The creative characters of Sydney have always inspired Shivneel to be the best possible version of himself, as they live authentically and unapologetically. The creative scene within his community has taught Shivneel to trust in his art, collaborate and unite with other of like mind, whilst each supports the other. Through this Major Work, named “Imminent”, Shivneel wants to portray some of his favourite creatives, showcasing their personalities and talents. Throughout this digital zine, Shivneel will be speaking to some of his favourite ‘imminent’ DJs, photographers, fashion designers, models and artists, shedding light on their art forms and inviting the reader into their worlds. Over the few weeks, Shivneel has Styled, Photographed, Art Directed and Illustrated all the content within the zine.
My names Natasha McFarland and I am based in Blacktown, Sydney. I
am
21
retail enjoy
years-old
work
and
creating,
who
is
currently
part-time
reading
and
juggling
modelling. spending
In
time
part-time my
with
spare my
studies, time,
loved
I
ones.
If I were to envision where I would like to be with my career in the future, it would be to have modelling as a full-time career. Being a model has always been a deep passion of mine and it was not until recently that I decided to pursue it. I think what held me back in my passion to pursue modelling was the stigma that can often come with being a ‘model’ as well as personal doubts. However, entering into the realm I realised it has been a passion of mine due to the ability to be able to create and perform. For me, modelling is really more than just posing for a picture. It’s about being aware and in tune with oneself and embodying the concepts that you are trying to portray. If I could explain it, it is almost like a dance performance.
Knowing what you want to pursue within your life time can really be challenging. So the ability to create and do something I love with pure intention is something I hope to portray within my career as a model. What motivates and inspires me most as a creative is coming from Western
Sydney.
I
think
a
lot
of
people
within
Western
Sydney
are trying to change the narrative that has been given to us for so long. It would be an injustice not to participate in changing that narrative. I am proud of where I come from and I hope that making a mark within my career will inspire others to do the same.
My name is Ashli! I’m originally from a place called Howell, in New Jersey and now live in Western Sydney đ&#x;˜Šđ&#x;’œ 2. My love performance I would say really inspired my career in music, though I’ve always loved music and singing, it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to perform in Schools Spectacular 2017 that
I
thought
of
doing
music
as
a
career!
3.I am inspired by the people around me, though not all of them are in the arts industry they are all chasing their dream in their chosen fields each of us meeting set backs, loosing and
gaining confidence through failures and successes. I think I’m always inspired by my younger self... as in I want to succeed for her and I want to make her proud. I want to look at 8 year old me and say all those little dress up shows and videos you made have actually turned out to be something amazing. 4. I write a lot with my best friend, she’s incredible. So id really love to keep writing, meet new
people,
travel
and
just
keep
making
music!
I’m Daniella Ocean Lee Ventura, I run a Youtube channel creating fashion-based videos, vlogs, and video podcasts with my boyfriend and co-partner @joshmigvel. Our Youtube channel, joint Instagram account and brand is called qpariah and we started it all around the end of last year. We both are heavily involved in freelance modelling and have participated in it for the last two years. I’ll say this till the end of time but what inspires me to do what I do is my partner Josh. I’ve really learnt a lot from him, learnt to be confident, grounded and approachable. In saying so everything I’m doing right now is unbelievable considering how anxious I was to talk to people only a couple of years ago. Josh’s confidence and the way he puts himself together has definitely rubbed off on me and I’m so grateful. He always makes sure I’m on top of what I need to do and he’s always trying his hardest for the both of us. I’m a current fashion student in my second year of university, I study at Billy Blue College of design doing a bachelor of Branded Fashion Design. So after graduating I would love to stay in the creative and fashion scene as well as concentrate on growing our brand qpariah. A goal for the future would be to get signed to one of my dream agencies and love my job.
Creativity is all that has kept me going and motivated, whether it be getting through high school or uni; I always try to twist my assessments around, make them fun and make them pleasing to the eye. I love thinking outsides of the box and use creativity through many mediums. These mediums include outfit curating, producing videos, graphic designing and editing
Ms. Thandi creates music with a message. Born and raised in Sydney, Ms. Thandi was exposed to music at an early age, sighting influences such as Erykah Badu, Amy Winehouse & Alicia Keys. Ms. Thandi’s groove & emotions can be heard through her thought provoking lyrics and eccentric instrumentation. Previously apart of Sydney band ‘Motherfunk’, Ms. Thandi was introduced to live performance which saw her tour in-front of sold out venues including Bar.
The
Vanguard,
Eventually
Thandi
began
Lazy
leaving
working
Bones
the
on
&
band
her
Transit
in
solo
2019, career.
Her solo work has been described as smooth, nostalgic and sensual. Ms. Thandi isn’t afraid to express how she feels within her music and in turn gives us an intimate and introspective look into her world through her soul warming sounds, whether that be through rap, singing, or anything in between. With
lyrics
as
silky
and
sincere
as
her
influences, and a captivating performance style, Ms.
Thandi
is
delivering
a
refreshing
voice
and style within the R&B and Neo-Soul scene. With an influence list that features names like Erykah Badu, Amy Winehouse and Kali Uchis, it’s not hard to envision the kinda vibe that Ms. Thandi
captures.
Lush,
lustful
and
alluring,
the Sydney artist indulges in all the good stuff – dramatic string sections, head bop-inducing bass
lines
and
layers
of
heavenly
harmonies.
