NowVIZ / CAMRYN BYNUM by NowVIZ magazine

covercover

INTRO

Good luck at this year’s INDY 500!

O AD

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

INTRO AD

@NOWVIZMAG

cover pag

In Minneapolis with NFL Minnesota Vikings, Camryn Bynum. Cover photo by Andrea Mead Cross.

INTR

RO AD

INTRO

O AD

CONTENTS

JENNIFER JO COBB

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES

158

LISTEN TO YOUR WORLD

CAMRYN BYNUM MINNESOTA VIKINGS

136

CAMILLE JEAN

179

CREDITS + COMMENTS

GARMIN SENIOR DESIGNER

SENNA LEITH PRO SNOWBOARDER . SBX

120

HOT 2024 DESIGN COLLAB

Ben Kilner British Olympic team Halfpipe

AD AD

Ben Kilner British Olympic team Halfpipe

D D

+ QA

WITH NOWVIZ

NowVIZ Q+A

Senna: Life has been so busy lately! My travels have been pretty much non-stop, although I am currently on a short break at home in Colorado. I just finished up a stint of World Cup races across France and Italy. I am definitely racing the best I ever have in my life, and I just got 6th place in the team event relay at the final World Cup before this break. I feel really strong and ready to tackle the rest of this World Cup season. Having made great use of the off-season with my gym training as well as on-snow training in places like Chile, it’s great to feel “capable” of achieving my goals. Now it’s just up to actually performing!

NowVIZ Q+A

NowVIZ: Would you bring us up to date on your pursuit as one of the top snowboarders in the country, along with your travels, and photography?! It’s a broad question, but it seems to all intertwine within your life!

Throughout my travels, I have been shooting a lot, as I bring my camera everywhere with me. I don’t do as much brand work during competition season, so I get to focus more on my passion for landscape and adventure photography, which comes pretty easy in my line of work! NowVIZ: What drives you to compete at such a high level and, on the opposite side, compose that world through a photographer’s lens? Senna: Since I was young, I have had this inner drive to accomplish goals in snowboarding, and as I have climbed through the ranks of competition, that drive is still there, thankfully. The feeling of committing myself heavily to a sport and battling the adversity that comes with that creates this incredible high that I thrive off of; it’s that feeling of accomplishing what I wanted to accomplish. That feeling is what all of us competitors continue to chase. Along the journey of chasing that perfection, so-to-say, in sport, photography has been my creative outlet that goes hand-in-hand with my sport. My sport takes me to these incredibly stunning destinations across the world, and I always want to capture it all. I get so much fulfillment from capturing that journey, and it provides another avenue for myself to make a career out of this wild lifestyle. NowVIZ: It’s a unique situation to see a top athlete also be a creative individual and, in your case, with a camera. It’s also a bonus traveling the world to compete. What are some of your favorite places to travel and why?

I was just recently in Chamonix, France, and it might be the most picturesque mountain town ever, right at the base of Mont Blanc. That is my favorite place to spend time, and I would say my favorite venue for competing is in Veysonnaz, Switzerland. Anta KT9 shoe launch with NBA Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson.

Photo @weocia

Senna: Europe is the main place where I spend my winters, as that is where the bulk of our World Cup tour is. My time in the European Alps is always my favorite, whether that is in Switzerland, Austria, France, or Italy.

Racing the 2024 FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup Tour.

Photo @weocia

Anta Design Director Duane Lawrence and NBA star Klay Thompson at the KT9 launch.

NowVIZ: Is there a photographer, artist, or designer that has inspired you in any way? Senna: So many different photographers of all different styles have inspired me. My good friend Mike Dawsy is definitely one of my biggest inspirations. His creative style is so unique, and his work ethic is second to none. Jimmy Chin is also a photographer I aspire to be like. Not only did Jimmy Chin take his career as an athlete and morph that into his creative career, but he continues to use them both together to capture the exact style of creative content I love the most. Another photographer I love who inspires me with his images is Ben Thouard. He is a surf photographer for the most part, and creates gorgeous works of art that always captivate me. NowVIZ: Do you have long-term goals with your photography, and where do you want to focus that vision? Senna: Ideally, I would love for my athletic career to contribute to how I form my photography career in the long run, capturing content for athletes, outdoor brands, etc. I have such an understanding of this world I am in as an athlete, and that can help me capture content for individuals and brands that is unique to my experience and creative style.

“I feel really strong and ready to tackle the rest of this World Cup season. Having made great use of the off-season with my gym training as well as on-snow training in places like Chile, it’s great to feel “capable” of achieving my goals.” Sketches by Duane Lawrence of the KT9 design progression.

The KT9 and Klay Thompson put on a show in Shanghai!

