Table of
Contents 3 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 5 DION JORDAN 9 SIMONE FREEMAN 13 CHRIS CUFFEE 15 ALEX TUCKER 21 ALLIANNAH HAMILTON 25 NADIA FORD
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
T
his is the eighth issue of ILLESTHETIC Magazine (pronounced ill-aesthetic), an ArtByLuna
Collection publication, founded by page editor and art director, Calah Jones. The first issue of this magazine was published in February of 2017 with the intention to give young writers and journalists an opportunity to write for their own magazine and to feature local visual artists. With our success, we have been able to feature several visual artists in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas. Visual artists include, but are not limited to, sculptors, graphic designers, painters, photographers, illustrators, culinary artists, fashion designers, tattoo artists, and more.
The vision for ILLESTHETIC Magazine is to give these
artists the voice and audience they may not have. Visual arts are often overlooked. Knowing this, ILLESTHETIC Magazine's goal is to help change this perspective and give visual artists the audience they may not have had in the past. This magazine is quarterly, meaning there are four issues each year. Each magazine can be purchased as a hard copy by emailing us through our website at www.illestheticmag.com.
— Calah Jones
3
Meet the
creators
calah
elizabeth
wanyeh
ali
summer
shae jade
corrine
5
dion jordan
written by Ali Pham
D
ion Jordan, whose full name is
thing he has to deal with is Virginia’s
Dion Gosset Jordan Jr. is from
weather and how unpredictable it is.
Suffolk, VA but now resides in Norfolk,
Jordan receives a ton of help when
VA as a photographer. He started his
he makes his artwork. He thinks
photography career around the same
photography is all collaboration
time he started taking pictures of his
between the photographer and the
friends back in high school. He was 17
model and whoever helps with the
then, 20 now, and Jordan always saw
shoot. Jordan sees himself more
himself creating something but was not
creative with a ton of more resources
really sure what. He learned all of his
in the future and says he does not
skills when he was shooting a bunch of
regret anything because everything
pictures and shooting on YouTube.
was meant. His advice to his younger
self was to “shoot a lot.” His advice to
Other than photography,
Jordan found himself into clothing.
new artists is to “define your own vision
He said his inspirations are Robert
and project exactly that. Likes and
Mapplethorpe and Jonathan Mannion.
comments don’t define how good your
When asked if photography was a
work is. Create at your own pace.”
hobby or career to him, he said, “I see
this both as a career and a hobby. It’s
time off to get re-inspired when he is
a career because I do commissioned
going through a creative block. He
work, but also a hobby because I do a
practices his artwork every day and
lot of personal projects as well.”
he describes his artwork as “LiveDie.”
Jordan wants people to see his artwork
Some of his proudest moments
were when he first published his
At times, Jordan likes to take
from their own perspective.
artwork. He said the most frustrating
6
black and the photograph seems to be very mysterious and has very hot
focusing on doing something too big, as
temperature.
of right now. He gives back to whoever
accepts his artwork and said his
“Breeze Park.” It is of him taking a photo
mentors and motivators are the people
of another photograph of four people
around him. Jordan also said that he
standing up next to each other standing
wants his artwork to be groundbreaking
next to a car. The photograph is in a
one day.
grassland and the photo is in a picture
7
His biggest goal right now is
to enjoy being a photographer and not
One of Jordan’s pieces is a
Another artwork of Jordan’s is
frame. The whole thing is placed in the
photo of a red circle looking like the
grassland where the photo was taken.
planet Mars but extremely red with
It seems to bring back memories for
a yellow circumference. Jordan Jr.
Jordan Jr. of the four men and the place
calls this the “Faces of Pain.” It’s an
seems very memorable to all of them.
image of two people wearing a mask,
or alien-like figures. It also looks like
photographers who likes to take
it can suck people in. A little bit below
pictures of other people and turning
the diameter of the photo, there is a
them into a star. Jordan’s family and
line across that looks like lines on a
friends have impacted him the most
hospital monitor. There is a red and
which has lead him to do so well in his
yellow circle a little bit below that
craft. With all the photos he has, Jordan
and there is no known reason of what
can blow out the world with all the
the circle is for, according to the
clothing his models have to get people’s
photograph. The background is in
attention.
