Uploader Magazine July 2020 - Annie Morcos

CONTENT BY CREATORS

MAGAZINE

JULY 2020

140+ SUMMER

10

BLACK OWNED Beauty Brands to Support

AR TIS T

Annie

ITEMS to buy now

SOCIAL MEDIA Account HELD HOSTAGE Get to Know ANIME STARS JASON & ELIZABETH

MORCOS ISSUE 08

TALKS LIFE AS AN ARTIST, THE STRUGGLES

SHE FACES AND THE GLAM

Sede di Loazzolo in: Strada per Canelli, 19 14051 (AT) Tel. 0144 87298 Sede di Canelli in: Reg. San Giovanni, 108 14053 (AT) Tel. 0141 823406 info@pianbello.com info@cantineamerio.it www.pianbello.com Cantina Pianbello

_azienda_pianbello

THE

CONTENT CREATORS

MAGAZINE

FEATURING

BLOGGERS | VLOGGERS YOUTUBERS PODCASTERS AUTHORS | WRITERS

ACTORS|ACTRESSES

PERFORMERS

AND MORE...

Contents JULY 2020

SOCIAL & TECH 27 34

Social Media Hacking - Naza Holliman Instagram’s Banned Hashtags

BEAUTY 60 64

Beauty Scope - Debbie Savage The Lockdown Beauty Low-Down Kate Shephard

FASHION 70

80

90

140+ Trending Summer Pieces to Get Now - Editors Picks Stylishly Standing Out On A Budget Dorcas Quarshie Style & Sass - Tiffany Giannato

98

102

106 109

What’s Love Got To Do With It - Andrea Rappaport Inventive Ways to Stay Healthy During Covid - Naza Holliman The Mindset Minute - Andrew Carlson Law Of Attraction (Ask Becca) - Rebecca Schuster

LIFESTYLE

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN 112

118 126

Inspiring Others Through Philanthropy And Activism - Montana Jacobowitz Silver Linings - Kelly Johnson Paving The Way For Equality (SPOTLIGHT) - Isabella Schuster

EXTRAS 9 78 132 141

Letter from the Editor Vegan Wristlets - 20% discount with code Horoscopes & Astrology - Kyle Thomas Advertising Feature

Page12 Our Cover Star

ARTIST

Annie Morcos

Talks about life as an artist, the struggles she faces, and the glam.

Page 36

Get to Know

Award Winning Anime Voice Actors Jason Liebrecht & Elizabeth Maxwell

Page 60

Debbie Savage 10 Incredible Black-Owned Beauty Brands to Support

UPLOADER

MAGAZINE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHERYL DE MARCO @cherylandmore

ON THE COVER ANNIE MORCOS @anniesartstudio

CONTRIBUTORS, FEATURES AND MENTIONS Andrea Rappaport @theandrearappaport

Andrew Carlson @shiftintoactionnow Debbie Savage @debbiessavage Dorcas Quarshie @stylepashion Elizabeth Maxwell @elizabethmaxwell Isabella Schuster @bellajoybooks Jason Liebrecht @EICidRecords Kate Shephard @shepz1981 Kelly Johnson @kellyybellyy62 Kyle Thomas @mrkylethomas Live in the Light @liveinthelight3 Montana Jacobowitz @montanajacobowitz Naza Holliman @sweet.p.and.sky Rebecca Schuster @lovebecca26 Tiffany Giannato @tiffyg77

PHOTOGRAPHY @donqhannahphotography Frank J. Gallio @cherryblossomphoto Greg Doherty Photography Hannah Bodsworth Jessie Jenkinson Photography Jessie Hearn Photography Merissa Conley MKG Photography Shea Anne Photography Val Westover Photography Vanessa S. Torres Photography

GET IN TOUCH

hello@uploadermagazine.com www.uploadermagazine.com @uploadermagazine

Publisher

Uploader Media Limited

Photography: Hannah Bodsworth

letter

FROM THE

EDITOR W

ith still so much sadness in an uncertain world right now, we all need to stand together and shine a light on those that need it most. Last month I made the decision to postpone June’s publication out of respect to all those that have been affected by racial injustice, with all proceeds being donated to Black Lives Matter.

Although progress is being made, there is still a long way to go, so it is important to continue to fight for justice and show your support.

This month we will again, donate all proceeds made from July’s publication to Black Lives Matter, and will continue to fight for justice.

Our cover star Annie Morcos is a regular social columnist for this magazine, and yet there is so much more to learn from this incredible person, so I wanted to shine a light and give her the stage. Not only did she grace our cover; she also helped design it. If you aren’t following Annie, you really should be; her art is incredible, and her videos mesmerizing. The fabulous Debbie Savage has highlighted 10 black-owned beauty businesses to support, and our spotlight feature goes to Isabella Schuster as she shows us how she is paving the way for equality.

I also got a chance to talk with award-winning Anime stars Jason Liebrecht and Elizabeth Maxwell. This incredible couple opened up about their relationship, life during lockdown, and what it is really like being a voice actor.

I would like to thank everyone again that are putting their lives on the line to help others, your work and dedication is not going unnoticed.

o c r a M e D l y Cher

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 9

ON THE COVER

ON

THE COVER Annie

Morcos 12 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

ON THE COVER - ANNIE MORCOS

THE GLAMOROUS LIFE OF AN ARTIST @anniesartstudio Edited by Cheryl De Marco

14 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

Annie Morcos

ON THE COVER - ANNIE MORCOS

You may know Annie as our columnist for social and tech but there is so much more to this extremely talented artist.

When our Editor-in-chief asked Annie to be July’s cover and main feature, the response was humbling. We wanted to learn more about Annie’s artistic world, and how she got to where she is now. We think you will agree that she is quite an incredible person.

T

he life of an artist. To live in their shoes for a moment. It must be an incredible feeling and life to live! I agree! Creativity flows in our blood and runs through our veins. Our hands produce art pieces full of the brightest colors that give life to the world.

It’s an incredible feeling. Most people can’t create the way artists do. It’s the reason we are viewed as having such incredibly exciting lives. “Art evokes the mystery without which the world would not exist.” – René Magritte. But have you ever heard of the expression “it takes a village”? Most artists are self-made, no village to help. Just you and yourself. Nowadays with the help of the internet, you can learn how to do everything. New art techniques, styles, how to photograph your pieces, how to give them topcoats, how to preserve them, and anything else you might want to learn. I’ll let you in on a little secret.

The “successful” artists you see online, do it all usually on their own. We are our own village, because let’s be real, who can afford an entire production team. Besides creating our own art, we manage our companies. Starting from photography/videography and social media, content creation and scheduling, inventory and sales, customer service, and interaction with your audience, advertising and marketing, even the parts we don’t like as much, because it isn’t creative. We do it all.

When Cheryl De Marco, founder of Uploader Magazine, asked me to be on the cover and main feature of the July issue, my first thought was, why me? I often forget how far I’ve come and how much work I’ve put into not just my art and business, but into myself. Annie’s Art Studio is a name that most people who are on social media and into art know.

I started my traditional art journey about 5 years ago with a simple cell phone recorded video of me painting on a few vintage bottles I had bought from a flea market. I remember filming that video as if it was yesterday.

It was disastrous but I was so happy and ecstatic with the outcome at the time. “Every artist was first an amateur.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson. My social media video posts are now filmed with high-end cameras, an entire light system, and edited in professional editing software. To my advantage, I did attend three animation schools and have a full background of film, lighting, and telling a visual story. Another funny little insight, I didn’t grow up an artist, and filming that first little video was probably when I owned and used a paintbrush for the first time in my adult life. (Continued on page 19) UPLOADER MAGAZINE 17

“

ON THE COVER - ANNIE MORCOS

I’m at my strongest once I’m at my lowest.

Most artists know this feeling, that most amazing art comes from pain and struggle.

“

... A few issues back I wrote an article for Uploader Magazine about how to grow your audience on the Tik Tok platform. At the time I had about 350K followers. Sometime this month I should hit 1 Million followers. It’s the oddest concept to me that so many people are interested in my work. I got called lucky a lot. I hate that word.

Lucky. Luck is when you bump into a friend at a bar or find $10 on the floor.

Having a million people follow you is nothing but hard work. Probably some of the hardest work I’ve ever done. I was in such a weird mindset at the time. My social media accounts were booming but I felt so displaced. Like I didn’t belong. Doubting yourself can become a regular habit when you know so many incredible artists who are also very successful. Trying to remain relevant, stand alongside all these artists but also be different and matter.

There was an incident and I felt my

soul completely broke. I just stopped and wanted to give up. I’m strongest once I’m at my lowest. Most artists know this feeling, that most amazing art comes from pain and struggle.

I got up one morning and decided that I wouldn’t be left behind. That I mattered as well. I was reminded of why I started my art life and how I loved teaching others. Engaging with my audience through my art gives me life. It’s my therapy. And so I started filming an intense amount of content.

I was posting 4-6 times a day with full A-Z intricate tutorial videos. Inviting my audience to follow and engage with me. My numbers were not just growing, they were flying. I was in my zone. Nothing else mattered besides me getting through that funk I was in. I was being the boss of my life and grabbed the future I wanted, and was creating some of my best art pieces. I was in my studio day in and day out.

Happy as a kid in a candy store. I really do love what I do. Now imagine cooking a full-blown dinner 4-6 times a day on your own. After a while it becomes impossible. Even though I loved what I did, I drained myself. I woke up one day and my back was hurting a bit. I didn’t listen to my body and two days later I couldn’t move. I’m lucky I have a chiropractor friend. See that’s the correct use of lucky. I had an amazing group of artist friends on Instagram who supported me and made me see that I made my point. I got the numbers I wanted. I needed to pace myself and slow down. Two months later I pulled the same content creation speed and hurt my shoulder socket. This time I couldn’t move a centimeter. I needed a long break. Once again, my people brought me back to reality. It’s really an incredible feeling to have these people bring you back when you feel so low, embarrassed, and just discouraged. You gain a family through these struggles.

A family who creates just like you and knows the exact discouraging feelings along with the euphoria of being so successful and creating pretty much magic. We all feel the stress of competition. We all do the same forms of art with a slight shift in style. It’s because of this same reason that we also support each other. We understand what it is to be in each other’s shoes.

There is this huge misconception of what success is on social media. As artists, we learn to create schedules for posting on our platforms. When is the best time to post, what kind of posts, how many times a week. We put our souls into the work we create, and sometimes it doesn’t perform well on social media. Not every art piece we create is perfect, and engagement can sometimes not be great. However, oftentimes these pesky algorithms hide our posts. It’s absolutely the worst feeling. This is when the bad habits of doubting yourself usually kicks in. You can never really anticipate how a post will perform. I’ve had the simplest videos have ten times more engagement than a post I spent a week creating. It’s just the nature of the game. In my art world, as I mentioned before, I have friends who share these same issues and feelings.

We’ve created a tribe, a support system.

We lean on each other in these times and remind the other of how amazing they really are. That the likes and views on a post are not what defines us. I get told often that I (continued on page 21) UPLOADER MAGAZINE 19

ON THE COVER - ANNIE MORCOS must make so much money off my art.

People have this idea that just because I have a large following, my art pieces must all sell out. I’ll let you in on another secret. I’m currently sitting in my studio writing this article, surrounded by my own art. Lots of it! Now I am lucky and my art does sell pretty well. But there are long periods of time where it just doesn’t happen. Dry spells. Something artists and any person who wants to be an “influencer” need to understand and remember, is that numbers on social platforms and this image we put forward isn’t real. For every photo or video I put up, I have twenty bad ones. No one puts up their worst moments or bad days online for the world to see. I am guilty of that as well. I feel I have this reputation to keep up with. People see me and my accounts and think that my art life is perfect. They don’t see when I spill resin on my wood floors and scream, have daily panic attacks and hide in my kitchen while working, burn and cut myself from my tools, mess days, and days of work up and cry for hours. I try my best to be transparent and show people that it does happen to me too. But let’s be real, I still do it in a pretty post, showing my strength in posting the situation after it all happened and the panic has passed.

Showing my strength that I’m here for my audience.

“

I would be mortified to post the actual situation. Me sitting under my work table just huddled up hoping when I come out everything on top of my table will be fixed.

“

It’s really not that glamorous of a life. It’s so much hard work. But here’s the thing.

I really do believe that these moments build us up and push us forward. The next time this situation happens, we deal with it a little bit better, we take it a little bit lighter. We understand ourselves and learn that we are human and are allowed to feel. I said before that artists know well that great art usually comes from pain. I usually find that once I gather myself and let myself feel what I need to, I center myself around what I’m feeling, fix the situation and push forward. My art piece

usually comes out brilliant after one of these episodes. Not that I would ever wish for them to have great art, but it is what it is.

The past four months have been incredibly difficult for so many people.

This quarantine and pandemic is probably one of the most difficult times I’ve seen the world in. For most people staying indoors for months has been absolute hell. But for the past few years, I’ve been a huge homebody and introvert.

Even though I feel the stress and fear of the pandemic, not too much has changed in my social life. It’s odd but my friends circle has come from the artist support system I’ve mentioned a few times. The pandemic oddly helped my art business.

People were home more and attached to their screens more than usual. When this all started, I was in one of the times where I was cranking out content like it was running water. Like I explained before my numbers were booming and if you believe it or not, this is when I really started selling my work and art pieces.

I never did before. My Etsy store was selling out and my custom orders were so high that I needed to stop taking them.

It was a very weird feeling where I was succeeding in my business but the world seemed to be falling apart. It still feels the same. I almost felt and still feel guilty that this was happening. I’ve always got messages about how my art and tutorials help people, and how they help others start their own businesses. Everyone had all the free time now and the number of people sending me messages about me and my work was overwhelming. I love helping and interacting with people, but how do you do that with such an intense amount of messages. I think people overall were looking for any kind of connection with anything they liked, to help cope with how they were feeling. The best way I knew how to cope was to keep pushing with my art and create art videos.

I’m definitely a very odd case in this crazy time, in the world where the pandemic has boomed my business. I’m incredibly grateful for the success and the support. I’ve always been a one-woman show. I do everything for my business on my own. Always have. It just gives me so much strength in my mind that I can be this strong boss woman. When Cheryl asked me to be on the cover of this month’s magazine, I explained before that I didn’t immediately understand why. Even though I’ve always been an incredibly strong person, it’s always been a struggle to believe (continued on page 22) UPLOADER MAGAZINE 21

in myself. I think that’s why I do things on my own. To prove to myself that I am capable and worth it. Since I started writing the social article in this magazine a few months ago, I needed to take high-quality photographs of myself in my studio. Well, that was a challenge but I worked around it. I learned to pose and set a timer on my camera to take fun pictures. But to be on a cover of a magazine? I needed help. I’ve never been photographed by an actual photographer let alone know how to pose and be glam. Let me tell you, that shits hard as hell. You think you look so sexy and edgy in your pose. Ninety percent of the photos I took for this article are ridiculous. One of my closest friends, who I met through Instagram of course, is an artist and also in this issue! Kelly Johnson and I decided that we will stand six feet apart and take photos of each other. We figured 2 hours was more than enough. After about 7 hours, we were tired, cranky, and drained.

I’m no model. I’m an artist! This looking glam and sexy business isn’t for me. I’m the one behind the camera filming and making beautiful art, not being the actual art. After what felt like taking a million shots, I had a handful of shots of myself that I liked.

The next day I decided to try and take some fun headshots of myself with paint all over me. Let me tell you self shooting is a lot of work. Lighting and angles, wardrobe changes, trying weird poses you think will be fun and interesting. The ring light in front of you for hours making you sweaty and shiny in the face. So GLAM! I did find some peace however in the fact that it was just me. No one to be embarrassed in front of. Trying new things and seeing what works.

I shot and designed my own cover for this issue. Who could say that?! It’s a wild concept.

But it’s something that’s been happening in this pandemic. Recently Kylie Jenner was on the cover of Vogue Magazine with her daughter. She took her photo with her own cell phone. Her entire feature was of the same kinds of photos.

