Fluid issue 1 vol. 3 by FLUID Magazine

FREE! thefluidmag.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA

FROM THE

EDITOR

Happy New Year my friends! Another year passes and it just makes me reflect on how lucky we all are. Everyone has their ups and downs, but take my advice and remember what’s important in life, the people that make you happy and the legacy that you will leave behind. Recently I received a letter from two people I’ve looked up to my entire life, Cindy and Rick Tresher. They are the parents of a few of my really good friends, Ehren, Kylie and Devon. The note said some really touching things about my wife and I. It also touched on the changing of generations in our area and how much things have changed for the better or the worst. Rick talked about the past and the classic surfers from our area stating “most of which are gone now and the relentless waves washed away their footprints. Only a few of us guard and honor the memory.” I’ve always looked up to generations before me and have tried to learn from them. I love the history that people like the Threshers have experienced. They truly have paved the way for us and made our society a better place all together. Guys like Rick Tresher have surfed for almost 50 years! Think about how much they have seen and experienced. He has literally seen 5 generations come and go in his time. He is no doubt a true legend, successful businessman, has a beautiful family, world traveler, and still rips to this day. This year, when you make your New Year resolutions, I hope you think about the footprint that you want to leave for future generations. Think forward, always keep your mind rolling and feed your creative soul. Don’t be afraid to inspire those around you and leave a mark that people will remember you by.

Bryan Forand Founder | Editor

SPONSORED BY:

12 THEFLUIDM A G. C OM

PHOTO: ROB SNOW

CONTENTS

IN S IDE TH IS IS S U E issue 1 . volume 3 . JANUARY . FEBRUARY 2014

18 MISS SUNSHINE A S HLE IG H CR OA K E PHOTO: Troy Huynh

PG 18 FLUID HAPPY HOUR M E TZ LIQ U O R S

PG 22

PHOTO: COURTESY OF GROM SOCIAL

24 GROMStOP PROFILE Z ACK M A R KS

PG 24 5 THINGS CF L WINTE R TO -DO’S

PG 41

27 PHOTO: GUNNER HUGHES

THE CREATIVE ISSUE 6 A R TIS T Q &A’s

PG 27 OUTRIGGERS F O O D R E V IE W

PG 44

ON THE COVER BRAIN STAINS

ILLUSTRATION BY LANC E DRAK E

CENTRAL FLORIDA

FLU I D M AGA Z I N E CREDI T S EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

BRYAN FORAND BRYAN@THEFLUIDMAG.COM

LANCE DRAKE LANCEDRAKE4@GMAIL.COM

PHOTO EDITOR

JACK OF ALL TRADES

PATRICK RUDDY PATRICK@THEFLUIDMAG.COM

TIM TRUELOVE TIM@THEFLUIDMAG.COM

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTO ASSISTANTS

AJ NESTE | AJNESTE@GMAIL.COM GUNNER HUGHES | GUNNERHUGHES@GMAIL.COM

COREY CHARTERS LAUREN WHITFILL JESSI PERKINS

EXECUTIVE SALES MARKETING

MAKE-UP ARTIST

TRAVIS AJAY

REANNA HARDOCK NALANIE CHINTAMON I

SALES

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS JEFF LASTINGER | MYLAN DAVICH | KEVIN “DUCK” MEINBERG | DYANNA MORENO

ADVE RT I S E / C O N TACT 386.679.2399

SALES@THEFLUIDMAG.COM

FLUID Magazine is Central Florida’s premiere publication dedicated to celebrating our culture and lifestyle. From fashion to art, entertainment to events, action sports to culture, FLUID Magazine covers everything our community needs to know through high profile interviews, mind-blowing photography, and in depth editorial coverage. The only publication of its kind in our area, FLUID Magazine focuses on the positive influences that entertainment, action sports, music, art, and fashion has on our community. Unlike any other magazine of its kind in Central Florida, we will reach all target markets through wide distribution channels. Not only will we focus on our local lifestyles, but from our staff’s extensive background as retailers, we know how much business is captured from tourism. Our free full color publication can be found all over Central Florida at colleges, key retailers, high traffic areas, hotels, and area restaurants. Our mission is to showcase the amazing talent, culture, and lifestyles of Central Florida. From our enticing profiles, in depth community coverage, fashion tips, and amazing photography staff, FLUID readers will be positively influenced by our topics covered and trending advertisers. Essentially making FLUID Magazine the most effective marketing tool for brand connectivity with consumers in our area. FLUID MAGAZINE, LLC D.B.A. FLUID MAGAZINE 1 SWAN AVE, NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL 32168 386.679.2399 | THEFLUIDMAG.COM

