25 minute read
Awareness Project
MODEL: S.C. PHOTO BY KRIS MILTON
NYCOLE REYES AWARENESS SHOOTS CONTINUED
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With things growing so quickly for Nycole’s projects, there are some parts of the process that are harder than others. “The hardest part is in the days leading up to the shoots. I typically get between 60 and 80 people that tell me they will definitely be there, but by the day of the shoot, we only get about 15 to 20. I never know until right at time of the shoot, how many people I will actually have. I always plan accordingly though. I invite about 300 to each event, about 80 respond, so about 20 or 30 will actually be there. I just never know and that definitely makes it more difficult.
MODEL: SCARLET RAIN PHOTO
BY WENDY SMITH
My latest photoshoot was based on Child Abuse and Trafficking, from the perspective of the parents trying to protect their children. This one was inspired by another photographer who had posted pictures of a similar theme, and it went viral. I absolutely loved her work and decided to recreate it with a little bit of a twist. I am had custom shirts made for this shoot for the parents and the children. I am offering these custom shirts for sale, to help fund future awareness shoots nationwide. These shoots are very therapeutic for people that have gone through some of these things. They get to tell their stories with every detail from the way the makeup is done, to the way they pose in each picture. They can be real and themselves at all times. Typical photo shoots would have the Model sit a certain way and smile a certain way and position your body a certain way, but with these shoots, everything is completely natural and real.
MODEL: LYBERTEE HOWARD
PHOTO BY SELORM DZAKA
MODELS: BREE CAST AND DIXIE LEIGH
PHOTO BY ALFREDO ARTETA
MODELS: JENNIFER GARZA AND ASTER-ROSE
PHOTO BY ALFREDO ARTETA
MODEL: SCARLET RAIN
PHOTO BY ALFREDO ARTETA
My biggest shout out is God, always first in my life. Second, would be my husband and kids. Organizing these shoots and preparing the website take a lot of time, but they always support me in my vision. They help pick up the slack around the house when I get too busy to get things done. And third a HUGE shout out to everyone that has participated in the awareness shoots. Everyone has been so awesome donating their time and supplies to bring the vision to life. No one gets paid so the hair and makeup artists are using their professional supplies on the models to get them ready, the models buy new outfits for the shoots, the photographers spend hours sorting and editing the thousands of pictures they take. I am so glad to be a small part in the process by just organizing to get everyone together at the same time for the same cause.
For anyone interested in participating (locally, nationwide, or worldwide), you may contact Nycole on her website. https://nycole1984.wixsite.com/ awarenessphotography
view Nycole’s Project galleries, make a contribution, and shop the Awareness Projects merchandise at their site to support her future projects.
JECOE FIRMALAN ARTIST
“Do what you love! It’s way easier.”
Jecoe Firmalan is an Artist from Romblon, Philippines, who dreams of taking his hobby to a professional level and turn his newfound passion into a full business. “To be honest, I only recently started doing paintings, when the pandemic hit.” Jecoe says that his regular income was directly impacted by the pandemic. As a result of these hard times, He was inspired to look for new ways to earn a living, while being isolated in the imposed quarantine. “I was forced to get creative and at least try to earn money during the lockdown.” With all of the world making adjustments and being separated, Jecoe turned a natural talent into a way of helping himself and his family survive. Although it wasn’t his intention at first, His passion and talent for painting helped keep him entertained, focused and quickly became an extra and muchneeded source of income! “I get a lot of joy from selling my art!” he says. “I was so proud of my first drawing. I did not expect that I could do such a thing until I started last April!” He says that he had a little bit of success selling drawings online, before the pandemic, but once he started taking his art more seriously and focusing more on his paintings, the sales increased and so did his confidence. “Actually making my paintings and earning from them is my most proud accomplishment yet.” Since Jecoe started pursuing his art as a career, he has transitioned from drawings into more advanced mediums including some current projects like hyperrealism oil paintings and digital illustrations. “I am so inspired and surprised by my own success as a new artist. I just want to continue to sell my art to people who truly enjoy my work! I hope to one day be a well know artist and have a full business around my artwork! It would be an honor to be a real business owner!” - I’d like to thank all my supportive friends and my family Follow This Artist Facebook @Jecoe Firmalan Instagram @jecoeloco
ELI ORELLANA PHOTOGRAPHER
Eli Orellana is a Music Artis turned Photographer, living in the Dallas metroplex. His story began with a Dream and a cell phone full of amazing Photos! “I’ve always had a love for art and a unique eye for visuals.” Eli tells us that he began taking behindthe-scenes photos and creative portraits right off of his cell phone. He was inspired by the day-today beauty he encountered in and around the city, through casual encounters with strangers in parks, to bands and models at events. Although he was using his smartphone to capture his images, the end results of his creative eye and unique editing techniques quickly became popular and he began to book more and more referrals from people wanting to add his unique visuals to their portfolios and photo collections. When it comes to Eli’s personal Photography style, He is a fan of vivid colors and dramatic scenery.” My biggest inspiration would have to be high-end and luxury magazines. I love seeing bold colors, and brave color palettes, seeing how things can seem so chaotic yet perfectly symmetrical at the same time.”