T

he simple task of hitting the self-timer and taking some photos was absolutely overwhelming for me. I really don’t think people understand how much goes into the work of content creators. The simplest tasks take hours and hours. Especially in a time like this where you can’t be around people and get real help, there is no such thing as having a village to help you. Despite the struggle of taking these photos, I’m incredibly proud. Both of trying to be me in front of the camera while Kelly took my photos and of the ones I took of myself and trying new things. It isn’t easy allowing yourself out of your comfort zone and into one you never in your wildest dreams thought you would be in.

Self-doubt is a demon that I know every single person deals with. Again, when people see you have a large following they immediately think you have it made. This is what a normal day in my life looks like. Wake up and do yoga stretches for my back, 5-mile jog and short exercises, check orders and package them, make my social media post of the day and answer inbox messages, keep up with my post and answer comments and questions, layer resin and artwork on a few pieces 2-3 times a day on several projects, photograph and edit progress of these pieces, drop off packages at the post office, check inventory, and make orders on supplies needed for myself and for my shop, clean the studio so that I can keep working the next day fresh, and check emails and check-in with vendors and partners you’re working with.

This is a slow day of work where I also try to remember to eat and drink enough water for the day. A lot of us influencers go through similar days where you feel like your head is spinning. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. (Continued on page 25)

ON THE COVER - ANNIE MORCOS

B

eing my own boss is one of my greatest achievements. Something I think is one of the hardest parts of my job is dealing with people’s opinion of your work and how you run your life. The internet gives people a shield in the form of a phone/computer screen. This gives them the courage to say things they would never dare to say to someone’s face. On top of the self-doubt you might be having, or the busy days, you also have to deal with trolls who feel they have the right to say whatever they feel about your work. It’s honestly heartbreaking. This is also something you don’t have to be an influencer or have a following to experience. People can be cruel. I do my best to ignore those moments. They aren’t often, but when they happen it’s always on days where I can’t handle anymore.

Remembering that sometimes people just want to be heard is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned off my platforms.

Separating yourself from what is being said and just letting it be. My favorite button on socials are the delete and block buttons. I use them daily. With the amount of weight on my shoulders, there is no time for this negativity. With this pandemic happening, I feel like these instances happen more than usual. People are tired, scared, and when they see someone not feeling the same, but bright and happy, it’s something they can’t handle. We have to learn that the only opinion about yourself that matters is yours. Only yours.

Others’ opinions of your work is exactly that. Theirs. We have to be our biggest fans and biggest supporters. When I was younger I never understood when people used to say you have to love yourself first. It’s something I’ve struggled with my whole life but learned in the past few years. I still have absolutely horrible days, but mostly I’m the boss lady I want to be. No one can take that away from me.

Despite the self-doubt, the inner demons, and trolls, I wouldn’t trade my art career for the world. Almost always, all these struggles are overshadowed by the incredible feeling of creating with my hands. The fact that I can take different materials and make beautiful art that I love, and make others happy is the best feeling. Being my own boss.

Creating what I want on my own schedule. Teaching others and inspiring the world. There isn’t anything in the world I would trade it for.

My footsteps on this earth will be beautiful and colorful.

Inspiring and kind.

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 25

UPLOADER UPLOAD ER

SOCIAL & TECH Edited by Cheryl De Marco

SOCIAL MEDIA HACKING & ACCOUNT HELD HOSTAGE

SOCIAL

HACKED HELD HOSTAGE ABANDONED AND SURVIVED

By Naza Holliman: Instagram @sweet.p.and.sky Edited by Cheryl De Marco

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 29

SOCIAL

I

t was a Friday morning, early November 2019. A good friend was getting married in Las Vegas that weekend, so I was getting my nails done before hopping on a plane later that afternoon. It was a lovely day, and I was having the best conversation with my nail technician.

Between conversation, I found myself playing on my phone, checking Instagram, and texting. Excited for the fun weekend ahead, I did not give any one thing my full attention. When I opened my email, I was happy to see a message from a Creative Brand Manager representing a well-known fashion company who wanted to work with me. He sent a link to the company’s Instagram account, but because I knew the brand, I didn’t click it. This is the kind of email every digital creator, influencer and blogger lives for.

I immediately wrote back, thanking him for reaching out and explaining that I would love to hear more about the proposed collaboration. There was a prompt response, letting me know that all of the terms are in the link he sent, and that the link may have not worked for me because he was sending the link from a computer. I was busy, I was still mid-conversation with my nail tech, and I missed several details. The email was sent from Russia, not the norm for a brand rep representing a US company.

The link in the email sent me to a fake Instagram login page. Had I paid attention, I would have seen the URL, rather than being tricked by the familiar login page. I logged in.

By logging in, I handed over my login information to hackers. I could not have possibly made it any easier for them. But, I did not know what I had done. Not yet. I logged in and was given an error screen, and because I was so busy having a great day, I decided I would figure this out when I got home, on a computer. I put my phone away and continued chatting. I noticed a few Instagram messages pop up on my phone, but swiped them away, as I had recently made a post and figured they were there to notify me of the incoming comments. Then, approximately fifteen minutes later, a new email: “Good day! We apologize for the inconvenience. Your account has been hacked and temporarily blocked. It’s perfectly safe and we haven’t touched it.

We are waiting for your reply in 2 hours!

30 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

If you do not respond, we will start to clear your account (delete photos), and sell your account! We are waiting for your reply” I didn’t understand. I couldn’t concentrate. I was still midconversation and utterly confused.

I read and reread this email until it finally began to sink in. I closed it out and saw two emails from Instagram, “New Login to Instagram from Chrome on Windows” and “Email Change on Instagram”.

I decided to write back. Four words.

“What do you want?”

What they wanted was $3000 in return for my account. My work. My business!

I went through all of the emotions. I got angry, then sad, then felt helpless.

I argued with them. The emails went back and forth for days, as I let them

know every single feeling I felt, all while talking them down and explaining that I simply do not have the amount of money they are looking for.

This was the backdrop to our entire weekend getaway. My husband looking up things I could do, ways to contact Instagram. All while trying to have a good time in Las Vegas, while celebrating our friends. I was in contact with my hackers and hostage-takers constantly. I talked them down to $150 for the return of my account. The problem was, they wanted the money in Bitcoin, a currency I had never used. Not having used Bitcoin was not the problem, the problem was that, to sign up for a Bitcoin account, you had to submit a Driver’s License number.

Something, I certainly was not willing to do, after being hacked. I was so frustrated by Sunday, I sent a “strongly worded” email (continued on page 32)

SOCIAL

with a few choice words, telling my hackers that they can keep my account.

With that, I moved on.

THE DETAILS Friday: My hackers got my login information and changed my email address to one of theirs, then changed the password, and temporarily deleted the account. Because they temporarily deleted the account, Instagram could not find it, when I tried to log in and reclaim it. They cannot reactivate deleted accounts.

Instagram will not take the time to help you if your account is hacked.

Saturday: While talking my hackers down to a lower ransom amount, I asked them to prove to me that they did not already delete my account completely. This was probably one of the most important things I did, as in order to show me proof, they had to take my account out of the “temporary deletion mode”, effectively showing me the new handle assigned to my account. Now, I could find my account and flag it, letting Instagram know it was hacked. I realized that one of the emails Instagram initially sent me, not only told me that my login email was changed, but upon opening the email, it told me what the email was changed to. I tried logging in several times. I tried using the new email and telling Instagram that I lost my password. But nothing helped. What all of my failed login attempts did do, it is effectively locked out my hackers. Now, they had no way to clear my account and sell it, as they had as little access to it as I did. If I can’t have it, no one will!

Monday: I took an account I was using just for fun, @thatLAmama, and turned it into the new @SweetPAndSky account. I had commitments to brands that I had to keep, though my following on the account was minuscule. I then wrote to every single brand, agency, and friend that my account was hacked, and to follow this new account. The way my fellow bloggers came out in support warmed my heart beyond belief.

They worked almost as hard as I did to get the word out, to get my following up. And with their help, I was able to get to an 8k following within just two weeks.

The Next Four Weeks: the following weeks were a whirlwind.

I focused all of my efforts on this new account, but because my numbers were so much lower than previously, it was harder to land the campaigns I was accustomed to landing. The loss of an account I worked so hard to build for years, was weighing on me heavily. So one night, as I was putting my youngest down for the night, I sat in a dark and quiet kid’s room, and decided to give logging in another shot. Yes, my sad, hacked, held for hostage and abandoned account, was still out there. A constant reminder of all of my hard work. I grabbed my phone, opened the Instagram app, and went to the Instagram login screen.

I typed in the email address that the hackers assigned to my account, and hit “forgot password” one last time. To my surprise, I was prompted to enter my phone number. And once I did that, I was prompted to type in the code that was text to me by 32 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

Instagram. This process took about five to 10 minutes, but felt like a lifetime, as I sat in the dark room, with a sleeping toddler, trying not to make a peep and pushing down my excitement.

Was this actually going to work? And just like that, it DID! The Take-Away: If you do not already have a two-factor authentication set up on your account, drop everything and do so now. This simple step would have prevented my entire ordeal.

If you have an easy password, change it to something complicated. Change it every couple of months. Always pay attention to who is messaging you. Watch every single link you hit and make sure to note the actual URL. If something seems fishy, it is!

I know it’s exciting to hear from brands and agencies, but before you reply, do a bit of background work. Is this brand known? Is the agency real? Take the time, do the work.

If after these three steps you are still hacked, keep them talking. Do everything in your power to see your account and get as much information as possible to lock them out of the account, and to eventually get it back.

Good luck my fellow creators, influencers and bloggers. And be safe.

Photographer: Vanessa S. Torres Photography

Sunday: I pleaded with them one last time before telling them I was done with this entire situation. I felt violated. I felt defeated.

We had a plane to catch, and I needed to move forward.

JOIN THE TEAM would you like to do more than just read the magazine?

Uploader Magazine is looking for content creators and influencers that love trying products, voicing their opinions and sharing across various media platforms.

To apply, send an email with your details, please include your social accounts and a link to your blog/channel platform you create content for to:

hello@uploadermagazine.com

SOCIAL

BANNED

INSTAGRAM’S LIST OF BANNED #HASHTAGS If you know Instagram well, then you’ll know that there is in fact, a list of banned hashtags. Any post that has a banned hashtag, will be hidden from your audience, and that causes havoc with your account, not to mention all your hard work in posting goes out the window. They don’t show the list, so we searched the net and did the hard work so you don’t have to. Instagram updates the banned hashtags often, so if we have missed anything, please do let us know so we can add/remove them.

A

B

C

D E F

G

abdl, addmysc, adulting, alone, always, armparty, asiangirl, ass, assday beautyblogger, besties, bikinibody, boho, brain costumes, curvygirls date, dating, desk, direct, dm, drugs edm, eggplant, elevator fuck girlsonly, gloves, graffitiigers

H

happythanksgiving, hardworkpaysoff, hotweather, hawks, humpday, hustler

I

34 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

ice, instababy, instasport, iphonegraphy, italiano

K L

M N

O

killingit, kansas, kissing, kickoff leaves, loseweight, lulu master, mileycyrus, milf, mirrorphoto, models, mustfollow nasty, newyearsday, nudity overnight

P

parties, petite, pornfood, prettygirl, pushups

R

rate, ravens

Q S

T U V

saltwater, samelove, selfharm, shit, shower, single, singlelife, skateboarding, skype, snap, snapchat, snowstorm, sopretty, stranger, streetphoto, sunbathing, swole tag4like, tagsforlikes, tanlines, teen, teens, thought, todayimwearing undies valentinesday

W

workflow

Y

youngmodel

X

Z

BANNED

SOCIAL

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 35

AWARD - WINNING

FEATURE

36 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

JASON

LIEBRECHT

ELIZABETH MAXWELL

VOICEOVER ARTISTS

FEATURE

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 37

FEATURE

E

. (ERNESTO) JASON LIEBRECHT has been working as an actor & performing artist based in Austin, TX for well over a decade. As a voice actor, he has voiced quite a range of characters; some favorites include (but are not limited to): Champa in Dragon Ball Super, Dabi in My Hero Academia, Beast Titan & Zeke in Attack on Titan, Yato in Noragami, Suwa in Orange, Dr. John Watson in Empire of Corpses, Souhei in Wolf Children, Takizawa in Eden of the East, Hei/BK201 in Darker Than Black, Principal Ench in Shin Chan, Lavi & Millenium Earl in D. Gray-man, Train in Black Cat, Luck in Baccano!, Syaoran in Tsubasa & Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, Jeice in Dragon Ball Z Kai, Lucci in One Piece & Finnian in Black Butler.

In the realm of gaming, he can be heard as Champa & Tapion in the Dragon Ball Z game universe, Lo Wang in the Shadow Warrior games, Mordecai in Borderlands 2, 3 & The Pre-Sequel, Bane, Hawkman & Eclipso in DC Universe & Abel in Street Fighter IV & X Tekken, among others...

Jason is also a long-time company member and collaborator with the Austin-based devised/experimental theatre company, the Rude Mechs, and has traveled extensively with their original productions. Highlights include the Lincoln Center commissioned piece, Stop Hitting Yourself, several collaborative development processes while in residence at Yale University (including The Method Gun and Now Now Oh Now), and most recently in Austin as the titular character in their profane adaptation, Fixing King John.

Additionally, he has a number of on-camera credits in independent projects and network television, including supporting roles in Richard Linklater’s ‘Waking Life’ & ‘Everybody Wants Some’, NBC’s ‘Revolution and Chase’, USA Network’s ‘Queen of the South’, John Ridley’s ‘American Crime’, Rooster Teeth’s ‘Day 5’, AMC’s ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ & the final season of ‘The Son’, as well as the lead role in the indie feature ‘Rearview Cataclysm’, set to hit the festival circuit in late 2020.

A more complete list of credits can be found on IMDB & behindthevoiceactors.com. Stay in touch on Twitter @ElCidRecords

38 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

FEATURE

E

LIZABETH MAXWELL is an accomplished actress, award-winning voice over artist, and life- long lover of all things geek.

She made her debut in the dubbing world on the hit anime series Attack on Titan (Ymir) and soon after took on the most recent incarnation of The Major in Ghost in the Shell: Arise (Motoko Kusanagi). Other popular anime titles include Dragon Ball Super (Caulifla/Kefla), My Hero Academia (Midnight), Noragami (Bishamon), Overlord (Albedo), Fruits Basket (Arisa Uotani), Fire Force (Lisa/Feeler), Plunderer (Lynn May), and Fairy Tail ( Jenny Realight).

Elizabeth has also lent her voice to a number of Rooster Teeth’s most popular 2D shows, such as RWBY (Winter Schnee), Camp Camp (Nikki), Nomad of Nowhere (Skout), and Red vs. Blue (Agent Ohio).

She has also worked extensively in games, most famously in Nintendo’s highly lauded The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Urbosa/Riju). Other notable titles include Atlus’s Persona 5 (Sae Niijima), Avalanche’s Just Cause 4 (Mira Morales), PlatinumGames’s Astral Chain (Alicia Lopez), Bandai Namco’s Tales of Berseria (Grimoire) and multiple Dragon Ball games (Caulifla/ Kefla), Her Interactive’s Nancy Drew: Midnight in Salem (Teegan Parry), Warner Bros.’s LEGO Marvel’s Avengers ( Jane Foster/Thor), Gearbox’s Battleborn (Phoebe), and Capcom’s Street Fighter V ( Juli).

You can find Elizabeth’s voice AND face on such TV shows as ‘Criminal Minds’, ‘From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series’, and ‘Lost Tapes’, and in the big screen psychological thriller ‘A Perfect Getaway’. She is also a regular fixture in the indie genre film world, with starring roles in such films as ‘Virgin Cheerleaders in Chains’, ‘Hollow Scream’, ‘Little Woods’, ‘A Place of Madness’, ‘Tip Your Waitress’, and ‘Focus Puller’. Elizabeth was also a fan favorite on the critically acclaimed, award-winning web series ‘Star Trek Continues’, and a popular recurring cast member on legendary hidden camera show ‘What Would You Do?’.