MISS SUNSHINE PHOTO: TROY HUYNH

HAIR AND MAKEUP: NALANIE CHINTAMONI

Where do you live? Currently Orlando, but moving is one of my hobbies. Originally from? Janesville, Wisconsin Occupation? Hooters girl (I can’t let go) & Business Development for a demolition company. Where would your dream trip take you? Australia or Thailand, hopefully next year :) How many times a day do you use social media? (tell us the truth) Let’s just say I don’t miss a picture on Instagram. Most important thing on a first date? Making me laugh. Turn on’s? Long hair! Also, a great smile & sense of humor is a must. Turn off’s? Pretty boys & laziness. Real House Wives or Sunday Night Football? The Office!!! I fall asleep to almost anything else. If you had to be locked in a room for 24 hours with Marily n Manson or Dennis Rodman, who would you choose? I’d rather kill myself. How long does it take you to get ready if you are going out? Around 40 minutes after my nap. Got a boyfriend? Where do I find one of those? Tell us something embarrassing about one of your friends ? My best friend in high school got her head stuck in my sunroof for a few hours in a parking lot at pizza hut. There are pictures on Facebook. Worst Pickup Line? “Where’s your boyfriend” Dogs or cats? I’ve been having puppy fever! Perfect Date? Something adventurous.. Bike rides and picnics. Beach, River, or Asphalt? Lake! Nothing’s better than being on a boat all day. Favorite celebrity? Chris Hemsworth in Thor, Ooh la la. Who’s the hottest- Surfers, Skaters, Wakeboarders, Musicians or Artists? Toughie! But I’ll fall in love with any athlete that can be a musician too. Favorite Spot to have a good night out?(central Florida ) Hooch or The Other Bar! Best cure for a bad hangover? Sleep… Sleep solves anything Favorite Sports team? I don’t follow sports.. I would rather play them. I love Fluid magazine because ? Who doesn’t love surfing and parties? What does the future hold for the lovely Ashleigh? Hopes of getting paid to travel everywhere :)

SPONSORED BY:

18 THEFLUIDM A G. C OM

ASHLEIGH CROAKE 21 YRS OLD

Voted A TOP

BEACH BAR in the state of Florida 2011, 2012, 2013

Ocean Bar, Tiki Bar and a Seafood/Raw Bar 2nd Story Oceanview Deck, Tropical Courtyard, and Live Music Our food is THE BEST AROUND!

501 No. Oceanshore Blvd (A1A) Flagler Beach, Florida

386-439-3004

goldenlioncafe.com

Celebrating our 21st Year!

FLUID HAPPY HOUR

Toniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Famous Pudding Shot Location: Metz Liquors, Daytona Beach Once upon a time I was at a restaurant out of town and tried this delicious shot, so one day while making the regular jello shots at Metz, I grabbed a box of instant pudding, for shits and giggles, and tried to make it myself. The results being, well, quite delicious!

1 cup of Smirnoff vodka 1 cup Baileys 1 cup Kahula 1.5 cup milk 7 oz. box of chocolate instant pudding 16 oz. cool whip original

Whip it all together and let sit for 10 minutes, place in whatever container you are serving out of and freeze!

PHOTOS: PATRICK RUDDY

INGREDIENTS:

Zack Marks

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: Grom Social

13 YRS OLD

I was kicked off Facebook twice by my dad. I asked him, what if I make my own social networking site for kids? Home school or public school? Home Schooled at Florida Virtual. How did you get the idea to start Grom Social? I was kicked off Facebook twice by my dad. I asked him, what if I make my own social networking site for kids? How did you come up with the name? (Great name by the way, you genius!) I get called Grom a lot and same with all of my friends under the age of 18. I surf a lot so I thought it would be a good name to call it Grom Social. Who has helped you the most? My family has helped me the most. Are you wanting to make a career out of Grom Social or is it more of a hobby? Yeah I want to make a career out of Grom Social because I like technology and talking to kids around the world. Has Grom Social exceeded your expectations? Grom Social has definitely exceeded my expectations. It’s gone world wide, we’re in over 200 countries/territories. October we did over 6 million page views. I never dreamed it being as big as it is this fast. What was your recipe for getting all the kids to join your site? A lot of the other social networking sites out there for kids are made by adults. Grom Social is made by kids for kids and we know what kids like.

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SPONSORED BY:

Is there an age limit or anything you want to tell the readers about Grom Social? The age limit is from 7 - 16 but we get some kids that are 5 and 6. How do parents know your site is safe for their groms? 24/7 live monitoring, parents approve everything the Grom does and a bad word filter. What has been your biggest hurdle? Usually running into technical issues is a hurdle, but we usually get things fixed pretty fast. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully still running Grom Social with my family and friends. I do see myself working in the technology space in ten years. When you’re not creating brilliant social media sites, what do you do with your spare time? I like to surf, but I really like to ride dirt bikes. Any shout-outs? Yeah, shout out to my brother Luke and sister Caroline and also my best friends, Tommy Coleman and Danny Donahue.

cre• a• tiv• i• ty

THE CREATIVE ISSUE

| 'krē-ā tivitē |

noun 1. the use of the imagination or original ideas, esp. in the production of an artistic work.

6 Q&A’s WITH SOME OF THE MOST INFLUENCIAL ARTISTS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA. FEATURING: ROB SNOW DANIEL TERRY AGUSTINE “AUGGIE” SULSER III DANIELLE BEU MINION CLOTHING CO. ROCKERBANDS & 1411 DESIGNS

elcome to the Creative Issue. Our goal is to inspire your artistic skills and feed your creative soul. Don’t be satisfied with the fashion and style of others, unfold your own destiny. Take a chance and believe in yourself, embrace your creativity by allowing yourself to make mistakes. When you put yourself out there, art is knowing which ones to keep.