Some people may think it’s strange to book a photographer with no professional high-end camera, but once they see the final images that Eli creates, they quickly understand why he is in high demand! “ I am a phone photographer. that means my vision is in the future. I have been envisioning the future of phone photography for a while now, but it wasn’t until I started taking pictures of my own, that I started seeing the real potential.” Eli says that having not only friends, but strangers, be so amazed by the work he has produced is the best feeling he can have. He says it’s that feeling of accomplishment and appreciation that is his biggest motivation.” Eli says that his goal for the future is to push the limits. “LI want to test the limitations of myself, my art, my locations, the Models, and the overall art process. I want to see how far I can push technology, software, and art. I want to do more shoots that get me out of my comfort zone.” We asked Eli to share a bit of advice with anyone that is considering a career in Photography. “Don’t listen to anybody. It’s ok to ask for opinions, thoughts, and advice, but ultimately, your art is your own! If it makes you happy, keep doing it! Don’t be scared to learn from other people, mimic other styles. Emulate other people’s work. we are all standing on the shoulders of giants, and it is extremely rare to do things that honestly have never been done before. Learn from the ones that came before, and once you learned the basics of your craft, only then will you be able to create projects that are solely yours.”
“My proudest moments are when I capture the perfect shot. more often than not, when someone sees that I am shooting from a phone, their first reaction is a little off-putting and questionable. When I finally get that one shot that barely needs any touching up, I love seeing all the subjects fears and doubts wash away as their face floods with excitement and confidence.”
“I want to give a shout out to Yvette Todea and A.WO.L media, for giving Artists and Models more opportunities. I would also like to thank my wonderful wife, Rebecca, for always being supportive, and all the friends that ever encouraged, motivated, and taught me things along the way.”
MODEL: YOLANDA GORDON INSTAGRAM: @YOLANDA_THE_MODEL
“Eli is the truth. He is number 1 in my book. We haven’t skipped a beat since the day we met. As a photographer he is great he has such a great vision and dope with concepts, he is a great listener, and has an eye for creativity. He is truly an amazing photographer and friend!”
Follow Eli on Instagram @GoatGodByDesign
Meet Claudine Young, an artist living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Claudine recently chatted with us about her Art journey and how her life has changed because of her passion “I love creating!” she says, “I adore the immediate gratification that comes from creating something new. I’ve been painting for many years now and I learned to quill during the pandemic to keep my hands and mind busy.” Claudine says that she has been painting for years, with no real intention of selling her art. Her paintings started as just a creative outlet and hobby. “I met another artist who convinced me to apply to a gallery and to my surprise, I was accepted! The high of my first sale to a stranger was fantastic! It feels really good to know that my art is appreciated and enjoyed by others.” We asked Claudine what was one moment she can remember, where her art made her the most proud. “a few years ago, I brought my kids to an art show where my painting had made the front window display of the gallery. The pride on their faces was the best!” she says. Having her children see their mother’s work displayed in the Gallery window was just as inspiring to them as it was to her! We are also so proud of Claudine! We found out that she was recognized as an honorable mention at the 2014 Emerging Toronto Artists (ETA) awards and was recently featured on “Stella’s Studio” a show on Camoes TV!
