IMPRINT MAGAZINE

KAT VON D HER STORY BEHIND THE INK

INSPIRE YOUR STYLE

SNEAK PEEK OF TOP TRENDS FOR SUMMER

ASK ABBY!

ADVICE ON HABITS THAT HINDER THINKING

DON’T ABOLISH THE CREATIVE THE BREAKDOWN

ON WHY ART & MUSIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT

THE BUZZ

THE CELEBRITY SCOOP ON THE RAW TRUTH

CONNOR HUGHES

WINNER

OF THE ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

WINNER of Annual Photography Contest

Kat Von D Her Story Behind the Ink

Fashion Trends for Summer

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The Scoop On The Raw Truth

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Art & Music Have A Place In Education

Ask Abby Advice for Habits That Hinder Thinking

19 Give Graffiti A Chance

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ONTENTS

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IMPRINT

PRESENTS

2012

ANNUAL

Photography CONTEST

W I N N E R

Connor Hughes

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Sponsored By

“ UNTITLED “

Kat Von D Her Story Behind The

INK

WRITTEN BY: Tammy Gilbert

thing that I am “ The proud of with the show is being able to open people’s minds.

”

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eneration Y has so many different celebrities who sing, create art, and want to inpact the world. One individual who has been hit down and keeps reaching for her dreams no matter how many times someone tries to get in her way stands out and tickles the fancy of those who can appreciate art and try to help those around them. This person is the well known Kat Von D.

At the age of 14 she wasn’t living in the best of areas in Mexico and was hanging out with the wrong croud which led to her dropping out of school. With all the notoriety she gets there is bound to be younglings looking up to her. In a interview with Chris Nieratko she talks about the emails she receives about what was seen on the show. “The first time I was on Miami Ink I said I dropped out of high school at 14, after two weeks. Then I get 12-yearolds telling me they want to drop out of school and be a tattooer too. I was like, ‘Fuck!’ That is not something I promote at all. For me, it was an exception.” If there are people following Kat closely this interview would most likely pop up. Now, how can a kid look up to a person who says no you shouldn’t drop out of school! But then says that they are an exception? No exceptions should be made if your trying to tell someone not to do something. It’s like your mom saying don’t have a cookie before dinner.. and then you see your mom grab one out and start snacking.

Kats dating life is always something interesting. She doesn’t just randomly date men which is a good thing. She takes dating seriously, but sometimes the things she does can influence those looking up to her. During her interview with Chris Nieratko he asked her about the rumor of her being in a race to get her boyfriend Orbie’s name tattood on her. “No, I wasn’t. But everything escalated fast with Orbie. It’s all or nothing. I’m not gong to pussyfoot around the fact that I’m in love and I get tattooed all the time, so it only makes sense that I would get his name after a short period of time. I have almost 10 Orbie-related tattoos now.

I got the letter ‘A’ on my hand for his first name, Alex. I got ‘Orbie’ right under my boobs. I got ‘Bricks of Brooklyn’ on my stomach, which he actually tattooed…” In this relationship before she stated putting his name on her body they were together for a very short period of time. Just because she loves to get tattoos and loves the person she is with it does not mean that she should put multiples of him on her body which young girls and gals can look at and think I love this person I should put them permanently on me even though we’ve been together for a week.

Drinking in excess is something everyone should be avoiding and Kat wants to be a role model for those out there faced with the decision to drink or not to drink. ” There is definitely some footage out there where I’m wasted out of my mind, crying and really talking about gnarly shit… I never thought that I would care about that stuff but after reading emails [from viewers], I don’t want kids to think it’s cool to be a wastoid.” A few years back she made this statement to Chris Nieratko but it didn’t sound like she could convince someone who looks up to her not to drink because they can obviously see her going out and doing so on the internet or the shows she’s on.

“Ah, this chick is tough and she’s probably kinky in bed and all this stuff,”

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After what was said above I am not saying Kat is a bad person. Everyone makes mistakes and wants to be proud of the impact to makes on those around her. ” ..But the thing that I am proud of with the show is being able to open people’s minds. My parents never stepped foot in my shop for the entire 10 years that I was tattooing, until the show came out. My dad called me and said, ‘Oh my God, Kathy. I didn’t know this is what you do. You help people.’

That’s awesome. And whether you have tattoos or not, every person can relate to the stories that are being told on the show, and that’s a great thing,” Kat said during her interview with Chris Nieratko.