THEF LU ID M AG.C OM 27

ROB SNOW BEHIND THE GLASS

PLACE OF BIRTH: FLORIDA CURRENTLY RESIDE IN: PORT ORANGE, FL SHOOTING SINCE: BEFORE DIGITAL Fluid: Hi Rob, what were you doing the minute before you started this interview with us? Booked a flight to Vail, Colorado for a snowboard trip with my buddy Matt Katsolis from Interpret Studios. Fluid: Where and When was your last assignment? Last assignment was an athlete shoot for Red Bull with Addison Zawada. Addison is a fixed gear cyclist living in Jacksonville, FL. We spent a day cycling around Jacksonville scouting locations a few weeks before the shoot. On the shoot day we divided our day. In the AM we were shooting “skateboard style” at iconic locations around downtown. Quick run and gun setups before security would run us off. In the afternoon we shot inside of an empty ford factory that was built in the early 1900’s. It was an incredible historic location that made for a great shoot. Fluid: What’s a normal day in your life look like? Most normal days are spent in the office doing post production, pre production, billing and other stuff to keep the business running. The days that aren’t normal are the ones that are memorable. Fluid: How did you start with photography? I started in photography when I was around 13. My parents gave me a kodak underwater disposable camera while I was on summer vacation with my cousins in North Carolina. The landscape was different then in Florida and it inspired me. The only problem was I only had 24 frames on the camera so I was very selective each day on what I would photograph. Somedays I went without taking any pictures and other days I would shoot a few. After the summer was over we had the roll of film developed and my mom was surprised at the images I returned with. She told me I had a really good eye. I asked her if I could do photography for a job and she said yes. That was pretty much it, I started shooting from that day with the goal of making it a career.

28 THEFLUIDM A G. C OM

Fluid: Your series of images titled ‘Southern Mud’, tell us about that series. Where did the inspiration come from? “Southern Mud” was a project I worked on for a couple of years documenting the Southern culture at mud bogs. I grew up from humble beginnings in the sticks on a farm near the gulf coast of Florida. While in college I was invited to go to a mud bog by a friend and I brought a camera. I shot a couple of rolls of black and white film and got a couple of mediocre pictures. Years later while looking at old prints, I found a few from that mud bog. At the time I was looking for a new personal project that would be fun, dangerous, but also show off my style as a location portrait photographer. Mud bogs were something

AN OUT OF BALANCE OCEAN IS BAD FOR SURFERS, FISHERMAN AND OUR PLANET. that very few people in my inner circle knew anything about and that was part of the draw. I researched the culture online and decided to fund my own photo project. I wanted the project to be a record of this subculture of gear heads, rednecks, and the giant off-road vehicles they drive. Fluid: What was your first picture that ever got published? Hmmm, I think it was an ad in Eastern Surf Magazine that Mez passed to me for CB surfboards of Charlie shaping a board. Fluid: Is there anyone who helped you the most on your way to becoming a professional photographer? There are so many people I owe a great deal of gratitude that helped elevate my career. My mentor was photographer Tom King, I worked as his photo assistant for years learning about the business. I started working with him back before digital photography and remember after my first week thinking I had learned more than the entire time I was in college. Although, without college I would have never had the opportunity to work for him. Stay in school kids! I also worked as a freelance photo assistant for traveling photographers who would have gigs in Florida. I was able to learn a lot from all of those experiences. Fluid: Every photographer seems to become a videographer too these days, since the cams can film as well.

Does the digital-times demand more work from us media people then, let´s say, five years ago? The saying “jack of all trades, master of none” comes to mind. I prefer to collaborate on projects with talented filmers & editors and not try to do both & have the quality of the stills be sacrificed. Almost every big project I work on there are two teams and we are squeezing every bit of time out of a day to create something special. I have done a couple of projects where I filmed and I really enjoyed it. Although, to work at the level of a true professional I would need to invest a lot more time into it, which would take away from being a still photographer. Fluid: What is your favorite place to shoot? My favorite place to shoot has to be somewhere I haven’t traveled. It doesn’t matter if it’s Iowa or Tahiti. Experiencing new places for the first time gets me more excited than returning to a place I’ve shot before. Fluid: Are you currently working on any new projects? The newest personal project I’ve been working on is with a Nonprofit group called OCEARCH. You may know them as the guys that catch, tag and release great white sharks. I’ve been the photographer documenting the last two expeditions. The first was in Jacksonville, FL where they caught Lydia, a 2,500 pound, 14 and a half feet great white shark. Working with OCEARCH has been one of the greatest adventures of my career as well as being very rewarding. Without sharks the oceans entire food chain is out of balance. An out of balance ocean is bad for surfers, fisherman and our planet. I’ll be leaving for the Galapagos Islands for the next expedition at the beginning of 2014. Check out the photos, which will be updated daily, on OCEARCH’s Facebook page, twitter and Instagram. Fluid: Do you have a few tips for young photographers who want to go in the same direction like you? When in college during an interview I asked legendary National Geographic photographer, Steve McCurry, how does one become a professional photographer? His answer was very simple, hard work. This has been the most spot on answer. I can remember points in my career when I felt like I was swimming in the ocean far from land and I had no point of reference to know if I was even moving, but I continued to swim. Work hard, have fun, know your weaknesses, never pass up an opportunity, don’t be afraid to fail, and keep creating.

