VOLUME 5 • issue 2 mARCH 2013
LOOK WHO’S
iconic lifestyle
Smile! Go Mad For MadPea One Billion Rising!
Addicted to the Music
JONAS
LUNASEA
ICON STAFF CEO and Publishers Potvin Tigerpaw & Sahara Mehrtens Editor in Chief Jordan Whitt Layout Director Pinch Pinazzo Style Editor Daija Arida Staff Writers Alex1985 Diabolito Amelia Harsley Lacy Muircastle Pinch Pinazzo Sahara Mehrtens Sensuous Soulstar Solitaire Highfield
Pinch Pinazzo Photography Qopi Diarmuid Miklos Spartin Parx Hikaru Enimo Tristion Paine Honour McMillan Julie Hastings LovelyMiwako7399 Menna Phe Bruun
Read Online http://issuu.com/iconmagazine
Read the Blog http://iconicallysexy.blogspot.com
Editor’s Note Once again we’re notching up another milestone here at ICON Lifestyle Magazine. I can’t believe we’ve been here for four years sharing the inspiration pushing the creators and designers, spotlighting the talent of the performers and exploring the amazing worlds just out there waiting to be explored! Each day brings new residents and with them the potential for new ideas and innovations, making this an exciting time in the world of Second Life.
Get Jordan’s Look: Top - Hache from ColdLogic Jeans - Ripped78s from League Hair - Angie from Truth Ears - Steking 01 from Mandala Skin - Amberly 09 from Glam Affair Eye Makeup - Expressive from R.icielli
It’s funny how when we are new to the grid the excitement and wonderment has us teleporting around, exploring every corner we can find and embracing new experiences and just having fun in this new virtual world. Then the excitement dies and we create our own little worlds and become avatars who rarely venture out beyond our safe little borders. I am still a workaholic hermit who rarely leaves her skypad - unless it’s to hit a store but I am making a bit more of an effort to socialise and get out exploring the grid again. It’s bringing back all the excitement of my noob days, but with all the changes and advancements since my early days, it’s so much better! Try it for yourself and recapture the joy of your early days in Second Life too.
Jordan Whitt Editor in Chief
Photo by Diarmuid Miklos ICON Magazine
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CONTENTS LIFESTYLE
35
The Bird is the Word
67
Men’s Style
71
Totally Petite
19 It Started With a Smile 29 ICONic Spaces 35 The Bird is the Word
STYLE 47 55 59 63 67 71 77 85
Overhigh and Epicosity Blog Spot for Him Style Icon Shoe Freak Men’s Style Totally Petite Get That Style ICONic Beauty
Read Online http://issuu.com/iconmagazine
RADAR
101
95 Music Addict 101 Mad About MadPea 113 In Conversation With...
Mad ABout MadPea
ENTERTAINMENT 123 Behind the Lens 133 V-Day for a Cause 141 DJ Top 10
147
Loving Those Lolas
VIEWPOINT
147 Loving Those Lolas 157 Confessions of an SL Addict 163 The List On The Cover
He has the voice of an angel and looks of a demi-god. Jonas Lunasea dazzles in a stunning cover by Julie Hastings.
Written by Jordan Whitt Photos by Honour McMillan
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Known in the blogging world for her impeccable style and gorgeous photos, it’s hard to equate the Kaelyn Alecto of today with the avatar who started her SLife in a magical forest RP sim around three years ago. But a desire to change her appearance took her into the world of Second Life shopping malls and led to a club where she made friends, one of whom was a blogger who inspired Kaelyn to create her own blog, and a job as a dancer/hostess helped her earn lindens to get started by buying the items she blogged. “When I got better with my pictures I started getting review copies,” she explains. “My avi got better looking over time, and I still try improve my picture skills.” Use of shadows, windlight, settings and poses, angles and the all important photoshop are a continuing learning process.
As someone who is constantly taking pictures in Second Life, finding pretty sims where you can take pictures is one of the most important things. “Some of my favorite sims closed down or changed so much that I didn’t love them anymore,” she says. “From that, the desire to have my own sim grew.” And it’s a desire that has finally come into fruition. “I am making a homestead that will be open to the public. It’s for everyone that, like me, loves a nice relaxing sim with tons of picture perfect spots.” It is a sim that is blending together lots of different scenes to make a place for people to come hang out, have a romantic date with someone special, or just have when they need the perfect background for a picture. Her aim is to create a beautiful sim that people will LM and come back to often because they just have a good time there and feel inspired. And its name - It all starts with a smile. It’s not even finished or open to the public yet, but already Kaelyn’s friends have been posting pictures of her progress and giving her such positive feedback that gives her a smile and makes her endeavour all the more worthwhile.
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“I have received an overwhelming amount of compliments and people I don’t even know are suddenly IMing me saying they have seen a preview and can’t wait to see the sim,” she says. “I am very excited to be opening the sim on my rezday. This sim will truly be a present to myself, one that I get to share with all my friends and every other SL resident that wants to come and see it.” But it’s not all plonking down trees and setting up poseballs. “Coming up with ideas and having all the scenes I had in my head come together as one whole has been hard,” she explains. “Also finding the right items and pieces and keeping it all low prim has been a challenge.” But she isn’t in it alone.
“I am truly blessed with amazingly talented friends,” she says. “But I could never have done any of this without the help of my amazing partner Maxxster. He’s been my rock, supporting me with everything and coming up with ideas and calming me down when I got moody and frustrated when things didn’t go as I wanted them to.” I’m giving the final words to Kaelyn so she can thank the people who have inspired, helped and kept her going as she creates her sim. “I have to thank my friends, Yara Balfour and Claira Hax, for helping me with terraforming. My friend, Sookie Corbeau, went nuts helping me with tiny little details and the pathways on the hills. Nico Griffith, owner of Tartessos Arts, donated his newest release so I could decorate my hill house - so sweet! Icewood Bayne, owner of EndOfDaze, donated the beautiful piano and pool table, which he made PG on request so they would fit the sim. ICON MAGAZINE
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Alex Bader, owner of Studio Skye, has been a blessing with helping me create my beach! He’s been a total sweetheart and has been supporting me throughout the project. My friends Amytheyst Beebe, Izzie Button, Isla Gealach, Froukje Hoorenbeek and Tya Fallingbridge have been there to listen, give suggestions, answer tons of questions and help out whenever they could! The Dutch sailboat shows my RL Dutch roots and was donated by my friend Sam Laszlo. I must have forgotten to mention so many people, but I truly am so very thankful for all the amazing help I have received!” It all starts with a smile, and the rest...that’s up to you.