“I’m just myself; what you see is what you get. I guess it could be a refreshing surprise, because people see me like, “Ah, this chick is tough and she’s probably kinky in bed and all this stuff,” and I’m just like a prude sometimes. I’ll say certain things that sometimes I’m like, “Oh my god, I sound like my mother.” At the same time I think people have the misconception that I hang out in alleyways with balls and chains, [but] I like to play classical music and travel and read books -- it’s kind of cool.” During this interview with Shaen Loeffler from Askmen.com Kat states that she is just herself. Just because she dresses a certain way and does tattoos and has them does not mean at all that she is not like everyone else.

Kat doesn’t let her dreams die. In an interview with a young girl named Sara Lee who looks up to Kat and wants to follow her dreams like Kat did she asked her how she stays motivated. “Lots of things motivate me: my coworkers (Chris Garver) motivate me to work harder and always strive to be a better artist. My dad motivates me to be an honest and loyal person. And loud techno music motivates me to run faster on the treadmill!” This interview made Sara Lee more determined to follow her dreams and be a good person.

Lastly, even though Kat Von D is a strong women in a male dominated world she still has to deal with people in her own industry putting her down because of her fame. In her interview with Chris Nieratko she speaks about it. “The worst part has been how much respect I’ve lost in the tattoo world. It doesn’t matter how hard I try there are always going to be people who hate me and what I do.

The majority of it is the tattoo industry having the wrong idea about what I’m driven by, thinking I’m making a mockery of tattooing.

All the hard work I’ve put in over the years to gain that respect went out the window now that I’m on TV. “ But even though the industry is trying to make it hard on her she continues to create beautiful art and touches those around her. She is expanding her business to now an art studio and of course her make-up line. Coming from a rough back ground Kat has fallen down and made some bad choices. But learning from those mistakes and realizing the impact it has on others is a great lesson she is learning. She speaks thru her art and helps other people express themselves also thru the permanent mark on the walking canvas. Thanks Kat.

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INSPIREYOUR STYLE TO P T R E N D S F O R S U M M E R

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EXPLORE YOUR STYLE

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LIVE THE URBAN LIFE

TRE N E 13

R T

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THE SCOOP ON THE RAW TRUTH

“You never truly understand what an album or whatever piece of art you make means until your sort of away from it, until you have a little bit of hindsight” -Brandon Being that I’m an artist I strongly agree with the point that Brandon Boyd has made within this interview. Although, instead of referring to music this point applies to me more in regards to working on a painting or a graphics piece. Any piece that I’m working on usually considers lots of concentration, and for me to be really close and intricate with details. Until I step back away from it or even leave it alone for a day is when I start to appreciate the overall sense and progressions of the piece. In a sense the whole picture starts to come together; oppose to being too close where the image is difficult to distinguish. - Trisha Andrada

“How can America hate something that it created?”

-Marilyn As they say, “Think before you act”, right?

- Ashley Singleton

“I’m just myself; what you see is what you get. I guess it could be a refreshing surprise, because people see me like, “Ah, this chick is tough and she’s probably kinky in bed and all this stuff,” and I’m just like a prude sometimes. I’ll say certain things that sometimes I’m like, “Oh my god, I sound like my mother.” At the same time I think people have the misconception that I hang out in alleyways with balls and chains, [but] I like to play classical music and travel and read books -- it’s kind of cool.” - Kat Kat states that she is just herself. Just because she dresses a certain way and does tattoos and has them does not mean at all that she is not like everyone else. - Tammy Gilbert

“To pursue the idea of making music, and creating for a living is eccentric in itself. I’m intrigued by people who do just that who are not afraid to follow their heart, and pursue things that make them happy as individuals. Because I think your doing a much greater debt to the world by following your heart, then if you are compromising” - Brandon I strongly believe in the point that Boyd has made in regards to how creating for a living is uncommon to most occupations that are out there.

This theory pretty much summed up the solution I have encountered when I had career picking issues. Ever since I was little I always knew that I wanted to do something creative for a living. But coming out of high school I was stuck in a rut. I was taught to believe that making a lot of money should be my first priority. I knew where my heart was set, but my values were so dismantled I took a hiatus from career picking. Eventually my heart held strong, and I decided to take the creative route. I figured why not do something I love for a living and make a good buck. - Trisha Andrada

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KAT VON D BRANDON BOYD MARILYN MANSON