PHOTOS: ROB SNOW

PHOTOS: PATRICK RUDDY

HOW TO CREATIVELY MARKET A LIFESTYLE BRAND WITH:

DANIEL TERRY F

INTERVIEW/INTRO BY: PATRICK RUDDY

VOLCOM EAST MARKETING MANAGER

or those of you who don’t know, marketing a clothing company can be one of the most stressful, tedious jobs in the world. From the time you apply, throughout the time you climb your way up the corporate ladder, you’re forced to find creative ways to sell your brand. And like most good companies, there’s usually a creative guru behind the curtain. For Volcom East, that man is Daniel Terry. We caught up with Daniel this past month to pick his brain on different creative ways to market a lifestyle brand like Volcom. Here’s what he had to say. PR: How did you get started with Volcom? DT: I surfed for Harts surf shop in Jacksonville, and after I won my first ESA contest (1995), Dave Harts introduced me to Sean Slater at Volcom, who put me on his flow team. And at that time I didn’t know much about Volcom. I’d seen a few of the ads that came out, but that was pretty much it. I remember waiting on my first box of clothes Sean sent, and getting this box of clothes and opening it all up - and it was the most heinous stuff ever. (Laughs.) Like purple shorts with plastic leather pockets, and the one t-shirt I got was mustard yellow, and it said “grass” with an anarchy sign on it. I remember my mom being like “What is this stuff?” I said “Don’t worry about it - it’s Volcom.” PR: So you rode for the team for a while, and at what point did you make the transition into marketing? DT: For me it was two avenues. I was really into music and really into surfing. And at that time, Ryan Immegard, who is now the VP of marketing at Volcom, had started an in-house record label (Volcom entertainment), and since I was really into music at the time, I approached him with the idea to start putting shows together on the east coast, and he’s like “Go for it!” So I kept putting shows together, and I had always helped our reps, who at the time were Eric Super and Sean Slater. So any event, or any time they were around, I was always there lending a helping hand. Those two avenues really got me to the point of thinking I could really get a job

here, but it didn’t happen until the year 2000, when I got the job as the surf team manager.

PR: Well for the people that are gonna do it anyways, what’s a healthy tip?

PR: How was the transition once you finally got the job?

DT: If you’re not happy with what you’re doing, you shouldn’t being doing it, A.. B: Surround yourself with people you trust and enjoy spending your time with. That’s a huge part of it, you know? And lastly, if you’re not having fun together, and you’re not creative, then it’s not gonna resonate.

DT: The first day of the job I remember getting out of bed and looking at this rinky dink computer that barely worked and thinking-- what do I do? (Laughs.) PR: You don’t ask yourself that still? DT: The question was, what’s marketing? I didn’t even know what it was, and I didn’t care. I was already doing it and didn’t even realize. I was just really passionate about music and surfing, and didn’t want to do anything else but be surrounded by those things. PR: Well it seems to have worked out. Did you ever feel like you should have gone to school? DT: NO, I was always horrible in school. I had no attention span, no direction, and I knew I was never gonna go to college. That being said, I know I got really, really lucky to have been able to wind this path to where I am today. PR: What do you say to the people that are in school? DT: People in school are there for a reason, point blank. I had to stumble for the first ten years going “How do I do this?” and “How do I do that?”. Until I could I finally say I got good at my job, but that’s just the way I learned. I learned from the people around me, so in my own way that was my college. All that being said, I think the people that are in school need to stay in school & learn as much as they can and keep their brain healthy. PR: Tell us about your work ethic. How do you manage your schedule? DT: Routine, being calendar driven, and knowing if you have a job to do, you get it done. That’s it. PR: What advice could you give a company that’s starting up and doesn’t know anything about marketing? DT: (Long pause.) Don’t start a company if you don’t know anything about marketing.

PR: Starting a clothing company doesn’t seem like it would be fun. How do you keep it fun? DT: I’ve never started a clothing company, but I’ve watched the roller coaster with Volcom from day one till now. There’s been some heavy, trying times, and it’s not easy all the time, but keeping that spirit of staying alive with what you’re doing. I think there’s a lot to be said for people who are really creative, have a vision and are able to bring people around them. PR: What’s the most important tool in marketing? DT: Social media. Today everything is going so fast, you literally have seconds to catch people’s attention. It’s not always easy to stay up to date, but it’s also a really fun challenge. PR: Who and/or what has been the biggest influence on your career and why? DT: I would say two people. The first - Brad Dourgherty, our brand manager at Volcom. He’s truly taught me everything. The second would have to be my wife, Amy. She’s kept me super grounded and kept me in the game. I don’t know where I would be without those two people’s guidance. PR: Daniel, thanks so much for taking the time do this interview with us - any last shout outs? DT: I would say the entire east coast and everyone who’s been a part of what I’ve been doing-- thank you very much for the ride so far. We’re just getting started! TH EF LU ID M AG.C OM 31

AUGGIE

WITH: AGUSTINE “AUGGIE” SULSER III

ou might have seen some of Agustin’s work at one of the Fluid parties. He has always provided a refreshing twist to our events. Each time we never know what he’ll bring to show off his skills, but we are always blown away. It could range from a wakeboard he turns into a table, live paintings on surfboards and skateboards, or amazing canvas creations. Regardless of what he produces, people are drawn to his work. Agustin has been working on his art skills for many moons and it shows in his work, since 1982 to be exact. Fluid: What is your main inspiration? Man, I get inspired by a lot of things, but I would have to say mostly art & design of the past. Each generation had its own style, and the art that came with it is just awesome and classic. Fluid: When you’re not creating art, what do you enjoy? Chillin’ with my beautiful woman, our dog, and collecting vintage items like record albums anything classic & unique. Fluid: Best advice another artist has given you? Patience. Learn, focus on your craft and the rest will follow. Fluid: Tell us about the brand RZ Culturz that you started and how it helps you display your work? I have always enjoyed graphic design and wanted to start a brand that reflects my interests. RZ (Rootz) is a good vibez clothing company I created to unite people through art, music, and culture. I try to create designs that people from all walks of life can gravitate to and enjoy. Fluid: How do you decide on the next art image you will create?