When she’s not behind a camera or mic, Elizabeth enjoys superhero training (aka kickboxing and stunt fighting), watching John Carpenter and Miyazaki movies, reading fantasy novels, playing RPGs, and planning for the zombie apocalypse.

For a full list of credits, visit www.imdb.me/ elizabethmaxwell. More info can also be found at www.aboutelizabethmaxwell.com, and you can stay in touch on Twitter (@AboutElizabethM), Instagram (@ elizabethmaxwell), and Tik Tok (@realelizabethmaxwell).

UPLOADERMAGAZINE MAGAZINE 39 UPLOADER 43

FEATURE

Our editor-in-chief managed to get a few minutes with

well-known award-winning anime voice-over artists Jason Liebrecht and Elizabeth Maxwell.

These two are immensely talented, and as a couple we wanted to not only find out about their incredible work in anime, but also how they are coping during lockdown.

We can tell you, they are couple goals!

Edited by Cheryl De Marco

C: Which Character do you prefer to play, the villain or the hero?

Elizabeth: I love playing both, but I suppose that I oftentimes have more fun playing the villain, because it’s a little bit more outside my normal day to day personality. One of the things I love about acting is exploring personality traits or ways of thinking that are very different from my own.

I’m not a super confrontational person by nature, so it’s kind of fun to flip that on its head sometimes.

Jason: I would agree largely, except, I would say... if I had an ultimate preference, it would be to play an antihero. Someone who fights for good, but has the character traits often associated with a villain. The villains are definitely usually more fun. I have a couple of characters that are kind of bad people who do good things, so somewhere in them, there’s a good heart. And that for me is the most satisfying.

C: I can imagine that being a voice actor, has its challenges possible more so that onscreen actors especially when it comes to showing emotions through voice, do you find it difficult to get into that zone, since it’s just you and the microphone, and how do you prepare yourself?

Jason: Honestly, for me, my methodology is the same. I guess it’s like going into battle without all of your weapons. But just because they can’t see you, and all the things you can do with your body physically, doesn’t mean I don’t still go to the same place internally in order to get to the emotion. I still want the emotion to be as real as possible for me.

Elizabeth: Yeah, I would say that voice acting definitely has its own specific challenges. As an actor, I was trained to look to my scene partner, to have a back-and-forth, and to react to your environment. So with voice acting, you definitely have to make large use of your imagination, for sure, even more so than with on-camera work. And I find that I usually build a stronger, deeper relationship with my voice directors because I feel like I end up relying on them quite a bit for the context of the scene, and for helping me prep myself for where I need to be, emotionally and physically. A lot of times, they’re the ones that are reading you into the scene, or reading the lines for the other person in the scene with you, so, so they’re really all you have to go off of.

Jason: We do find ourselves in a position sometimes, especially with dubbing for Anime, where you are the first person to record, and in that case, there is no actor to play off for context. So, yeah, true statements Elizabeth just made. (continued on page 42) UPLOADER MAGAZINE 41

FEATURE C: This is a difficult time for everyone, including the entertainment industry, how are you both coping during this pandemic, and what are you doing to keep yourselves sane?

Jason: Cooking and cleaning…

Elizabeth: It has been difficult, especially for Jason and I doing the particular type of work that we do. It is not uncommon for voice actors to have home studios, and to work from home a lot. But in the fields of video games, animation, and anime dubbing, that has not necessarily been the case. Usually, with those genres of VO (voice-over), they want you to come into the studio because of the technical difficulties associated with recording those types of audio. So definitely the people in our circles, have really had to scramble to get up to speed in terms of building home studios that are capable of broadcastquality audio. Because it’s never been required before. Not to speak for Jason, but I think we can both attest to the fact that it’s been stressful. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to do, for me anyway. I find the technical side of audio recording very daunting, and it can be overwhelming. But, we’re both lucky in that we had the time and the resources to be able to put together a studio.

C: I imagine this may change the way that things are done in the future, if you’re building home studios, other people tend to follow suit?

Elizabeth: Yeah, I absolutely think that the pandemic is going to shape the industry moving forward, and things will not fully return to how they were before.

Jason: At the beginning of this whole thing, my son and I were taking a trip to Mexico City to visit with his best friend, and we had to cut that trip short because the lockdown happened right in the middle of that week. We also had just moved into a new house in September of last year, so with the schedule that Elizabeth and I typically have during the old normal, I had a ton of stuff that I had not done, my dining room was filled with projects on projects on projects.

So initially, I was keeping myself sane with my 11-year-old son by painting the chandelier, and building this storage thing in the garage, and then the studio.

But all of that with no money coming

42 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

in was a bit of a challenge as well. I would say mainly though, the routine is kind of being my son’s school, and then at the weekend he goes and stays with his mother, and then I get to hang out with Elizabeth. I’ve had more quality time with both my son and my girlfriend than I ever had, basically. So that helps for sure.

C: It’s strange, isn’t it? How more people are connecting now that they’re locked down, even whilst they’re apart? I’m talking to my family more now than I ever did before.

Elizabeth: I’m butchering the quote, I’m sure, but I saw somewhere on social media that somebody posted something to the effect of “in our rush to get back to normal, let’s take a moment, stop, and think about what part of normal we really do want to get back to”.

Obviously, there’s been a huge amount of heartache and loss associated with the pandemic. I don’t mean to minimize that. But as you were saying,

Cheryl, there’s also some beautiful things that have come out of it, and I do hope that collectively as a country, as a society, as a world, we can take some of those beautiful things back with us as we move towards normalcy.

Jason: It’s also important to take advantage of this time while we have it, honestly. Literally, in all of the 11 years my son has been on this planet, I have not had this much uninterrupted time with him, and I know that will change, so it’s important to take advantage of that time.

C: I know it is difficult to give dates due to the current global position, but do you have any news things in the pipeline you want to talk about?

Jason: I don’t think that there is anything that I am legally able to speak of, that’s not already out there. But there are a couple of projects that I’m involved with that are coming soon. (continued on page 45)

FEATURE Most of what I see when I see all these kids and adults in cosplay, is people just having an unbridled amount of fun.

C: There are many similarities to Anime and the Marvel Universe, what character in the Marvel Universe could you see the other one playing?

Elizabeth: Jason, would you like to go first?

Jason: There are a number of redheads in the Marvel Universe, in the realm of the heroes. I would probably see you as a Black Widow. Yeah.

Elizabeth: I would have liked to play that part, especially since I have been compared to Scarlett Johansson before in my career. Thank you, Jason. I think my answer comes as no surprise because it’s something we’ve talked about before, and I think it’s actually a dream role for Jason. But I think Jason would make an incredible Wolverine. I think that he understands that character’s psyche very, very well, and has a lot of similarities.

Jason can sometimes appear gruff and intimidating on the outside to people that don’t necessarily know him. He’s a very passionate and intense individual, but on the inside, he’s really just a big softy, and an incredible papa.

Elizabeth: I feel like that’s one big difference, I would imagine, with interviewing a voice actor versus an oncamera actor. We usually are only able to talk about the stuff that has already released. But Jason and I both have large roles in several anime that are currently streaming right now, such as ‘Plunderer’ and ‘My Hero Academia’.

I have a lead role in an animated movie that’s currently available to stream on Netflix called ‘Altered Carbon: Resleeved’, that came out in March right around when the world changed.

C: Cosplay is taking the world by storm, more than ever and it’s incredible to see the costumes that fans are able to create. How does it feel to see people dress as your characters at events and comic con?

Jason: It’s just super cool, really really cool. My first experience was at New York Comic Con and the foundation was pushing an anime that I was the lead in called ‘Darker Than Black’,

and for the marketing day, they hired 10 actors to cosplay as my character.

And at some point, I took a photo with 10 of my character, and it was super cool.

Elizabeth: So I actually was somewhat involved in the convention scene before I became a voice actor. I went to several of them with friends, and I did some light amateur cosplaying myself. So I was already familiar with the world.

So when I first started pursuing voice acting, I did some exercises where I did goal setting and freehand writing of what an ideal future or an ideal career might look like for myself, and I have a very vivid memory of writing down ‘see a cosplayer at a convention cosplaying as a character that I have voiced’ and then I will know that I have made it. [laughter] So it was kind of surreal, and a humbling moment, when I saw my first cosplayer cosplaying an anime character that I voiced, and it felt like I had come full circle. And I feel like cosplaying is such a joyful pursuit.

Jason: She saw through me immediately, there was absolutely no intimidation whatsoever. [laughter] C: Do either of you find that you bring your characters out into real life sometimes?

Jason: I do occasionally, but not for anyone other than my son really. There’s a particular character that I play in the Borderlands games named Mordecai, and he’s a reformed drunk, but he’s just a funny, weird, gruff-voiced Latino with a sense of humor, kind of like, I don’t know if you remember the late comedian, Mitch Hedberg, and that cracks my boy up, sometimes he’ll ask me to stop so he can swallow his food.

Elizabeth: I would say that I don’t necessarily find that to be true too much outside of the convention realm where the fans want to see your character, but I would say that there is one character that I voice, her name is Nikki and she’s a little hellion from a show called ‘Camp Camp’ that was (continued on page 47) UPLOADER MAGAZINE 45

FEATURE

done by Rooster Teeth. I will say I do actually occasionally find myself thinking “what would Nikki do?” Because she is so fun and spontaneous and a little firecracker with a huge zest for life. I feel like in my personal life I do need to remind myself to be lighter sometimes and more spontaneous, and not as serious and laser-focused on whatever I’m doing.

So I have actually found myself using her as inspiration for a mood shift.

Jason: That voice freaks me out, by the way. [Laughter] Elizabeth: Jason’s natural voice is my favorite voice, despite the fact that he is crazy talented, and very, very versatile, his natural voice is my favorite voice.

C: You have been working together for a while now, at what point did you both have that ‘I kinda like you’ moment?

Elizabeth: I don’t mean to speak for both of us, but it’s actually kind of a funny story about how we met. We kind of had the distinction of being one of only a few voice actors based in Austin, that drove up to Dallas to work at Funimation and a mutual friend of ours, who also was a well-established voice actor, found out that we both lived in Austin and we had never met and was just like, “oh my gosh, you guys, you’ve got to have coffee or something. You can’t both live in the same city and work for the same company, be so talented and not know each other”.

So, at his recommendation, we met up and had some drinks and got to know each other. And I kind of knew from that moment, like, wow, this guy is, you know, really nice and really cool and insanely talented. But we were in each other’s orbit for a number of years before we kind of slowly tiptoed towards the ‘Hey, I think you’re really cool, I think you’re really cool too. But like, EXTRA-SPECIAL cool.

[Laughter] Jason: I do remember the first time that we met and had a few beers. We were both in other relationships at that point, and randomly my oldest childhood friend showed up who I had not seen in years.

But Aaron immediately pulled me aside and asked if we were on a date, as it seems like there’s some chemistry there.

Elizabeth: Yeah, we were friends for a number of years before we actually started

dating, but it kind of felt like it was a long time coming.

C: What do you both do that annoys the other, especially during lockdown?

Jason: My lovely lady likes to make me wait a lot. She is very, very ambitious with her time management. I guess I’ve gotten kind of used to... if we say five that probably means anywhere from six to seven. It’s not 100% of the time, but I have recently discussed this with her, and no offense, my lady. I love you. But yeah, that’s probably mine.

Elizabeth: I think the only thing I could really pinpoint is, that Jason is insanely good at accents, but there are some accents he does that I like more than others. And he knows which ones those are, so sometimes he’ll speak to me only in the accents I’m not as fond of to poke fun at me or annoy me.

C: Were you both fans of Anime before you started doing voice acting for it?

Elizabeth: Yeah, I was actually. I have an older brother named Hampton, and because he was the older one, he was kind of responsible for bringing a lot of stuff into the house that I got into, and one of those things was anime. Back in the day, we didn’t have the streaming services like Funimation and Crunchyroll, so, he would just bring back bootleg VHS tapes from his high school anime club. And I would sneak out to the TV room and watch all of his anime when he was done with them. So yeah, I actually did watch quite a bit of anime and really liked anime before I started dubbing it. Watching and liking anime is not a prerequisite for being good at dubbing it, but I did find personally that it helped me.

Jason: I was introduced by my best friend when I was much younger, a gentleman named Aaron Blunt, and we did watch the dubs, but it was, I think, much older stuff that Elizabeth is talking about. For instance, the film Akira was one of my favorites when I was younger, and I liked Robotech. But I wasn’t a huge fan, nor did I ever think I would work in that industry.

I kind of fell into it honestly. I was just at a party talking to a guy at the bar and he asked me to come in and give it a shot, and the rest is history. (cont. on page 48) UPLOADER MAGAZINE 47

FEATURE C: Is there any part of the voice acting industry that you would like to change, and if so, what would it be and why?

Jason: We’ve kind of had a little bit of a disturbance in our bubble of fun and happiness, and that’s through social media. Mainly there’s an element of toxic fandom that has popped up, and has sent some pretty upsetting ripples through our little industry. I won’t go into great detail, but if I could change something right now, it would definitely be that.

Elizabeth: It’s a shame because I feel like on the whole, fans are usually so passionate and supportive and wonderful, but it does seem that a couple of toxic people can taint it for others.

I feel like on the performance side of the entertainment industry, it took us too long to recognize that streaming services are here to stay and that they are becoming a bigger and bigger part of viewers’ watching experiences as traditional mediums like broadcast media are slowly dissipating, and I would say that our contracts for this type of work and the response of our unions haven’t quite caught up to the reality of where we are at. And I feel like in general, there is also a bit of an issue in compensation for voice actors in the video game industry, particularly for non-union work. I wish that we could figure out a way to make sure that all creatives who are working on all these properties are truly getting fairly compensated for their time and talent. And a lot of us, for a lot of the projects we’re working on, aren’t getting any form of residuals either, which is a big part of how actors manage to stay working actors. It’s a very important part of being able to continue working in the entertainment industry in a way that is sustainable.

Jason: Absolutely. Just the notion that a video game can sell millions and millions and millions of units, and we are only paid for our sessions at the very beginning.

Elizabeth: I don’t have a solution, but I wish we could find one. I think a lot of fans are not aware that it is actually very, very difficult to truly make a living solely doing voice acting, particularly in anime dubbing.

Jason: Even acting in general, I mean to sustain oneself entirely, it’s a challenge. We are fortunate that Elizabeth and I are able to do that, sometimes it’s just by the skin of our teeth though.

C: What is the most embarrassing thing that you have done that occurred during the course of your career?

Jason: It’s funny now, but it was not funny then. I traveled to Shanghai, China to work on a video game whilst working for the company, Square Enix. They’re based in Tokyo, and Shanghai is much closer in terms of time zones, and it was cheaper to record there for the production company. In any case, one of my first sessions was during winter, it gets quite cold there, and I was put in a little apartment that was a short walk from the studio. I got up before one of my first sessions and decided to walk around the city. And because it was so cold I was fully layered with long johns, winter coats, and boots, and in the course of my walking, I got pretty sweaty in all those layers as one does sometimes. So I get to the studio and there’s literally a radiator radiating heat in my booth, my vocal booth that I’m going to work in that day, and nobody’s in there with me and there wasn’t a window in this booth. So because I was so hot and heated from my walking, I decided I would get down to my long Johns and hang my damp clothing over this radiator. Well, I didn’t remember or realize at the time, that my only bank card was in the pocket of the jeans I was wearing, and I completely melted it to the point of it not being able to be used. This was my second day there and I was gonna be there a month. I had no way to draw money out of my account, in a very foreign

48 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

FEATURE country to me at the time, so I ended up having to ask for an advance from my employer in cash so I would be able to eat and get by.