WITH

RESPONDING : Trisha Andrada, Ashley Singleton, Tammy Gilbert “The first time I was on Miami Ink I said I dropped out of high school at 14, after two weeks. Then I get 12-year-olds telling me they want to drop out of school and be a tattooer too. I was like, ‘Fuck!’ That is not something I promote at all. For me, it was an exception.” - Kat If there are people following Kat closely this interview would most likely pop up. Now, how can a kid look up to a person who says no you shouldn’t drop out of school! But then says that they are an exception? No exceptions should be made if your trying to tell someone not to do something. It’s like your mom saying don’t have a cookie before dinner.. and then you see your mom grab one out and start snacking. - Tammy Gilbert

“No, I wasn’t. But everything escalated fast with Orbie. It’s all or nothing. I’m not gong to pussyfoot around the fact that I’m in love and I get tattooed all the time, so it only makes sense that I would get his name after a short period of time. I have almost 10 Orbie-related tattoos now. I got the letter ‘A’ on my hand for his first name, Alex. I got ‘Orbie’ right under my boobs.

I got ‘Bricks of Brooklyn’ on my stomach, which he actually tattooed…”

- Kat In this relationship before she stated putting his name on her body they were together for a very short period of time. Just because she loves to get tattoos and loves the person she is with it does not mean that she should put multiples of him on her body which young girls and gals can look at and think I love this person I should put them permanently on me even though we’ve been together for a week. - Tammy Gilbert

“When you let people think it’s okay to hold their hands out and expect other people, who work hard to get where they are, to give something to you.” - Marilyn Well let’s not jump to conclusions here... not only do the wealthy work hard, but so does the lower class, and are proud for what they earned as well. - Ashley Singleton

“When all of you wishes are granted, many of your dreams will be destroyed.”

Woah now, you don’t have to be such a negative Ned. Wishes and dreams are connected and could both come true.

-Ashley SIngleton

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&

Art Music

Have a Place in Education WRITTEN BY: Ashley Singleton

A

rt is important in education, but during these hard times schools across America are cutting back on these programs because of tight budgets. During the elementary school years of a child’s life, their creativity is at their highest. It should be used to its fullest potential. Students perform better in schools that have art programs.

Art teaches skills that are needed for this fast paced technological 21st century in the work place. Providing more art programs in schools will create more jobs for the large number of unemployed in the U.S.

The Journal Interactive mentioned, “...Kids learn differently and some studies suggest that children who participate in their schools’ art and music programs do better academically and on their SATs than those who are not involved.” With this being said it is crucial to provide these programs in schools who are struggling academically. Along with learning how

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to play an instrument or learning colors on the color wheel, these students are learning a variety of mental habits not emphasized in other courses. Art and music provides a source of ventilation for students who are going through a rough time at home. The arts spark creativity, relieves stress, and boots their confidence. Some students may also benefit from the arts to think under-the-surface in other classes. The arts will also help them spark ideas for their place in the career world in the future.

With technology today moving at a rapid pace, it is hard to keep up in the work field to think of new ways to move along with it. Journal Interactive argues that,”Art and music teach skills such as; reflection, abstract thought, and self-critiquing skills needed to compete in the 21st century workplace.” When schools continue to cut art school programs because of state budgets, the future will not have any artists or leaders to change the world and build upon the past.

There are workplaces in this country that are in need of employers to think outside the box, but the problem is that they can’t find these creative individuals to take these positions. With no art courses being taught in out schools, there will be no growth to conribute to our American businesses. Also, opening more art programs throughout art schools will provide many jobs to the enemployed which will boost the economy.

Thousands of jobs will be taken away because art programs are being tightly cut. This will equal to a higher percentage of citizens unemployed. Students will not be able to discover their inner artist or find out who they truly are without educators or teachers on board.

Providing more jobs will not only benefit these children, but will also benefit the economy and future as well. The journal interactive thought of an alternative to providing art schools if they had one-time funding for these art classes. “Another possibility... is a roving music and art instructor... Teachers could work much like the Book Mobile program by traveling from school to school to reach those in need... Not as good as a full-time music or art teacher in a school but better than the alternative- nothing.” With this being said, part-time school instructors for art programs would help in many ways and still provide jobs but will not hurt the budget as much.

Yes there are other subjects in schools that are just important as art, but art provides an important skill to think outside the box and should be noticed more. The arts provides a resource for children to vent and teach ways that will help them succeed in other subjects.

Art programs will provide jobs for the huge percentage og the unemployed and help boost the economy as well. These instructors will give these children an inspiration to spark ideas that will benfit the future. Art programs are important in education.