Man, it’s really spontaneous for me. I will just see something that is very cool that intrigues me and my mind starts spinning with ideas. Fluid: Is there a piece of work that stands out in your mind, something that you’re proud of or that means a lot to you? RZ held a fundraiser for a company called Share the Stoke Foundation (a local company that travels around the world making a positive impact by teaching kids to surf). I painted a very detailed piece on a surfboard from top to bottom to help raise money for their cause. It made me feel very humble and grateful for what I have and stoked that I was able to help these kids out through my art. Fluid: What is the most unique reaction you’ve gotten from your work? I had a client pass out and poop themselves out of excitement...lol not really, but that would have been epic. Not really sure, they’re all so different and unique. Fluid: Where can people see more of your work? Instagram: @rz_culturz / @agustins_art Facebook: RZ Culturz / Agustin’s Art www.rzculturz.com is where you can check out my clothing line. www.agustinsart.com is a portfolio of my art/graphics I have done for other companies. (This is also where you can contact me if you need graphic designs, custom art, mural work, etc.)

I HAD A CLIENT PASS OUT AND POOP THEMSELVES OUT OF EXCITEMENT.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: Agustine Sulser

THE ARTISAN

PHOTOS: GUNNER HUGHES

DANIELLE BEU

INTERVIEW/INTRO BY: ADAM FORAND

A MULTIFACETED CRAFTSWOMAN

anielle was born into a musical family and is part of The Beu Sisters, a Pop Rock group consisting of Candice, Christie, and Danielle Beu. She is the third youngest of 9 siblings and has become a very diverse artists in all aspects of creativeness. When you walk into her house, you enter a zen environment that epitomizes an artist’s home. She is covered in paint and creating a piece on the living room floor. As one glances around, you are taken in by the beautiful pieces that adorn the walls, some behind the couch and numerous surfboards with her aquatic designs are throughout the house. Surfboards seem to be what she enjoys the most as she talks with passion about these pieces. Family and friends are usually hanging out, sometimes becoming a human work of art as she practices designs for future costumes, another amazing talent she has. You can see that she experiments in many types of mediums and views everything around her as a canvas; particle board, surfboards, glass, faces, walls, stone, you get the picture. Danielle has a plethora of talent that blows us away every time we see a new work of art she has produced. Fluid: Tells us about a normal day in the life of Danielle Beu. I wake up early thanks to my sisters sweet cat Shenzi. Then, after more coffee than a person needs, I choose one of my many unfinished pieces to work on. I tend to put too much on my plate but, I love living in art and the procession of ideas seem endless (thank you Jesus) haha Fluid: How did growing up in a large musical inclined family shape you as an artist and person? Besides coloring my mind and memories with a plethora

of insanity, haha, I have so many older sibling that I generously shared every bit of knowledge they acquired over their lives, Candice with her illustrative artwork, Christie with her extraordinary ear for harmonies and track production, & my brother, Jesse, and his love for physics. They have all contributed to the mind that expresses so much now :) I am truly blessed to have a family that doesn’t compete with each other, we all do it all. Fluid: Who or what inspires your work the most? Nature, God, and the love we all exchange through fear and joy. If I elaborate on this I’ll never stop. Fluid: What would you call your style of art? That’s a tough one because I dabble in everything! But, I most enjoy my surrealistic pieces. Fluid: From seeing your works, I see that you have a love for the ocean. I love the giant 3-D black light jellyfish piece. Are nature scenes, particularly underwater, your favorite to paint? Absolutely! I grew up on the beach and blue is my favorite color so it makes sense :) but really a new experience is what I draw. After scuba diving for the first time I made 7 different deep ocean coral reef paintings. But, I’m writing this from Quebec now, so we maybe seeing some snowing wonderlands now. Fluid: Do you listen to your own music or what do you like for ear candy when creating? I listen to my music enough between recording and shows haha. I enjoy wordless music while I paint. Bonobo or Astrid Gilberto Pandora station is great!

Fluid: Would you consider your works to be of a FLUID nature? Indeed! My clouds and sky’s always flow as well as my ladies with long swirling hair and twisted trees. I am in love with Dali and Disney! I try to give the same sense of still motion they captured so well. Fluid: Any future plans for shows or exhibits where we can expect to see your work displayed? Besides on The Beu Sisters album cover and layout, I always have things in the works and the universe continually surprises me with new beautiful opportunities. I have a few projects in the works but I cannot speak of them quite yet... But, I would keep an eye out for my art in local churches, libraries, and soon in your homes!

ROCKERBANDS + 1411 DESIGNS

wo different brands work together to make creative magic in the fashion industry. Although completely separate ideas and concepts, Rockbands and 1411 Designs have created a huge following by feeding off each others energy. Rockerbands has a glam rock style that focuses on bikinis, headbands, and accessories. 1411 designs mixes it up with their vintage rosary, bullets, and stones. Sit back and enjoy our interview with the founder of Rockerbands, Danielle Napolitano, and the founder of 1411 Designs, Kendi Sullinger.