Photo @weocia

NowVIZ: What hurdles, if any, do you find most challenging when competing in the many remote areas of the world where you race? Senna: The biggest hurdle, funny enough, is getting proper nutrition in some of the wild countries we travel to. Nutrition is so key to performance in competition, and the food culture in some of the more exotic countries we travel to can be challenging to say the least! NowVIZ: Additionally, is there a specific diet or regime you try to follow? For me personally, I try to eat as much as I can and as clean as I can. A certain level of weight helps me for my sport, and maintaining that weight can be difficult when my sport is so physically taxing. Eat clean, and eat a lot! You are what you eat, so if you eat clean and healthy, you will be clean and healthy.

Finalized sketch of the KT9 design by Duane Lawrence.

NowVIZ: Who would you say has had the biggest influence on your career as an athlete, and why? (Anyone you have known or not known). And is there someone behind the scenes that you can talk to to get advice and who has your back in any situation? Senna: The people who have had the biggest influence on my career as an athlete… are 100% the coaches I have had along the way. I have been very lucky to have had coaches that not only had incredible technical knowledge of the sport but that also took it one step further to teach me to enjoy all aspects of the journey of being a professional athlete, whether that was learning to enjoy wine from every country I visit or focusing on the value of how my sport has shaped me as the person I am as a whole. There is more to my sport than just the sport itself, and I am lucky to have had role models guide me in the bigger picture.

Star Montana in her LA studio.

“My sport takes me to these incredibly stunning destinations across the world, and I always want to capture it all. I get so much fulfillment from capturing that journey, and it provides another avenue for myself to make a career out of this wild lifestyle.”

NowVIZ: What are some of the cool “perks” of traveling to the incredible around-the-world locations you go to compete and train? Senna: There are too many perks to list honestly, and I am way too fortunate to live this lifestyle. The days we get to spend just traveling through picturesque towns, eating delicious food, and free-riding at some of the best ski resorts in the world are something I will never take for granted. NowVIZ: As a top athlete, what has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned traveling and training through the years? Senna: The biggest lesson I have learned is to not get hung up on the big goals and instead just focus on the process of what it takes to get there. That process is what you have the most control of, so that is where your focus is best spent. Once you “control the controllables,” those large goals are eventually going to take care of themselves.

AD @NOWVIZMAG

STORY

+ QA

WITH NOWVIZ

Y 2 Jen Jo

Oil and Lumber founder and chief designer Ethan Kiyoshi.

Accelerating fearlessly towards a finish line where the goals attained are beyond expectation, Jennifer Jo Cobb holds a permanent place among the most groundbreaking drivers in the racing milieu. With racing roots that can be traced back to her hometown of Kansas City in the early 1990s, Cobb’s career would eventually take her to the iconic Daytona International Speedway. At a genesis which resulted in women holding a less isolated position in a traditionally male-dominated domain, Cobb’s efforts were essential in helping reach the realization of the value that women held in motor sports. Followed by the likes of Danica Patrick, Milka Duno, Maryeve Dufault, Sarah Fisher, Ashley and Courtney Force, Jutta Kleinsmidt, Pippa Mann, and Simona de Silvestro among others, Cobb’s pioneering presence served as a riposte to those who did not believe women earned a rightful place on the track. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the greats of the circuit, Cobb was named one of Fox Sports top 10 Most Powerful Women in NASCAR. Having participated in 142 races over the course of a 16-year time span in NASCAR’s CraftsmanTruck Series, she has also made her competitive presence felt in the Xfinity Series, likewise under the NASCAR banner. Of note, she partook in 29 Xfinity races over a course of nine years. Focusing on full-time truck racing as of 2010, that was also the year in which she became the highest female points finisher among the three major NASCAR series. Reaching 17th place in the overall series standings that year, a consistent Cobb would surpass that milestone with a 16th place overall ranking in 2014. Building upon such success stands among her racing hallmarks. With each subsequent race, she adds to her empowering record in NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) for the female driver with the most starts in the series. Such a superlative standard also includes the highest finish by a woman in any of NASCAR’s top series’ races held at Daytona International Speedway. This was realized in 2011 as the first race of the NCTS season saw Cobb soar with her No. 10 JJCR Ford F-150 to the first top 10 finish in her career, successfully completing 103 laps, attaining an inspiring sixth place finish. Undoubtedly, the ability to persevere and maintain an encouraging stature cannot be measured in terms of achievements alone.