Elizabeth: I’ll just share one which was kind of a learning experience. I was working on a video game, and was having a friendly chat with the director about games we liked and had played, and the Bioshock series got brought up; and I, with great conviction, was talking about how I really liked one of the games in the Bioshock series, but didn’t like another one of the games in the series, and the director got this funny look on his face and was like, “Oh, I directed it”. We ended up laughing about it within seconds, and it didn’t create a lasting strain on our relationship or anything, but it was a good reminder to be careful.

C: What have you both found challenging whilst working in this industry?

Jason: I guess the most challenging thing for me anyway, has been to just keep it going. Keep the work coming. Keep proactively motivated. It’s a hustle and at this point in my life, I’ve got a small child and a mortgage, and the bills have got to get paid. That means I’ve got to keep booking jobs, and we all go through dry spells, and sometimes it can look bleak.

But hopefully, I’ll continue to land on my feet.

Elizabeth: Mine kind of ties into that a little bit that one of the things I’ve always found peculiar about what we do is that, acting is such a vulnerable creative endeavor, but to be successful as a working actor these days, you also have to really be a smart businessman or businesswoman and salesperson. You really have to operate as though you are your own small business, and you’re the product you’re selling. I didn’t realize when I was younger that there are so many non-creative aspects attached to this very creative job. Still to this day, it can be a little bit of a struggle to make sure that I’m balancing those things, without losing the ability to be spontaneous and creative and vulnerable through the grind and the hustle that being a working actor requires. I always have said that I think actors are some of the bravest people that I know because we constantly have to put ourselves out there to handle criticism and rejection. I mean, truly rejection after rejection after rejection, and like Jason mentioned, we all have dry spells. We all are constantly being thrown up on social media to compare our lives and careers to each other, and to do all that and stay sane, and still have the ability to be vulnerable and the ability to be this kind of open, blank, creative canvas, I think it’s truly a great feat.

I’m always impressed by my friends who managed to do this.

Jason: Maintaining that confidence... you have a string of auditions over the course of a month, and maybe you don’t book any of them, and yet, when you go to that next one, you’ve got to be your best self. You can’t let that get to you. I mean, obviously, we’re humans, it’s gonna get to us.

But you can’t let it bring you down to the point where you can’t exhibit the best version of you, the most confident version of you. And that is distinctly a challenge.

Elizabeth: Listening to myself, I almost feel like, wow... this sounds kind of bleak. All of this just goes to show how passionate most of us are about what we do, and that we love what we do so much that we’re willing to go through these challenges and these low parts, to achieve the high parts.

Jason: Not to swing it back the other way, but once you’ve only done this for 20 years, it’s not like I can walk into a bank and hand them my acting resume, and be like, hey, I’d be a great manager. I mean, you kind of commit to this, and you’re in it for life, so to transition to something else at this point for me would be impossible. But I am passionate about it too, [laughter] it’s a good thing that I like what I do. (cont. on page 50)

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 49

FEATURE

C: Does it cause problems with your vocal health given that there is a lot of high pitched voices, screaming and shouting in Anime?

Elizabeth: Yes, vocal health is a very real problem, and it’s definitely something that I’ve had to learn the hard way as I have been in this industry. You have to learn your limits and know what is reasonable and what isn’t. If you know that you’re going to be working on a really screamy session, you just kind of know that you don’t schedule anything else for a day or two after you have those screamy sessions.

My voice is my instrument and it’s my paycheck now, so it’s even changed how I operate in my day to day, personal life. I became way more serious about hydration because that’s one of the number one keys to vocal health and I even changed what I did in my nightlife. There have been times where if I’m having a heavy workweek, I am not going to go out and see live music because I can’t be yelling above the crowd, and stressing my voice out even more. I have also declined going out with friends to noisy restaurants or noisy bars the night before a session because I know that will put a strain on my voice and it will affect how I sound the next day. So it’s very much of an ever-present thing that I think about now for sure.

Jason: Only once have I actually been to the point where I started to get vocal nodules on my cords. I can’t remember what that was for, but I do know that there are a couple of directors that I have had literally one session with, and decided never again. Because, that’s just their way to get every little bit out of you that they possibly can come hell or high water, with no heed to your physical safety.

C: Of all the projects you have worked on, what has been your favorite so far?

Jason: For me, it’s more about the character. In terms of my VO work, they’re definitely a handful of characters, some that are still recurring that are more fun. But I wouldn’t necessarily say that they’re my favorite project. I love doing this character Lo Wang for the ‘Shadow Warrior’ game series, because he’s super irreverent and hilarious, and I get to use a Hong Kong accent and it’s just a blast. Likewise, my character, Mordecai in the 50 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

‘Borderlands Universe’, also in gaming. He’s another one that makes me lose it, laugh-out-loud and break character. When it’s that kind of fun, that’s probably the best part of it.

Elizabeth: It’s a hard question to answer because there are so many reasons that I might love a project.

Like Jason said, whether it’s the character, or it’s the project as a whole, or the people I work with, or whether it’s the fandom that I get introduced to as a result of that project. I’m really lucky, I’ve gotten to work on so many incredible projects, and I love them all. But I guess for me two that have particularly stood out was working on ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’, because it’s such an iconic franchise, and the fandom for it spans generations, and it was such an honor to be involved in in the first voiceover that they’ve really brought into that series. And I adore my character in that game. She’s just this incredible, awesome, strong, strong woman.

And then another one that has just been an absolute joy for me to work on is a Rooster Teeth original animated show called ‘Camp Camp’. I play one of the lead characters Nikki, I think I mentioned her earlier in this article.

She’s a really funky, irreverent little girl, and it’s one of the first comedic properties that I got to work on, and the character is so fun. The writing is so funny and it’s so smart, and I’m just a huge fan of the show, separate even from working on it. I can watch those episodes over and over and over again, and not get tired of them, and will always find a new joke or something new to laugh at.

C: Do you ever get to improvise the script at all?

Jason: With anime, I would say a little bit less. And that’s purely in part because you’ve got to fill these pre-animated flaps that were originally intended for another language entirely. But there are moments when you’re dubbing and you have a thought, and you know your character well, you feel like he might say it this way instead and you think it will fit. I guess that it’s not traditional improvisation, but that does happen with a regularity I suppose. But those two characters I just mentioned Lo Wang and Mordecai, both of those gaming companies like it when I improvise, because I know the characters well.

Elizabeth: I don’t know if I have too much to add to what Jason said. Other than that, it tends to be very project and very genre-specific. I learned that if I’m working with a director or a client that I’m not super familiar with, I will ask, “Hey, how open are you to improvisation?”

They’ll usually be real upfront with, “We love it. Whatever you think of that comes to your mind that fits the character throw it in”. Or they’ll be very direct and be like, “We’d really like to stick to the script”, and that’s ok too.

C: If you had one wish that you had to share, what would you wish for?

Elizabeth: If I could make a wish, that would be to take making money out of the equation so it’s not an issue. If all we ever had to do was just focus on the work and not ever have to worry about how much money we were making, that would be pretty incredible.

Jason: To take the hustle out of it, I will take that. That sounds like a great stress

reduction. I think I would live longer, and so would you, and I would be a lot happier.

C: 3 qualities that you both like about each other professionally and personally?

Elizabeth: So I kind of knew Jason, professionally before I knew him personally, so I guess I’ll start there. Some of the things I remember first admiring about him professionally is his ability to just have fun while he’s working. He’s really fun to be around in the workspace.

And I know I’m not the only one that thinks that. I know a lot of directors like to work with him because it is a grand time. But, on top of that, he is immensely talented, and particularly in a world where it is not always easy or common, particularly for men to be able to be super emotionally available and really to tap into their emotions and their feelings and be able to be articulate and express them.

I find that incredible and amazing.

This sounds kind of funny, but I’ve

always been amazed at Jason’s ease with accents. He has the ability to learn them very quickly, and just by ear, which is much harder for me to do. I have to sit down and really study and write stuff out.

I take a little bit more of an academic approach to it. So yeah, I’ve always been super impressed and a little jealous of that, honestly, and I’ve recommended him for jobs purely based on this incredible aspect of his talent.

And then personally, Jason is incredibly loyal. Which I think is a wonderful quality and a very great quality for your partner to have. I love that he’s opened up my eyes to different ways that people express love. I’ve never been with a guy before who is nurturing in the way that he is, and shows his love through taking care of people, particularly in the realm of the kitchen. It’s wonderful to see his passion for cooking, and how that translates into how he feels about you. If you get cooked a great meal by Jason, you know that you are in his heart. And that’s been gratifying to my stomach, but it’s also been a (continued on page 52) UPLOADER MAGAZINE 51

... beautiful new thing for me to experience as a significant other. I would say one of those things professionally about Jasons ability to be vulnerable and emotionally available, again, translates into a much better experience as a partner. The way that he compliments me and tells me that he loves me, and the way that we share moments where we can be so emotionally available and vulnerable with each other is a great gift. It is not possible if your significant other is not able to, or not willing to, be emotionally available.

Jason: Professionally. I’ve never known anyone to be as dedicated and proactive in their approach to bettering themselves and their craft and pursuing work. Honestly, it’s incredible.

She’s kind of opened my eyes and gotten me to be a little bit more serious sometimes. Initially in my career, a lot of things kind of fell in my lap. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. In contrast, Elizabeth aggressively pursued this and has successfully transitioned to being one of the more popular females in her range, and it’s kind of mind-blowing. She inspires me with how she prepares, I don’t take the time to warm up or do the right things, and I know she thinks that I think it’s funny or I’m making fun of her, but honestly, it’s pretty inspiring just how dedicated you are and how much time you take. For just a commercial audition, and with very little copy, she will take 20 takes and really analyze them, and just craft the perfect thing.

She is a really good actress [Elizabeth laughing] why are you laughing?

Elizabeth: It’s funny, it’s really lovely, but also really funny… but, thank you.

Jason: I also admire professionally the fact that she doesn’t take this for granted. Elizabeth has no sense of entitlement. Everything that she has achieved, she’s worked for, and doesn’t expect to be handed anything. I do feel like there’s a little bit of a tendency for folks who are relatively new in the business to feel that they are owed, more convention appearances, or certain parts, and that’s not the way that my lady operates. She very much wants to earn it, and that is also inspiring, and in line with how I feel about it, which is great for a partner. So that’s professionally.

Personally... I’ve never been with anybody kinder. I have a history of not having the most kind partners I guess… But she’s just so sweet to me, and it’s amazing how much of a difference that makes. In addition, she’s the most honest woman I’ve ever been with. There’s never a any game playing, she tells me what she’s thinking, and it’s real.

And that again has such weight for me, given my history, that I can’t even express like just the fact that what she says to me is what she actually feels and thinks is huge. I also think that she is a rare, rare beauty. Every part of her is pleasing to me, and is perfect for me.

Elizabeth: You know, it’s a special experience to hear your significant other describe you to a stranger in kind of a public way, and what it is that they find special about you. That’s a really lovely question, thank you, Cheryl.

Cheryl: I’m started to well up listening to your answers to this question. You are both so lovely.

C: Do you think that platforms like YouTube and TikTok are changing the direction of the entertainment industry?

Elizabeth: For sure, I feel like I could talk forever about this particular subject. And I’m sure Jason could too, but if I were to make it a little bit more concise, I think that those social media platforms are a double-edged sword. At least for me. I love the ability they give you to truly reach out to and interact with your fans in a very personal and meaningful way. I am constantly finding myself grateful for being able to talk to fans on Twitter and on Instagram and so forth. And I recently joined Tiktok, and I find it to be a genuinely fun, creative outlet.

I also think that these platforms are a great way for people to be seen and to be heard.

There are lots of stories of different people being discovered through non-traditional means, like YouTube or like Tiktok, and I think that’s awesome. The other edge for me is that sometimes it can feel like another aspect of our jobs, in that we don’t always get to engage in social media and create content just because it’s fun, (continued on page 55)

FEATURE

but because we’re expected to. And we’re expected to cultivate large followings because it can affect our castability or our ability to be invited somewhere, or can determine whether we’ll be given a job over someone else. I have very real examples of this that I’ve found out about through my agent or someone on the production team. In one case, a casting decision came down to me and another actress, and I was told that the producer literally said that I was the better actress, but that they were going to give it to the other girl because she had more Twitter followers. And so, there is an element of bringing a real sense of a popularity contest to a creative industry.

I suppose that is somewhat inevitable in various ways. Social media is just a new expression of it, but it definitely can feel like we are being nudged into quantity over quality in the realm of social media sometimes.

Jason: I’ve been acting since I was a kid, and so to transition to someone who is able to successfully interact with this, frankly, very strange interface, for me, it’s been exceptionally difficult. I love that anybody can create content, I think that’s awesome. It expands the creative horizons in such a crazy way, but there is this popularity contest aspect of it. I find myself yearning, remembering the days where you just booked a job if you were better, if you did better. You worked hard at your audition, and that’s how you got the work. And it’s not just about that anymore. It’s very frustrating to me.

C: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Jason: I have a hard time choosing between being able to time travel. That’s always been intriguing to me. I feel like I could do a lot of good for the world and for my loved ones. And flight is also intriguing, obviously. But so it’s teleportation. See, this is the reason that I can’t choose just one.

Elizabeth: Again, I feel like I could literally write an essay about this. If I really think about this seriously, I start getting into, how much of a moral burden do I want to take on in terms of using my superpower for the greater good. Who am I to impose my sense of right and wrong onto the world at large. It’s a lot of responsibility and if you make a change then you’re saying my perception of what is right, is right. But that is all to say that I remember that I just came up with the idea in the recent past that if I were to be given a superpower, I would choose the ability to move back in time, five seconds. Because I feel like it would be really helpful in avoiding injury. [Laughter] I’d be able to take back putting my foot in my mouth or, even potentially, life saving sort of situations. But I also feel by limiting it to five seconds, you limit how much power and responsibility really comes with that because you can only make so much change by going back five seconds.

Jason: Five seconds. I think I want to be able to go back further, just too curious. I will agree not to change anything big, so as not to create possible ripples ‘the butterfly effect’.

Elizabeth: I feel that if I had that superpower I would have a lot less bruised shins and stubbed toes.

C: Sounds like an awesome superpower to have. Thank you so much for answering our questions. I can’t wait to see what is next for you both.

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 55

BEAUTY Edited by Cheryl De Marco

10 INCREDIBLE BLACK-OWNED BEAUTY BRANDS TO SUPPORT

Beauty scope

By Debbie Savage @debbiessavage tothineownstylebetrue.com

About the Author...

TEN INCREDIBLE BLACK - OWNED BEAUTY BRANDS TO SUPPORT

Debbie Savage is a Cambodian-American who resides in Orange County, CA. She is an editor for her own lifestyle blog To Thine Own Style Be True. Her passions are her family and helping women honor their inner beauty by sharing tips and tricks from the trade.

T

he beauty industry is huge, but, it has not been vast enough.For many black women and people of color, walking down the beauty aisle can be quite a closed-off experience. It can feel alienating and isolating. I have been there as well.

60 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

There have always been many shades to be found for women with fair and medium skin tones. But for women of color, the shade of deep made available has always been a one-sizefits-all solution. Sadly, what is offered has always lacked the representation of all of the skin colors of black women and people of color. Their unique needs in the beauty world are not being met. Diversity is not embraced.

The wrongful death of George Floyd has sparked global unrest over the systemic racism that has been rooted in our society for far too long. This world-changing event is a huge wake-up call for all of us. This should spark a call to action to dismantle systemic racism, and to support the black community and their businesses.

A simple but impactful way to show support is to invest in black-owned businesses. I am so happy big strides have been made in the beauty industry. More and more products for people of color are being created by people of color. Let’s continue to support and encourage the black community by supporting black-owned companies. It is important to support these brands who have been serving the underserved. Their focus from the very beginning has been to represent the diverse beauty of black people and women of color.

This is the time to recognize black-owned businesses and give them the respect they deserve.

Here are 10 black-owned beauty brands in the hair, skincare, and makeup industry. There are more black-owned beauty brands that are not included on this list that also deserve our attention and support.

