antonio, Texas by Lee Russel Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA/OWI Collection, [LC-DIG-fsa-8a25545]

River Walk, San Antonio, Texas Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith [LC-DIG-highsm-12426]

mural, and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center’s collections have expanded to include newly donated, loaned and purchased artworks. And let us not overlook the initiative that brings recognition to local poets - “30 Poems for the Tricentennial, A Poetic Legacy.” This initiative provided a means for collaboration between local artists and visual/graphic artists, as they created a multi-sensory experience within public libraries and community centers throughout the city. The poems themselves were based on the theme of San Antonio history from pre-columbian to 2017. The past few years have seen a rise of interest in all things fashion, music, and art. From street art to avantgarde fashion, the local scene has a little bit of everything. With the city in the national and international spotlight, local artists and events outside of the SA300 initiatives saw an extra boost in interest and support. Numerous fashion shows have taken place over the years that showcase local designers, including “The Ever After Fashion Show” and the annual “Una Noche en La Gloria,” which was a SA300 event this year, but has been around for ten years. And as in any city, there seems to be the hotspots for cultural arts. For San Antonio, they include places like The Pearl Brewery, Southtown, and North St. Mary’s strip. With their eateries and music venues, you can always find something to do. The past years have seen the opening of the Rustic, where local musicians often grace the stage, the first 3 Mala Luna Festivals, and the 6th San

View of downtown San Antonio, Texas, from the Tower of the Americas - Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith [LC-DIG-highsm-29331]

Antonio Music Showcase that takes over the St. Mary’s strip with different musical performances in each of the participating venues. And this year the Pearl was filled with the sounds of the SoundCream Sunset sessions, and home to “Olé, San Antonio.” Within the art scene, more artists show in galleries, like Freight, and participate in events like First

Close up - Mural, "El Barrio on my mind" near the Mission Concepcion, San Antonio, Texas - Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith [LC-DIG-highsm-27753] Mural, "El Barrio on my mind" near the Mission Concepcion, San Antonio, Texas Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith [LCDIG-highsm-27752]

Friday in Southtown than ever before. These events provide a way for local artists to publically showcase their work. One aspect of the art scene that is sure to continue and grow is local street art. The San Antonio Street Art Initiative is one that has a lot of potential in a city this large. The SASAI aims to assist local artists in creating projects that showcase the beauty of street and mural art that brings them and the genre into the forefront of the communities they live in. Beginning with the “Murals @ Midtown,” SASAI is building a street art community that is bringing a fresh and vibrant feel to the cities walls.

It’s clear that the city’s Tricentennial events have provided a renewed sense of city pride and hopefully continues to create a lasting impact on the support for the local businesses and artists. Afterall, it’s the support from the people of San Antonio that local music and arts will continue to grow; long after the tricentennial year, it’s San Antonians supporting each other that will maintain the passionate and vibrant city - a city of artists. For the people of San Antonio, this year was definitely a memorable one. 32

For more information about SA300 visit www.sanantonio300.com

Two works from the SASAI "Murals @ Midtown" (Left) Atlas by Nik Soupe and Shek Vega of Los Otros Murals (Right) Ballerina, Dream Big by Mike Comp Arguello Photos courtesy of Amanda Lozano

or read their official Tricentennial Magazine at https://issuu.com/louisdoucette/docs/sa300book1-issuu?e=10904178/57545817 QUICK LINKS TO LOCAL MENTIONS:

SASAI - www.sanantoniostreetart.org The Pearl - www.atpearl.com Southtown ,The Arts District www.southtownsatx.com Mccullough, Bob. “From Celebration to Acceleration.” SA300 Magazine, Apr. 2018.

DECEMBER 2018 COVER ART BY

“PROGRAM OVERVIEW.” SA300 Tricentennial, Tricentennial Commission, 1 Aug. 2018, www.sanantonio300.org/programs/.

@KASTLE_1013

“U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: San Antonio City, Texas.” Census Bureau QuickFacts, United States Census Bureau, www.census.gov/ quickfacts/sanantoniocitytexas.

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of I ndependence By: Cassandra Garza Alyssa Bryer was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She was always drawn to playing with makeup and applying it on her mom, sisters, and grandmother. She always enjoyed playing with makeup and learning new techniques with each passing year. All of her family owned their own businesses and she wanted to carry on the tradition and start her own. Running a successful businesses seemed to be in their DNA. Plus all the experience of helping them with their finances and watching how they have managed everything over the years has been a great help.

eyeshadows, they are so pigmented.” Alyssa's family has stood by her 100%. They have always encouraged her to follow her dreams and to live the dream of success. Family is important to Alyssa and she knows they will always continue to support her especially when times are their hardest. Alyssa is a single mother who works around her daughters school schedule, so that she makes the most of their time together and apart. She has found that the industry has a lot of other women, and they tend to show extra support towards her as a single mother who is working to expand her business. “My daughter is my other inspiration because I want to be able to provide for her 100% with the success of GIS and to pass on a company that my daughter can be proud of as well. And can support her dreams in the makeup industry if she chooses to continue in her family's footsteps.”