ARTIST CLAUDINE YOUNG
FUN FACT: ALL MY QUILLING PIECES, SO FAR, HAVE BEEN NAMED AFTER BEATLES SONGS.
Claudine is always creating new pieces! She just completed a huge 40x30 gallery canvas of an exploding/dissolving heart “It’s Only Love” (Pictured above). It can be seen as a heart falling apart or coming together. The word “love” is hidden in braille within the circle. Her hidden messages can be found in other pieces as well! She’s recently completed a 36x24 gallery canvas of an exploding mind, titled “Help” The word “help” is hidden within the circles in braille. “I have so many ideas! I’d like to put together a big collection of large-scale quilling circles art. Like my paintings, all the large-scale quilling pieces have a hidden word or message, written in braille.”
Follow This Artist Instagram - flowykloee Facebook - flowykloee Etsy shop - www.etsy.com/ca/shop/flowykloee Contact - flowykloee@gmail.com www.downtherabbithole.ca/art
Never doubt whether you fit in. Being raised by a Hispanic mother is not out of the norm in Texas, but also having an Iranian-born father is just plain different. I was picked on a lot as a kid by friends and family alike. I longed to be normal, like everyone else. Many people pointed out my differences and tried to use them against me because they were afraid of something they knew nothing about. It’s funny now...they were the ones lacking while I had a wealth of culture, language, and cuisine! It wasn’t until 6 years ago that I realized that my differences were beautiful. My sister and I are unique, and we have a very different story to tell when it comes to family norms. I wouldn’t trade my childhood or family for anything.
Meet Lora Ebadian, an aspiring Actress and Cosmetic Tatoo Artist based in Dallas, TX. Lora lives and works in Corsicana, but travels to the metroplex often for filming and photoshoots. Acting has been her dream since she was a very young girl, but that dream, like many of our own, was a fantasy and was put on the back burner as she grew up and had to focus on day-to-day life. It wouldn’t be until much later in life that Lora would decide to take a leap of faith and start pursuing her dream!
“After my divorce, I decided that I was going to try all the things I never got around to. I made it a huge priority to dive back into the arts as I had set those hobbies aside to raise my children and build my career and education. I started with learning to tattoo permanent makeup and creating a small business to provide services. Less than a year later I heard about a casting call and figured I’d check it out. Much to my surprise, I received a callback. About 8 months later I was asked to model. It’s been interesting, to say the least. I never thought I’d have so much success so quickly, especially at my age! “
We asked Lora if there was any specific moment that made her wake up and start pushing harder for her dreams and goals. What she told us was shocking! “ I was attacked about 2 years ago. I remember thinking I was going to die that night, and begging my attacker not to kill me. Thankfully, he snapped out of it and fled the scene. After asking someone to spare your life, there’s not much you are afraid to say or do. I no longer fear being told I’m not good enough. It really was a light in the dark type of situation, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the way it changed my life. I have a new found freedom that most of us don’t ever get to experience.” Lora reminds us that life is precious and fragile, but that we cannot let fear hold us back, because tomorrow is never promised. We need to live every day with passion and purpose.
ACTRESS LORA EBADIAN
Though chasing any dream can be tough, Lora has had some great memories and moments. “Being able to work through my first monologue is probably my most proud moment.” It was a long and very emotional piece, Lora says. “Between crying, really feeling the emotions, and trying to stay on track with the lines, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to complete the delivery in one take.” To her surprise, she pulled off the emotion and remembered her lines. This boosted her self-confidence and gave her even more motivation to keep going. “ I’m also proud that I’ve begun modeling...at my age, it’s not very common for someone to start at almost 40.” We love seeing Lora’s new images, and are so glad that she began her Modeling career! She shows us that it’s never too late to do what you love!
Lora didn’t just start strong, but is still going full throttle! She has been in many acting projects and Modle shoots, and continues to work on a regular basis, releasing consistent content and continuing to perfect her skills and grow her network and portfolio. “I have several indie films, full feature and shorts, that will be released soon. These include Forever and a Day, There is No Sanctuary, 10 Days, and New Year’s Evil just to name a few. I was also in Harmini’s music video for “Godly Woman” and it is due to be released soon.” Lora hopes to continue working in the entertainment industry. for many years to come. She says that she really enjoys directing as well as being in front of the camera, and even has some ideas for sitcoms of her own. Lora says that she’d like to be remembered for her work in this field and to continue to bring her personality and skills to different audiences around the world.