BEAUTY

SKIN

MAKEUP

Beneath Your Mask: Highest quality, most potent, non-toxic beauty, skincare, and haircare.

These are natural, organic, vegan products that actually work and are safe for people with autoimmune diseases.

Founder Dana Jackson.

Try Heal Whipped Skin Souffle ($28) to feed, heal, and nourish your skin.

Fenty Beauty: High-quality makeup for women of color with an unmatched offering of shades and colors for ALL skin tones. Founder Rihanna.

No introductions needed.

Try Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation ($35) for medium to full coverage, now in a boundary-breaking range of 50 shades.

Uoma Beauty: Makeup maven Sharon Chuter was disappointed in the absence of diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry and decided to create a business of her own. Uoma translates to “beautiful” in Igbo, which is one of the main languages spoken in Nigeria. Try the Black Magic Metallic Shine Lipstick ($26), a multidimensional shine and explosive color that also nourishes your lips.

Lauren Napier Beauty: New York-based makeup artist Lauren Napier makes facial cleansing wipes with a difference.

Each wipe comes in an individual sachet that’s perfect on-the-go. Try LA ROSE by LAUREN NAPIER facial cleansing wipes ($12), which are infused with rosewater, starfruit and cucumber extracts.

Base Butter: A skincare line created with pure, simple, and good-foryou ingredients for women of color. Founder She’Neil Johnson. Try Radiate Face Jelly ($21), a lightweight moisturizer that will revitalize your daily facial skincare routine as our formula rejuvenates, restores, and protects your skin.

Beauty Bakerie Makeup: Crueltyfree makeup brand committed to encouraging men and women to feel both empowered and beautiful.

Founded by Cashmere Nicole who worked relentlessly to realize her dream for a beauty business, even as she battled breast cancer as a single mom. Try Matte Lip Whip ($20), their best-selling customer favorite lipstick that has amazing staying power.

BEAUTY

Juvia’s Place: Founded

by Chichi Eburu, instantly transform your makeup look with vibrant colors and pigment-rich palettes for your eyes, cheeks, and lips. Makeup colors inspired by the vibrancy of Africa. Try their Nubian Eyeshadow Palette ($20) for a must-have collection of neutral colors, and The Saharan Volume II Blush Palette ($18) - this blush palette is my favorite and works on all skin colors.

Camille Rose: Total wellness hair care system for black and latino women. Salon professional hair products for all hair textures.

Founder is Janell Stephens, a beauty entrepreneurial expert who first started brewing her special hair formulations in her kitchen.

Try Curl Love Moisture Milk ($15), a softening leave-in conditioning cream with light tones of macadamia nut and vanilla.

HAIR

Briogeo: Founder Nancy Twine left her job on Wall Street to pursue her dream of creating a beauty brand. She owes her incredible success of Briogeo to her grandmother who taught her homemade hair shampoo, conditioner, and masks recipes as a child. Her amazing haircare line is available at Sephora. Try Be Gentle, Be Kind avocado + kiwi mega moisture superfood mask ($36) to nourish dull, dry, parched hair.

62 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

The Mane Choice: Yes, to beauty, health, and science. A hair care line developed from these schools of thought. When combined all together using vitamins and nutrients in a solution-based product line, something amazing, beautiful, and healthy happens to your hair. Founder is Courtney Adeleye, who built her hair company from the ground up by combining her specialized knowledge base with her own curiosity. Try Ancient Egyptian Anti-Breakage & Repair Antidote 24 Karat Glistening Gold Twisting Gel ($15) works well for setting twist-outs, braid-outs, and wash and go’s.

Kate

Shephard

BEAUTY

THE LOCKDOWN BEAUTY LOW-DOWN PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY THERAPIST KATE SHEPHARD TALKS US THROUGH HOW TO GET THAT SALON LEVEL GLOW AT HOME WITH HER TOP ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR MAINTAINING HEALTHY SKIN @shepz1981 Edited by Cheryl De Marco

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 65

BEAUTY

SALON GLOW at HOME Kate’s top tips to achieving that salon level glowing healthy skin at home POSH UP YOUR WASH

M

any of us are still on lockdown, and whilst we are all maintaining social distancing across the globe, many of our mundane routines have fallen by the wayside as we learn to embrace the ‘new normal’. Selfcare both physically and mentally, has never been more important than it is now, as we collectively attempt to ride this out unscathed. However restrictions to moving freely mean the most part of any given 24 hours are still spent at home for the majority of the public.

Being a Beauty Therapy professional, I watched on in sadness as my industry was obliged to close its doors in order to protect the public and ourselves. No two clients are the same and therefore a visit to the salon is for various reasons, whether it be a ‘pick me up’, ‘self-esteem boost’, or a ‘maintenance’ appointment; the benefits are unique to each individual. Despite lockdown continuing for the foreseeable future for many, there is no reason that ‘me time’ shouldn’t be made a priority.

My absolute go-to treatment for an overall sense of wellbeing is a facial. Not only does it deep clean, rejuvenate, and hydrate the skin, but it reduces signs of aging and detoxifies.

Post-professional treatment, the first 48 hrs are where the most significant physical and psychological results are felt, not least a reduction in stress and tension.

SET ASIDE TIME

misconception that the higher the price tag of a product, the better the result; when in fact, correct product use on a daily basis is hugely effective. Much of the time the same base ingredients are used across similar products. Imagine the scenario; you like to follow trends online so decide to purchase a clay masque. In actual fact, you have dry skin so by applying this ‘miracle’ product you further deprive your skin of any moisture or nourishment. My advice? You can tell a lot from how your skin feels, remember that the time of year, hormones, and lifestyle choices are instrumental in causing ongoing changes, so don’t lose track! Don’t fall for fads or trends without doing your homework. Three of my absolute favorite ‘Hero Products’ to include in your facial routine are exfoliants, serums and masques.

Honestly, you needn’t spend the earth, and you can make your own masques at home with what you have in the fridge!

Hero 1: Exfoliation Scrub v’s AHAS (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

Eve Taylor Bamboo & Soya Scrub £17.48 (evetaylor.com) Use 2 to 3 times per week, concentrating on congested areas of the face.

Yes of course work and chores take precedence at the minute, but even 15 minutes can make a real difference to your skin.

If you feel rushed you won’t feel the benefit, so if it’s hiding in the bathroom or whilst scrolling through Netflix in the evening, fence off that time!

DON’T SKIP STEPS Still using just soap and water? Please, no! Not only will this unsettle your skins natural ph. level, but also this is not one size fits all. Your skin has its own personality, listen to it and understand its needs! As a basic guide, I recommend to cleanse twice, the first to remove surface dirt and debris, and the second to penetrate deeper into blockages and imperfections. Next is exfoliation, followed by a toner, serum, eye gel, and moisturizer.

Sounds a lot of work? But a small price to pay for looking after your skin, and with the entire routine taking less time than one half of your favorite show, it is well worth it.

IDENTIFY YOUR SKINS NEEDS Spending more on products doesn’t equate to better results!

Identifying your skins needs and targeting those areas is the primary aim. Be honest with yourself. It’s a common 66 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

BHA Exfoliating Serum S S3 £18.99 (facetheory.com Use sparingly overnight under your moisturizer Wipe with damp pads in the morning and notice the difference! Suitable for vegans and those who don’t like the feel of gritty scrubs, or have acne or uneven pigmentation.

BEAUTY Hero 2: Serum

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT Seriously up your facial game by being more adventurous. Try adding steam? Simply fill a glass bowl with boiled water, add a few drops of tea tree for acne, rose for dry skin, or lemon slices just because it smells nice! Place a towel over your head and breathe in the aromas. The heat opens pores helping to dislodge deeprooted debris. Or how about Dermaplaning? Although I would always recommend these advanced facials being performed by a qualified professional.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% & B5 £5.90 (justmylook.com) Use this on its own or under a moisturizer. Boosts hydration, refines pores, smoothes, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Use daily for best results, and is suitable for vegans.

Veet has a great kit, Sensitive Precision (amazon.co.uk £22.00) which gently removes peach fuzz and surface dead skin cells safely.

Hero 3: Masque Shop Bought v’s Homemade

Finally, a Jade or Rose Quartz roller offers an extra dimension to your home facial. Not only are they a great tool for facial massage, but aid product absorption. Oliver Bonus Rose Quartz for £25.00, and Jade Roller from Live In The Light £40.95 (20% discount available with code UPLOADER20) Brazened Honey Face Mask £9.00/75g (lush.com) Refreshing and detoxifying when used weekly as part of your skincare routine. Suitable for vegetarians.

Homemade Yoghurt based face masque, totally free if you already have in the fridge! Add Carrot for mature skin, Avocado for uneven pigmentation, and Honey or Oatmeal for a detoxifying result!

WATER, WATER & MORE WATER Obvious, yet essential. As many liters as you can, as often as you can. Add fruit, drink it boiled, make a slushie with blended ice.

Whichever method gets you to the magical 2 liters. Lecture over.

So until measures are relaxed further, and we can all pay our favorite salon a visit, support the retail industry. Browse and shop online. Take time to try something new, but most importantly, invest in you. And Boys, make note, this is for you too.

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 67

TAG US ON INSTAGRAM AND WE WILL PICK OUR FAVORITES FOR A SHOUT OUT IN THE NEXT ISSUE

@uploadermagazine

FASHION Edited by Cheryl De Marco

8 COLOR FASHION TRENDS THIS SUMMER

Tie Waist Top: Zara: $39.90 Sunglasses: Zara $49.90 Sandals: Zara: $69.90

FLAME

River Island

SCARLET

Editors Picks

Embroidered Playsuit: New Look £24.99 Red Boots: Topshop £79.00

Pink Midi Dress with Bow Dorothy Perkins £30

Shell Drop Earrings: Oliver Bonas £15 Red Gingham Top: Topshop £29.00 Lipstick: Burts Bees£9.99

Belted Polka Dot Skirt Zara: $39.90 Cropped Polka Dot Top Zara: $39.90

Primark

SAFFRON Ruffled Shorts: Zara $35.90 Crochet Effect Belt: Zara $35.90 Charm Sandals: Accessorize £22.50

Floral Dress: New Look

Dorothy Perkins

Editors Picks Coin Purse: Zara $35.90 Gold Butterfly Earrings: Thomas Sabo £98 Animal Print Mules: Zara £19.99 (Sale) Hoop Earrings: Oliver Bonas £15 Voluminous Top: Zara $35.90 Pleated Mini Skirt: Zara $29.90

Yellow Bardot Maxi Puff Dress River Island: £38

Printed Poplin Top: Zara $25.99 (Sale) Straw Bag: Very £35.00

CLASSIC Mules: Dune £90

Editors Picks

BLUE Print Dress: Zara $69.90

Tank Top: Zara $9.90 Chino Pants: Zara $29.99 (Sale) Bracelet Set: Accessorize £7.00

Bikini: Primark $6 Mini Dress: Zara $29.99 Shoes: Zara Earrings: Oliver Bonus £12.50

Jumpsuit: Very £45 Sandals £28

Shirt Dress: Zara $69.90 Blouse: Zara $39.90 Strappy Heeled Sandals: Zara $59.90 Earrings: Zara $19.90 Polka Dot Blouse: Zara $39.90

BISCAY GREEN

Regatta

Editors Picks Strap Mules: Topshop £29.00 Belted Dress: Zara $35.99 (Sale)

Regatta

Costume: Figleaves £40 Hoop Earrings: Oliver Bonas £12.50 Sunglasses: Oliver Bonas £45.00 Tote Bag: Live in the Light £59.00

Gillian Anderson for Dune

Denim Shirt: Primark Blue Block Boots: Topshop £89.99 Pearl Drop Earrings: Oliver Bonus £19.50

Editors Picks

FADED DENIM Hi Rise Jeans: Zara $49.90 Tie Dye Tee: Zara $9.90 Chunky Trainers: Topshop £35.00 Bag: Dune £32.00 (Sale)

Tiered Dress: River Island £46.00 Sandals: Zara $59.90

Midi Dress: Oliver Bonas £75.00 Tote Bag: Accessorize

Gingham Top: Topshop £29.00 Denim Shorts: Miss Selfridge Blue Healed Sandals: Office £69.00 Drop Earrings: Thomas Sabo £149.00

Betty Barclay £90.00

Slouchy Pants: Zara $49.90 Faux Leather Top: Zara $39.90 Handbag: Dune £70.00 Watch: Thomas Sabo £339.00 Flat Shoes: Zara Earrings: Zara $19.90’

CHIVE Bon Prix

Editors Picks

Floral Bardot Maxi Dress: Miss Selfridge Sunglasses: Thomas Sabo £179.00

Costune: River Island £38.00 Heals: Dune £89.00 Shell Earrings: Zara $19.90 Playsuit: New Look £22.99

Miss Selfridge

Straw Bag: Very £55.00 Polo Tee: Primark: £8.00 Shorts: Primark £8.00

ORANGE GE Primark

Editors Picks

PEEL

Gingham Top: Zara $25.99 (sale) Gingham Skirt: Zara: $25.99 (sale) Body Suit: Miss Selfridge £14.00

Handbag: Dune £35 (sale) Blazer: Zara $45.99 Suit Pants: Zara $25.99

Print Dress: Zara $29.99 (sale) Drop Earrings: Zara $12.99 Sandals: Dorothy Perkins

River Island

Stretchy Top: Zara $29.00 Stretch Mini Skirt: Zara $29.99 Flippy Dress: Topshop £22.00 Bag: Dune £55.00 Bucket Hat: Zara $25.90 Flat Sandals: Zara 59.90

MOSAIC BLUE Pleated Dress: Zara $35.90 Mini City Bag: Zara $39.90 Pink Tiered Smock Dress New Look: £22.99

Tie Dye Biker Short Set: Meré Argyris Fashion Studio $35.00

River Island: £28.00

Editors Picks

Drop Earrings: Oliver Bonas £26.00 Dress: River Island Birkenstocks: Figleaves £80.00

100%

VEGAN

100%

LUXURY WALLET WRISTLET CROSS BODY CLUTCH

20%

DISCOUNT all products purchased

WITH CODE

UPLOADER20 www.liveinthelight.co.uk SHIPS INTERNATIONALLY

Dorcas

Quarshie

FASHION

STYLISHLY STANDING OUT ON A BUDGET Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and LiketoKnowit App as STYLEPASHION Edited By Cheryl De Marco

M

eet the incredible stand-out-stylish fashion and lifestyle blogger Dorcas. Always on top of trends, and here to share her summer must-have pieces that can be purchased now via her website. Dorcas founded stylepashion.com with the idea that you can live a stylish life without breaking the bank, which we are head-over-heels in love for! Make sure to follow her for tips on fashion and style, home decor, beauty, and mom life for the modern-day women.

“You don’t have to be rich to have a little luxury in your life” UPLOADER MAGAZINE 81

FASHION

PROUD in POLKA DOTs Polka dots and frills are here to stay this summer, and if you can incorporate the two in one piece, it’s a bonus. This belted dress frames the body perfectly and the color shouts summer!

Belted Polka Dot Dress: Target $60.00 White Belt: H&M $25.00 White Sandals: Tori Burch $200.00 White Mules: Ego Shoes $38.00 Basket Bag: Amazon Fashion $37.00

FASHION

TIERED MIDIs Tiers, midi’s and brights, are a major trend this summer, and I’m obsessed. This pink piece is not only affordable, it ticks all the right boxes and perfect for a beach stroll or an evening out.

Pink Dress: Target $60.00 Pink Belt: H&M $20.00 Heels: Steve Madden (Nordstrom) $46.00 Yellow Bucket Bag: Charles & Keith $56.00

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 83

FASHION

BOLD and BRIGHT

It’s easy to incorporate white in your style this summer, with pieces you may already have, or shop fun affordable pieces you can style and wear multiple times. Don’t be shy with including neons, they are a must this summer.