intro

Highlighted by a fascinating entrepreneurial spirit, Cobb’s unforgettable career would evolve into taking on the role of team ownership, aptly named Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing. With the team making its debut at the 2010 NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona, the drivers that have raced for her team included the likes of Korbin Forrester, Matt Mills, and Tommy Regan. Launching a unique brand, known by the sobriquet Driver Boutique, it was the start of an admirable effort which saw Cobb determined to positively shape her racing destiny. Having rebranded her apparel lines into combined DrivenSwag.com shop in 2014, a key focus remains on proceeds from sales encouraging other women to follow their racing dreams. Additionally, serving as the founder of Driven2Honor, which was launched in 2011, such a commendable initiative has allowed Cobb to add the classification of sporting humanitarian to her compelling body of work, subsequently enhancing her empowering legacy on the race track. Geared on recognizing the wondrous women and their brave service in all branches of the United States Armed Forces, the objectives were two-fold. From the outset, all proceeds raised go towards assisting homeless female veterans. What lies at the heart of the narrative is literally a drive to succeed. Having carved a legacy as one of the circuits most consistent racers on the Craftsman Truck Series, the focal point of Cobb’s energetic career is one built on compassion and desire. Fueled by the constant reminder that every race is an exultant opportunity to make history, Cobb is a beacon whose influence shows no signs of slowing down.

NowVIZ Q+A

NowVIZ: You are one of the few NASCAR driver and owner teams and the only female driver and owner team! You’re a public speaker, have an apparel line, DrivenSwag.com, and you’ve launched Driven2Honor.com honoring American female military members. Additionally you’ve been named one of Fox Sports top 10 Most Powerful Women in NASCAR! You’re a very busy woman! Will you give us a run-through of a typical day/week? Jennifer: It very much depends on the week. These past few weeks have been a whirlwind—a whirlwind I absolutely love. I left Mooresville, North Carolina, with my team on Halloween at midnight. Seven of us rode in the team van to a race in Texas and I drove from midnight to 4 a.m. (I am the night owl). We arrived and had a team meal at our Airbnb house. I always have my computer with me (while vacationing, while traveling—even right now sitting at a restaurant having lunch!). We went straight from Texas, and drove to Phoenix for that race then to Las Vegas for my sponsor, Think Realty, and to network at a convention. From there, I flew to Miami for a photo shoot, and then to Homestead to race. A typical week finds me Monday through Wednesday responding to fan mail, fulfilling Driven Swag apparel orders, working with my social media manager, Ronnie Rizzo, on promoting our D2H honoree for the next race, checking on sponsor requests, inputting race details for NASCAR on the next race, and then to my race shop. Thursday through Friday, I am typically at a race track, practicing, qualifying, and racing, in addition to making sponsor appearances and entertaining our guests. When we race on Friday evenings, my husband and I will usually stay together in whatever city we are in for some quality time since his team is in Ohio and we do not see each other much during the week. NowVIZ: You’re a role model for all women in sport, and your passion and success as both an athlete and businesswoman are respected by all, in and out of the sport. What are some of the key challenges you’ve had to overcome that have played an instrumental role in your success? Jennifer: Thank you for that, but I’m not sure about “ALL!” If anyone admires what I have done, that is a huge honor. The financial challenges are the most difficult. I am proud of having built a reputation where I can buy equipment from other teams on payment plans, something really rare. Earning the respect of my competitors and other team owners is really important to me. There are a dozen other team owners I can call right now for help, advice, or equipment who will offer solutions. That means a lot. But there are competitors who just don’t understand that our lack of performance (not racking up wins) is related to a lack of finances. That hurts, but I try to tell myself there is no room for feelings in this sport, so just walk one step at a time, race one lap at a time, and move on. What’s interesting is that our team has outlasted many teams and drivers who come from mega-millionaire families. That is also a good feeling.

VEERS in concert!

WITH NOWVIZ

NowVIZ Q+A Oil and Lumber Dining Table.

76 62

“One of the accomplishments I am proudest of is being able to give people who have not had the chance a shot at their dreams to work in NASCAR.” RIP ESSELSTYN

Photo Shutterstock.com

Oil and Lumber Table Wide.

NowVIZ Q+A

Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas

Left Veers Frontman, Andrew James and Nick Lanata on Bass.

Oil and Lumber Coffee Table.

On set with photographer Andrea Mead Cross and Jennifer Jo Cobb. Oil and Lumber has been featured in FORBES Style & Beauty.