Jordan is like many other
photos by Jade Brown
8
simone freeman
written by Elizabeth Bolaji
T
9
wenty two year-old Simone
Freeman is more than
the time who were musicians,” said
“I had a lot of friends at
just “the kid with the camera.” The
Freeman. “Every weekend we would
mostly self-taught photographer
go to Baltimore for shows, and I
has an entrepreneurial spirit, and a
started bringing my camera. And
determined attitude that keeps her
then I got good. Somebody asked
moving forward. Growing up in a
me, ‘Do you want to do a shoot? I’ll
military family, Freeman spent part of
pay you.’ And that launched it.” Her
her childhood traveling and moving
first shoot was the behind-the-scenes
to different places, eventually settling
of a music video for a client. After
down in Maryland when she was eight.
realizing that other people could see
the talent within her, she decided to
When Freeman graduated
high school, she knew the next step of
give more of her time and attention to
her life didn’t involve college. Instead,
photography.
her vision was to pursue her passion:
making music. She played piano and
about how to use cameras when she
guitar, and later became a music
was in high school, most of the skills
teacher for all sorts of instruments.
she’s gained are ones she’s learned
She even started her own business to
while on the job. The classes sparked
teach music to students of different
an interest, but she fell in love with the
ages.Surprisingly, photography didn’t
“rollercoaster” that comes with every
enter the picture until she was twenty.
photoshoot.
Though she’d taken classes
10
photos by Elizabeth Bolaji
11
This new career path opened
made meeting new people more than
doors for Freeman. As an entrepreneur,
just part of the job – it became one of
she focused on the bigger picture. To
the highlights of her work. Her attitude
her, success was all about doing what
has influenced her photography in other
she loved. And she, without a doubt,
ways as well, most notably inspiring her
loved photography. Although she was
to always be ready for a picture, “I think
willing to put in the work to see her
everyone has said at least once, ‘I wish
dream flourish, she did find that getting
I could close my eyes and just snap a
her career in motion was tough. “But
picture of this moment.’ I know I’ve had
once I got it going, I was able to do
those moments and I just wish I had
even more than just enjoy the ride.” At
my camera. But you don’t get to rewind
the end of the day, passion for music,
those moments. So, I have my camera
photography and the arts is “in her
on me twenty-four-seven.” But keeping
blood.”
her camera with her all the time isn’t just
Her mother is one of her
so she can snap the perfect picture.
biggest inspirations, an artistic hard-
worker who taught her the importance
I didn’t have any friends, I used to walk
of being a self-starter from a young
with my head down a lot. I used to
age. “She truly believes in me. Not just
look at my feet,” said Freeman. "Then I
because I’m her daughter, but because
realized that I was missing out on a lot.
she sees my work and says, ‘Wow, that
And the camera is my way of reminding
is awesome,’” said Freeman.
myself to look up.” Freeman specializes
in still and portrait photography, and her
Because she spent so much of
“When I was younger, because
her life moving around, Freeman has no
portfolio contains shoots of all types,
fear of traveling, and would like to travel
from clothing models to sports to babies
more in the future, especially for shoots.
and everything in between. She can
Alongside her sociable personality,
be found at @rugratphotography on
her willingness to try something new
Instagram.
12
Chris cuffee
written by Ali Pham
C
hris Cuffee is a 19-year-old
once he is finished, he wants to own his
photographer out of Norfolk, VA.
own studio to shoot in and try to work for
He first started getting into photography
a big name clothing brand. The hardest
when he was kid. He was just playing
part of his work that he has to deal with
around with his mother’s cameras and
is struggling to show how different he is
discovered that he found an interest in
with his photography. Cuffee’s ability to
photography after some time. Although he
do photography changes over time by his
has not been in any art exhibitions yet, he
style and quality of work. He wants to give
hopes to show his work in shows to come.
future photographers, and anyone who
Cuffee posts his work on social media
had the same dream as him, the aspiration
to boost his audience and get people to
to “never give up.”
know his artwork. Outside of photography,
his passion revolves around fashion,
of inspirations from the 1990s and the
technology, and cooking.
model’s interest. Explaining how he edits
The young photographer is inspired by
his photos, Cuffee said, “I’ll try to draw the
other artist’s such as Gunner Stahl, a
natural tones of the skin and environment
young photographer who has made a
around the model as much as possible.”
name for himself for capturing candid
As shown in his artwork, there is always
images of rap's biggest artists, and
reflection or lighting on the model’s skin.
RAYSCORRUPTEDMIND, another
Most of it is on the face to capture’s the
photographer who captures celebrity
audience attention to the model.
candid’s.
Many photographers use special
Cuffee has a bunch of photos
he wants to show the world. To build
equipment and have different cameras;
his portfolio up, he’s after any modeling
Cuffee uses a different camera to get the
companies that wants their model’s
pictures he takes now. His favorite is his
photos to be published. He is also looking
Sony Alpha 200 DSLR. “Versatility is very
to cosmetology seeking individuals to
important to me,” he expressed. He is
model for his work because of his love for
able to make low lighting photos with this
candid’s and portraits. With a future studio
camera, which he believes, makes his
in progress, Cuffee is pushing to learn new
work stand out.
photography skills and techniques.