“It’s always been my dream to have my own makeup line and being a very independent woman, it gives me encouragement to see other successful women in the makeup industry. Also, I want GIS to have the best quality makeup product on the market and to continue to remain animal cruelty free!” Alyssa dreams for GIS to become a large and very successful company that maintains the qualities and image she has come to admire in her family’s businesses and the makeup brands she grew up using.

To learn more about GIS Cosmetics visit www.giscosmetics.com or follow them @G.I.S.Cosmetics on Instagram

Mostly she hopes to develop a meaningful brand image that also embodies an expectation of quality, like that of MAC and Benefit. So far, she’s loving the product line and has already picked out some favorites, “I love my liquid velvet lipstick and my basic lipsticks as well! They are slightly sweet and stay on so well, plus they feel really nice on the lips! Also, I love our mineral icing sugar and our

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G lam BY: Cassandra Garza Usually, when children are asked what they want to be when they grow up their answers are silly and child-like. But, if anyone asked Alicia, a 10 year old girl born and raised in San Antonio, what she wanted to be when she grew up, her answer would have been a special effects makeup artist.

contacted her to be a model. When she first started her Instagram page she had 40 followers that were interested in her special effects makeup, but now that

Model: Isaac Ramon / Photographer: Lord and Hooks Photography

From a young age, Alicia would create small special effects designs, like cuts and scars. A family friend would even buy her Spirit Halloween makeup kits every year for her to use as she continued exploring her hobby. Now that Alicia is older and currently attending Angelo State University on a golf scholarship while working towards a degree in History, she uses her spare to create new special effects pieces. She primarily does her special effects makeup during the month of October because most of her work is “gorey and creepy.” Her favorite piece that she has done, so far, is the demogorgon from Stranger Things. It took 3 days to make and was mostly made out of plastic and tape. Outside of her art and modeling she enjoys cooking, watching TV, working out, and randomly sculpting. But mostly if she’s not creating new pieces, she is modeling. She first got into modeling when a photographer contacted her about wanting to take pictures of her in her special effects makeup. From there she continued to work with the photographer and as time went on more and more photographers

ART Photographer: @Portraits_by_ai / Alicia and Isaac Photography

she is an artist AND model, she has 10,000 followers! Which has helped her greatly when it comes to her special effects makeup.

adjusting her piece or adding in cotton balls so that piece stays filled in where it needs to be. After creating a piece she takes time to reflect on how lucky she was to have a family friend encourage her and help her achieve her goals. As a student she understands that the costs for doing special effects can add up quickly and even though it has been a big investment on her part she regrets nothing, as this is something that makes

When making a new piece, Alicia first comes up with a concept which can take any amount of time. The piece that she made for the magazine, Ice Wraith, took two weeks because she was trying to come up with an original alien design. When she is having a creative block, she starts to draw some other ideas that she has. Or she will look at other images and try to mix and match until she has come up with a new idea. Sometimes, she even watches Face Off because the contestants in the show have to come up with new designs that often inspire her when she is stuck. She also watches her favorite YouTube star Elimacs sfx makeup for inspiration and motivation. Once the idea is formed, she starts sculpting and making any necessary changes to her design as she goes. She then picks the colors for her piece and begins applying any makeup and body paint necessary - her favorite special effect makeup brand to use is Mehron. Lastly she puts the piece on herself or on someone else, which can require

Model: Isaac Ramon Photogrpaher: Mike Gonzalez Edited by: Kass L.

ART her happy, “if it’s something that anyone wants to start, then you can start off small, it doesn’t have to be a big investment in the beginning if you don't want it to be. Something Alicia has always wanted to try was a full body makeup design but has been unable to with her current schedule and space, but she ultimately wants to work on movie sets, so she can have the opportunity to make larger creations. Until then, she aspires to attend Comicon to show off a creation of hers, expand her makeup genre to include fantasy, start a YouTube channel, continue to learn daily makeup skills, advance her modeling career, and be a history teacher/ golf coach at her high school alma mater- Samuel Clemens High School. And while she would love to stay in San Antonio, she is willing to go wherever her aspirations take her.

To lern more about Alicia or for model inquiries follow her on Instagram

Model: Isaac Ramon Photogrpaher: Mike Gonzalez Edited by: Kass L.

@aleedlelee

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An Interview with Ryane Roy, Age 10 Tell us about yourself? My name is Ryane Roy and I am 10 years old and I am an only child. I’ve always been good at art, and that’s why I have loved this project so much. Being creative is my favorite thing!

What is the Faces of Ryane Project? The idea behind this mother daughter photography series is to create original art together, with little to no planning involved. I am the model and the hair and makeup artist, and my mom, Kate Roy is the photographer. Every photo is taken on a whim, there is no set schedule, and we just do it when we feel inspired. Each time we shoot, it is 100% my vision, and my mom has no idea what concept she will be photographing until I come out of the bathroom and show her the hair and makeup that I have done all on my own. Next, we set up a some lights, make a quick set, and shoot these photos at our home using things we already have for props. Usually all of that happens within 5 minutes or less.