Shorts: H&M $34.99 Neon Organza: H&M $29.99 Tank-Top: H&M $4.99 Red Box Bag: Zara $50.00 Red Sandals: Ego Shoes $29.99 Sunglasses: Forever 21

84 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

FASHION

DID SOMEONE sayWEDDING Spring and Summer are wedding seasons, and this pleated yellow dress is perfect for a summer wedding guest.

Pleated Yellow Dress: Amazon Fashion $32.00 Basket bag: Amazon Fashion $35.00 Rhinestones Sandals: Ego Shoes $38.00

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 85

FASHION

SUMMER WHITES Summer whites are a must-have! As much as I love bright and fun colors for summer, I love the white trends!

Shorts: H&M $12.99 Organza Top: H&M $24.99 Bag: Amazon Fashion - $24.00 White Mules: Ego Shoes $37.99 Ankle Chain: Ego Shoes $8.00 Sunglasses: Forever 21

FASHION

COLOR BLOCKING Color blocking is super fun for the summer!

If you’re in doubt or you don’t want to make a bold statement, it’s also easy to play with your accessories.

Color Block Dress: Target $60.00 White Box Bag: Charles & Keith $35.00 Scarf: Banana Republic $50.00

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 87

FASHION

STYLING RED Who said red is for Christmas?! Red can work any season including summer.

Incorporate red accessories in your style this Summer.

Yellow Skirt: H&M $34.99 Denim Jacket: H&M $29.99 Tank Top: H&M $4.99 Red Box Bag: Zara $50.00 Red Sandals: Ego Shoes $29.99

FASHION

IT’s all ABOUT THE It isn’t Summer without shorts, and I’m currently loving the fun, flirty, and high waisted printed shorts! These are so versatile and can be dressed up and down. Also, laceup sandals are totally a must-have.

Printed shorts: H&M $12.99 T-shirt: Banana Republic $34.50 Bucket Bag: Charles & Keith $56.00 Clear Heels: Zara $50.00 Tank-Top: H&M $4.99 Denim Jacket: H&M $29.99 Lace-Up Sandals: Ego shoes $29.99 Basket Bag: TJ Max $30

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 89

STYLE and SASS Swimwear Remix

Life can be busy. After COVID struck, people around the world began to spend more and more time outdoors. In fact, many cities are only offering dining al fresco, instead of indoor dining. Since it is summertime in many places, this means that people are spending a lot of time at the pool and the beach. Therefore, as a stylist and a blogger, I have recently received many questions about how to make an easy transition from the pool/beach to a restaurant. Well, I decided to take on this challenge and show my readers just how to do this!!!!

Tiffany Giannato @tiffyg77

Photography: Merissa Conley

STYLE & SASS

HIGH-WAIST WIDE-LEG pants

S

wimwear has become so trendy and chic that it has become acceptable to wear your swimsuits as clothing. This allows for less packing and more time in the sun on vacations. It is also perfect when you are at a pool party in the city that lasts from noon until the sun sets.

- Bikini top with wide leg, high waist pants: the pants are super comfy and lightweight, but instantly add coverage and an evening flare.

Swim wea Photo r: Project S w s by M erissa imwear Conle y UPLOADER MAGAZINE 91

STYLE & SASS

BANDEAU & MAXI SKIRT Maxi skirts are super comfy, easy to throw in a beach bag, and you can slip them on in two seconds. Perfect for a roof deck pool in the city.

Swimwear: Project Swimwear Photos by Merissa Conley

92 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

ANIMAL PRINT

STYLE & SASS

Animal print bikini top with just about ANY bottom: Snakeskin and leopard prints are trending in both the fashion world and the swimwear world. Another bonus is that many of the swimwear tops actually look like “going out� tops for the evening. I am loving animal print paired with dark denim and white bottoms lately.

Model: Bella Tropenao UPLOADER MAGAZINE 93

ADD A KIMONO This look is ideal for when you do not want to leave the pool but you want to have some style and maybe some coverage as the sun goes down.

I hope you enjoyed my take on the swimwear remix trend. I also hope you are enjoying the lazy, hazy, warm days of summer with your friends and family.

As always, please follow me on Instagram @tiffyg77 and message me with any comments or questions.

Swimwear: Project Swimwear Photos by Merissa Conley

JOIN THE TEAM would you like to do more than just read the magazine?

Uploader Magazine is looking for content creators and influencers that love trying products, voicing their opinions and sharing across various media platforms.

To apply, send an email with your details, please include your social accounts and a link to your blog/channel platform you create content for to:

hello@uploadermagazine.com

LIFESTYLE Edited by Cheryl De Marco

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT...

Photography: Jessie Hearn Photography

Photography: Jessie Hearn Photography

MENTAL HEALTH

Andrea’s Angle

HAPPINESS

What’s Love Got To Do

By Andrea Rappaport With It www.theandrearappaport.com @theandrearappaport “What’s love got to do, got to do with it….”

I recently discovered the feeling of true compatibility, genuine, romantic love, and unconditional partnership. Amazing, right? I know. However, I really went over the river and through the woods to get here. Wanna hear about it? Okay, fine…

First off, I’m in the middle of a divorce. Let’s just get that detail out of the way. And it sucks. Divorce pulls all of the ugly out of you. Your deepest fears are exposed, your insecurities are thrown in your face, and your children suffer. Watching your children suffer is by far the worst part of this whole circus.

“Who needs a heart, when a heart can be broken?”

I knew for a long, long, long, long, long, long time that my marriage was no bueno. I chose to ignore every sign, every smoke signal, every flashing red light. Neither one of us were happy, but we were both choosing to do nothing about it. So, after I had “the conversation” with my now ex, I moved on rather immediately. And it was the BEST DECISION I EVER MADE. I got online and started swiping on possibilities. And here’s the part where I sound really obnoxious, but I met someone in the first week.

The universe truly threw me a bone. It was as if I was being rewarded for doing what I had needed to do for years.

Photography: Jessie Hearn Photography

“ You must understand.

Oh, the touch of your hand makes my pulse react.

That it’s only the thrill Of boy meeting girl, opposites attract.”

About the Author...

Andrea Rappaport is a professional funny girl, TV and social media personality, podcaster, beauty guru, small business owner, content creator, and mother to 47 little boys. (Really, 2, but it feels like more). Known for her candor and tag line,“nailing imperfection”, Andrea speaks openly about her roller coaster ride with anxiety, the importance of comedy in her life, and her deep love for Marshall’s/TJ Maxx/Home Goods.

“Why strive for perfection when you can be NAILING IMPERFECTION.” ography ssie Hearn Phot

Photography: Je

Andrea UPLOADER MAGAZINE 99

MENTAL HEALTH - ANDREA’S ANGLE

I needed to put myself first. I needed to realize that I deserve to be happy. Back up and read that last sentence again.

I needed to realize that I deserve to be happy.

Now, let me be clear about something. I don’t believe that another person can make you happy… but I do believe that another person can make you miserable.

Everyone deserves to be happy.

“What’s love, but a sweet, old-fashioned notion?”

Wanna hear more about the guy? Well, I don’t want to embarrass him, but he’s pretty wonderful. He makes me smile. Hard. I giggled, chuckled, and smiled until my cheeks hurt, on our first date and I haven’t stopped.

Every time he wraps his arms around me, I feel loved and protected. Every time he tells me that he’s proud of me, I get tears in my eyes. Resting my head on his chest feels like home. He supports me fiercely. He uses his own life experiences to help me navigate my divorce, and be the mother my children deserve. He loves me, and it’s the kind of love I now realize I deserve.

“I’ve been taking on a new direction But I have to say I’ve been thinking about my own protection And it scares me to feel this way” Two years ago, I was suffering big-time with massive anxiety. I used to practice this mantra (no, I’m not a “woo woo” kind of girl, I was just desperate) after my yoga sessions. I would say, “I am safe. I am protected. I am loved.” Here’s the thing, at the time, none of that was true. That’s probably why the dumb mantra didn’t work. I am happy to report that I am now safe with my emotional well being. I no longer need to feel protected, because I feel secure. And most importantly, I am loved.

If you are in a relationship that isn’t working or never worked, please know that you deserve to be happy. I hope you find someone who makes you laugh until you’re about to pee yourself. I hope you find someone who you want to smother with kisses, even while surviving a global pandemic and a kitchen remodel.

And THAT’s what’s love’s got to do with it, Tina.

100 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

Photography: Jessie Hearn Photography

LIFESTYLE BUZZ

INVENTIVE WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY DURING COVID-19

T

Words by Naza Holliman @sweet.p.and.sky Edited by Cheryl De Marco

he dreaded “COVID 15”. Much like the “freshman 15” which refers to the 15lbs gained by students in their first year of college, the “covid 15” refers to the 15lbs people are gaining while self-isolating during Coronavirus.

It’s tough! The temptation of a refrigerator filled with your favorite foods only feet away, and access to your pantry twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week is hard to resist. The couch beckons you, enticing you with a comfy spot and all the Netflix you can binge-watch.

Sometimes, even the couch simply will not do, because staying in bed all day is just too irresistible. For those of us who work from home, working from bed is now an option.

For those of us who are parents, well, none of the above applies. But we are still in the kitchen all day making meals and fetching snacks for our children. The allure of our favorite snacks, or even our children’s leftovers, omnipresent. With many fitness places still closed, and the weather not always conducive for a walk, run, or even a bike ride. How do we get our bodies moving?

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 103

LIFESTYLE BUZZ

We find new and inventive ways to get

healthy.

Virtual Reality Games If you are a gamer (and even if you are not), and enjoy VR games, put on a set of wrist weights and game to your heart’s content.

The range of movements in games like Beat Saber, in addition to the weights, will give your arms, back and chest a complete workout.

Streaming Resources Do you enjoy dancing? Belly Dance, Salsa, even Tango lessons are all available at no cost on YouTube. Get that body moving and learn some new moves for when the world opens.

Want to learn self-defense? Mui Tai, Tae Kwan Do, Boxing, Kickboxing, and more are all available to learn from the comfort of your own home.

There are countless free workout videos on YouTube, and most of them are great. Something like Yoga with Adrien, or Cosmic Kids Yoga for your little ones, can really start the day off right. If you are an Amazon Prime member, season one of Billy Blanks Tae Bo is currently streaming. It’s definitely an oldie, but most certainly a goodie.

Connect Bikes, Rowers and Mirrors Bring the gym to you. With connect bikes, rowers, and mirrors like those from Echelon, Peloton, and even Nordic Track, as well as their Fit Passes, you can bring a complete gym home. With instructors guiding your classes and communities enjoying the same classes, these machines not only give you a workout, but a way to socialize and bring back a little sense of normalcy.

Support Local Business A plethora of virtual classes are available online through local gyms and trainers. Businesses that have had to temporarily close their doors are getting inventive and bringing classes and training sessions directly to you via Zoom and FaceTime. Not only will you get a great workout, but you would also be helping a local business.

Weight Training Don’t have weights at home? Fill a backpack full of books.

Pushups, Lunges, Squats are made harder with the added weight. Another great substitute for weights is a water bottle. Start small and work your way up to water jugs.

Stairs Don’t have a Stairmaster, but have stairs? Run up and down your stairs 20 times a day.

There are so many fun and inventive way to get moving and keep healthy.

Let’s get creative and move!

104 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

BLACK LIVES MATTER.

Photography: Val Westover Photography

MENTAL HEALTH

The Mindset Minute

DROP THE EXPECTATIONS

Shift Your Focus Towards Appreciation

By Andrew Carlson

www.shiftintoactionnow.com @shiftintoactionnow

How many times has life turned out EXACTLY how you pictured it?

Chances are... it’s about 1%-5% of the time. But somewhere along the way, we believed that we had to live this Instagram or Pinterest-worthy life where nothing could go wrong. It’s like we have this mysterious checklist of milestones and if we don’t check off this list at a certain time in our life... our universe starts to fall apart.

It’s this game of self-comparison as we scroll through social media and see the 1% of the highlight reel of our friends that spin us out of control.

You may even find yourself thinking... “How is life so easy for everyone else except me?” That’s because you’re focused on expectations instead of focusing on what truly matters. Gratitude.

We can’t change the past because it’s already behind us. It has already happened. The future hasn’t arrived yet so why worry yourself with expectations that haven’t even happened yet? Focusing on gratitude & appreciation pulls you out of the past & the future, and keeps you rooted in the present. Because the present is the only thing that we have. There are zero guarantees that we will wake up tomorrow and yet... we all expect that we will. Expectations create unnecessary stress and anxiety because it’s putting pressure on so many factors that are out of your control.

As content creators and influencers... we all have massive aspirations and goals. But focusing on the expectation that it must look a certain way is the fastest way to burnout. The reason behind this is because our mind likes to play tricks on us. We have these grand visions of the way it should be but when it doesn’t match the picture in our head, although it may even have turned out better than we originally planned, we feel like failures. We feel like we didn’t do enough to achieve that vision so we don’t see how much better life became because of our actions.

About the Author...

Andrew Carlson helps experts & influencers show up confidently in life & business; eliminating productivity panic, technology overwhelm, & creator burnout. You can find out more about him at www.shiftintoactionnow.com

Unfortunately, this is just part of being a human who has expectations.

It didn’t turn out the way you planned but that doesn’t mean there aren’t so many things to be grateful for and appreciate what actually happened!

Appreciate the distance you’ve already come because chances are... you’re already miles ahead than when you first started.

If this pandemic situation has taught me anything, it’s to stop trying to be 20 steps ahead. Be willing to be 1 step ahead but appreciate every step along the path. Life is short. Time isn’t a renewable resource. Tell those around you that you love them. You never expect someone to not be a phone call away until they’re gone, so appreciate the time you have today because this is all we are guaranteed.

Expect nothing.

Appreciate everything.

This is the magic formula for creating a fulfilling life.

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 107

SOCIAL DISTANCING SAVES LIFES

ASK BECCA

Ask Becca

LAW OF ATTRACTION

Your Questions Answered

By Rebecca Schuster

Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo

lovebecca.com @lovebecca26 Q. Can one manifest things by writing letters, and is it different than journaling? By Anonymous

About the Author...

Becca has many years experience as a certified Feng Shui consultant. Throughout her career, and being a single parent, she discovered the importance of living a happy and well-balanced life. “I believe you have to treat your mind, body, and soul with love to obtain true happiness.

“All things in this vast universe exist in you, with you, and for you.”

- Khalil Gibran I love helping people discover the magic of manifesting through the Law of Attraction. If you have a question, in any area of your life, you can send it to hello@uploadermagazine.com, and I will respond in an upcoming issue.

Happy Manifesting!

Love, Becca

A. Yes, writing letters to the universe works and sometimes can be the same as journaling. It all depends on what you are writing down.

Asking for what you want is necessary to manifest, but how you ask comes in many forms. One of those forms is writing a letter, and it’s powerful too. I write my letters “Dear Universe,” but you can address them to whatever higher power you believe in. “Dear Universe” works for me because it encompasses everything. The letter itself does not matter how long it is. Some of mine are a few sentences, and others are a page long. What is important is that your message is clear and without fear; otherwise, you will confuse the universe. Your letters should always be specific and come from a place of gratitude. Your letter should also be a form of freewriting. Do not get caught up in grammar or spelling. When it comes to specifics, I would keep each letter to one topic. For example, when I find myself at a crossroads or have too many choices, I will ask for a clear direction. Your letter will consist of you asking the universe a question or asking for something, and the rest of it will be your answer. Sounds crazy? Well, if you are new to how the law of attraction works, it can seem like that. But for us conscious creators, this is a powerful tool that we use all the time.

If your mind is not open enough to write a letter to the universe, you can also try mind mapping. Mind mapping is a way to plot a framework of your thoughts in an order that makes sense to you. Since we all think differently, it makes sense that we process our thoughts in more ways than one. What I love about mind mapping is you get to use your creative and logical sides of your brain. This works if you’re feeling stuck, frazzled, or like I mentioned earlier, don’t know in what direction to go next. Just like letter writing, pen and paper work best for creating a mind map. I like using colored pens and a journal. You will start off drawing a circle in the middle of the page. Write down an area of your life, such as health, love, family, travel, career, etc. inside the circle. From there, draw lines that branch out from your topic and write categories around it. You might even have sub-categories for some of them.