Cuffee is currently in the military and
13
Majority of his artwork consists
photos by Jade Brown
14
alex tucker written by Calah Jones
D
esigner and Virginia-based
believes that everyone has their own
entrepreneur, Alexander
talents or their own skills that just come
Edward Tucker, also known as Alex
easy to them. “For me, it’s clothing,”
Tucker, created his own clothing line
he explained. “I have an eye for, what I
called InsertName in March 2016. The
think, is nice or cool clothing, especially
young designer enjoys thrifting and
when I go out to thrift stores. I pick out
repurposing clothing to make outfits,
a really good selection and resell that.”
which is partly how he started his
When it comes to designing clothes,
brand. Tucker was born and raised in
Tucker forms ideas in his head naturally
Richmond, Virginia, one of the known
of what to do with them. “I just kind
artistic cities in Virginia. He attended
of flip it and make it into my own and
school in northern Virginia at George
make it apart of my brand,” he said.
Mason University. After graduating, he
Tucker believes that there is always a
stayed around Fairfax, Virginia because
way to enjoy what we’re doing and still
he got a job right out of school. After
monetize off of it.
about a year, he realized his passion
was more focused with clothing. Tucker
college that Tucker started designing
decided to stop working for someone
clothes. His favorite brand at the time
else full-time and, instead, build his
was Supreme, a really popular clothing
brand and work on his clothing full-time.
brand that would normally sell out.
Not many people can quit their jobs and
Because clothing brands that were
focus on their craft, but Tucker took that
popular would normally be harder to
chance an, little did he know, make one
buy, Tucker took it upon himself to
of the best decisions for his business.
make his own clothes. The first design
Currently, he resides in Lorton, Virginia.
he ever made was influenced by an old
anime called Dragon Ball Z.
Tucker picked his craft
because it was most natural to him. He
15
It was his junior year of
16
“There’s a character named Vegeta
in the show and he wore this pink shirt that
me know that it’s definitely possible,” he
said ‘BadMan’ on the back in a bubbly font,
expressed. One of Tucker’s most proudest
and when I saw it, I thought it was really
moments as a creator, so far, was when
cool,” He explained. He used the idea for
American rapper Saweetie appeared on a
himself and made his own shirt, but still
Buzzfeed video styling someone in the young
making it more personal to himself without
designer’s clothes. “Saweetie got to pick
completely stealing the design. Tucker
out different outfits for everyday of the week
flipped the wording to say ‘BlackMan’ instead
and on one of the days of the week, my Allen
of ‘BadMan’. When he made the shirts, he
Iverson bootleg shirt was on the rack and she
wanted to find out how to get them printed
picked it out,” he expressed. “It was really
and sell them. “I found a place where you
cool to see a celebrity pick up something
had to get twenty-four shirts made for about
that they had no idea who the designer was,
$6 per shirt. I figured I may as well have
but liking it more because of the design.
just did that instead of making just one
That was always my goal; whatever I create,
shirt which would cost me about $30 from
people aren’t buying it because of the
somewhere else,” he said, “then I made
brand name but more because they like the
that first design and made a profit off that.”
concept, the design, or because it speaks to
Reconnecting with some old friends from high
them.” Another proud moment of Tucker’s
school, Tucker had help producing his first
was when he went to speak to teenagers at
clothing piece. “I did a photoshoot (of the
a high school about his journey being an
clothes) with a friend from high school and
entrepreneur. “It was just a proud moment
also, another friend of mine helped me with
for me to be able to openly express to other
the design,” he explained.
people about what I was doing and to be
confident and happy saying that this is what
Tucker didn’t always see himself as
a clothing designer. He claims that he used
I’m doing and I’m happy that I’m doing it
to always go to thrift stores here and there
and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Also,
for himself because it was an easier way to
to inspire possibly – even if it’s just one
style himself and have new clothes without
person in the room – that they have a certain
having to hurt his pockets or ask his parents
skill that’s special to them that they should
for money. That it inspired him, but he never
take full advantage of it,” Tucker said. He
thought he would have his own clothing
encourages young entrepreneurs to find ways
brand.
to capitalize off of your talents and passions
Studying and following other
designers that inspire him, Tucker pushes every day to perfect his craft. “Seeing
17
someone else do [what I aspire to do] let’s
and to put as much time as possible into it as early as they can.