“..Kids learn differently and some studies suggest that children who participate in their schools’ art and music programs do better academically and on their SATs than those who are not involved.”

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Q: So there is this guy who I met the other day and had asked me on a date but I am second guessing because he looks like those total “hipster” jerks who think they’re the hottest thing around. I know he wouldn’t like any of the music I’m into because it’s probably too mainstream for him. He wears cut-off jeans with a vintage t-shirt and eco-friendly shoes.

That’s totally not my style for a guy, not really into that myself. Should I give this guy a chance? What if he doesn’t even like anything I like? -Susie A: As they say, “opposites attract”. You should give this guy a chance. Don’t determine his actions and thoughts based on his looks. You’ll never know until you get to know him first. The best thing to do is to be yourself, because isn’t that what attracted him in the first place?

Q: One of my friends has grown up listening to rap and still listens to it today. It’s practically the only thing he will listen to. He refuses to listen to anything else; he will not get in the car if I am playing any other music but rap. He thinks it’s the best music out there and nothing can top it. What can I do to expand his horizons on music? -Frank A: Well first of all you can hand him our magazine and tell him to read our, “Music Insider” section that has many reviews from our readers like you and your friend on a wide selection of artists/singers. Another thing you could do is you can talk to him about all the other types of genres of music that convey messages in their lyrics about problems going on in the world, social injustice, etc. which is similar to rap but just has a different beat or more/less instruments

Q: Hey Abby, I need your advice. I am really into graffiti art, but I’m only into doing murals where no vandalism is involved. Recently I have been collaborating with fellow graffiti artists, and most of them want to go out at night to tag random buildings to get their work noticed.

Lately I’ve been following their lead because a majority of them are pretty popular with their work getting noticed. I’m all for about getting noticed, but I really don’t like vandalizing people’s properties. I don’t want to tell them how I feel, because they are a good contact to have.

Please help me out. I really don’t know what to do. - Greg A: Hey Greg, graffiti is such a unique and expressive artistry to get into. I understand that it’s a bit tough to get you name out their as a graffiti artist; but if you really have a problem with vandalizing, then you should stand for what you believe in. Next time when they ask you to go out with them just say your uncomfortble with vandalizing. Speak your mind. There are plenty of ways to get your name out their as a graffiti artist without having to get involved with vandalism. You do you, and respect your values.

Q: Hey Abby, so I’ve been having some issues with my acylic paints. I’ve just picked up this job to do a commission painting for a friend. He needed it in two weeks, and I told him it’s going to be easy I’ll definitely have it for him by then. Well that two weeks is almost up. I’ve been working on the paintings while watchin my favorite t.v series, but I can never seem to get the painting done. I blame it on the paint. They are just not working with. What should I tell my friend? He’s expecting the painting to be done in a couple of days. - Rae A: Hey Rae, so the solution is easy. It’s not the paints, it’s working in front of the television. Try working in a room where you know you won’t get distracted. You should just tell your friend the truth; and next time you have a commission painting be honest with youself, and realistice with your time frame.

Q: Plainly stated, I am a follower. I seem to be stuck in this routine living in my parent’s house where I am 22 and I still dress like I am in the fifth grade because my mother tells me to and shops for my clothing. I have a routine where I wake up at the same time every day because I have a schedule and do the same thing every day and end at the same time. I see to have shaped into this mold and conform to whatever rules are placed in front of me. I am scared to go outside of the box and have this person inside of this shell break out… But I don’t know how to let her out. -Lauren A: You sound like an amazing person, let me say first off. You’re just a little intimidated to step outside of the person you’ve been these last few years. But let me tell you something, we all come to a time in our lives when we realize it’s time for a change and its usually for the better.

There is no reason to just jump into a different you. Just take baby steps and slowly change what you want yourself to become. Taking these small steps will allow you to become comfortable with being the person you are on the inside and show it on the outside.

Q: Recently I have realized that I am no longer a teenager with little to no responsibilities other than trying to get good grades at school. All of my friends around me have fewer responsibilities than me and I seem to be forgetting that my situation is different than theirs. I have a six year old child and am working on a relationship and hoping it is leading to a marriage. My only problem is that my partner will not stop bothering me about how I go out once maybe twice a week to hang with my friends. I will admit that when we hang out we like to drink. My partner’s problem is that I like to get drunk and end up staying at my friends. I understand that were building this relationship but I still want to have fun with my friends.

-Liam A: Well everyone likes to have fun with their friends.