NowVIZ: Each team’s pit crew is an essential part of any driver’s success. What is it about your crew that supports you in racing your best? Jennifer: They have my back. I am so grateful for them because my life, my business, and my career are in their hands. Mistakes happen, but they understand my goals and work very hard so that, as a team, we can continue to grow. I can trust them to run the day-to-day things at the shop, so that I can do my part as a driver and owner. My former Crew Chief, Steve Kuykendall, was like a brother to me, and he brought me through some really tough circumstances as well as some huge successes, like our 6th place finish at Daytona. He started a business to pursue a better financial situation (our small team does not have big salaries). My Crew Chief now, Tim Sliva, is very different from Steve, and both are really great, and I have an enormous amount of trust in them both as well. Steve worked harder than anybody in the sport and was the man who could make the impossible happen. Tim is more about building a team and getting the right people in place for the organization, as well as building relationships with other drivers who have sponsors to bring to the team to drive our second truck. One of my third-year crew members keeps saying this is the most fun he has had in racing and is very excited about this upcoming season. That makes me feel really good about the direction we are going. One of the accomplishments I am proudest of is being able to give people who have not had the chance a shot at their dreams to work in NASCAR. One young lady started working for us and, within a few years, became a NASCAR official. We gave the first transgender over the wall pit crew member in the sport her first opportunity. We discussed a plan to help her handle any situation she might encounter, and she is very well liked in the sport and I am so proud of her. She is now working on a Cup team. This year, I hired NASCAR’s first deaf over the-wall crew member. It’s an amazing experience to see these people accomplish their dreams. Even when they go on to work for other teams, they take care of me. It is the epitome of what this life is about—helping others succeed, and I am so honored that they are still my friends. I had a mechanical issue earlier this year and had to pull behind the wall when two of my former crew members who were working for other teams in the garage area came running over to me as fast as they could—the first to arrive to help me get back on track!

Jennifer: Around 1996, we were having a very rough year. I kept getting wrecked and destroying the race car, and it was getting expensive. Our all-volunteer local racing team was pulling all-nighters to get the cars back together and then reporting to their jobs with no sleep. I felt really bad. My Dad knew none of the wrecks were my fault—they were because of parts failures or were intentionally caused by a competitor. So, I told my Dad after the next wreck that I was going to do everyone a favor and quit. It was a heartbreaking decision, but I felt it was best for everyone. I was so shocked when my dad’s response was to get angry and tell me, “You don’t quit because it is hard or when things are going wrong.” He told me that we would keep rebuilding the car, and if I still wanted to quit after I finished the next race, then I could. He taught me so much about perseverance, and that is one of my best attributes. Frontman Ryan Guldemond

PHOTO CREDIT RICH SMITH

NowVIZ: Your dad, Joe Cobb, is a veteran race car driver who helped start your racing career in 1991. Can you tell us one of the most important things he has instilled in you that continues to help you today?

“I don’t want to be remembered as someone who just “tried really hard.” The pursuit of success drives me to keep digging.”

5872

Left Veers Mark Fallavollita Keys/Guitar, and Spencer Schuck on Guitar.

Cobb making a pit stop at the Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania.

NowVIZ: What is it that motivates you to continue to get behind the wheel? Jennifer: The pursuit of success and improvement, and let’s face it, I love to drive really, really fast in these sexy machines! I have not accomplished near what I hope to in my career yet. I am grateful to have built a solid team, but I want better results on the track. So, I fully believe that if I can increase our team’s sponsorship, then the results we want will follow. I don’t want to be remembered as someone who just “tried really hard.” The pursuit of success drives me to keep digging.

Feature st

tory CAM

MUSETTI in action, Barcelona, Spain.

DALTON DOVER

In fact, you don’t even have to be a close acquaintance of Bynum to be aware of this. The NFL player, lauded as “most improved” by the end of 2023, wears the Filipino flag on his helmet and thanks the people of his ancestral homeland in many of his post-game interviews. But while the 25-year-old footballer has always been proud of his heritage, in recent years he has come to see that part of his identity as fueling his reasons for playing football. Born to a Filipino American mother and African American father in Southern California, Bynum was encouraged to play several different sports but fell in love with football in the fourth grade. Pouring all his energy into the game, when he was 17, the young cornerback committed to the California Golden Bears (Cal) football program at the University of California, Berkeley.

NowVIZ Q+A

Most people who know Minnesota Vikings’ safety, Camryn Bynum know this about him: he’s passionate about his Filipino heritage.