18
photos by Wanyeh Hill
19
Tucker’s clothing brand InsertName
now is selling to his peers and people across
has been pretty successful for the past few
the country. He wanted to make a brand that
years. He comes up with his own designs and
everyone could have access to. “I want my
sends them to his graphic designer of choice
brand to start a conversation. I want someone
at the time. He pays for the designs himself
to see it and say ‘Why does your hoodie say
and any additional services that go into hand
InsertName?’” he explained. Tucker named
with the production process. “Everything is
his brand InsertName because it means
on me,” he explained. “I handle this stuff by
that you, the buyer, the model, the viewer,
myself, so when I sell out, I can only afford to
are just as much apart of the brand as he
do but so much.” Tucker wishes he could sell
is. “You can tell them whatever you feel and
hundreds of merchandise at a time to restock
why it says InsertName or you can say what
for happy customers, but he has to move
you might have heard me say about it. I want
on to the next design once he finishes up
people to see my brand and feel connected. I
with one. “It’s frustrating,” he explained, “not
want them to feel confident in what they wear
being able to do as big of amounts as I would
and that it’s something that is a complement
like to do.” Aside from financially supporting
to their personal style,” he expressed.
his own business, Tucker does have a group
of creative friends that help support his vision
of his clothes online. In the future, Tucker
and work with him to build his brand. “One is
sees himself continuing with his clothing
a graphic designer, one has a podcast, one
brand and possibly even opening a clothing
is a videographer,” he said, “and we all help
store. His biggest goal is to just be known
each other out with whatever we’re doing to
worldwide. “I would be happy with traveling
give open and honest feedback, so they help
and doing pop up shops in different cities,”
me a lot.”
he said. Tucker advises anyone who wishes
to start their own brand is to get a mentor or
No matter what, Tucker is always
Currently, the designer sells most
thinking about his brand and ways to make
find someone that you know that’s doing what
his brand better. “I always write stuff down
you aspire to achieve and reach out to them.
and I am always continuing to be vigilant
“They can point you into the right direction,”
of my surroundings,” he said. “I’m always
he explained. Tucker wants his clothes to
thinking of how this could be apart of my
have an impact on those who and wear it. A
brand.” Tucker believes his work is “for
quote he often goes by (by author C. JoyBell
the people by the people”, meaning it is
C.) is “I’m never the same person twice, but
something that he wants people to see his
one thing you can be sure of about me is I
work and be intrigued with InsertName. He
will always do exactly what I want to do.”
originally started the brand for himself and
20
photos by Jade Brown
21
alliannah hamilton
written by Corrine Harris
A
lliannah Hamilton is a local artist
and photography until her sophomore
from Suffolk, Virginia who has
year. Unfortunately, the technical and
dreams of being known world-wide.
educational aspect of the craft wasn’t as
Hamilton, also known on social media as
fulfilling as she expected. Hamilton found
Perla Woods, creates art using various
herself discouraged and unmotivated
mediums which include photography,
during her time studying graphic design.
graphic design, and directing. As a child,
“The classes took the fun out of it” she
the artist showed interest in photography.
states. It wasn’t long before the artist
She was able to express this interest using
switched her major to photography with a
cameras given to her by her mother as
minor in film.
birthday and Christmas gifts. Her journey
For Perla, photography always came
as a photographer began with a polaroid
naturally. A seed that was planted during
camera. Although this camera was the
her childhood has now blossomed into a
spark of her passion, her camera collection
full-blown passion. Currently, the artist is
has evolved along with her skillset.
working on multiple series and projects
Regarding her artwork, Hamilton refers
that she hopes to release to the world one
to photography as her passion and first
day. One of her biggest projects is her
love while graphic design is a source of
self-portrait series which she has been
income. The decision to study graphic
working on for years. “I like photographing
design came from her younger years.
myself even though it’s harder” says the
The artist dabbled in graphic art as a
photographer. The artist explains that it is
teenager, enjoyed using it as a creative
easy for her to photograph herself because
outlet, and decided to pursue a degree in
she knows exactly what she wants in terms
the artform. To accomplish this, Hamilton
of posing. However, photographing herself
attended Old Dominion University. With big
takes more time which can make more
hopes, the artist studied graphic design
difficult than photographing other models.
22
23
In effort of one day seeing
graphic art to create fascinating
her work in museums and galleries,
and compelling art. The artist’s
Hamilton creates every day. The
individualistic style is one that allows
artist likes to refer to her photography
her work to speak for itself. With a
as conceptual. Every photograph
go-getter attitude and a strong will to
she creates has a deeper meaning.
succeed, it’s no wonder that the artist
Hamilton prides herself on creating art
is able to set herself apart so easily.
that speaks to people. She has a desire
Hamilton posted a short video on
to help others seek greater meaning
Instagram with a caption where she
and purpose through her artwork.
states “I’ve broken in a few houses,
Despite the model, location, tone, or
fallen through a few floors, set myself
photo itself, there is always a symbolic
on fire, and almost suffocated myself.
purpose of each photograph.