How did this photo series begin? One day about a year a half ago, my mom decided that it would be fun to do a shoot together. My mom asked me if she could paint my face and do my hair, and I said “No, I want to do it and surprise you!” So I grabbed some of

Creative Director/Model: Ryane Roy Photographer: Kate Roy

my mom’s makeup and smeared it all over my face because my mom said “It doesn’t have to be perfect, just go crazy with it.” Next, my mom and I put black trash bags in the bathtub and then filled it up and added some milk, it looked so cool, but was also kind of gross! My actually mom gave me one of her shirt to wear in the water because the pink one I was wearing didn’t match my makeup that day. I got in the milk water, and my mom started posing me. I smiled in the first picture she took but she told me to try being serious, so I did. It was really hard to not blink because the flash was so bright, but after about the 6th photo I got the hang of it, we took photos for about five minutes and then my mom said “We are done, we got the shot!” And that’s how the first photo came to be. A few days later, we decided to do another photo. This time, I really took my time on my makeup. I locked myself in the bathroom for about an hour to paint my face and when I came out my mom was so surprised! After the second photo, each one after just got better and better and I really got the hang of it.

How many photos will be in the series once it is complete? That's a good question! We have no idea how long this project will continue or what the final number of photos will be. As of now, we have shot 14 different times over the last year and a half. Sometimes we shoot once a week, and sometimes we take breaks and don't shoot for several months.

What is your favorite photo? My favorite photo so far is the black and white one where my hair is frizzy with sticks in it. My Second favorite is the one where I painted my face to look dragon scales and my third favorite is the unicorn one! 42

Creative Director/Model: Ryane Roy Photographer: Kate Roy

"I just wanted to say, thank you for taking the time to read my story and I hope you all enjoy these photos!" ~Ryane Roy

THE TEAM

ART is being developed into a network television series. He is also the creator of Sanitarium the comic book series distributed through Diamond Comics. C.M. BRATTON, WRITER: C.M. is a multi-awardwinning writer from San Antonio, TX. A member of the Texas Association of Authors, C.M. has published twenty-four books and a solo comic series. In addition, C.M. has been a writer for several film projects, including Sanitarium, which is currently in talks to become a T.V. series. CHRISTOPHER ALLEN, PENCILER: Christopher Allen is a comic illustrator and painter. His previous works have included on movie tie-in comics for Guardians of the Galaxy and Ant-Man for Marvel Comics, Steam Wars, his own Steampunk comic SteamLore for AP Comics, and Femforce for AC comics.

KERRY VALDERRAMA, CREATOR & WRITER: Kerry has directed, produced and written two awardwinning feature films, numerous commercials, and music videos. Sanitarium. starring Malcolm McDowell, Lou Diamond Phillips, Robert Englund, and Lacey Chabert, is his second feature film and

LEE DUHIG, COLORIST: Lee is a Comic book industry professional with over 20-plus years in both publishing, editing, penciling, digital coloring art and marketing. As a digital color artist (Under the name GURU-eFX) for Marvel Publishing, Lee has worked on hundreds of issues and has colored countless characters for the publishing giant. He has worked for every major publisher, including DC Comics, Disney, Dark Horse Entertainment, Image Comics, & BOOM! Entertainment. As the Marketing and Publishing Director for Antarctic Press, Lee has overseen and developed countless monthly titles over the course of over two decades and is familiar with all aspects of comic book production and distribution. His current projects include the popular Deadpool and Star Wars comic series.

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together, but always hoping maybe one day anything like that is fun! that we would. When this project came up he Kerry: Having this storyline that I have had certainly felt like it would be a great thing certainly been passionate about making for and then Lee, of course, had been working with a really long time and then connecting with Christopher Allen for 10-15 years, and so he CM. And us being really passionate about sent the script over to Christopher, who read making it, and bringing on Lee Duhig and then it; then we all had a meeting at Alamo City Christopher Allen, and Christina Fey. Now, Studios and he just loved the script. we've been going to comic con conventions and getting people across the world excited Formo: What's been the greatest struggle? about this project. It's just one of those really Kerry: I think that when you're working on a magical things - being able to come up with screenplay you're always hoping that you're something you hope is good, and then being providing the best possible story you can for able to bring on super talented people to help your audience. And always kind of having this create that vision. No matter what, to have this fear of leaving something out, not doing your stand alone graphic novel is a dream come true. due diligence. To keep up with all things O.B.E keep an eye on CM: And sometimes you know, we're like their Kickstarter campaign, which has since reached this is really cool! But then, we're like- is this the fundrasier goal! in our heads? Where it feels right, but is it? You can also check out their Instagram and Letting it go into the hands of the artist to Facebook for updates change things up a bit, for example, we had a character who was male, but the artist was like @canyouobe I'm going to make him a woman. And I don't have any kind of problem with it at all! I have deliberately sprinkled many female characters into positions of power throughout this! I'll just write a character and I'll just be like annnd it's a girl; the lead is a male, so everyone else can be a woman as far as I'm concerned! So, then with the artist you just sort of adjust it and its exciting and it's rewarding - seeing the images when they come in, every single time, its like, oh my god! The cover, when it came in, we were like drooling! Literally both of us. I fell asleep looking at mine, and I'm sure he did too! Formo: Has seeing the illustrations come to life, been the most rewarding part? CM: Just watching it come to life, and then also, finding pieces of real humanity in it. It's sci-fi, its dystopian, it's not real, but the truth is, there should be reality and heart in everything and you can put those things in. And to have those pieces of yourself sprinkled into something without being a murderer or detective or 35