Just like writing a letter to the universe, the goal is to write down everything that comes to mind. Mind mapping is the perfect exercise to organize your thoughts. Since mind mapping uses the left and right side of the brain, you will be able to use your imagination, logic, words, pictures, and colors to express yourself. The more feeling and emotional connection you have to it, the better. Whether you write a letter or create a mind map, the end goal is to get your thoughts on paper because doing so clears your mind to receive answers you are searching for.

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 109

Subscribe to

UPLOADER for as little as

MAGAZINE

£1.92 an issue!

Subscribe Online PLUS Order Print Editions www.uploadermagazine.com

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN Edited by Cheryl De Marco

INCREDIBLY TALENTED AND INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN TO ADMIRE Photography: MKG Photography

FEATURE

INSPIRING OTHERS THROUGH PHILANTHROPY

AND ACTIVISM

Instagram @montanajacobowitz www.montanajacobowitz.com Edited by Cheryl De Marco

112 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

Montana Jacobowitz ACTRESS, SINGER, SONGWRITER AND MUSICIAN

Photography: Greg Doherty Photography

FEATURE

Montana L. Jacobowitz is an 18-year-old Actress, Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, and Activist born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Montana takes pride in her efforts to bring attention to homelessness, education issues, bullying, abuse, and many other trending social issues. Her fundraising efforts are used to promote awareness of such issues. One of the most memorable plays that she wrote was at the age of seven years old about her brother Arizona who is autistic; it became a school sensation and can be seen on YouTube, under “My Brother Arizona.” Montana’s acting credits also include ‘Middle ‘Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life’ (CBS), ‘‘2Real4U’ 2Real4U’ (Amazon), ‘Teenage Critic’ (PBS), etc. Montana has recently released three In’,, ‘Ask ‘Reckless’, original songs ‘Let ‘Let Me In’ ‘Ask Me Why I Cry’, Cry’, and ‘Reckless’ ‘Reckless’,, which can be found on all music platforms and VEVO. 114 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

Photography: Jessie Jenkinson Photography

FEATURE

I

was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and grew up watching the Disney Channel and knew that I wanted to become an actress, singersongwriter, and musician. From a young age, I was extremely shy, so my parents signed me up for a school play in the 3rd grade, and I loved it. Although I performed in various school plays and local theater productions, my first lead role came at 8 years old when I performed in front of 200 people. I was a little nervous, and while reading my first line, I stopped and stared at the audience for about 5 minutes. I get my inspiration from other actors, like Emma Watson and Leonardo DiCaprio; his performance in one of the most famous films today, ‘Titanic’, was just incredible.

I have to thank my parents for getting me involved with music, they used to play ‘old music’ and bought us various instruments, such as the xylophone, harmonica, accordion, electric and acoustic guitar, and the piano. My brothers and I would jam all the time. I am inspired by my brother, Arizona, he is autistic and learned to play the piano by himself at an early age. He inspired me to become a musician, and be a voice for him and others, whilst teaching him music. I became serious about music in the 3rd grade whilst singing, songwriting, and playing instruments in harmony. I also participated in the marching band, choir, and small musical groups, to gain more experience.

The first professional acting role I landed was on a weekly PBS show whilst in 7th grade. We would go out weekly as co-hosts, do small comedic skits, and film YouTube videos. I went from that project to the James Patterson CBS film, ‘Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life’. I managed to balance things well, whilst jumping back and forth between acting and music, then in 2016, I started building up my music presence on social media and YouTube. I had written a couple of original songs by then, but my mom and I decided that it would be best if we first did covers on YouTube.

In 2017, I did an anti-bullying tour along the east coast, performing at locations, such as the Wells Fargo Center, Bitter End, Wildwood, and New Jersey on the Boardwalk. At 15 years old, I was the opening act during the tour, and had an incredible time. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with laryngitis just before the last performance, but decided to sing anyway. It took a few months for my voice to adjust, and I had to learn to manage the change as my voice became deeper. At the same time, I did YouTube covers, performed in shows, acted in 2 feature films, and attended school. (continued on page 116)

Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 115

FEATURE

Photography: Shea Anne Photography

At the end of 2018, I decided to take a break from covers and started working on original music. I have been traveling to and from Atlanta filming a streaming TV series called ‘2Real4U’ for about 3 years now, whilst balancing dual education, college and high school online. I was recently nominated by Diamondnique Productions: Inaugural Youth Actors Awards, Young Entertainer Awards, and Young Artist Awards; totaling 9 nominations for my work in acting, music, and advocacy. I have three original songs ‘Let Me In’, ‘Ask Me Why I Cry’, and ‘Reckless’ out right now on all music platforms, with lyric and music videos on VEVO; and my fourth original song ‘The Things I’ve Done’ will be released this July. I recently graduated from High School and College, and very much looking forward to having a study break so that I can focus more on my crafts.

I am huge on advocating, giving back, and being an influencer. As I mentioned before, I got inspiration from Emma Watson, who is an advocate herself for women empowerment.

When my brothers and I were younger, we started an organization called Children’s Voice, where we advocate for issues, such as bullying, foster care, and homelessness, etc. We provide clothing, food, shoes, and blankets to people in

need, and regularly fundraise in order to meet our goals of assisting a great number of people.

We speak at conferences and help connect children with our organization to advocate and have a voice. It has always been a passion of mine to help people, and since my family went through hard times, I just wanted to give back to the community. I was noticed for my work at the Global Youth Awards in Los Angeles in 2019 as a Finalist, as well as being nominated by the Young Artist Awards (2020) for Outstanding Influencer. I am very excited to see what 2020 has to bring post quarantine.

Photography: Jessie Jenkinson Photography

JOIN THE TEAM would you like to do more than just read the magazine?

Uploader Magazine is looking for content creators and influencers that love trying products, voicing their opinions and sharing across various media platforms.

To apply, send an email with your details, please include your social accounts and a link to your blog/channel platform you create content for to:

hello@uploadermagazine.com

FEATURE

ARTISTIC ARTISTIC AND CREATIVELY TALENTED K Instagram @kellyybellyy62 Instagram @kreativelykelly Tiktok @kreativelykelly Edited by Cheryl De Marco

elly Johnson is a California based, multimedia artist who holds a Bachelor degree in studio art and graphic design from Concordia University, Irvine. She recently became the fulltime content creation specialist for MAS epoxies and has over 256,000 followers over all of her social media

118 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

platforms. Kelly uses her social media to teach, entertain, showcase her art, and bring joy to her viewers.

Kelly fell in love with the creative process at a very young age and has been creating ever since. For the last two years she has been focusing on fluid art and more recently, resin art.

Kelly hopes that her work can inspire others in the way others have inspired her.

Kelly Johnson

FEATURE

LET’S TALK ABOUT SILVER LININGS

When was the last time you used the phrase “silver lining”? Was it yesterday when you were stuck at home, due to the pandemic, and realized how much more time you get to spend with your adorable pet? Or was it last month when when you spilled wine all over your drawing and saw that it actually added the pop of color that the piece was lacking?

We live through hidden silver linings on a daily basis but often look past or ignore them. Would the world be a brighter, happier place if we spent more energy searching for positive outcomes rather than negative setbacks?

Not all silver linings can be identified right away. In my case, one of the biggest silver linings of my life didn’t show its gorgeous head until months or even years after a difficult situation. (continued on page 122)

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 121

FEATURE

I

n 2018, I went through a rough physical and mental phase with the diagnosis process of my Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s is a chronic, auto-immune disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. I went through many months of pain, testing, medication trials, procedures, surgeries, and a whole lot of being bored on bed rest. I couldn’t fix or help most of those things, but I could fight the boredom! I spent hours upon hours searching YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram for fun craft ideas to help pass the time and distract me from my discomfort. Now before I continue, let me give you a little background on myself. I have always loved art and the creative process; I even received my degree in studio art and graphic design. Being creative, in any form, has played a huge roll in my life for as long as I can remember. Alright, let’s get back to this silver linings chat.

After doing my craft research, I spent a total of $300 at a local craft store and left with weeks’ worth of art supplies to keep me occupied. On April 6, 2018, with under one thousand followers on Instagram, I posted my very first acrylic pour. This was the beginning of something so amazing in my life! Let’s fast forward to the year 2020. I now have over 256,000 followers over all of my social media platforms, work full time as the content creation specialist for MAS epoxies and have sold my art to people all around the world. I honestly don’t know if I would be in this same place, without going through the toughest year of my life. Sometimes it might take you being at your most vulnerable or lowest point for you to rise to the occasion and find your passion. This was my greatest silver lining.

We talked about silver linings being found in the tough phases of our lives but what about finding them in failures?

When you fail, you open yourself up to the greatest silver linings, growth, and positive change. Like Henry Ford said, “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”

Failure can open our eyes to a new or better path than the one we are currently traveling.

122 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

When I experiment with new techniques in my art I am constantly changing paths due to setbacks or failures along the way. Each failure leads to new ideas and inspires me to look beyond the norm. My pal Albert Einstein said it perfectly, “A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new.” The fear to fail is very real in many of us, but why should we be afraid of something that can spark creativity and growth? This is the essence and the beauty of finding silver linings in disappointments and failures.

Ultimately, we have a choice when faced with a difficult setback or failure.

We can either search for the positivity,

find the silver lining and grow, or we can let the negative circumstance defeat us. We all go through trials in our lifes, but wouldn’t it be a relief to look at these hardships in a new light? Urban Dictionary did a great job at explaining this. “By searching for any positive effects of any difficulty or confusing circumstance, we can begin to feel more inner peace in response to the situation, thus regaining our ability to solve it if we can, or accept it if we can’t.” Seeing the beauty in the darker parts of our lives will help create a clearer path for our future. I’ll leave you with this final quote… “When life gives you lemons, grab the tequila and salt.”

“

WheN life gives you lemons, grab the tequila and salt

Isabella Schuster

SPOTLIGHT

PAVING THE WAY FOR EQUALITY

Isabella Schuster is actively paving the way for equality through means of art and education, with 50% of all proceeds from her Altered Book being donated to Black Lives Matter Global Network @bellajoybooks Edited by Cheryl De Marco

Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 127

H

SPOTLIGHT

aving a flair for art, Isabella Joyce Schuster, a sophomore at an all-girls high school, sits as a judge in her school’s government Supreme Court. Besides being on the Head’s Honor Roll, Isabella is a recipient of the Corita Kent Art Award. Corita Kent was an artist that created not only bold and colorful inspired pop art but also championed social justice causes through her art pieces. Corita created protest art supporting Civil Rights and highlighted poverty and hunger. From a young age, Isabella has stood up for others and has always made it an effort to do the right thing. Her positive attitude towards classmates, strength in character, and understanding of civic responsibility granted her the American Citizenship Award.

Inspired by what she had learned in global studies at school this year, Isabella started creating altered books that aren’t just pieces of art but also educate and motivate. Her first altered book social movement piece was on the absence of the right to the First Amendment in so many countries, Freedom of Religion. She created the art piece, which shows a group of people trying to open up a bible that is under lock and key, to showcase as a table book that would spark conversation about injustices from around the world. Her second piece, which displays a child carrying an unbalanced scale on his shoulders, showcases the absence of child labor laws.

Most recently, with the spark of the Black Lives Matter protests, Isabella got inspired to find a way to do her part in creating change.

Her latest altered book is dedicated to her great grandmother, who is of African American descent, and showcases the Black Lives Matter movement.

Her goal is to sell the altered book, along with commissions of future BLM books, and donate 50% of the sales to Black Lives Matter Global Network. We all have a responsibility to make this world a better place. Isabella is a girl trying to create change, and inspire others, by painting the world with every color.

Isabella’s altered books can be found on Instagram @bellajoybooks

128 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 129

“

“

To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.

- Nelson Mandela -

Frank J. Gallio @ Cherry Blossom Photo

BLACK LIVES MATTER.

ASTROLOGY

Kyle Thomas

Kyle Thomas is a globally recognized pop culture astrologer who has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, Bustle, Elite Daily, House Beautiful, Marie Claire, YahooNews, MSN, and more. He is also one of the official astrologers for both Astrology.com and Horoscope.com. He is known for his cosmic guidance for celebrities, business executives, and prominent influencers.

His work harnesses the power of the stars in regards to entertainment lifestyle and trends affecting people worldwide.

His writing and horoscopes have been translated into multiple languages. Kyle has been astrologically gifted naturally from a very young age and teaches how to use the Universe to manifest the life you’ve always dreamt of. With over a decade of professional experience and clients all over the world, he currently resides in Los Angeles where he works as a professional astrologer, celebrity life coach, and author. Currently, he is the official astrologer for @Horoscopes + @Horo.ScopesDaily (4.5 million followers). Kyle received two Bachelor of Arts for Psychology and English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and integrates these degrees into his growing research of psychology, personality, and the human condition.

HOROSCOPES JULY 2020

HOROSCOPES

B

@MrKyleThomas Photography: @DonQ,HannahPhotography Styling: @JRScalzitti Make-Up: @Lizzy_Lawless Hair: @HairByAlexTan Fitness: Body by @FitnessDust

CANCER JUNE 21ST - JULY 22ND

irthday season is here for you, Cancer, and quite an important one for you it is! Your life has been on hyper speed, rapidly shifting into new territories since the summer of 2018. You had your final Solar Eclipse for many years in your Sun Sign last month. During this time, you’ve been learning more to stand in your personal power and become clearer on who you are and what you want. A major learning curve in that journey has also had to deal with partnerships though, likely in business or love. You may be separating from relationships that haven’t worked or else decided to unite more closely with ones that truly resonate within your soul. Yet another turning point comes as we begin the month—a Lunar Eclipse in your commitment sector. While this often brings major news to the forefront of our lives in regards to marriage or agreements, this may be a moment when you agree to wed or move in. There is a possibility this could reveal a break-up or divorce, but know that if this is to occur, you are actually being freed to find the best partnerships still ahead. Yet, as you’re being forced to make all of these important decisions, it is likely your mind will feel especially confused everywhere you turn due to Mercury Retrograde, which takes place until the 12th.

Trust your intuition no matter what because it appears the facts may not openly be addressed at this time—especially with Venus moving in your sector of privacy and secrets. On one hand, Venus here may show that you’re spending time independently healing past relationship traumas or else that you’re learning to move beyond loneliness. Still, this could preclude that there are secrets and darker elements at play around you, so keep your antennae up, and if anything seems “off,” confront the situation head-on. The New Moon in your Sun Sign on the 20th is an especially rare blessing because not only did you have a Solar Eclipse welcoming in new beginnings last month, but the Universe is very focused on putting your hopes, dreams, and projects front and center yet again. It’s not time to focus on others—it’s time to listen to what lies within your heart, Cancer. Use this New Moon to create the life that you want—take actions in the following seven days to pave the way to greater fullness over the year ahead. Finally, when the Sun moves into your income sector from the 22nd onward, expect your attention to turn more fully toward your finances. Whether happy with your prosperity or wishing it were more, use the month ahead to build greater stability.

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 133

HOROSCOPES JULY 2020 last month, the New Moon on the 20th of July may push you to improve your base again. An opportunity to move or fix up your living situation may arrive—or else news surrounding a parent or family member. However, much to your delight, when the Sun blazes on into your sector of recreation on the 22nd, fun is on the way! During the weeks ahead, your attention will be on love, passion, creativity, or art. You’ve been career-focused for a while, so this will be a magnificent opportunity to get in touch with your inner child once again.