Photos by Qopi
Curtains from Nordari Panda from D-Lab Home Sign from Abiss
Bench from Cheeky Pea Vase from Cheeky Pea Lights from Zigana ICON MAGAZINE
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Bed from Cheeky Pea Pouffe from Cheeky Pea Lights from Zigana Desk from Pilot Vases from Cheeky Pea Trust Sign from Abiss
Couch from Cheeky Pea Mirror from Cheeky Pea Rug from Zigana Camera from Artilleri
Fridge from Post Sink from Post Map from Pilot Rug from Zigana
Map from Pilot Pouffe from Cheeky Pea Love Sign from Abiss ICON MAGAZINE
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Written by Sensuous Soulstar Photos by Qopi Spring 2013 brings us so many new trends, but none as exciting as one we haven’t seen in awhile: peacock! Yes, you heard right -- peacock is back in! Whether your style is traditional, sophisticated, modern or funky, there’s a place for peacocks in your décor. And no matter whether you choose to adorn your home in large, vibrant feathers, or whether you heed your more conservative side and just choose to showcase the pattern or the color, the bird is the word this season!
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Peacocks are no fashion fly-by-nights. Since the first royal decorator to the Roman emperor decided to do the palace in feathers, designers have flocked to the gorgeous bird. The peacock symbolizes qualities such as beauty, grace, mysticism and pride. Who wouldn’t want to have a beautiful and magical home that they can be proud of? You can, by having peacock themed room decor. For those just dipping their toe into the world of the peacock, it isn’t all about the feathers or even the design; sometimes it’s just the color of the magnificent bird that pulls it all together. Peacock blue is one of the season’s hottest color stories. In fact, a peacock’s plumage is actually a rainbow of shimmering jewel tones including blue, turquoise, indigo, green, purple, navy, orange and gold—so mixing and matching within this diverse palette is a great way to embrace your inner peacock. Modern day decorators are using the bright green, blue and gold colors to provide a splash of color in an otherwise dull and boring room.
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Wanting a little more of the bird, but without the feathers? The trademark eye of the peacock’s tail feathers is a classic design icon. For those wanting to highlight this design, look for fabrics, art and decorative objects that showcase the motif in the way that best suits your style. There’s a perfect peacock pattern out there for everybody, no matter what your style. Feeling a little more bold and ready to show off your tail feather? Peacock feathers can add the perfect exotic touch to any décor or occasion. Peacocks are a deeply symbolic bird, and as such their feathers have become steeped in meaning, which differs by culture. However, no matter what the culture, the decadence and beauty of the bird’s feathers survive every meaning. There is no limit to what a well placed set of peacock feathers can do for a room, from creating an eye-catching centerpiece, to adding a splash of colorful whimsy to an otherwise neutral themed décor.
Fear not, there is no shortage of peacock décor in Second Life. Some of your favorite designers are incorporating this magnificent bird into their designs. From utilizing the “plumeacious” feathers for extreme décor, to integrating the colors and designs into their fabrics, designers are starting to catch on to this hot trend. If any of the sneak peeks that we have seen of upcoming designer releases are any indication, you will soon be able to decorate your entire home in everything from striking peacock shades to a feather extravaganza. Remember, for Spring 2013, the bird is the word!
Click the Note Tab on the side for items used in this article.
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Style Editor’s Note HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVERYONE! Hope you have a safe and drunken one. This month we have more awesomeness as always for you guys. Our Style ICON this issue is the beautiful and talented Daniella Riaxik. She is an awesome photographer and stylist, and I was honored she wanted to be part of our issue. Along with our other section regulars; my FAVORITE section, Shoe Freak, is featuring the amazing Just Design. I hope you enjoy the this issue! If you are a designer and would like your items featured, please email me, daijaarida@gmail.com or contact me in world. Also, if you have any feedback for our magazine please contact me through email as well.
Get Daija’s Look Shirt - Boyfriend Shirt in White from meshTheory Hat - Highway to Hell from Flow Feet - Barefeet Flat from Gos Boutique Hair - Alicia in Pink from =DeLa*= Skin - Indy from Meghindo’s Photograph by Diarmuid Miklos ICON MAGAZINE
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STYLE Dress Gal in White
Overhigh Photographed by Lovelymiwako7399 Menna Modeled by Taya Renfold Inworld: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Goryeo/120/199/1206
Dress Ounce in Orange
Shirt Emma in Black Skirt Alicia in Black
Epicosity Photographed by Lovelymiwako7399 Menna Modeled by Alf Whittaker In world: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Psilocybin/213/193/726 Marketplace: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/37324
Shirt Layered Vest Black in Earth Pants Skinny Jeans in Black
Shirt Sweater in Brown Pants Casual Chino in Chocolate
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Suit Business Man Suit in Brown
Jacket/Hoodie/Shirt Gaston Jacket & Hoodie from Entente Jeans 2012 Jeans from Lenox Shoes Mael Sneakers from Not So Bad Skin Ryan in Tone 5 from Tableau Vivant Hair Days Go By fromExile Styled, Modeled and Photographed by Alex1985 Diabolito
Spring at last, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to put on our swim trunks! March still seems pretty chilly so casual looks with corduroy pants and blazers, hoodies and tees will do the trick as we wait for the “real” Spring in April. Time to dress up for some early spring chill! ICON MAGAZINE
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Blazer & Shirt Dean Blazer from Not So Bad Pants Corduroy Bush from Sleepy Eddy Shoes Allen 2.0 w/Buckle from Hoorenbeek Skin Ryan in Tone 5 from Tableau Vivant Hair Sen from Taketomi
Styled, Modeled and Photographed by Daniella Riaxik
This month we have the lovely Daniella Riaxik as our Style ICON. I love the blog posts that she puts up on plurk. They are classy and chic. Check out her blog @ http://www.daniriaxik.com.