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been one of the most exciting ones, because it's How some of the characters look, the design us creating this new world. of their clothes in the future, their hairdos... it's been really fun discovering and discussing CM: I think some of our best days are when we things. I think one the coolest things that all of were like coming at different angles and we us came up with separately, was we should arrived at the same conclusion and I was like, have some rain. It was just so funny how we oh my God! I was about to say that! We knew decided separately and yet we're on the same we're right in same direction, with whatever wavelength of wanting rain, maybe because it it was that we're writing. There's good flow. was raining here for two months, but all our Kerry: I've always enjoyed the process of brains knew we needed it! creating. And the process of creating OBE Formo: Did you guys reach out to Chris and has been just a phenomenal process. But then Lee when you started working on OBE or how of course, you bring on Chris Allen and Lee did the team come together? Duhig, who are 20 year veterans of creating graphic novels and comic books. Then they Kerry: I've been fortunate to be friends with started doing the penciling and coloring. It was Lee Duhig for around five years now, but far beyond what we could have imagined, of we've never worked together before. I had what their viewpoint, their vision [would be] done a comic series called Sanitarium with within the palette of the story we had written. CM and through the film community here in San Antonio, at a networking event, had CM: It brought so much to the table that we been introduced this gentleman named Lee hadn't thought about like the idea of the neoDuhig. We both just hit it off and we became noir. I think visually we were just seeing the friends, never really talking about working serial images but not the colors and saturation.

ART reason why this dystopian future happened. the story starts to build. It was from them that we started being able Formo: Did y'all put other SA Easter-eggs, to find these other characters,the first being or nods to the city, since both of you live Amari. here in San Antonio? CM: I happened to have a student at the time named Amari, and I really wanted this strong African-American girl who doesn't conform to ideas of normal beauty. She has a shaved head, is independent and she's had traumatic past. We originally were going have her be his partner - but we thought, oh there's a lot of partner stuff. So, I wanted a strong female, but not a "I'm going to beat people up," she's strong in other ways. Of course if we have a sequel, we will see more of her story. Mother Cecilia started off as Mother Inez. But he didn't like Inez, so then we called her mother Lucia and then we're still like errr because I told him we have to get - there's a list of approved names for like

nuns and stuff - that approved list and I'm like, okay wait, these are your choices. So we ended up with Cecilia and then when I was naming like the order of them, the Order of Merciful Souls (OMS), the acronym is ohms. So the Sisters of Astral Mercy Ministries, is a play of SAM's Ministries, which is the San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries for the homeless people. So it's alway really kind of fun doing some little Easter-eggs like that. It's just kind of discovering the characters as

Kerry: We did. I mean the entire opening chase scene happens in downtown, San Antonio on the River. Of course, the Tower of America's is prominently displayed. It's a San Antonio story...a dystopian future, but we never leave the city of San Antonio, which was really fun for all of us, because even both our artists that we have working with us, Christopher Allen and Lee Duhig, both who have been working for Marvel and DC for 20 years, are both living here in San Antonio. Formo: You mentioned watching dystopian films and sci-fi films? Did you also read a lot of comic books and graphic novels?

CM: That's more me, I'm the reading nerd. He's like the movie nerd. Formo: So what do you like most out of working on this type of project? Kerry: Well, I think the process. We were working on it for {CM: <whispers> 26 drafts!} essentially this entire year and that process is always enjoyable. CM and I've been writing together for almost over 10 years. So the process of writing OBE has

ART

O.B.E. THE SAN ANTONIAN'S GRAPHIC NOVEL From the creator of Sanitarium, comes O.B.E., a Dystopian Sci-fi Crime Thriller. The graphic novel is set in a dystopian future of San Antonio, Texas after the world has proven the existence of souls. O.B.E. is created and written by a team of San Antonio creatives who have left San Antonio themed Easter eggs scattered throughout the storyline. We sit down with creator/writer Kerry Valderrama and writer C.M. Baratton to learn about the origins of O.B.E.