All provide the polished, sturdy foundation for Ms. Thandi’s sweet vocals to twist and turn atop of. Her lyrics favour themes of sensuality and nostalgia, with the main goal being to create a lasting impression. “I hope that people listening feel sexy
and feel desired and feel desire!” “Love and lust seem to be common elements in my song writing,” she told us in a full chat you can hear up top. “Music has given me so much freedom, so I always hope that people can feel that in my music.”
Hey! I go by Feks and I’m a story-teller based in Western Sydney.
I’ve always found it hard expressing my emotions through words, so I use visual storytelling as a way of bringing people into my world. It’s like saying everything I need to say without actually saying it. As well as hearing other peoples interpretation of my work is pretty cool. I started shooting videos unintentionally at the end of 2018 after discovering a camcorder lying around in my house. I started shooting anything and EVERYTHING and fell in love. I had accumulated a lot of footage at this point and then later taught myself how to edit. I mainly still only shoot on digital camcorders, but occasionally take photos on a DSLR. I draw inspiration from a lot of things, places, and people. It could be anything from a colour I see or a song I hear, but I would definitely say Western Sydney my upbringing and my Ethiopian heritage play a huge role in my work.
I am from Western Sydney (Berala to be exact). What I love about being from Sydney is that, although it’s a big city, it is also very small. Which can definitely be a good thing because that comes with so many opportunities to meet and engage with new people. I’ve been very fortunate to have met with some incredible people who have been the most supportive people throughout this short journey.
It is funny how you can meet someone and they show so much support, more than people you’ve known for much longer. I feel like however; the Western Sydney community is much tighter than that. We understand the same things. Can make and understand the same jokes about living in the area. Etc. I think for us its more about, we’ve been so overlooked because of where we live. Just because you live in a less privileged area or “the ghetto” does not mean, it’s all rocks and stones. We have diamonds and pearls. We are the most underestimated people and its beautiful to see so much talent flourishing out of Western Sydney. That is probably one of the main reasons I love living in Sydney, is the potential we have to really kill it. Being a photographer/videographer and a DJ, for me, where I want to be with this career is to be able to travel the world some day and not to work a day in my life. If you do a job that you love, really it isn’t a job and that’s a main goal for me. Is to be happy doing what I love and being my own boss. I also hope to inspire other young ethnic females to not be afraid of stepping out of their comfort zones and trying different things. Especially coming from being a Muslim, I want other Muslim females to know that, WE are the change and we can make change and break social and cultural norms and that’s all through expression and passion.
I am from Parramatta which is in Sydney’s western suburbs and i’ve lived here my whole life. There is so much to love about Sydney but a few of my favourite things include the culture, the locations, the views, the city and the people. Sydney is full of so much culture and diversity from the communities within it and it’s so beautiful to see the way they merge and to be a part of it. I love the sense of community and how it feels to belong. Being from Sydney means enduring and taking in the city. The city is one place that still amazes me every time I go there and it’s so exciting finding little nooks and crannies like hidden cafes or new restaurants all the time. The city relaxes me - i feel like some people would say different but being near the harbour or in chinatown just makes me feel so calm and like i belong. Another thing I love is the people here.
Especially within the creative industry where we all have the same goal to make it internationally and to stay driven. I feel like everyone in Sydney who is creative is driven and motivated and it definitely rubs off within the community meaning that it is guaranteed that you are supporting one another. I love being a DJ in Sydney and being able to play and be supported by my family and friends here. I feel like to an extent, the amount of female, african or lebanese DJ’s are very minimal so i feel as if i have a platform/ path to build for future POC dj’s to help them into the industry and i love the fact that POC dj’s within sydney support each other to the fullest as well.
SPVRROW; a young poetic songstress from Greater West Sydney, rummages culture and sound, as a artist of distinctive stature, warm sound and poise. Along SPVRROW’s newly birthed but promising career thus far, she has worked amongst respected artists such as Kaiit, Solange Knowles, Genesis Owusu and Masta Ace, making her home of Sydney known proudly! Making appearances through Sydney’s music scene at the tender age of 17, SPVRROW has been
deeply inspired by
her spiritual journey, soaking in the vocal aroma of musicians such as Floetry and Odd Future’s early days along her pivotal musical endeavours. Is it only promised great fruits will flourish from her in the future, growing and evolving as a vibrant young vocalist and poet. “Growing up within the streets of Mount Druitt, i was always shown what true meaning of life was. Full of love, life, unique characters, and heart. I always knew i could sing, although i didn’t really hit me until i was in my late years of high school. Music is honestly what got me through, the fact that i could go to the music studio at my high school, was my escape and therapy” as an artist of distinctive stature, warm sound and poise, people are drawn to SPVRROW’s energy, wanting more of the releasing artist. SPVRROW released her debut single ‘Drug Dealer’ setting summer ‘19 to a lovely start, including
Triple
J
&
FBi
radio.
2020
has
also
gaining overwhelming support and airplay offered
time
to
the
young
artist,
to
focus on creating and writing new music, in which has been said to release in late 2020.
Shivneel
Kumar
Photographer,
is
who
a
contemporary
lives
and
works
Fashion in
and
Sydney,
Lifestyle Australia.
As an active artist within the Sydney creative scene, Shivneel is passionate about promoting and collaborating with upcoming artists
within
the
community.
Shivneel’s
work
has
been
showcased in Frankie Magazine and he has styled and shot campaigns for General Pants Co, and multiple musicians such as Jessica Jade, Ashli and others, producing their album covers and media collateral. He has hosted and organised a multitude of Community Arts projects within the Western Sydney Region.