Shirt Cropped Sweater & Shirt from Coco Jewelry Moon Vine Lover’s Heart Necklace from Maxi Gossamer Skin Amberly from Glam Affair Hair Uma from Truth
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Dress Karenina Mesh Cocktail Dress from GizzA Shoes Grace Sandal from Gos Boutique Bag Hearty Clutch Bag Carbon from Just Designs Earrings Reclining Feline Earrings from Just Designs Skin Amberly from Glam Affair Hair Manon from D!va
Dress Cozy Dress from Happy Undead Shirt Haley Tunic & Belt from MOLiCHiNO Skirt Sami Suede Skirt from Pixel Mode Handbag Petra Bag from Rebel Hope
Jewelry Arial Lost Angel Necklace & Earrings from Maxi Gossamer Skin Amberly from Glam Affair Hair Gloria from LeLutka
Modeled by Daija Arida Photographed by Spartin Parx
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This month’s Shoe Freak is Just Design. I know they have released some new shoes and that they’ve been all over the blogs, however I love putting my stamp on awesome shoes.
Spike in Black
Wild in Animal Print Crocodile
Greta Lacquered in Nude
Styled, Photographed and Modeled by Hikaru Enimo
Jacket Slim Jacket in Silver from JeSyLiLo Jeans Henninger Jeans in Petrol from Ladies Who Lunch Shoes Stackz from 2Real Sunglasses Smooth from Gos Bag Amberg in Black from Beldur Hair Ryu in LBlonde01 from Taketomi Ears Steking V4 from Mandala Necklace Silver Love Tags from Maxi Gossamer Hands Hands M#8 from Cheerno
Pose Take on Me Set 1.1 from Morphine
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Coat - Pea Coat in Mustard from Sleepy Eddy T-Shirt - Elov Tee in Dark Grey from Nanuk Pants - Henninger Jeans in Indigo from Ladies Who Lunch Shoes - Glyderz from 2Real Bag - Leather Backpack from Mr Poet Hair - Sofian in LBlonde01 from Burley Ears - Steking V4 from Mandala Necklace - Dog Tags Peaceful Love from Maxi Gossamer Phone - Phone 5 from Zulu Hands - Hands M#8 from Cheerno
Pose - Take on Me Set 2.7 from Morphine
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Lake Bodom Prop by LouLou Teichmann from Tableau Vivant
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[Amelia] Hell Followed Her
Courtesy of googlesearch.com
Styled and Modeled by Draakje Dailey and Tristion Paine Photographed by Tristion Paine
Get that Style is dedicated to bringing real life fashion and replicating it in second life. We were the first and ORIGINAL to come up with this idea and we are proud to bring you this section each and every issue. Draakje has styled two easy and classy styles that are staples for this spring season. Coat - Trench Coat in Black from League Pants - Mesh Leggings in Black from Maitreya Boots - Stagioni Boots in Coal from Maitreya Bag - Kabuki Crocodile Tote in Eggplant from Ison Accessories - Pan Collar from LaGyo
Cardigan - Tweed Jacket in Black from Coco Top - Turtleneck Sweater in Black from Coco Pants - Ankle Skinny Jeans in Old Gold from Coco Shoes - Ankle Boots in Black from Coco Bag - Mesh Leather Satchel in Camo from Maitreya Accessories - kPhone 2 in black from Kunst
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Courtesy of googlesearch.com
Courtesy of fashiontelegraph.co.uk
Tristion went for a urban street/hipster look if you will. I love how he looks dirty yet polished at the same time.
Jacket - Leather Jacket from Epicosity Shirt - Camo Tank from Shiver Pants - Swat Pants from Tableau Vivant Boots - Military Mesh Boots from Blackburns Bag - Leather Backpack from Mr. Poet Hat - Star Snapback from Credo
Jacket - Leather Jacket from Kal Rau Shorts - Capri Shorts from Cheerno Boots - 50’s Jump Boots from Tonktastic
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Courtesy of pixel.nymag.com
A Taste of Chocolat
Meghindo’s
Modeled by Tempest Hennesy ICON Magazine
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Bailley
Beyonce
Kelly
Kerry
Kattie
Mesh isn't just for houses, furniture and hair. Mesh is also taking the beauty field by storm and making it so much easier to have a gorgeous avatar without having to pull your hair out editing the pieces into place or trying to fix up in Photoshop. With everything from body parts - hands, ears, feet, through to lashes and eyeliners, it's easier than ever to have the look you like without it driving you crazy achieving it. Click the Note Tab on the side for all picture credits.
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RADAR
Written by Sahara Mehrtens Photos by Julie Hastings
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Every once in a while you hear a voice that truly touches you the minute you hear it, that gives you chills up and down your spine. Jonas Lunasea, one of SL’s most well-known and beloved live performers, has such a voice. Getting to know Jonas means falling in love with music. He emanates his love and passion for it from his heart and you can’t help but feel his connection and be inspired. “I am a total audiophile – that is to say I am utterly addicted to music,” Jonas explains. “Since I was a child, music has been incredibly special to me. I listen to it almost constantly, all genres, all decades. In what I love and what I perform I look for the same thing; magic! Whether it’s an old jazz standard, pop, indie/alternative, Musical Theatre, Radiohead, Rihanna and everything in between - it’s a piece of music that the artist instilled a little piece of his/her soul into. It’s one that portrays a story, an emotion, the kind of music where it is clear the artist has reached sort of a divine meditation – losing themselves in their creating, which in turn allows us to take that journey with them.”