BY: Kassandra Lozano Formo: So, this is 7 years coming! That's a good while. Did you draw from any outside inspiration or like anything specific to Formo: Tell us about your inspiration for yourself? OBE? Kerry: I would say growing up in the realm Kerry: I've always been fascinated with of Blade Runner, The Matrix and Children the accounts people have of having an out of Men... Philip K. Dick, as well. There's of body experience. It's something that really great dystopian sci-fi, futuristic films I've started researching. It is a worldwide that I grew up on and really enjoyed that phenomenon people experiencing waking up experience when something happens and and floating over their bodies or somebody the result of it essentially just turns the planet in an emergency room, when they come upside down, and ours is everybody figured back, they are able to recount everything out how to have an out-of-body experience. that happens right on the operating table in Formo: Did you know what characters you surgery. This sensation of floating and being wanted beforehand, or how did you come able to float through walls and things of that up with the characters? nature I think it has been expressed across the globe and it's very it's a universal subject Kerry: The list of characters..well when that I think everybody has experienced at CM and I started working on the treatment one point in or another. first. We identified that we wanted it to be a detective story where a series of murders are Formo: And how did you first come up with happening and this detective has to come idea to put that into a graphic novel? in on the case to go figure it out, which is a time old tale, right? But people really enjoy that - figuring out who the Killer is going through this mystery, except turning it in this world of astral projection that we believe has never really been done in this light. And so we knew the protagonist, that was going to be detective Nathaniel Cole and that one of our main antagonist was going to be Dr. Nicholas Medlock, who is the founder and father of OBE and astral projection; he is the Kerry: It has been an idea that I've had for quite some time. Since I was a kid, but it really wasn't until I was working on a feature film called Sanitarium with my writing partner CM Bratton and we were kind of in this process of talking about different stories and I had brought up this idea of OBE which CM immediately responded to and that was kind of first time that we actually worked on a treatment for OBE in 2011.

ART idea with having the imperfections of showing the background and the stands. I'm really proud of this set. I've actually been wanting to do this shoot for a few years and to find the right dancer, which made me really meticulous with lighting, once I was able to find the right dancer. I decided to keep all of those elements to show we are shooting what is probably the last dance she will ever do, and so we are retaining all of that information, all of her last dance.

To request a shoot and keep up with all things Mike Blue follow him on Instagram

@mikebluephotography

ART

ART ver since I could remember I've always liked the way ballet dance looks; I love how dance literally comes from the soul and expresses through the body. I never got into it enough to learn everything about it, but every time I see it in photographs I am fascinated by how the body can make so many shapes, lines, and forms. It’s interesting how people can be art and photography can make that happen. And because dance is so expressive I've always had the idea of what a dancer’s “Last Dance” would look like. This series of images are what I think that would entail.

really wanted them to look emotive through in the overall look and feel of the imagethrough her expressions, posing and the lighting. On some images I left the detail of the background and the stands to show those little external imperfections. On one specific image I wanted to show that she can jump so high I couldn't even keep her in the background; you see the chair and in the background you see the light. I wanted to keep the feel more real and not so Photoshop perfect. Since we're used to seeing dance so polished, technical, and produced, that I wanted to juxtapose that

Dancer: Jana Matthews 28

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2018 PHOTO ARTIST OF THE YEAR

MIKE GONZALEZ “LAST DANCE”

“Ever since I could remember I’ve always liked the way ballet dance looks; I love how dance literally comes from the soul and expresses through the body...how people can be art, and photography can make that happen.” ~ Mike Gonzalez

Model: Madison Lee MUA: Reanna Castruita Designer: Britney Newman

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Model: Genna Town MUA: Reanna Castruita Designer: Britney Newman

've been toying with using giant bubbles in a fashion shoot for a long time. It’s one of those ideas that sort of sat in the back of my mind, waiting for the right moment. When I saw Britney’s collection “Out of this World,” I knew I had to get her on board for this concept! The iridescent quality of the bubbles, along with the youthful and shimmery makeup by local makeup artist Reanna Castruita, really set off the sheen and futuristic vibe of the wardrobe. Having worked with models Gena Town and Madison Anders before, I knew they both would bring a fierceness that would embody the boldness of the wardrobe, while simultaneously bringing balance to the whimsy of the bubbles. We had tons of fun taking turns with the bubble wand and there was a lot of laughter between our attempts to funnel them into shapes. I loved working with a team who was able to go with the flow and embrace unpredictability. I am thankful to Formo for the nomination of Photographer of the Year and I couldn’t be happier with the team I chose to help represent me on the pages of the magazine.

To keep up with the fabulous works of Jennifer Crowder follow her on Instagram

@jennifer_crowder_artist

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Model: Genna Town MUA: Reanna Castruita Designer: Britney Newman

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Model: Madison Lee MUA: Reanna Castruita Designer: Britney Newman

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PHOTO ARTIST OF THE YEAR | FINALIST

JENNIFER CROWDER “HAUTE BUBBLE”

Model: Madison Lee MUA: Reanna Castruita Designer: Britney Newman

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To see more of Ricky's work follow him on instagram @enrique.lopez.photo 22

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Model: Georgia Redman 21

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PHOTO ARTIST OF THE YEAR | FINALIST

ENRIQUE LOPEZ

“CITY SHAPES” An editorial featuring different architectural backdrops. From the playful artistry of San Antonio's Central Library to the modern class of city skyscrappers; Enrique captures the shapes of the city to deliver a sense of high street style.