After redshirting his freshman season, Bynum was the only Cal player to start all 42 games from 2017 to 2020. 2020 was also the year he graduated with a business degree and so, the following year, Cal’s star player decided to enter the NFL draft.” It was the right move; in the fourth round, he was selected by the Minnesota Vikings who decided he would transition from cornerback to safety. The rookie wasn’t worried—it was a position he had practiced in earlier camps. And when, in November 2021, Bynum got his first start in the purple and gold, he balled out with an outstanding interception—his first of many for the purple people eaters! 2022 brought challenges both on and off the football field, not least the news that tropical storms had devastated the Philippines, killing over 200 residents and displacing more than 250,000. Bynum knew he had to help, and that June, the pro footballer traveled to the Philippines for the first time. Aiming to help with the relief effort, Bynum was able to reconnect with his roots in a way he hadn’t imagined. He soon realized that his role in football could give him a role here too. A deeply Christian man, he decided to set up a non-profit organization called the Bynum Faith Foundation that would provide relief and support to communities in the wake of the country’s frequent and devastating typhoons. He told the media at the time, “Making something out of nothing and being grateful, is just really the heart of the Filipino. I think that shaped me as a person and as a player. When I’m on the field, I have a bigger reason to play, knowing that I can change people’s lives. My main motivation now is to bring everything back to the people and to help other people.” That same year, Bynum also met his wife-to-be, and the couple married in early 2023, making a home in the Philippines. A Filipino by birth, Lalaine embraced her husband’s spirit of giving back and joined him in growing the foundation. The organization also expanded into the US, most specifically the underprivileged communities of his adopted state, Minnesota.

His rookie contract runs until the end of this year, but an ongoing role with the Vikings looks promising. So too does his growing relationship with Filipino life and culture. “I’ve realized over the years that I can’t be playing this game for myself,” he has said. “My mentality is that the more I play well and the more I ball on the field, the more I can help people back home.”

Photo : Claude Sawyer

On the football front, 2023 was equally successful. Bynum finished a stunning season with five pass breakups, two interceptions, and without allowing a single touchdown.

Musetti and long-time coach Simone Tartarini in Paris.

Camryn: I really enjoyed my time in college. Cal was a great school, and I enjoyed every single year there, even though it was very challenging. After a tough start as a freshman, I was able to red-shirt with football, which allowed me time to figure things out and able to make an impact on the field. Playing football and going to such a prestigious university built me into who I am today. To be able to graduate with a degree and also start every single game while at Cal was a big accomplishment for me, because it showed the perseverance and hard work I put in during my time there. And since then, I haven’t looked back!

NowVIZ Q+A

NowVIZ: You were the only Golden Bear to start all 42 games from 2017 to 2020 as cornerback, and you graduated from UC Berkeley in December 2020 with a degree in business. Honorable accomplishments both on and off the field! Will you talk about that time period?

SHUTTERSTOCK

NowVIZ: Since joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, you’ve become a key component in the defensive attack. Will you talk about your current role and safety position? Camryn: I’m currently in my second season of being a full-time starter for the Vikings. And through the experience I’ve become a leader on defense. Somebody my teammates can rely on to be a consistent player. Somebody who brings their “A” game every single time we step on the field. From playing cornerback my whole career to being drafted as a safety, the position change was hard. But through the first three years of my career, and currently being in my third season, I‘ve learned so much that it’s really transformed my game to another level. I’ve learned the importance of being a complete player in both the run and passing game. NowVIZ: How do you fuel your body nutritionally throughout the season? Is there a specific diet or regime you follow? Camryn: I do not follow a strict diet, but I am very careful about what I eat. I do not eat a lot of junk food or sweets. I am mindful of the things I put into my body when it comes to sugar and other sweets like that. But when it comes to my main meals, I really eat the same things over and over and don’t get tired of the food I like. I love eating fish, and I eat rice with every meal. I eat a lot of Filipino food, and that helps me keep my weight on and stay fueled throughout the season. NowVIZ: How do you mentally prepare yourself for game day? Camryn: I prepare for game day as if I were still a full-time student. I study hours a day, which consists of watching film, taking notes, studying everything about my opponent as well as critiquing my own game. And I mentally prepare myself by putting in additional work outside of that, so that by the end of the week I feel prepared and have that edge over my opponent.

BHS

On theon road Arrow McLaren NTT IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward set!with Parker McCollum.

112Dalton Dover working with photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

NowVIZ: You have become involved in bringing American football to the Philippines through flag football and even tackle football leagues. Will you talk about how and why? Camryn: One of my biggest goals moving forward is to bring American football to the Philippines. I want to bring American football to the Philippines because I have traveled the world and realized how popular football is in America, but not so much anywhere else in the world. I met a lot of football players out there that have a real passion for the game but just don’t have the resources and backing behind them like we do in the US. Their passion for the game and how willing they are to learn has inspired me to try making football more accessable there. I really believe if they are able to play at a competitive level they will fall in love with the game. It will give children and even adults a great new sport to learn about and enjoy. NowVIZ: You’ve lived in the US all your life, but you recently had the opportunity for a long stay in the Philippines before this 2023 season started. You got married and were also able to connect with 8x world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao! Will you talk about those experiences and what they meant to you? Camryn: This 2023 off-season has been one of the best times of my life. First and foremost, I was able to get married to my beautiful wife in the Philippines. I was able to start a new life in marriage and a new life living in a different country. I enjoyed it, and it really opened my eyes to the rest of the world and to see what life is like somewhere else. The Philippines is the best place that I’ve been able to travel to, and I will continue to build my life there when I am not in the US. I was also able to meet one of my favorite athletes of all time, Manny Pacquiao. It was a crazy experience because I really look up to him! He has done so much for the Philippines. The way he was able to excel to the top of his sport as a boxer and also give back hope, resources, and the glory to God to this country is something that I aspire to do for the Philippines as well.