I would like to thank Fred T. and Zeke Jeremiah for always allowing me to be a part of their work, as well as for not only coaching me along the way, but also for teaching me multiple facets of the film world. I would also like to give a huge shout out to Eric L. Robinson for his creativity behind our Chicago shoot. He is one of the most talented photographers I’ve had the privilege of working with.
For booking, you can message Lora at birdylee80@gmail.com.
Follow her on Facebook and Instagram: @lora.l.ebadian
COVER ART BY TIM FULTS
If you like throwback and inspirational movies, be on the look out for the Dtown “A Hard Lesson of Life” pitch trailer and hit that like button on YouTube. Every share is a chance to help get this trailer seen by the right person!
AUTHOR RUBEN ANUARIO
Never give up! If you believe in your dream, with all your heart, don’t you ever give up on it and continue to pursue it until it becomes real!
Meet A.WO.L Magazine’s first featured Author, Ruben Anuario of Fort Worth, Texas. We recently got to interview this ambitious writer and learn about his life and goals. He is not only excited to share his book “D Town, a Hard Lesson of Life” but tells us that his dream is much bigger than the pages can hold! “My dream is to keep pushing my book until it gets into the right hands and one day my story will become a movie.” He wants to use his story to teach the youth in his community about the dangers of gangs and drugs, but most of all, Ruban says that he wants to show them that there is a way out of it and that it’s never too late for anyone to turn their lives around to become a better person. “I am inspired by young people that find a way to thrive in a troubled society. I know what it’s like growing up and facing the hardships of these cruel streets.” Ruban wants to lead by example and give the youth around him hope for a better way.
He says that he had an awakening moment, after procrastinating from when he originally published his book in 2014. “A good friend helped push me to do something more with it. It felt so good to have someone believe in my book and want it to be successful! I gained a new wave of motivation and confidence and that’s how the idea to pitch it as a movie was born.”
Ruben is proud to have his story published and bring his vision and story to life. He says that the hardest part about the process is trying to get the right production company to notice his efforts. “We are in the final stages of completing our pitch trailer project on the book. Now it’s all about finding the right people to believe in this project as much as we do, and help us take this to the next stage! Once we have completed the pitch trailer project we are going to upload it to YouTube and blast it as much as we can, to see if maybe a production company will find it and want to pick up the project and work with us to make this movie a reality!”
“Shout out to Hector Torres, our film/camera guy who has really taken this project seriously after having so much work himself. Also, Oscar Zapata, he is the one that has pushed me to continue to follow my dream to make my story into a movie. Thank you guys so much! Follow Ruben on Facebook @dtownanuario
Contact this Author at ranuario3@gmail.com or (817) 856-8030
TRIMIKA MCGEE MODEL, ACTRESS
MAKEUP AND HAIR: BEAUTY BY MYIAH PHOTOS BY: THE STUDIOS OF ALEXANDER
Meet Trimika McGee, an aspiring Model and Actress living in Durham, North Carolina. Trimika says that she enjoys working locally with new Photographers and collaborating with fellow Models and Actors and she enjoys traveling for bookings as well. We asked her what inspired her to pursue her dreams, and she told us “I just wanted more in my life. I knew that I was equipped to do anything that I set my mind on, so I decided to stop dreaming and start making it into my reality!” She says that the quarantine imposed in her state, due to the Covid outbreak, was the push she needed! With all this new found free time, and most public and social activities at a standstill, she was able to focus and prepare for her own breakthrough. “I figured, there is no time like the present and Time waits for no one. During the Covid pandemic, I took advantage of the time I had to myself and was able to paint a clearer picture of my own personal goals and layed out a plan to get myself started.” She wants to share this advice with anyone who may be reading this story: “Never focus on what you have experienced in life. I’ve been through a lot but I decided not to allow that to define me. I’ve lost a child, I went through a hellacious divorce, I was broken and I thought I was going to die. I got up and began to focus on living my life to the fullest and here I am today. “
Trimika has done a lot in a short time, but some of her biggest accomplishments include being able to audition and landing a role as a Featured Actress in an upcoming TV series. “I’ve also been selected as a Featured Model in several magazines and I am getting so much positive feedback! It is so gratifying to see my images published and to know that my hard work is being appreciated. The hardest part is trying to get your work to the right person, waiting to be discovered, but I am confident in myself and my work, so I don’t let myself get discouraged. I know that patience is key, as long as I’m doing my best to perfect my craft, the right eyes will find me when the time is right!” Trimika is currently involved in The NC project and is booking consistent modeling gigs to gain the exposure that is needed in this early stage of her career.