You know what they say…greater risk,
greater reward.”
A third passion is directing
and film. With dreams of filming movies,
As her audience, our greatest reward
the artist currently works on smaller
is the privilege to watch her grow
projects such as music videos for
as an artist and create undeniably
local musicians. For Hamilton, this
mesmerizing art. With social media
is a step in the right direction. While
platforms, Hamilton uses her art
directing videos, the artist uses her
to reach out and inspire others.
skills for creative directing. Like most
Her Instagram page (alliart_757) is
artists, Hamilton enjoys this because
filled with breathtaking photographs
it allows her to have creative control
which give followers a snapshot of a
over a project. Her first big project was
fantasy world. In addition, Hamilton
working with local musician, Scuzi,
is the founder of her own company
on his music video for “Veronica’s
known as Alliannah Artistry. With an
Apartment”. Working on this project,
enormous amount of passion and a
the artist used her skills to create a
drive to achieve, this artist is going
treatment and set design.
after everything she’s every dreamed of
The most unique factor of Hamilton’s
taking bigger risks and capturing more
work is her use of photography and
eyes along the way!
photos by Alliannah Hamilton
24
photos by Nadia Ford & Elizabeth Bolaji 25
nadia ford
written by Elizabeth Bolaji
T
here’s more than one way to
into bringing 3D photography to life. She
be a photographer, and for
was already “one step ahead,” and used
Nadia Ford, a picture is more than
her head start to fuel her passion. “To
just a still frame. Born and raised in
this day it blows my mind,” Ford said.
Maryland, the now 24-year-old got her
“It’s a small market that many people
first camera when she was a freshman
have never explored. But that’s part of
in college,where she learned the basics
what makes it so special.” In the fall of
of photography and took an interest
2016, she moved to New York City for
in taking photos for fashion shows.
two months, but came back to Maryland
Unfortunately, after just 18 months
after dealing with personal hardships.
she was forced to leave school due to
Despite the setback in New York, Ford
financial reasons. Later on, she took to
didn’t give up on her dreams. “I’m not
videography and shot a music video for
gonna let this hold me back anymore,”
her sister’s boyfriend, which led to her
she said. “I’m gonna focus more on
getting hired for more videos. Today,
myself and do what I want to do.”
Ford specializes in 3D film photography
– a medium that layers multiple
Ford once again focused on her career.
perspectives of the same image to create
She began freelancing and taught herself
a moving picture that pops off the page.
software engineering on the side, as a
way of making extra money, but also
“During my time [out of school]
After her return to Maryland,
I stumbled upon 3D photography,”
as a means of pursuing new and useful
Ford said. It didn’t take long for her to
skills. Her open-minded approach to
embrace a future in 3D. Fortunately,
life allowed her to keep everything in
the lessons and skills she learned from
perspective and move forward despite
filming and editing videos translated well
obstacles.
26
27
“I have so many ideas...I
kept arising; she didn’t have a car
daydream a lot. It was so bad that my
for a long period, which limited her
dad used to tell me ‘get out of la-la
flexibility and prevented her from
land’ and ‘pay attention.’ But I dream
going to shoots. “It was a way of
a lot. I get inspired by so many
God telling me to slow down,” she
things.” One of her inspirations was
said, again rejecting the idea of
her family. Ford’s relationship with
letting obstacles prevent her from
her parents was not only a key part
pursuing her dream. Fortunately,
of her art, but an integral part of her
she got her car back, and seized
personality as well. She got her first
the opportunity to move forward
camera from her mother, who would
in her career. “Now’s my chance!
drive her to shoots and take her
I’m ready. I’m so ready.” Ford has
to get her film developed, and her
bigger dreams beyond freelancing.
father and sisters provided a stable
She wants to do more than just take
support system. For Ford, home was
photos. Her goal is to one day be
wherever her family was.
self-employed, and create a business
that assists the photography/film
“We deserve better than
where we are now,” Ford said. “I
community. She hopes to give back
know that if I take my photography
and build up artists who started out
as far as I know I can, my family can
just like she did – with a camera
live a well-off life.” But even back at
and a dream. She can be found on
home, it seemed that more troubles
Instagram and Twitter at @theillnada.
28
ILLESTHETIC Visual Arts Magazine was published by ArtByLuna Collections.
www.illestheticmag.com