Jonas explained that he digs and researches countless hours to find the right songs and music for his performance career in both SL and RL. “I consider myself like a treasure hunter. I am constantly scouring the recorded records to find some new gem I have never heard before to take that ride with the artist,” he says. “What I perform tends to mostly fall in line with I enjoy listening to.” Drawn to Second Life through a National Public Radio story, Jonas was hooked almost instantly and discovered the music scene fairly quickly. “I was inworld a couple months just exploring and enjoying the social nature of it all when I happened upon Rosedrop Rust, an SL live music veteran,” he says. “We became friends quickly and I soon realized a new outlet for my art. He helped me get set up with what I needed. This was in late 2005 and the rest is history.”
Catching Jonas can be tricky sometimes, as his schedule is a little unconventional and inconsistent as a result of RL performance responsibilities, but he always draws a huge crowd with his magnetic voice and personality. “My performance schedule in SL and InWorldz is very sporadic,” Jonas admits. “I have times of intense back to back scheduled gigs 6 times a week or I have long sprawls of weeks where I do not perform at all. Between first life projects and the very up and down SL economy it is hard to keep a regular schedule like it used to be in the old days of SL. But for those who are interested can join my group and stay up to date with my performances.“
Jonas loves to perform and make people feel the way he does about music. His favorite performance memories come from someone experiencing his show for the very first time. “Performances where Jonas virgins are in attendance are always a blast,” he says. “Watching someone discover me and feel as if they have stumbled on a special gem that is their own little secret is always great. It brings me joy to give people a new way to feel good.” Not only is Jonas a live performer with a golden voice, he also is known for doing his best behind the DJ booth! “When I get to DJ in SL I really enjoy it,” he says. “I tend not to think of myself as a DJ but as more of a host of an evening. I love hosting parties, talking to people, helping everyone to have a good time, get the group talking together and not just listen to music and chat in IM’s. But more importantly as a music snob, I get to share excellent music with people whom otherwise listen to whatsoever drudge is on the radio. As a musical treasure hunter I consider it my duty and responsibility to throw a lifeline to people who wallow in waters of terrible taste. I say this in half jest of course – really, as grandiose as it sounds, I really just want to help people feel alive and full of joy for living.” An educator in RL, Jonas knows how to help people who are interested in growing their own careers in music, and he offers advice for pursuers of a career in music. “I tell students all the time – entertainers who just entertain fall short of an opportunity. People enjoy art of all kinds because it makes them feel alive. It is a catharsis – feel the emotion and the story of what you are performing. But more than that – BE it. This is why people come to shows. They want to escape, they want to feel, they want to be. Be with them. Just be.” ICON MAGAZINE
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Written by Amelia Harsley Photos by Phe Bruun
Are you into role-playing? How about gaming? Completing hunts? How about puzzles? If you answered yes to one, or all of those, then you should check out the amazing projects of MadPea Productions! MadPea Productions is a game design company that has been bringing high-quality entertainment to the grid since 2008 in the forms of games, hunts, adventures, themed events and contests. “As the name already states, we’re all mad here, with an insane amount humor of course!” says Kiana Writer. “We are a huge active community whose goal is to push the envelope just a little bit further with each thing we do.”
zMP Productions has created events and games for RL clients, educational environments, grid-wide adventure hunts, smaller hunts, and stand-alone games. Kiana explains that they have probably created closer to a 100 games/hunts by now. “The length of the game really depends on the game and who it has been created for,” she says. “Our Carneval is full of all kinds of games and they will be up for months. Some of the entrances are hidden though, so make sure to explore to find them. Our hunts have an expiration date since they are grid-wide and it varies from one hunt to another.” Participation in the hunts and games has been overwhelming and people show up in droves to do the hunts and adventures. “It’s truly blowing me away to see how interested people are,” Kiana says. “I’m just humbled to watch people playing and loving our creations. It’s a feeling one can’t quite describe. In our last hunt - Room 326, a horror mystery, we had close to 3500 players within one month and that’s what keeps us pushing to bring out even more for the players to enjoy!”
Kiana’s ideas and inspirations come from all over, but she got her start in this project being a writer/creator. “I have been writing stories ever since I was a kid, as well as creating little games for my friends to play. When I first entered SL I was like WOAH, this platform is an amazing place to actually collaborate with people and bring my stories to life,” she says. “I have a limitless chest of tales just waiting to be brought out! Most of my ideas come from my dreams, how weird is that? At some point in my life I realized that everyone doesn’t dream the way I do and I started using those as the base to build my stories on. I’m a lucid dreamer and my dreams and nightmares are often better than movies. I wish someone would just create a device to record dreams, it’d make this a lot easier!” “I work with a lot of amazing, talented people who I love very dearly,” she says of the team at MadPea Productions. “This is something I just have to list and please take the space to have them all in, because MadPea would not be what is it without
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all these individuals who not only possess the skills, but are the ones with big hearts and truly amazing minds. From our creative director, Harter Fall, who also keeps me sane, to our family of designers, scripters, sound designers and community managers - Arduenn Schwartzman, Fae Varriale, Paramparamm Papp, Lorin Tone, Penelope Parx, Clicquot Oh, Zachh Barkley, Geoffrey Xenobuilder. Fuzz Difference, Glitch Axelrad, Allco Nostram, Kyle Beckett, RAG Randt, Linus Humphreys, Elizabeth Tinsley, Cold Frog, Ravenstarr and Synful Aeon. We also collaborate with designers and artists for different projects, and are always on the lookout for new talent.” Each adventure and game takes an enormous amount of time and energy for all of those involved to get from start to finish. “It all begins with a story; then we put in all the ingredients - building, graphics, interactive scripting, music, sounds, animations, testing and promotions,” she explains. “It takes a
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lot more work than most people realize! For each unique storyline we create matching scenery, HUD scripting, in-world interactive elements, scripts for each action, graphics, video, sounds etc. It takes us between 2-9 months to create each game and it’s a lot of hard work - totally worth it though!” With so much going on at MadPea, it can be hard to keep up, but there are plenty of places to check out so you can be a part of the grid-wide games and hunts! To be one of the first ones to find out about what’s coming next and participate in the madness, join their group, MadPeas, or follow them on:
Their Official Website: http://madpeagames.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MadPea Blog: http://madpea.blogspot.com/ “We have lots of new stuff coming this year, so stay tuned,” Kiana says. All pictures were taken during the current Legend of the Month interactive game/hunt by MadPea. The Love Potion 9.9 hunt runs till March 14th, so there is still time for you to help alchemist Phinneas Phicklephogg decipher the love potion recipe and to claim your rewards!