“I’m currently in my second season of being a full-time starter for the Vikings. And through the experience I’ve become a leader on defense. Somebody my teammates can rely on to be a consistent player. Somebody who brings their “A” game every single time we step on the field.”

NowVIZ: You seem to have an interest in fashion. What is it that draws you to the industry? Camryn: I believe that fashion is a way for people to express themselves. For me, fashion is interesting because everybody has their own unique style. I pride myself on having a different style than everyone else and at the same time being comfortable with that.

108

Debuting at Grand Opry December 2022. Bynum on set in Minneapolis with photographer Andrea Mead Ole Cross.

NowVIZ: As a top athlete, is there or has there been an individual or mentor in your life that has helped you through difficult times as well as the successful times? Camryn: My mentor, Coach Anthony Brown has been my trainer and defensive back coach ever since my sophomore year of high school. I met him through Ground Zero 7 on 7. He has been the person able to hold me accountable. He critiques everything I do both on and off the field, making sure I keep my head on straight and stay on a good path. To this day he continues to help train and teach me everything I know about the game and whenever I’m home I train multiple days of the week with him. He’s been a huge part of my growth process helping me become more of a technician, so I don’t completely rely on my athleticism to be a good football player. He has taught me the in’s and out’s of the position, the way that I look at the game, and refined my work ethic. NowVIZ: Will you talk about the The Bynum Faith Foundation? Camryn: The Bynum Faith Foundation is my non-profit organization that I started with my family. We started with the heart to help anybody in need. We began our help by partnering with my wife’s church in the Philippines and their foundation, the New Life Community Care Foundation. Our first project was supporting families that had been affected by a typhoon in the Philippines. We were able to meet their needs in whatever capacity we could. It was an experience that inspired us to continue the effort in both the Philippines and United States. NowVIZ: What inspires you on a daily basis? Camryn: My daily inspiration and motivation is to use every gift that God has given me to help others. I have so many people believing in me and encouraging me, and all of them inspire me to be the best I can be every single day. I do realize that what I do both on and off the field has the ability to change other people’s lives. All the families that we’ve met and helped in the Philippines motivate me every day to continue helping those who are less fortunate.

ind

dian AD

short ad

ddition

HOT 2024 COLLAB PUMA x FENTY

“Rihanna and PUMA have a history of launching disruptive fashion takes on sport styles over the course of their relationship together –”

Global icon Rihanna and sports company PUMA have officially launched their newest product franchise together. Rihanna returns to the brand as the Creative Director of FENTY x PUMA with a multi-year partnership and several product launches in the pipeline. The return of FENTY x PUMA blends PUMA’s deep history and heritage in sport with Rihanna’s iconic stature as a leader in music, culture and fashion. The FENTY x PUMA Avanti, the first footwear franchise of the partnership, is an unconventional mix of two PUMA icons blending the high-quality leather design of the King football boot with the outsole of the heritage running shoe, Easy Rider. Rihanna and PUMA have a history of launching disruptive fashion takes on sport styles over the course of their relationship together starting in 2015 with the iconic Creeper. Rihanna and PUMA launched several footwear and apparel collections over the course of 2015 – 2018, including the FENTY x PUMA trainer, the FENTY x PUMA fur slide, and much more. With four fashion shows in both New York and Paris, FENTY x PUMA served as a catalyst for PUMA’s brand impact and relevance over the past decade. Rihanna’s love of football coupled with the sports’ great influence off the pitch served as the starting point for this footwear franchise. Rihanna’s take of this classic style paves the way for a new era of sport fashion collaborations with PUMA. In addition, it was important to both Rihanna and PUMA to ensure that this launch be offered to the entire family—delivering a collection that looks as arguably cool on kids as it will on their parents. Worn by legends and now remixed by Rihanna herself, the Avanti is also being offered as a unisex shoe for both adults and kids. In 1968, the original PUMA King football boot was born, worn by icons like Eusebio, Pelé and Maradona. In 1978, the PUMA miele started a new jogging shoe franchise which would eventually evolve into the PUMA Easy Rider. In 1998, Jil Sander and PUMA launched the first ever fashion collaboration blending these two styles with the Jil Sander King. This shoe served as the design inspiration of the Avanti which was later established by PUMA in 2001. Now in 2023, Rihanna has added her personal design language and creative elements, from the details of the leather to the gum of the outsole, putting her very own spin on this classic PUMA style. “I wanted to bring something iconic from the archives to the street, and the late great Pelé made the Avanti shoe so iconic,” said Rihanna. “It’s been such an exciting start to our partnership,” said Maria Valdes, Chief Product Officer at PUMA. “We spent time together opening up the PUMA archive and identifying the right product that spoke to Rihanna. The Avanti is a PUMA classic with a unique and iconic point of view on terrace. I’m very happy to see this project come to life and even more excited for what the coming years have in store for us together.” The FENTY x PUMA Avanti is a fashion take on the football trend with buttery soft vintage leather, a fold over tongue with a debossed and printed gold-foil FENTY and PUMA CAT logo. With a gum outsole and leather footbed, the details of the Avanti nod to PUMA’s deep history and heritage in the sport of football. The black and white version is complimented by a chrome execution with laser etched logos and leather chrome details. As Creative Director, Rihanna’s first FENTY x PUMA campaign – shot by Dennis Leupold with a set design inspired by the pentagon shape and stitching on a football – features notable names including Rihanna, A$AP Nast, Pure, Felix Mallard as well as two young kids. The FENTY x PUMA Avanti is available worldwide on puma.com