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Jennifer Crowder Nominees | Photo Artist

San Antonio, TX Jennifer received a B.A. of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Photography from the University of Texas at San Antonio, in 2009. She worked primarily as a portrait photographer from 2009-2015, shooting fashion, editorial, and beauty images, as well as conceptual portraits. Her main focus, currently, is conceptual portraiture. She is known for the playful and imaginative vibe that balances art and fashion within her photos.

Mike Gonzalez San Antonio, TX

Mike Gonzalez is the owner of Mike Blue Photography. He has been a photographer for 7 years and is based out of San Antonio, Texas. He believes beauty starts from within and surfaces to the outside, not the other way around. He constantly strides to merit both the sensual and beauty in every image by using posing and lighting to emphasize that you can be both beautiful and sensual at the same time.

of the

Enrique Lopez San Antonio, TX

Year

Enrique Lopez is a fashion & editorial portrait photographer and retoucher based out of San Antonio, Texas. After working in marketing for a property management company he has embraced his passion for the whole process of taking photos, from the set up to the post production.

MUSIC

2018 MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

Chris Lopez Chris Lopez is a Seven-time Award-Winning musician who has been a musician in the San Antonio area for the last thirteen years. And is the lead singer of the Chris Lopez Band.

He’s been recognized multiple times throughout his career for his music and performances. Some of his acolades include ‘Best Acoustic Solo Act’ at The San Antonio Music Awards in 2013, and ‘Best Acoustic Act’ at the San Antonio Nightlife Awards in 2011, 2013 AND 2015. He’s erformed for many local events and even judges and city councilmen. You may have seen him at the Christmas TreeLighting Ceremony downtown in Main Plaza or singing the National Anthem for the San Antonio Spurs home games. Chris' set spans across a wide variety of genres includingCONTEMPORARY BLUES POP COUNTRY CLASSIC/MODERN ROCK REGGAE & ORIGINALS

Known for his professionalism, great quality music, and creating an atmosphere that his fans and supporters have come to love, we look forwards to hearing and seeeing his performances in 2019! To keep up with the Chris Lopez follow the band on Instagram and Facebook @chrislopezband_clb

MUSIC

Victoria Celestine

N o m i n e e s | M u s i c i an

Victoria is a singer/songwriter, recording artist, audio engineer and record producer. She lives both the life of a local and international artist, having grown up in France and San Antonio, Texas. Victoria is known for her pop, jazz, and country music across both regions. She is currently working with French based producer James Sangerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to add a unique electronic vibe to her sound.

Chris Lopez Chris Lopez is a seven-time award-winning musician who has been a musician in the San Antonio area for the last thirteen years. And is the lead singer of the Chris Lopez Band.

of the

Year

Natalie Rose Natalie Rose has been performing for over 12 years. She has had her own 4 piece band for more than 6. She has released 5 Singles to Texas Radio with Dillon Steen at Steen Entertainment. She is currently working with Dolly Parton's Producer and Lead Guitarist, Kent Wells, on a new album.

FASHION

2018 JEWELRY DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

WHITNEY MARBACH 16

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Nominees | Jewelry Designer

Limbo Jewelry Austin, Texas Limbo Jewelry is run by husband and wife, Edson Enriquez and Anne Rutt-Enriquez. Edson specializes in silver-smithing and design, and studied at ITESO University. Anne is the entrepreneurial side of the business and has with an eye for art that enables her to curate for the store as they continued to expand from their original South Congress storefront that was established in 2003.

Pink and Silver Fashion Austin, Texas Pink and Silver Fashion is a boho-chic, lifestyle brand that offers not only jewelry, but also clothing, accessories, and home decor. Their jewelry designs that have brought them their nomination are handmade by Kathy and Allen in ATX.

of the

Whitney Marbach San Antonio, Texas

Year

Whitney graduated from the University of Texas in Austin, and has created a business known for its innovative designs. She launched her company in 2009, at the age of 23. Her eye for fashion adds a unique touch to her image and she has since received international praise and success for her designs.

210.837.6652

1109 SOUTH MAIN ST., SUITE 203, BOERNE, TX

TEN KASTLES

Multimedia & Design Video, photography, social media, & design for small businesses and entrepreneurs

Contact us at 210-573-8302 10kastles@gmail.com Just want help getting started? Let us know! We can help you stay accountable and move towards those 2019 business goals!

FASHION

Title: Les Formes Photographer: Enrique Lopez Designer: Britney Newman Hair: Gloria Sanchez & Briana Ynostrosa Makeup: Gloria Sanchez & Sara Guillen Models: Victoria Myers

FASHION

Title: Les Formes Photographer: Enrique Lopez Designer: Britney Newman Hair: Gloria Sanchez & Briana Ynostrosa Makeup: Gloria Sanchez & Sara Guillen Models: Wyturia Robinson