Written by Lacy Muircastle Photos by Qopi
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Second Life is about being “for the community, by the community”. It offers an almost unlimited platform for creative expression. As in real life, there are many diverse communities within the global SL community itself. I would very much like to introduce to you Barbie Alchemi who is the owner and founder of Creations for Parkinson’s, a top quality venture to raise awareness and donations for Team Fox to benefit The Michael J.Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. She has a wonderful story to share. Barbie’s father died with Parkinson’s. A year later, her mom was also diagnosed with the disease. However, to quote her spunky mom, “I may have Parkinson’s, but it does not have me.” She has entered Second Life and is thrilled to see herself running and dancing again. A year ago, the seed of an idea came to Barbie which germinated into a beautiful sim created out of love for her parents. The idea was to promote support groups and fundraising for Parkinson’s disease research, as well as offer an exquisite environment for all of us in SL to explore. Fran Serenade, Barbie’s mother, is a sprightly 86 years young and here is the remarkable thing, Second Life has helped the human being behind the Fran Serenade avatar to regain some of the abilities she had lost to the disease. As a result of visualizing her avatar’s movements, Fran has triggered the mirror neurons in her brain, allowing her to relearn certain movements, for example getting out of her chair on her own and being able to negotiate steps - all from watching her avatar do Tai Chi in SL.
This fascinating phenomenon has inspired Tom Bukowski (anthropologist Tom Boellstorff author of “Coming of Age in Second Life”) and Tredi Felisino (Dr. Donna Davis) to receive a grant to study the benefits of Second Life for people with Parkinson’s. They have added a private sim adjacent to Barbie’s sim where this important research will be conducted. Creations For Parkinson’s is a romantic and fun sim to visit covering two sims. You can rez free horses for exploring the sim, sail the meandering waterways, swim underwater with the mystical mermaid, hang-glide from the highest tower of the castle and meditate in the Cherry Blossom Garden. Be sure to visit the elegant Creations Ballroom, casual Michael J’s Coffee House or outdoor Nature’s Glen for regular dance and live music events. You may also want to attend a live poetry reading in the peaceful Poetry Park. I was charmed by the European styled shopping village featuring a number of high profile fashion brands. These designers and fashion brands contribute 50% of their profits made on the sim to Team Fox. Felixx Shephard, of the stunning Da Vinci Gardens sim fame, is a great supporter and his uniquely textured Aladdin’s Palace is available for purchase.
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High in the sky over the sim is the huge and awe inspiring art installation “Compulsive Creativity” by world famous artist/ architect David Denton (DB Bailey in SL). He came to SL six years ago as a way to continue his work after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This unique exhibit is an artistic rendering of the emotional experience of his journey with Parkinson’s. His gallery currently holds a heart rendering display by poet Brenda Brodi. Weekly support groups are held for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. These groups offer meaningful and life affirming friendships, insight, information and laughter to the participants. Barbie explains that the positive emotions of joy and laughter increase dopamine which helps reduce Parkinson’s symptoms. This sim is about fun and love. The sim costs Barbie’s family in the region of US $4000 a year, but none of the money raised on the sim goes to her. 100% of all donations and income goes straight to Team Fox. Through this, they have managed to raise over one million Linden Dollars in nine months.
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Barbie regularly changes various parts of the sim to keep it fresh and in line with the seasons It is worth just visiting for its aesthetic beauty if for no other reason, as there is a lot to see. Once more Second Life proves to be a vehicle for creativity and compassion for various residents of our wonderful virtual world, and it is stories like this that emphasize just how worthwhile it can be.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Solace%20Lake/150/88/24
ENTERTA INMENT
Photos Courtesy of Darkley Aeon
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It was in 2009 that I first discovered the photography of Darkley Aeon, and all these years later she still inspires me with her style, her pictures and her sparkling personality. There is a honesty to her photos that shines through and draws you into the story they tell. These days she can be found on Wordpress sharing her styling skills and beautiful shots on her blog - http://guerillaavatar.wordpress.com or look for her on Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkley
ICON: What is the best part of the work you do? What gives you the most pride? Darkley: I love finding new things, new places trying to set a story in a photo, getting all the elements that I picture in my head right in the pic.
ICON: What frustrates you the most about being a photographer? Darkley: Usually when SL isn’t playing nice, things won’t rez properly, gridlines - although thankfully that is not a problem anymore as I use either the official viewer or Niran’s now. Or that moment when you come to edit it and notice something fuzzy or off that you didn’t see in world.
ICON: How do you manage to keep the creativity flowing? From where do you derive your influences? Darkley: I usually get inspired by the locations I find, or an item of clothing I bought, something will be the trigger and I will search about looking for the rest to fit in with that.
ICON: What is the most unusual thing/person you’ve been asked to photograph? Darkley: When I first started someone asked me to take pics of their new, perfectly colour matched scripted penis. They had spent a fortune on it, getting the creator to custom make it or something.