129 131

127

“I wanted to bring something iconic from the archives to the street, and the late great Pelé made the Avanti shoe so iconic.” ---Rihanna.

Indian

+ QA

WITH NOWVIZ

On location with top NFL cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.

Camille: Descent Mk1, a premium dive watch/computer from Garmin, has been the most important addition to my portfolio thus far. It bonds my classic analog watch experience to the smartwatch market. The fact that it is a true utilitarian watch that divers use is awesome. I am proud of the success it has in the market. NowVIZ: Do you incorporate high-tech materials into your designs? If so, what type of materials and why? Camille: We do. For example, the Descent Mk1 watch has a titanium bezel version with a brushed DLC titanium bracelet. Titanium allows the watch to be lightweight, while the DLC makes it scratch-resistant. We’ve also added a sapphire crystal to avoid scratches on the screen. NowVIZ: What challenges do you encounter when you design products that center around technology? And how then do you go about solving those issues? Camille: We face challenges all the time, but as an industrial designer at a technology company, part of my job is to face those challenges head-on and find a solution. We have a great team of engineers and designers who help lessen and/or find resolutions to those problems before they arrive on my desk. A typical problem we solve is “form vs. function,” where we try to balance the appearance and comfort of the product without sacrificing the functions that are important to the users. We adapt to the challenges, but we don’t overlook them. Designing the best product is at the heart of all our designs. Alas, we are very concisious of infusing form to aid function in our thought process. For example, wearable products such as a heart rate monitor, it is important to make sure it’s both comfortable, as well as, good looking! Either area should not be comprimised. At Garmin, we strive to make cool products that are functionally exceptional!

NowVIZ Q+A

NowVIZ: Is there a particular project to date that has become an important addition to your portfolio? Why?

NowVIZ: What is your favorite part of the design process, and why? Camille: So, like a burrito, you can’t just say you like the salsa or just the steak (…I just ate chipotle lol!) With the design process, I feel the same way. The sketching and rendering phase is the “childlike curiosity” stage, where you get to visually articulate endless possibilities to solving a problem. It’s part of the foundation for chosing the best design direction and resolution. Then we further develop that direction by making it into an actual 3-D model. It’s a great opportunity to now take that 2-D idea and be able to explore all sides, where you can truly resolve the many details of an idea. Once complete and all issues are worked out and finalized, the design is 3-D rendered. That shows off the most realistic look of the final design before it actually goes to the manufacture. It’s a real “WOW factor!” I’m still blown away by the overall process today.

Isaiah Spiller on location in Los Angeles with photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

101 137 137

“Hard work pays off.”