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One Year Later Britney Newman, Formo Magazine's Fashion Designer of the Year '17 Since receiving the title of Fashion Designer of the Year, Britney Newman has continued to pursue her career as a clothing designer throughout 2018. She was published internationally in Surreal Magazine, appeared in the Santa Luna Cybergloss fashion show in San Antonio, Texas AND started working with emerging artist, Kelly Morgan. She even had the opportunity to personally hand her business card to Ashanti, which I think all of us who reminisce about the music of the 2000's can agree - IS AMAZING. But mostly she says that she has been trying to go back to school with the desire to perfect her sewing skills and overall craft. After returning to school she feels that she will have the confidence to launch the business on a bigger scale. In fact, she's currently working towards a goal for the year 2020! She is working on a 40 piece collection for 2020 called "Tribute," which has become her main project outside of designing for editorials. Her recent work maintains her bold and brilliant "It Girl" vibes and can be seen in her editorials and collaborations including "Les Formes" and "Haute Bubble" with Photo Artists of the Year Nominees Enrique Lopez and Jennifer Crowder. "Les Formes" is pictured here. To see the magic that is " Haute Bubble," keep flipping pages and check out Jennifer's nominee photo editorial.

We can't wait to see what the new few years have in store for Britney Newman! To keep up with all things BN, follow her on Instagram @britneydnewman

Title: Les Formes Photographer: Enrique Lopez Designer: Britney Newman Hair: Gloria Sanchez & Briana Ynostrosa Makeup: Gloria Sanchez & Sara Guillen Models: Madysen Kiley, Wyturia Robinson & Victoria Myers

FASHION

knowledge on to your own son one day, so that he won’t have to aimlessly wander through life stumbling, the same way you once did. Some things I have gathered after surveying a small sample of the male population is: Everyone wants to look good and feel good. If there were local places that addressed that, guys would become patrons of those businesses glady. Choosing clothes and concerning oneself with how they look, is time consuming and, at times, annoying or intimidating. Everyone wants to have their own identity that they never have to compromise. All of these are summed up statements that are from men all across San Antonio of different age ranges. Though many men said that they concern themselves with clothes based off of need, they also grow in their ability to dress and look good after going on a date, to a wedding, a party, or dress the part for a job. Once they become aware of this important man knowledge, they use it often. Secretly, they are proud of the skills they use each day to give them an edge. The most common skills; like knowing how to iron clothes with starch and executing the perfect shave that leaves no accidental patches behind or razor burn, are the ace in the hole for having a great day. Something really subtle that makes a HUGE difference is knowing how to choose the correct shirt and pants size for you. That, my friend, is a game changer. Silly sounding, I know. But, you haven’t lived to your full potential, till you’ve chosen the right tools for the day. You don’t know how good you can look and

feel, ‘till you've been there. It takes someone to show you the way. Until someone shows you, you’ll miss out on a lot and the world will pass you by. If all you have is one special shirt in your closet that fits you perfectly on special occasions, its days are numbered. One day, it will be ruined in a horrible, taco, margarita, salsa accident. You, my friend, owe it to yourself to have more than one option in the closet. You need to know how and where to get the next one on purpose

Photo by David Lezcano

and not accidentally. Does San Antonio serve the everyday male’s clothing, grooming, and style needs? That’s what I want to find out and bring to you in this column. As new and relevant opportunities appear in city, I want to bring them to you. EMAIL INFO@FORMOMAG.COM with "For The Suave Gentleman" in the subject line or DM @FORMOMAGAZINE If you already have a go to local place that you keep in your back pocket to give you an edge, lets share the knowledge. I’ll investigate all across San Antonio and Texas to bring you back the best of what I find. 9

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F o r T h e S uav e G e n t l e m a n You don’t know how good you can look and feel ‘till you've been there.

By: SA Guy After calling San Antonio home now for 10 years, I’ve come to love this city. With all of its charm, you can find a place here for just about anyone and anything. Yet, it is far from perfect. The city is growing at an unprecedented rate! In the next couple of decades it will be one of the powerhouses of the country. What does that mean? More people and industry. We will become more diverse and so will our needs. Let this be the first of many calls to action: San Antonio! We need more local places for men to get what they need to look good too! We need local shops and products. We need San Antonians who care about the people of this city to lead the way.

Photo by: Eliud Gil Samaniego

Who will talk about it? How will we know? Formo Magazine is here to help. Addressing the challenges of the common San Antonio male starts with being really honest about what he knows and what he wants. If you never had someone pass on important man knowledge to you about grooming, facial hair, shaving, cologne, suits, ties, formal shoes, boots (we are in Texas), haircuts, gray hairs, dying hair, going bald, receding hairlines, looking good for a date or for a job… then you are blissfully unaware until the day comes when you want to look better, do better, or be better. That is the day when you realize that wanting to look good and taking care of yourself, really does matter to you. The things you learn in that moment change your life. It means that you get compliments for the first time from

random strangers or from someone close. You experience a self-confidence that opens up another part of you that you never really got to know until you invested this time and effort. People will respond to you because you are (hopefully) the real you, a more honest and accurate version of you. Let’s be real, gentleman- these are important skills. Those of you that have realized this and know how important they all are, also know that you are going to painstakingly pass this 8

Mannequin parade at Finney Isles & Co., Brisbane, 1929 Photo courtesy the State Library of Queensland

Further resistance against the perfect female image was seen in the popular choice of getting rid of the only thing that attached them to their outer femininity- their hair. Cutting their hair into a shaved style, or bob, gave them a more boyish appearance while maintaining their feminine aspects through clothing and makeup. Flappers were the top icons of fashion throughout the roaring â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. They danced the night away to jazz wearing straight cut dresses and feather headbands in their hair. They smoked from long cigarette holders and drank in public!This fashion trend became a revolution for women all over the country and a backdrop to the new opportunities women were gaining. The power that was created through the movement has yet to fade; never underestimate the power of women and what they can do with something so unthinkable, like using their looks as their super power.