Trimika would like to first give honor to God, secondly, she wants to thank her closest family and friends that always push, and support her.
Follow Trimika on Instagram: Lilioukalanai50
Facebook: Trimika McGee Website: www.lilioukalanai50.com For booings, you can contact Trimika directly at (704) 492-2751 or email: mcgeetrimika@yahoo.com
GRACIE PEREZ MODEL
“The hardest thing for me, was when my own family didn’t believe in me and my dream. It hurt, but that made me stronger and more determined!” Gracie reminds us that our dreams are meant for US, and not made for others. We have to fight for what we want, even if others can’t see our vision!”
Video Model, Gracie Perez, snaps a selfie with Music Artist, Young Invent, on the set of his video shoot for “Other Side” shot in Las Vegas, NV.
“It’s not easy being a thick Latina in this industry. People will turn you down, doors will shut, but never give up because one door closes and ten more open! Always be confident and never ever doubt yourself. We are all unique and beautiful in our own ways.”
Meet the beautiful Model, Gracie Perez! She currently resides in Fresno, California. Gracie is originally from the central coast area a few miles from the bay. She loves to travel, especially when it’s for photoshoots or video shoots. “My dream is to be a well-known Super Model and to work with anyone who loves thick, curvy women like myself. I would love to be featured in movies or music videos and I am open to any type of opportunity that shows the world my smile!”
Gracie tells us that she was inspired to start modeling by her mother at a young age. “She always told me that the world needs my energy, my smile, my beauty!” With her mother as her biggest fan and a huge supporter of her dreams, Gracie began to build her portfolio and experience in California and surrounding areas. It wasn’t all glitter and glamour at first, Gracie tells us about a negative experience she had and how it affected her. “My breaking point was about 2 years ago, when an old friend said I was too fat to model! I was hurt of course, but I couldn’t let that get me down! Instead of accepting her view of me, I started to push myself even harder than before.” Gracie was determined to let that negativity feed her passion and was not going to stop until she proved that person wrong and show the world that curvy girls and beautiful, thick chicks are the new wave!
Gracie tells us that 2020 was a slow year for progress, due to the Pandemic, but she has been making moves in the background and planning things out for this year. “Theses past couple years has been hard for everyone I think, but I know that 2021 is going to be a blessing! I have a few photoshoots with a couple of different clothing lines, and some companies that sell edibles, so we shall see how that goes.” Her goal for this year is to work even harder than she did in the past and to become more experienced, grow her network and following, and to improve on her art as a Model. “I would love to thank Young Invent and the Hgang team! Without y’all, we would not be where we are. I would love to thank Tg Flex, for allowing me to debut in one of his videos. Shout out to Dj Cool from WratPakdjs, for allowing me to be part of his team. Thank you to my amazing teammate and amazing beautiful photographer, Yvette Todea, for the amazing pics she takes and everyone else that’s been here every step of my journey! There are so many more people that gave me the confidence to be where I am at today!” “My advice to anyone starting on a similar path in this career field, is to never give up! Believe in yourself because haters make us stronger, and don’t let anyone tell you that your body size is to0 small or big in this industry! All bodies are Beautiful!”
Follow Gracie on Instagram @Ruthlesshortyg or Facebook @Gracie Perez
Do you know someone who is inspiring positive growth and change in this world through Art, Travel, Music, Entrepreneurship or other creative lanes? Do you, yourself, bring light, joy and motivation to others?
WE WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY! A.WO.L Media is constantly looking for exceptional people to add to our audiences watch list. contact us at Official.AWOL.Media@gmail.com Instagram.com/awolmedia or Facebook.com/awolmedia
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