TWO CREATIVE MINDS ARE ALWAYS BETTER THAN ONE! Fluid: How did you all come up with ideas for your brands? D: I love to accessorize, so i started making my own accessories for myself. Everyone liked them so much, I decided to start a company to sell them. K: Since a young age I’ve dabbled in all sorts of visual arts and have always had a special love for jewelry. I would make necklaces for myself out of trinkets I found while thrifting and browsing flea markets. Danielle inspired and encouraged me to branch out and start designing pieces to sell and create a brand for myself. Fluid: Is there someone in your family or friends of yours that has helped your creative side shine? D: Yes, My Mom! I grew up watching her make the best costumes, accessories, and clothing. Music is also a big inspiration. I love listening to classic rock while I’m designing. K: I am so lucky to have amazing parents and a boyfriend that have always encouraged my artistic endeavors! My friends and customers are also wonderful to me. I can’t tell you how many times someone has brought a bag of bullet casings that they took the time to pick up after shooting, and all they say to me is, I thought you could use these for some new pieces. My boyfriend, Claudio and his family are super supportive and are always bringing me treasures they find and think I can use! Even my stockists will sometimes slip me some old coins they found or religious medallions that they know I am always on the hunt for. Fluid: Why did you decide it would be a good idea to brand the products together? D: We are good friends and our brands compliment each other when we do our POP-UP-SHOP for Art walks, wine walks, indie markets, fashion shows and Fluid Mag parties. As well as our Monthly Photo shoots. K: I feel that our two brands compliment each other very well, so it was very natural to bring them together for

photo shoots and pop-up shops. Two creative minds are always better than one! Fluid: Are Rockerbands and 1411 Designs a full time gig or do you have other occupations that fill up your free time? D: Im working towards making Rockerbands a full time gig. Meanwhile, I enjoy bar tending at Tayton Obrians and modeling for Michelle & Group. K: It is just one of many full time gigs I have going on! I am a hair stylist at Sessions Hair Company in Daytona, and I also do freelance photography and graphic design.

PHOTOS courtesy of:Rockerbands

TIED TOGETHER

Fluid: What is the biggest hurdle being a local brand? D: Locals give me great support, but the biggest hurdle has to be getting to the next step and being a nationwide, known brand. K: I think one of the biggest challenges for any small brand is to branch out and become known in other markets. Fluid: We have noticed that all your models are smoking hot!! How do you pull that off? Do you have a big budget for models or just a bunch of beautiful friends? D: I guess Im just lucky to know a lot of beautiful models/ friends that are into our brands. K: Hehe! We do have beautiful friends, and friends of friends! I am one lucky photographer! It has also been exciting because we are now starting to get models reaching out to us, letting us know that they like our brands and would like to work with us. Fluid: What are your goals for your brands in the future? D: My goals for the future is to be in stores nationwide, have my own manufacture, and being a well known designer. K: I would love to continue to learn new silversmith techniques and incorporate them into my designs. A main goal of mine is to work on setting more raw stones into my designs. I have so many ideas swimming around in my head for new pieces, I just need the tools and knowhow to make them a reality! Fluid: Where can we find your products? D: My products can be found in New Smyrna Beach at Sei and Mika boutique, Daytona Beach at Moxie Vintage, and Ormond Beach at Salty Dog. I’m also online at www. Rockerbands.com, that will lead you to my Etsy and Ustrendy online shop. K: Currently you can find Fourteen Eleven Designs in my Etsy store at www.FourteenEleven.etsy.com, The Owl’s Attic in Winter Park, Sei Boutique in New Smyrna, Moxie Vintage in Downtown Daytona, and Frame of Mind and Salty Dog Surf Shop in Ormond! We are also always setting up Pop-Up shops at different events in the area. I also hope to soon have a store through my website, www.FourteenEleven.com! THEF LU ID M AG.C OM 37

PHOTOS: GUNNER HUGHES

MINION CLOTHING CO.

min• ion

| 'min-ýuhn |

1. a servile dependent, follower. 2. one highly favored; idol. 3. a brand built by hand; blood, sweat & saltwater.

WITH: Philip Walker, Karl Meyer, & Jonathan Miller

inion is determined to be as diverse as the land is wide. They are determined to bridge the gaps between water, land, snow and canvas to support and inspire a culture that embraces the natural beauty around them. Imagined atop a mountain in Colorado, then later started at a beach in Florida and finally becoming real on a lake in Wisconsin; The founders of Minion have taken their time to let the process happen naturally. This natural process is part of what they feel makes their company a little different and defines what they stand for never stop believing in your natural ability to do the things you want in life. Minion’s team is comprised of artists, athletes, musicians and adventurers and was founded by three friends: Philip Walker, Karl Meyer and Jonathan Miller. I sat down with Philip Walker of Minion in Atlantic Beach, Florida to find out more about how they manage to operate from 100’s of miles apart and why corporate boardrooms and investors are overrated.

SPONSORED BY:

Fluid: What made you guys want to start Minion Clothing? The natural thing for us to say, as would any life style brand started by three friends would say; is that we wanted to live a life free of the constraints of the corporate yada yada yada... The three of us want Minion to succeed so we can make a product that we can be proud of. We want our friends, our families, our towns; we want our customers to be proud when they wear something adorned with our “anchors”. We wanted to start Minion so we could