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ICON: Have you ever refused to photograph something because it was so far out there that it made you uncomfortable? Darkley: When I used to have my studio two things happened that wierded me out and annoyed me at the same time. 1) A child avatar came by, which wasn’t a problem in itself, but they insisted on staying in character the entire conversation, complete with speech impediment and asking me to speak to their ‘mommy’. 2) Same deal but it was a ‘slave’ who wanted me to contact their master or some nonsense. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
ICON: When you look back at your first SL photographs, what makes you cringe the most? Darkley: The backdrops. I used to try some pretty awful backdrops. Plus my graphics card was painfully bad - it was a free laptop I got with my phone contract.
ICON: When you see the art that you create now, what do you feel? Darkley: I hope I have improved over time. I now only take location shots as there are so many great sims, and with shadows and windlight why would you want to green screen then add in a backdrop? I don’t have a studio anymore, and mostly take blog pics, but I like to try something a bit more challenging every few weeks, rather than do that sit in a box and take pics of people who still insist on wearing flexi hair.
ICON: If you weren’t a photographer and had to pick another profession in SL, what would it be? Darkley: I have no idea. There is nothing else that gives you the freedom to explore and just think about how you want to present what you’ve seen.
ICON: When you have time for fun in SL what do you do? Darkley: I love exploring, finding amazing sims, cool builds, trying to find something I haven’t seen before.
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Written by Amelia Harsley Photos Courtesy of V-Day
Getting together is always fun in Second Life. Getting together for a meaningful and beautiful cause is an amazing experience, not only for those throwing the party, but everyone who is involved and part of the event. For 24 hours starting on Valentine’s Day, Second Life residents joined with activists around the world in a 24-hour dance event for ONE BILLION RISING. It was the largest day of action in the history of V-Day.
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V-Day is a global activist movement that aims to end violence against women and girls. It raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of Playwright/ Founder Eve Ensler’s award winning play The Vagina Monologues and other artistic works. In 2012 over 5,800 V-Day benefit events took place produced by volunteers in the U.S. and around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls. To date, the V-Day movement has raised over $90 million and educated millions about the issue of violence against women and the efforts to end it.
One Billion Rising, the organization sponsoring the event, began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than one billion women and girls.
The event featured a four-region stage surrounded by an area of art installations and informational exhibits. A variety of performers played over the 24-hour period, enabling people all over the world to attend this virtual event no matter their time zone. Every hour of the event, all the performers streamed “Break the Chain� - the song specially created for this event in the real world. You can see the Second Life version of the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AUYdrhoDfE
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Eighteen SL artists and DJ’s signed up and participated in this huge event, including; Solkide Auer, Gwen Carrilon, Giovanna Cerise, Kicca Igaly, Gracie Kendal, Em Larsson, Meilo Minataur and Capcat Ragu, Daco Monday, Romy Nayar, Haveit Neox, Nessuno Myoo, Bryn Oh, Maya Paris, Rag Randt, Lorin Tone, Eupalinos Ugajin, and Nioke Yuitza.
The objective of the event was to raise awareness, not to raise funds. Sponsors of the event included: Alchemy Immortalis; Bits and Bobs Animations; Cheeky Pea; The Domineaux Effect; Dutchie; Galland Homes; Garden of Dreams; Gos Boutique; Gwen Carillon Designs/Serenite; Heart Garden Centre; Kaerri; Maven Homes; Meshworx; Prime; and Spargel and Shine. Check out V-Day and see how you can support the mothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, aunts and all the women and girls in your life from the violence that statistically will touch some of them.
Photos by Qopi
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DJing was something Bouncer had wanted to try for a long time, so he asked around and found out what he needed to get started from other DJs and over two years later, he is still going strong. Twice a week you will find him at Ambrosia Dance Club (Thursday 6pm and Sunday 8am), but he can also be found Djing events, weddings or at friend’s birthday parties. “It really depends on the type of crowd is there that day, and the requests I get,” he says of the music he can be found playing. His playlist includes rock, dance and pop, but it really depends on the feel of the crowd in the club as to what Bouncer plays. His advice to upcoming DJs: Practice and have a lot of music saved on your hard drive. You must also be comfortable using a mic and talking to people who are at the club. A DJ that only plays music, one that never talks, is an iPod. Also learn to say “no”. You might be in the middle of a kick ass rock set and get a request for a country song. “No.” Those kinds of requests I call “set killers” people will leave the club. Bouncer’s Top 10 Must Have Songs: 1. Adele - Skyfall (Men in Bit Bootleg) 2. Swedish House Mafia - Save The World (Plastic People Trap Remix) 3. House of Pain - Jump Around (Benjamin Thiercé Moombahton Edit) 4. Maroon 5 - One More Night (Marcus J Bootleg) 5. Rihanna - Diamonds (Jacob Plant Remix)
6. Rihanna vs Ginuwine vs Vass - Never Jump Ponys (Garebear Not Dubstep Mashup) 7. Three Days Grace - Chalk Outline 8. Bodyrox vs Twenty Fingers vs Lil Jon Short Dck Man Get Low Yeah (Nasty Division Mashup) 9. Deftones - Tempest 10. Bullet For My Valentine - Breaking Point
(A.C. [Dreadlow VasserCraft])
It was when an old friend took a job DJing at a club that the desire to DJ took hold of Ayra. “With her help, I was able to get started,” she says. She has now been DJing in Second Life for close to four years.