"Norma Talmage" courtesy of the Library of Congress (Bain News Service Collection)

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A NOTE ON VINTAGE FLAPPERS BY: CLARISSA GARCIA

"...a whole new generation of women rose up from the shadows..."

rom 1920 to 1929 America experienced a great change. Some may consider world war one, prohibition, or the great depression as the cause for this change. One huge development was its views on women; a whole new generation of women rose up from the shadows of suffrage and poverty. Society in this time period was like a wall built by men that was meant to keep women on the other sideout of culture out of advancements. However, during World War One many men enlisted into the military and left an imbalance in the workforce. This created major opportunities for women to step in and make a living of their own. Women began working in male dominant environments and stirred up a change in the minds of strong, independent women.

Thanks to these brave women, corsets were also going extinct! They favored bras and lingerie made of creamy, soft, sheer silk. The undergarments were often finished with lace, or silk ribbon roses and paired with satin slippers in different soft colors. It sounds like something out of a movie! Their makeup was a contrast of red rouge with matching red lipstick and a deep mascara or winged eyeliner. They would finish their look with high heel shoes on top of their fresh black stockings with lines running down their calves. In fact, women who could not afford said stockings would run a thin line of eyeliner down the backs of their legs to give the illusion of sheershear stockings.

Thus, began the creation of the flappers. 1920’s society had certain standards for women’s behavior that were set by previous generations of women. The flapper movement shut down every stereotype and standard as the nation moved towards the beginnings of the fight for women’s equality.

"Violet Romer" courtesy of the Library of Congress Bain News Service Collection

The ideal woman was to be obedient and modest. This style however, consisted of the iconic flapper dresses, which were typically shorter than a standard dress in this period. These dresses revealed their calves, thighs, and lower necklines. They weren't typically form fitting; they didn’t show-off the curves of the body. They were straight cut and slim showing a flat silhouette.

Photo Artist of the Year Editorial This year's Photo Artist of the Year and the finalists' editorials capture unique perspectives of fashion and art. With titles like "Haute Bubble" and "Last Dance," these photo editorials embody the sense of collaboration and artistry that we hope all our future Formo Award winners strive for.

The San Antonian's Graphic Novel: Interview with the Creators of O.B.E

Jewelery Designer of the Year

Photo Artist of the Year Editorial

Designer of the Year Nominees

One Year Later: Britney Newman

For the Suave Gentleman

A Note on Vintage Flappers

Musician of the Year Nominees Musician of the Year Artist of the Year Nominees

Cover Photo By Mike Gonzalez, edited by Kass Lozano 5

January | Contents 08

For the Suave Gentleman Introducing a new column is SA Guy. He will be taking our readers on a hunt for the best places for men to find their style in SATX and beyond. He begins his adventure with a call to action - share the man knowledge!

The San Antonian's Graphic Novel From the creator of Sanitarium, comes O.B.E. The novel is set in a dystopian future of San Antonio after the world has proven the existence of souls. O.B.E. is created and written by a team of San Antonio creatives who have left San Antonio themed Easter eggs scattered through the storyline. We sit down with creator/writer Kerry Valderrama, and writer C.M. Baratton to learn about the origins of O.B.E.

introducing

OUR TEAM

for the 2019 Year

Jesus Garcia Staff Writer

Clarissa Garcia Staff Writer

Cassandra Garza Content Editor / Writer

Michael Gonzalez Photo Editor

Kassandra Lozano Associate Editor-in-Chief

Jose Valdez Jr. Editor-in-chief / Owner

Editor’s Note Well, what a year it has been! 2018 was an AMAZING year for Formo and for the talent we have featured. Especially for our winners of the FMA’s. We want to say congratulations again to Mike Gonzalez, Whitney Marbach, and Chris Lopez for their wins in our 1st Annual Formo Magazine Awards. In our January’s issue you will read about these amazing winners and see their work. We hope that this year's winners inspire our future nominees to new heights. Let’s all have an AMAZING New Year! And we hope you will be excited and ready to enjoy everything we bring to you in our 2019 Issues and beyond! As always, we would love to hear your feedback on past and present issues or any suggestions for future rticles!

Jose Valdez Jr. Editor-in-Chief / Owner

Inspirational Tidbit - “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~ C.S. Lewis

Introducing our new column: For the Suave Gentleman

The Winners of the 2018 Formo Awards Whitney Marbach Chris Lopez Mike Gonzalez Interview with the creator and writers of the graphic novel,

O.B.E.