make quality apparel with original design as a main focus and offer it to as many people as possible for the most cost effective price points on the market. Fluid: What do you love or hate about being a brand based out of Florida? We are technically not based out of anywhere in particular, Jon lives in Tampa, Florida where he does all of Minion’s design work. Karl is based out of Chicago where he is locally producing clothing for the northern region and introducing new styles to the lineup. I (Philip) live in Atlantic Beach, Florida where I do most of the sales and marketing along with a lot of the production. We hate not being able to cruise over to each-others houses to work together, but we love that, with technology, we are at each others fingertips whenever we are needed. Fluid: What inspires the crew and keeps the creative juices flowing? We are never short of inspiration, nature is the ultimate inspiration for new ideas. The people that are rooting for us, supply us with an endless amount of energy. Seeing a hat or a shirt that you and your friends created on someone you don’t know, or seeing one of our Anchor stickers on a strangers car or on the back of a truck gives you all the steam needed for what’s needed to be done. Fluid: We noticed that your company is very art driven. Is that your bread and butter? We are all artists at heart. Art will always play a major roll at Minion. Design plays a huge part as well. We are always looking for the perfect marriage between art and design. Being so spread out works to our advantage, meaning we all are not subjected to the same inspirations. Jon lives on the west coast of Florida where he gets to see sunsets, clear waters and works on boats all day. I’m on the East coast of Florida with the sharks and the waves and the sunrises. Karl spends most of his time in Chicago and on Lake Michigan where a fresh water surf culture has sprung up. The art and influence comes from all over. Fluid: Is Minion your full time gig or do you have other occupations that fill up your free time? All three of us have full time gigs. Jon is the Director of Design and Operations at Carbon Craft, a company building luxury tenders for the yacht market in Tampa, Florida. Karl is a Massage Therapist for the Ritz Carlton Four Seasons in Chicago. Phillip manages a restaurant called Royal Palm Wine and Tapas in Atlantic Beach, Florida, and also owns jewelry company Elizabethsarahcollections.com with his wife. The goal is to let Minion grow organically with the least amount of overhead until it’s time to make that leap. We never want to get too big for our own britches and have to stop. The goal is to never stop and build Minion into a world-wide recognizable brand. Fluid: What is the biggest hurdle being a local brand?

We think the biggest hurdle for any small up and coming company from here or there with a budget of Zero is making a product that people want to buy over your competitors that have budgets in the millions. It’s more like a giant wall that you can’t see over as opposed to a hurdle. But, if you stare at that wall long enough as we have, you will start to see these tiny little footholds all over it. ‘Footholds’ meaning facebook, Instagram, our fans and followers etc. Social media has given us these little footholds necessary to climb all the way to the top or at least high enough to make some noise. We do think there are some benefits to being a local brand and growing from the energy of the brand itself instead of seeking out investors to pump money in. It gives us the freedom to be flexible with our decisions and also connects us to our audience in a very dynamic symbiotic way, where without them we could not exist. Fluid: What is your main focus? Selling to shops, online sales, or a different approach? Our main focus is growth. More More More!!! Online is our best selling platform. We’ve begun selling to shops which is tricky because all of our clothing is treated like art and produced in small batches. We push it to you guys first via Facebook and Instagram and usually in most cases so far, it sells out, leaving very little left for the shops. Which makes it collectible, and the site gives the buyer the power to get what they want on their own time. We make about 100 of each item, sell it out, and move on to something new. Making the shirt you are wearing a little more special than just a shirt you are wearing. The last year was us proving to ourselves that we could make something that people wanted to buy. Our focus now is taking the next step in making Minion and the community that comes with it a reality.

Jill, Taylor, Patrick, NubTV, Hair of the Beast, and Whole Wheat Bread. We support them because they believe in us. They are following a vision like true Minion does. Never letting up on their individual quests. They are not tied to us under contract and are free to go where ever they choose with who ever offers them the most money. Considering how small we are, we can’t give them much but they rep the hell out of it And mark my words, it’s because of this group of people that we will succeed and hopefully one day really sponsor them. Fluid: Fill in the Fluid readers on how they can get their grubby paws on some Minion gear. We are now selling in Salty Dog Surf Shop in Daytona Beach, FL, Friction Surf and Skate in Bethune Beach, FL, Grom Gear Surf and Skate in New Smyrna Beach, FL, Sunrise Surf Shop in Jacksonville Beach, FL, The Board Room Surf Shop in Neptune Beach, Seven Seas Tattoo Apparel and Art Gallery in Sarasota, FL, The Spa at Four Seasons/Ritz Carlton Chicago, Illinois, and Chicago Truborn in Chicago, Illinois. You can also go to www.minionshop.com if there isn’t a store close to you to shop and check out the most recent videos from our team. If you have a shop and are interested in carrying our brand, please reach out to us: info@minionshop.com Each run gets bigger and better with more room for distribution Fluid: Any shout outs or thank yous? Would like to thank Fluid Magazine for listening to our story and supporting us from day one. We would also like to thank every person that has supported us whether it is buying our product or coming to one of our parties. We do this because you make us feel what we are doing is right. And that makes us feel... well... Inspired to do more.

Fluid: Best advice that anyone in the industry has given you? PW: “It doesn’t matter that you lose every once in awhile, it matters that you show up to fight every damn day!” One of my asshole bosses along the way. KM: ”It always seems impossible until it is done.”, Nelson Mandela (not someone in the industry but most definitely some good advice)

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT MARRIAGE BETWEEN ART AND DESIGN.