You can find her spinning at the Greek Gold Lesbian Resort where what she plays depends on her mood, but she has a real thing for mash-ups and remixes. Her advice to upcoming DJs: I would say add some personality to your sets. I know at times it is hard to speak, but once you throw yourself into the mix, epic-ness will come out! Ayra’s Top 10 Must Have Songs: 1. Journey - Any Way You Want 2. Kelly Clarkson - Catch My Breath 3. Jessie J - Domino 4. Jason Mraz - I’m Yours 5. ANF - Smooth Criminal 6. P!nk - Raise Your Glass 7. Aretha Franklin - RESPECT 8. The Beatles - Hey Jude 9. Jay Sean - Down 10. Berlin - Metro
(Blaise Pooley Hawke)
After joining Second Life in 2007, Balise knew he just had to DJ, but instead he worked as a host for Kaj Juutilanen, one of the best alternative rock DJs in SL, for a couple of years. It was from Kaj that he picked up tips and got plenty of good advice before he had his DJ gear together and was ready to jump in and give it a go, and since January 2009, he has been rocking the alternative scene. Blaise’s playlist consists ICON MAGAZINE
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of what he likes to call Electro-Industrial. “This for me covers pretty much everything from dancey EBM/Synthpop to stompy Industrial.Powernoise, depending on the audience,” he explains. And if you want to be a part of his audience, check him out at The Dark Chapel of Starfall at 6pm SLT on Saturdays or the Volcano Room at Pulse, 6pm SLT Sundays. His Volcano Room gig is also simulcast on Radio Black Light. His advice to upcoming DJs: Pay attention to your audience! In SL we have the rare opportunity to get direct feedback from listeners, so take that opportunity, let it help you become a better DJ. The biggest thing I’ve learned is to keep a balance between being an Artist and being a PeoplePleaser. Too much one way and the audience gets alienated, or too much the other way and the audience can get bored with music they’ve already heard 10,000 times. Blaise’s Top 10 Must Have Songs: 1. De/Vision - Life Is Suffering (Sinner mix) 2. Brainclaw - Mad World 3. Covenant - We Stand Alone 4. Dehix - Apocalypto (Knobs Remix) 5. Grace Jones - Corporate Cannibal 6. Combichrist - Give Head If You Got It 7. Shiv-r - Hollow Mask 8. Trimetrick - Holy Fuck 9. Zombie Girl - The Darkness (Darker Mix by Komor Kommando) 10. The Dark Clan - Goals (Midlife Crisis Remix)
V IE W P OINT
Photos by Jordan Whitt
Love them or hate them, Lolas are taking over the grid. More and more designers are now adapting and creating fashions to fit them. Even your favourite skin designers have applier matches for their popular skins. While there is a vast amount of Lola fashion that is - for lack of a better word - hookerish, many more of your favourite mainstream designers have embraced enhanced chests and are changing the way they are seen by making clothing that is sexy without being slutty, functional without simply being f*ckable. We sat a few of them down to get their opinion on the Lola-craze. ICON MAGAZINE
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Mariska Simons
[Blacklace]
ICON: Boob attachments used to be the joke of SL. Why do you think their popularity has taken off now? Mariska: All the cute shirt, dress and lingerie styles that are coming out with that vava voom cleavage that makes the men want to drool. The tango and lush release was a big part of this too - providing breasts which you can size for a more natural and curvy look. ICON: What prompted you to drink the kool aid and embrace the boobie craze by adapting your clothing to include appliers for them? Mariska: All the requests from customers begging me to provide them. ICON: How hard is it to adapt your clothing to include appliers for them? Mariska: I have a love and hate relationship with the appliers. For some creations it is as easy as copying and pasting the bust to the Tango applier. Others I have spent almost a week altering to fit the breast. I have found that detail, especially lace, does not always work well with Lolas. ICON: What is your favourite design that you have created that uses appliers? Mariska: Erielle. I love that classic corset look. ICON: Do you think this is just a fad, or are boobies here to stay? Mariska: I think they are going to be here for a while, more so now other designers are joining in.
Lexi Morgan
[Stellar]
ICON: Boob attachments used to be the joke of SL. Why do you think their popularity has taken off now? Lexi: I use to be one that would joke about them in the past, but between the realistic effects of mesh and the fact that they don’t have to be worn in a tacky way, I think more people are trying them. ICON: What prompted you to drink the kool aid and embrace the boobie craze by adapting your clothing to include appliers for them? Lexi: As a creator, I want to stay on top of everything new or at least try it out so that I can offer my customers options. It just so happens that I really liked them. ICON: How hard is it to adapt your clothing to include appliers for them? Lexi: It’s not hard at all. It’s just a few extra steps with each piece of clothing, but I am willing to take as much time that is needed if that’s what my customers like. ICON: What is your favourite design that you have created that uses appliers? Lexi: The new shirt/skirt set that I have just released is my favorite appliers set so far (I’m wearing it in the picture shown). A close second favorite is my Baseball Jersey that comes in about eight colors and has a matching sporty mesh skirt. ICON: Do you think this is just a fad, or are boobies here to stay? Lexi: I think it is here to stay and will probably even improve over time. Not that they need much improving!
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Ivey Deschanel
[Sn@tch]
ICON: Boob attachments used to be the joke of SL. Why do you think their popularity has taken off now? Ivey: Personally I think because of the quality of mesh as opposed to sculpts. The shapes of the new mesh breasts are VERY realistic. Also the ability to shrink them to a smaller size is a plus. You can have that amazing shape without being so large they put people’s eyes out. ICON: What prompted you to drink the kool aid and embrace the boobie craze by adapting your clothing to include appliers for them? Ivey: Honestly it was the customers. Over a period of a few weeks I must have gotten two dozen requests for clothing for them. I think customers weren’t thrilled that most of the clothes available were so racy and wanted an alternative - sexy but not sleazy. ICON: How hard is it to adapt your clothing to include appliers for them? Ivey: It’s not too difficult, they’re very easy to make and work with, but you do need to think about the neckline and how it will line up with the breasts. Too much detail in the chest area and it can look stretched out or not line up properly. ICON: What is your favourite design that you have created that uses appliers? Ivey: It’s a toss up between the Lass Lace Bodysuit and the Gretel Corset Tops which were my very first top with the appliers. I also just released a lingerie and corset set called Fluffer, which I love. I can’t wait for Spring so I can work with the appliers in more pastels and bright colors. Ohhh and swimsuits too, that’ll be fun! ICON: Do you think this is just a fad, or are boobies here to stay? Ivey: I think they’re going to remain popular but with a smaller crowd once the excitement dies down. Mesh clothing is getting so big that system clothes will be harder to find. For those that love being ample up top though, mesh boobs are win and will stay that way!