--ISAIAH SPILLER

NowVIZ Q+A

NowVIZ: You’re into a healthy lifestyle and working out! Does this give you any additional insight when designing products for fitness/sport? Camille: My healthy lifestyle and working out regime truly help me see “through the lens” of the user. I can genuinely be the voice for the consumer since I know what they are looking for in their environment. In the fitness/sport space, peak performance, and achieving your goals and surpassing them so you can “Beat Yesterday,” are important. NowVIZ: You’re also an adjunct professor at the University of Kansas. What design philosophy and message do you practice with your students? Camille: The guidance of a teacher is important to a student’s future in society. I learned so much from my high school industrial design teacher. She gave me the tools and guidance I needed to make a significant impact on where I am today. One of the things I preach to my freshmen at KU is, “Don’t waste my time or your time.” What that means is the field of design is alluring, but some may not be passionate. I say that because it takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to make it in this industry. School is too expensive to just study something to get by. My message to them is “hard work is an investment that will reward you in the future.” NowVIZ: How do you stay inspired and creative on a daily basis? Camille: Expand your palate and approach design away from your comfort zone. I get inspired by graphic, interior, cars, furniture, jewelry design, photography, graffiti, fashion, nature, music, a movie, and so much more. Staying curious helps you see the beauty in everything. Always stay fresh!

“Expand your palate and approach design away from your comfort

zone.” Isaiah Spiller working with photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

153

Garmin’s Desent MK1 Dive Watch

Isaiah Spiller and photographer Andrea Mead Cross on set.

151

NowVIZ: When you’re not designing, what’s your passion? Camille: I live life to the fullest while dreaming big. I put God first in everything I do; because of his grace, I’m here today. Staying healthy and active is part of my lifestyle. Since heart disease runs in my family, I’m running far away from it with CrossFit, boxing, weightlifting, and eating healthy. My creative outlet right now is photography— seeing the beauty of life through the lens—then adding flavor in post-production using Lightroom is incredible. Being the best me is my passion.

CAMRYN BYNUM, N

My game day playlist con is Maverick City and Kirk F like Stevie Wonder. I then listening to reggae. Reggae it puts me in a good mood

JENNIFER JO COBB

Oh man, this may sound is a good one! I have recen Music is important to me, s area. Sometimes it’s Sh Thunderstruck. I could go

CAMILLE JEAN, GAR NF, Perception.

SENNA LEITH, PRO S

Oh gosh, my music is all o whether I am sitting on a p Marley is the artist I listen t great place during travel, c up to race I listen to a lot of my rotation include Jack J Leon Bridges, Morgan Wal Swift can be found on play

NFL MINNESOTA VIKINGS nsists of worship music first, which Franklin. Then, I move onto the oldies, finish my game day music routine by e makes me feel like I am on vacation; d to play loose and have fun.

MUSIC

B, NASCAR DRIVER + OWNER

funny, but Rihanna’s Shut Up and Drive ntly rediscovered The Zoo by the Scorpions. so I often wear headphones to the staging inedown Sound of Madness, or AC/DC on and on...

RMIN SENIOR DESIGNER

SNOWBOARDER AND PHOTOGRAPHER over the place, haha. Music is a huge part of my life, plane or doing my warm-up routine on race day. Bob to most, hands down. Reggae always puts my head in a cooldowns, and just hanging out. When I am getting fired f Russ, Gunna, and Motley Crue. Other artists found in Johnson, The Hip Abduction, Billy Strings, SAINt JHN, llen, G-Eazy, Collie Buddz, and Mike. Even some Taylor y for me at times!

behind the scenes

On location in Minneapolis with photographer Andrea Mead Cross and Camryn Bynum.

behind the scenes

NFL player Camryn Bynum on set in Minneapolis.

behind the scenes behind the scenes

Dalton Dover working with photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

bhs

behind the scenes

Dalton Dover on set in Nashville.

CAMRYN BYNUM

behindthe thescenes scenes behind

behind the scenes Downtown Minneapolis.

179

@NOWVIZMAG

2024 Love the moment.

MAGAZINE PUBLISHER Studio 25, INC. Mark Hudson Group, LLC MANAGING ART DIRECTOR K Skyler VISUAL GRAPHIC EDITORS Emma Stark Beckett Knolls EXECUTIVE EDITOR Siobhan Colgan CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Siobhan Colgan Eric Hayes Chanel Williams Joshua Levy Mark Staffieri Rose Fydler CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrea Mead Cross ONLINE SPECIALIST Jack Miles MOTION SPECIALIST Marc Cohen CONSULTING COLOR TECHNICIAN Wyatt Sullivan LOGISTICS AND RESEARCH Finley Nelson Raf Breuer SOCIAL EDITOR Stella Madison MEDIA RELATIONS Kelley Kwiatkowski All inquiries, NowVIZmag@gmail.com

@NOWVIZMAG

2024 All Rights Reserved NowVIZ magazine and NowVIZ.com COPYRIGHT 2023 No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission. This magazine is viewed with the understanding that the information present is from varied sources for which there can be no warranty or respondsibility by NowVIZ.com as to the accuracy or completeness.

2022 is a wrap! Traveling through Charles de Gualle airport Paris, France.

OUTRO