JM: “Stay true to yourself and know that it’s going to take longer and be more difficult than you’ve ever imagined. But it’s worth it!” Big Perm AKA Robert Wiles Imperial Motion Clothing Fluid: You guys seem really fortunate to have a solid group of Pro and Amateur team riders reppin’ your brand. How did you pull off having such a bad ass team right out of the gates? Our Team are our friends and family. Gorkin, Hopper, Elohe, Yair, Josh, Joei, Grom, Gucci, Connor, Ariana,

THEF LU ID M AG.C OM 39

THINGS

YOU SHOULD DO THIS WINTER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA. As we welcome a shift in season from fall to winter and bring in the new calendar year, we reflect on the past but look forward to the future. It’s that time of year where we get to press the reset button and establish those resolutions and personal goals for 2014. In an attempt to fight boredom and keep you making the most of your days, Fluid has put together a ‘To-Do’ list that is almost certain to keep your interest peaked and your body in shape. These are just a handful of activities we are fortunate enough to have at our fingertips here in Central Florida.

1. Florida Winter Shrimp Run With the falling temperatures that come with winter, it’s generally a signal to many in Central Florida that it is time to start getting ready for the winter shrimp run. Starting in late November and picking up in December winter shrimp of all sizes start to leave the backwaters and head for deeper water. As the shrimp are heading out to the deep waters they wait for heavy tidal movements to aide in their passage. Generally 2-3 days before and after a full moon tides in the Ponce Inlet area are ideal for catching shrimp in the winter. They will ride the tide out to the open ocean, and while riding this tide, they can easily be dip netted at night!

2. Blue Springs State Park Now that the weather has started to get a little cooler, the manatees are making their way back into the protection of warm water refuges. Manatees will roam the waters of the southeast during the months of April through October. But, when things get chilly, they head to places like Blue Springs where the temperatures remain constant throughout the year. It may not seem warm when you jump in a freshwater spring, but the water temperatures remain around 70 degrees, perfect for manatees who need that kind of warmth to survive. Seeing a large amount of manatees in one place is an amazing experience, but just remember that they are there for survival. Whether you are on a solo kayaking trip or a manatee swim tour, always mind your “Manatee Manners”, look, but don’t touch!

3. Aiguille Rock Climbing Center Too cold for outdoors? Visit Aiguille rock climbing center. This is the only dedicated climbing facility in central florida that provides quality climbing in bouldering, top rope, and lead for casual and competitive climbers in the area who want to become part of an active and open community. Established in December of 1997, Aiguille has 10,000 square feet of climbing walls up to 36 feet high.

4. Mount Dora Arts Festival A juried fine arts festival, for art lovers, casual festival-goers and families, nothing compares to the Mount Dora Arts Festival. Downtown Mount Dora, with its New England architecture and breathtaking views of Lake Dora as the backdrop for this event. In addition to the endless rows of fine art, including oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, clay, sculpture and photography, the festival features local and regional musical entertainment at a main stage in Donnelly Park. The festival runs Saturday, February 1, 2014 10 am to 5 pm ~ Sunday February 2, 2014 10 am to 5 pm

5. Bike The West Orange Trail Rent a bike or bring your own! The West Orange Trail stretches 22 miles along the edge of Lake Apopka and through the quaint downtown of Winter Garden. Some of the best rides on this trail are broken up by lunch or Ice Cream from one of the downtown shops. This is a must do for anyone who loves the outdoors this winter!

THEF LU ID M AG.C OM 41

PHOTOS: PATRICK RUDDY

UP NEXT

CFL MUSIC ISSUE

Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille

EAT

DRINK

CASUAL RIVERFRONT DINING

PHOTOS: GUNNER HUGHES

Gorgeous views of the river, lush landscape and an impressive menu. In New Smyrna Beach, where casual is king, you might expect that all would come with a hefty price tag. Not at Outriggers! They are bringing quality food to casual riverfront dining. Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille was designed with a good time in mind. There is a huge deck, an outside tiki bar and an atmosphere that makes you appreciate the Florida lifestyle. The inside does not disappoint either - tons of big screens, a sleek bar and nautical touches. Yep, get ready for a good time. Now, lets get serious. You need to check out the drink menu right off the bat. American craft beers dominate and they are meticulous about their cocktails. From the first sip you will taste the difference of their fresh, house-made juices and mixers. If you’re feeling thirsty, ask your bartender for a mojito made with fresh squeezed lime juice, real cane sugar and mint muddled to perfection. The drinks are amazing, but a nautical themed restaurant better bring the seafood. They offer a full selection of local fresh fish, an epic ceviche and a crab-cake that is chock full of the good stuff. If you’re a landlubber, check out the sausage and beer mac n’ cheese or the à la carte tacos. Overall, Outriggers brings you an experience that is unique, fresh and casual at an affordable price. So wear your flip flops and bring your appetite to Outriggers in NSB - just make sure to give us a nod when you see us drinking mojitos at the outdoor tiki bar.

300 Boatyard Street • New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32169 • (386) 428-6888

PARTY OUTTAKES

FLUID EXTRAS

2 4

1. DAVEY AND THE LEGENDARY Soul Taxi CREW LIGHTIN’ UP BEACHSIDE TAVERN. 2. BEHIND THE SCENES SHOOTING WITH ROB SNOW. 3. All the right people showed up the for the Flagler Beach event at Fuego Del Mar. A.J. came with his lovely wife Megan, Matt came straight from the woods! 4. Is Zach Marks the next Mark Zuckerberg? 5. There is a lot that we love about the Rockerband girls. BIKINIS IN WINTER IS ONE.

46 THEFLUIDM A G. C OM

6. The lovely Ashleigh Croake. 7. Brotherly love. Geiselman bros know blood is thicker than water! 8. Who doesn’t love crisp $100 bills? Noah Schweizer does! 9. Boy do I like a pretty brunette! 10. One of the Founder’s of Minion Clothing and the next generation of the Minion Army!