Cynthia Ultsch
[Cynful]
ICON: Boob attachments used to be the joke of SL. Why do you think their popularity has taken off now? Cynthia: I think its the mesh. The sculpted boobs were hard to fit and I’ve only seen them SUPER huge. With the mesh boobs, you can even resize them to a more natural size. Plus the texture is more sharp to see as well- skin or even clothing texture. ICON: What prompted you to drink the kool aid and embrace the boobie craze by adapting your clothing to include appliers for them? Cynthia: First of all, I LOVE kool aid! But, to be honest - I had a lot of customers asking me for Appliers. Back when the mesh boobs first came out I was not a huge fan of them, but since I like to make my customers smile, I went to get the boobs and tried them out. I think a lot of customers were super excited when I came out with the applier section! ICON: How hard is it to adapt your clothing to include appliers for them? Cynthia: Well, it takes obviously practice - especially for the older kind of appliers, and it takes time, but it’s totally worth it. I’m glad I decided to do appliers! ICON: What is your favourite design that you have created that uses appliers? Cynthia: Well, I have a few. And overall, if I don’t like something that I create, I simply don’t sell it. But my favourite applier item is the Vale´s Sweatshirt dress in solid or even in lace. Why? Because you can mix it either to look sporty/casual or you can dress up super sexy. ICON: Do you think this is just a fad, or are boobies here to stay? Cynthia: For me personally, as long as I create clothes, I will continue to create appliers. I didn’t start doing them when they got popular, I’ve made appliers before. Its a choice I made and after all, everyone has the choice to wear my clothing with or without boobs!
Written and Photographed by
an Addict
Oh where to begin? Well first off….I LOVE playing as a petite! I mean really, how cute can you get? Now I’m not gonna lie to ya, it’s not a cheap addiction, but it is a fun one. And if you can exercise some self control, you’ll be just fine. ICON MAGAZINE
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Why self control? Because there are SO many cute and fun things for petites, sometimes I have to stop myself from doing too much shopping or else I’d go poor. There are many designers who make clothes just for petites, not to mention houses, gadgets, vehicles, accessories…pretty much anything you can get for a regular sized avi you can get for petite. Only petite designed items tend to be a lot cuter and more fun. Your average petite avatar will run you around $1,400-$1,500L. They’re not cheap, but a petite avi package usually includes an outfit and a hud, so you’re getting a lot. One of my favorite things to play with as a petite is my horse! It comes with a HUD that lets you change settings like sounds for the horse to make. You attach it and it puts you in the riding position and when you walk, the horse walks and the feet move with a clip-clop sound and when you run, it gallops - feet an all - also with sound. You can turn the sound off if you like, but having it on is of course more fun. Riding around as a tiny petite on a tiny horse is just the cutest thing ever! There are also petite mermaid outfits galore for when you’re in that mermood. You can be a little pixie and wear an elfin outfit, or flit around with the costume and wings of a fairy. Just as with full size, you can also be a neko or go out in fancy dress, whatever you like! Most petite clothes and accessories cost about the same as those for full size avis.
There is so much fun petite furniture too! Everything from regular house furniture to furnish your petite house to garden swings and stuff to landscape a Petite home. If you like to be creative, you can even make your own petite fashions and products. There are lots of clothing templates out there. Yabusaka offers many templates for free, just be aware that they are specially designed to fit Yabusaka petite avis, so if you’re making the clothes for yourself, you’ll need the Yabusaka avi. You can also sell your own creations if you like. There’s just something about being so tiny that makes it all so much more fun!
THE LIST
Nothing is more relaxing than soaking in the tub or a long, hot shower, and then afterwards, wrapping up in a soft towel. Heroes Art has a mesh towel for him available in four sizes and five towel fabrics. It’s a perfect fit and super sexy!
You don’t have to be a role player to enjoy their fashions. Shield Maiden is a medieval dress for the woman who love linen and leather instead of satin and lace. The Muses has created fashions that are perfect for the warrior, princess or whatever you desire to be. ICON MAGAZINE
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Cute and cuddle, the Toasty Pillow Sculpt Pack from Trowix has everything you need to make your own adorable little toast cushions. The pack includes a sculpt map, two baked textures and a pillow demo. Have fun creating your own little toasty cushions and sharing them with your friends.
You get the girl, so it’s time for your victory salute with the You Lose pose from Omen. The posemaker advises that the hand “salute” is photoshopped in, as is the one in this picture, so some basic editing skills are required.
He’s in the dog box or deep in thought, so Tabou Irresistible has the perfect pose for the guy looking for the right pose to get across this message. Thinker is a great pose and a great addition to everyone’s pose collection.
From the great designs to gorgeous texturing to the amazing versatility when it comes to posing and movement - mesh is highly chic right now. Here we have teamed up the June Lingerie set from Autres (yes it is mesh) with the Outsider Gaberdine Trench Coat from Sn@tch. Lingerie under a coat is super sexy too!
Have you ever jumped up on the pose stand, ready to take a picture, only to find your hand is stuck in your body? It’s so annoying! The Avimote PoseMaker PE from Avimote Systems is just what you need to save your sanity and to help you take wonderful pictures! You can use this to edit your poses - move your hand out of your body, tilt your head a different way - by simply clicking the hud and adjusting the body part. It’s a lifesaver every photographer, blogger or photo enthusiast.
Commoner has the perfect thing for all long distance lovers. The (P)in Love Map comes in two editions - a US version for Americans seperated by States, and a World version for those in completely different countries. Simply move the heart pins to represent you and your loved one, and you’ll feel just a tiny bit closer. As it says on the map - Maybe apart in distance, but never in heart.
ICON lifestyle magazine
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MARCH 2013
All material used by permission and is the property of ICON. Reproduction or use of the content in whole or part, without the written permission of the Editor, is strictly prohibited.