But as you stated your friends are in a different boat than you. You’re working on building a family and already have a child. Your friends can continue partying because they do not need to support the life you have created and are not trying to build a family like you are right now. As it seems to me, you need think about your priorities. Your child and partner that you are hoping to marry should come first and maybe find something else to do with your friends. Be a role model for them or maybe look for other friends that will support you’re grown up lifestyle.

GIVE

GRAFFITIA CHANCE!

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vertime the underground culture society for art has evolved the reputation of graffiti. It went from being a rebellious act of crime to a world recognition art form that has gained artistic value. However, even though street art is able to attain some significance within the art world it continues to be a disputable topic with the long arms of the law. But has this never-ending battle just been a problematic topic that is left unsolved, or is it just an act of discrimination towards this subculture community? Expressing one’s mind can be taken back all the way to the beginning of humanity; and just the same as any other individual with a unique state of mind this art form is a way for this

community to visually express themselves and their beliefs. Street artists seek for any opportunities that will reshape their reputation from being a vandal to respectable visual artists. It’s the minuscule chances that are given, and false judgements that keeps them from being anything more then just an act of deliberate destruction.

Utilizing visual communication goes back to the time of cave paintings. Just like graffiti art cave paintings transmit a message that evokes an understanding within the culture of that artist and their beliefs . But for cave painter’s they are characterized as pioneers of creativity who left a rich legacy of artistic expression. As for graffiti artists they are

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viewed to the public as no more then delinquents that destroy other people’s properties. But has society of the U.S nation overlooked this as merely being an act of exercising our Bill of Rights? The first amendment to the United States Constitution declares our right to the freedom of speech. Like many forms of art graffiti is simply another medium that expresses, or conveys the mind of an individual. Some visual artists are known to direct their message within their work towards governmental issues. It is understood that the mechanism of executing the mind of a street artist has it’s imperfections. On the contrary, regardless of the message that this subculture community is trying to voice it continues to be neglected by society. Despite the fact that it is slowly making it’s way out the streets, and into high end galleries.

The main motive for street art is reaching out to the public with expressionistic imagery, but just like any other artist the significance of creating a name for oneself is just as valuable. In regards to financial situations many artists would state their position in this economy as “starving artists”. Due to the current recession it makes it twice as hard for street art to receive any respectable value. On the other hand their notion is to be less logical, and more heart felt. The true essence of their work is to be communicative, and acknowledged by the world; which is more of a priority than monetary means. Today, there are many well-known graffiti artists that have overcame the bad name for street art, and have achieved world recognition for their work. Street artist such as, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy, and Shepard Fairey have all been acknowledge within many areas of the media . Even though these artists were lucky enough to overcome the reputation of just committing a crime there are many artists that struggle to obtain some value within their work.

In the Museum of Contemporary Art located in Los Angeles, California an exhibition solely dedicated to street art was held. According to local authorities a dispute was claimed that the exhibition was encouraging vandalism due to the in-

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crease of graffiti near the gallery . Another street art exhibition was to be held in Brooklyn, New York, but because of the argument that the exhibition was leading to more acts of destruction the show was cancelled. It is understood that applying spray paint to someone else’s property is an act of vandalism. When the increase of graffiti occurred it caused a controversial debate for any street art show to continue; which means less opportunities for this subculture society. Alternatively, authorities could approach the situation with a solution that can benefit both ends of the spectrum. When it comes to a solution the idea is nonexistent without a problem. But like most problems that are solved a little trial and error has to come into play; when solving a problem not everyone gets it right the first time. The situation in regards to the increase of graffiti art around the exhibition vicinity was basically a case of an artist trying to get noticed. In a L.A Times online article, director Jeffrey Deitch quotes a positive outlook for these taggers that are performing these illegal acts; he says, “We want to put out an inspirational message: if you harness your talent you can be in a museum someday, make a contribution and a living from it.”. With this state of mind it can encourage graffiti artist to get out of the streets, and make their way to galleries where their work can respectably achieve artistic value.

Everyone is created differently, but with an open mind those differences can be worked out, and we can all get along. We all strive for things that we desire; all is needed is a chance. If we can we look beyond the flaws, and view it’s aesthetic and meaningful significance we can create an opportunity for street artists. This rich medium has become a revelation within the art world.

This community just needs support, so it can be pushed away for what it is known for. If rejecting this subculture society continues the rebellious and illegal acts will follow. If there is some sort of support system towards this community it will encourage these heart felt artists to act upon the notion, “where there’s a will there’s a way”.

FIND YOUR SOLE