HOROSCOPES TAURUS CONTINUED APRIL 20TH - MAY 20TH ARIES

MARCH 21ST - APRIL 19TH Prepare for your energy, passion, and adrenaline to ignite in July and for many months to come as Mars, your ruler, roars within your zodiac sign. This brings you an even more independent spirit than usual and you will be focused purely on what you want—and will believe nothing can stop you. This energy can certainly feel quite intoxicating and empowering. It is likely over the months ahead you will begin important new projects and plans and will feel a new zest in your personal life, too. While this energy is strong, harness it, because when it is taken from you in September until November, you will likely feel burnt out, frustrated, or devastated. Don’t let arrogance get the best of you, because that could be tied to the problems to come later in the year. As you begin July, prepare for a career milestone to come your way, triggered by a Lunar Eclipse in your achievements sector on the 4th. While the news could already have come a bit earlier in June—as eclipses have an orb of influence that causes them to sometimes arrive a bit earlier or month later—it is likely you are aiming for major victories ahead. This entire year is tremendous for your career and ambitions, so keep hustling. Possible outcomes from this eclipse are reaping the rewards of a major project, a sudden award or promotion, or even an opportunity for fame. Yet, despite all of the exciting career news this month, you are also heavily focused upon your home, family, and domesticity.

The Sun will be cozying up here throughout much of the month. Mercury Retrograde will be causing feelings of miscommunication or frustration in regards to your stability to echo throughout July, but they should improve in the final weeks. While you did have a Solar Eclipse in your home sector

134 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

Communications, learning, and expanding your professional presence have been the cornerstone of your plans in the last two years, and it appears you’re finally reaching higher echelons than ever before. With Jupiter, planet of miracles, bringing luck to all of your growth, you will surely see this year as a turning point toward your ambitions. The month begins with a mighty Lunar Eclipse in your expansion sector, likely bringing tremendous news that you have been waiting for. Depending on your current circumstances, this may affect you in slightly different ways. For some Taurus, this may involve an exhilarating media or publishing-related project— perhaps the opportunity to work with the press, see favorable recognition, or be featured for your work. Some Taurus may have the opportunity to sign legal contracts that lifts them professionally and others may even sign television, film, or literary deals. If you are a Taurus pursuing immigration matters or business, you may find that you receive the final verdict about your visa, passport, or ability to handle a contract with significant weight overseas. If looking to travel to another country, you may be doing so now or realize that you can book your trip in the coming future. Still, if none of these apply, you could instead be receiving news surrounding an educational matter: perhaps you will be returning to school or finalize the pieces to eventually graduate. No matter what, you should enjoy this Lunar Eclipse more than most of the other zodiac signs. While it appears your head may be a bit fuzzy until the 12th, do your best to hold off signing any contracts or negotiations until after that time if you can. The New Moon on the 20th may offer another contract for you to sign in the days that follow it, and with Mercury is stronger momentum, you can do so. However, this New Moon may also signal the beginning of a newfound writing, speaking, advertising, or podcasting project. As you can see, using your mind and voice will win you favor and success now, so it is best to do so while the stars are aligned. Finally, as the Sun moves on into your home and domestic sector after the 22nd, prepare to feel the desire to spend more time at home or fix up your space.

In the coming month ahead, some of you may be moving or renovating your living place. However, this may instead draw more attention to your family and the need to reconnect with your kindred. Depending on your social distancing guidelines, this may be a lovely time to host a dinner party with those who you love.

HOROSCOPES JULY 2020

GEMINI MAY 21ST - JUNE 20TH

Relationships are one of the major themes for all Geminis in 2020 and 2021. It is likely you’ll see some partnerships pass away that have served their place in your life, while the good ones grow and move to the next level. With the Lunar Eclipse on the 4th lighting up your sector of shared resources, news may arrive regarding a scholarship, loan, or venture capital if you have been searching. Also, if married, you may hear significant information regarding your spouses’ finances that also affects you. No matter what, though, you are debating the give-and-take in your primary business and romantic relationships. Something will likely “come out” at this eclipse that causes you to re-evaluate them. Hopefully, you will be able to use it to bring you closer. However, this may also signal a divorce or ending to a relationship. If this is the case, heal the wounds within you and walk onto brighter horizons. Your income will be very important for you this month, as there will be a lot of planetary action here. Mercury, planet of the mind, has been retrograde, possibly causing some confusion in regards to your finances or else holding up checks. Some of you may have heard from old clients or jobs because of this, and if you’d like to once again move forward, feel free to do so.

The New Moon on the 20th should open up an opportunity to increase your wealth, so be sure to up your rates or look for another job then. Next to note is that Venus, planet of love, which had been retrograde in your zodiac sign throughout much of May and June, will be happily bringing beauty, pleasure, and grace to you once again throughout all of July.

Whether single or attached, you’re in prime position to bring more magic into your romantic life. Last to note in July is that when the Sun moves on into your communications sector on the 22nd, prepare for the ideas that have been percolating beneath the radar to come out for the world to hear and read.

You may become engaged in a writing or speaking endeavor over the coming month. Interestingly, you’ll notice the pace of life quicken now and could see that your relations with your neighbors become much more active or that you even venture upon some enjoyable quick day-trips to places nearby. If you do so now, you’ll certainly enjoy them and find them memorable.

LEO JULY 23RD - AUGUST 22ND As July begins, you’re definitely feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders and you’re begging for some rest, recuperation, and relaxation. This is especially notable now because the mighty Sun will be highlighting the most private sector of your chart. Listen to your body and spirit’s messages

now. If you push hard at this time, you could burn yourself out when you’re being given an opportunity to heal. In recent months you’ve felt the pressure of Saturn across the sky, setting you up for a very important three years ahead. During this time, while it may feel that you have to work harder to get some of your most sacred hopes and dreams, you are actually becoming stronger and more resilient than ever before. Saturn will teach you to streamline your plans and release relationships that do not serve you. However, here in July and for the months ahead, our great mentor planet will again help you perfect your daily routine, employment, and physical health.

This, too, becomes a major focus for you because of the Lunar Eclipse taking place on July 4th. Exciting news regarding a work project may appear now or you may win a new job if you are looking. For some of you, employment may end near this time and if that is the case, it means you are being redirected to better opportunities in the months forward. You also may be attending to a health situation now—perhaps related to exercise, training, or a diet—or be undergoing an important surgery. If anything pops up now, be sure to handle it so you have everything under control. During the first two weeks of the month, Mercury will be backpedaling in your sector of secrets, dreams, and privacy, which may manifest in a few different ways. First off, if you have been hiding something, it may suddenly come out—or a secret from someone else.

Confusion would be assured because of this. Your dreams and intuition will be extremely vivid now, so heed the messages of the Universe. Last, if you have been focusing on a project behind-the-scenes that isn’t ready for the light of day, you may also be having second guesses about launching it. Use this time to fine-tune your plan. The New Moon on the 20th will allow you to get all of these matters sorted out. Another exciting factor to note in your July is that your social life and friendships appear to be doing very well at this time. Venus, planet of pleasure, is catching up to normal speed and so you may again enjoy more harmony in your social life. Depending on your social distancing precautions, this could reveal more events or dating in your social circle, as well. Finally, when the Sun moves on into your zodiac sign on the 22nd, it means birthday season has arrived! Prepare for renewed vigor, enthusiasm, and fuel to reach your most heartfelt goals.

VIRGO AUGUST 23RD - SEPTEMBER 22ND July promises to be extra special for you, Virgo, and it could end up being one of your favorite months of the year. This is because so much activity is being activated in your pleasure and luck sectors, especially in regards to love, creativity, and reaching toward your dreams. The month begins with a Lunar Eclipse on July 4th, which is a culmination in connection to your heart’s wishes from the last year and a half. Like the final act of a play, you will reflect now upon how far you have come with a creative or romantic situation. During this time, you may realize you have finally fallen deeply in love or else you may even have an opportunity to cross paths (cont. on page xx) UPLOADER MAGAZINE 135

HOROSCOPES JULY 2020 with a soul mate. If you are already committed, you could bring passion back into your connection with renewed sizzle. Some Virgos may conceive or give birth at this time, or if you already have children, realize something special about them demands your attention. Another way this may manifest is that if you are artistic, you may be giving “birth” to a creative project to happy applause. Also, with the Sun and moving through your sector of friendships, you may be connecting with your soul tribe at this time. Mercury Retrograde will be occurring until the 12th, which may cause confusion between you and an acquaintance or else may suddenly bring old friends back into the picture.

Don’t be shocked if you randomly hear from at least one old pal during this time. The New Moon on the 20th could open a door to pursue an important dream you’ve contemplated for quite some time, especially if it requires you to interact with a community. Use the days following this lunation to build your network, engage with an important event, or bring a special new friend into your circle. Another exciting gift to note is that Venus, planet of attraction, will be spinning happily forward in your career sector throughout the entire month. This means that praise from your superiors or even awards or attention for all of your hard work is on its way. You were testing out new approaches to your career in recent months but it appears you’ve found a new technique that is really bringing you favor.

Keep it up! However, as the month draws to a close and the Sun marches on into your sector of rest, you’ll be realizing it’s time to pull back and turn within. You have important goals you’re looking to reach this year and if you keep your eyes on the prize, don’t be surprised if the Heavens open and deliver an important crown to you later in the year.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23RD - OCTOBER 22ND Partnerships are always important to you, Libra, and this becomes increasingly apparent ever since Mars has entered your relationship sector at the end of June 2020. Mars is a planet that shows where our drive is at any given time, and with it standing across the sky from you now it reveals that you will make more progress in all areas of life when working with someone else as a team. On one hand, if committed, this can show that you can advance important initiatives forward at this time that you have discussed previously. On the other hand, though, it shows that if you’d like to find the right kind of partner in business or love, you must take action now. Whether it’s an administrative assistant, social media consultant, attorney, agent, publicist, fitness trainer, accountant, or beyond, you’ll see just how valuable this person is to you. Going solo won’t be beneficial now. If single, use this vibrant energy to pursue people with long-term potential—not someone who is just looking for a casual fling. However, if there have been problems in your relationships bubbling beneath the surface for quite some time, this may actually cause friction and conflicts to boil over. Use the power of Mars to find solutions to problems together otherwise you could be walking into a personal war. Your mind will also significantly be on your career and home this month, and it is also likely that you’ll feel 136 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

them pulling you in different directions. You are having some confusion regarding your career path at this time, possibly even feeling insecure about it, and you may be shifting in new directions now, as well. At the beginning of the month, though, the Lunar Eclipse on the 4th brings a very final conclusion to a domestic or family matter. Some Libras may be moving now or else having their family demand more of their attention. A parent may be the one exerting more of a presence at this time and it looks that you’re going to need to follow their lead. If you aren’t moving, you could instead be fixing up your space with a renovation. No matter what, you are assuredly emotional at this time because you’ll be facing just how stable and secure your life feels. Yet, when the heavenly bodies parade on and a New Moon arrives on the 20th, expect more career doors to open to you. If looking to step into a new role, it could come your way. Use the days following this to apply for more opportunities or tell your boss you’re ready to shoulder more responsibility. Finally, when the Sun moves into your social sector from the 22ndonward, you’ll hear from many friends and acquaintances. Depending on your social distancing practices, you may decide it’s time to step out and rejoin some communities or events. However, if you’re choosing the safer route, you instead may build your network online and plan many Zoom catch-ups to keep your pals close.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23RD - NOVEMBER 21ST Prepare to focus on work, work, work for many months to come, Scorpio. You appear to be extremely productive now or very busy on a project for your employer. If you’ve been out of work due to the global pandemic, you’re actually extremely favored to take on more clients or find a job where your skills will be highly in demand. Use this enthusiasm to apply everywhere now. As they say, it’s easier to find a job once you already have one, so keep hustling and I promise you the stars will align. Another way this could manifest is that you may have a sudden passion to get into incredible fitness, improve your diet, or tackle a new exercise goal. This is the fuel you need to meet your goals, so set a routine and stick to it. This energy brings you strong vitality: use it so you don’t lose it. However, this may also cause some health flare-ups if you’ve been neglecting yourself for some time, and if this is the case, now’s the time to face the truth and make a change. When it comes to your relationships this month, Venus, planet of pleasure, will be spinning gracefully through your intimacy sector so it appears you could find someone who gives you the right amount of sugar and spice in your intimate life. If single, don’t wait for a new lover to come to you—be sure to be looking!

In recent months, it is possible you faced some of your past relationship fears or traumas, but if you finally accept them not only can you heal yourself but improve all of your connections moving forward. The beginning of July will be highly active, as well, due to the Lunar Eclipse on the 4th. Over the last year and a half you’ve improved the way you write, speak, and communicate, and this powerful moment could see you launch

HOROSCOPES JULY 2020 a highly successful initiative. Consider how you can broaden your reach and branch out in new ways. Later in the month, the New Moon on the 20th will also emphasize your mind, perhaps encouraging you to increase your education or add new credentials to your resume. Another way this may manifest is through a media-related endeavor, such as a publishing or digital project. Last, if looking to travel overseas or immigrate, the doors might open at this time. Toward the end of the month, your mind turns to your ambitions when the Sun ignites your name in the sky from the 22nd on. In the month ahead, get ready to set your ambitions higher because new opportunities will come your way.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22ND - DECEMBER 21ST No matter what way you look at it, Sagittarius, this year you are focused on solidifying security and stability—especially in relation to your financial and professional life. Lucky for you, a major moment arrives right at the beginning of July, promising a turning point you’ve long-awaited. For some Sagittarius, this means that you will finally get that breakthrough in your work life that gives you more consistency, whether that manifests as a raise, new job, or lucrative client. A nice check may suddenly be on its way and you may be able to see your bank account numbers grow or else pay off a debt once and for all. It appears you could also be spending money at this time—but make sure to not be too indulgent—especially because Mercury, planet of the mind, will be retrograde and showing that you aren’t seeing entirely clearly. While Mercury Retrograde ends officially on the 12th, expect that the entire month will still feel a bit slow.

Another major theme at this time—and for the six months ahead—will be your romantic and creative passion. You haven’t felt this electric in years, Sagittarius, so now is the time to experience all that your heart can. For single Sagittarius, expect hot and sexy options to be coming out of the woodwork, and yes, that does mean you’re likely to have a renewed sex drive unlike you’ve seen in years. Practice safety and protection, my friends, because Mars in this sector also increases your fertility (with heterosexual intercourse). For committed Sagittarians, this brings you an opportunity to bring the fire back into your connection! Spice it up! Try out new things! You only live once, so enjoy each other’s union. Yes, I am telling you to have consensual sex and enjoy it—don’t fight me on this! If you are creative, expect to be harnessing the muse unlike you have in years, and it is quite possible that by the time you reach 2021 you may have completed your greatest masterpiece yet. The reason I think this month leans more heavily toward romance and love, though, is because Venus, planet of pleasure, will be moving forward happily throughout the entire month in your sector of commitment. This favors attached Sagittarians more, and my hunch is that you’ll be able to feel as if you are dancing with a twin flame. However, if the recent months have made it clearer for you that you aren’t with the right partner, you may instead be thinking about how you can “smooth things out” so that you can leave at the right time later on. At the end of

the month, though, your mind turns to expansion. You may suddenly focus upon broadening your horizons—whether through education or travel—or wish to instead have your voice grow further in the media. No matter what, enjoy this month while it lasts because even though it will certainly feel “slow” at times, the Universe is making your pleasure a priority.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22ND - JANUARY 19TH Your most important turning point in 2020 has arrived, Capricorn, and this occurs for many reasons. When it comes to major themes this month, we see that you are juggling your most important wants and needs, your deep desire for the best partnership, as well as news about your home or family. Needless to say, you have many important choices to make now, and some of them may actually surprise you. To break it down, though, let’s start at the beginning. The most important moment of the year arrives around the Lunar Eclipse in your Sun Sign on July 4th. Lunar Eclipses signal destined events that turn your path forever and often echo like a crescendo. Lunar Eclipses can reveal endings, breakthroughs, awakenings, achievements, or separations and often are highly emotional. This one highlights your soul’s direction and puts you into the spotlight. Over the last year and a half you’ve been stepping into your personal power more and testing out this new “version of you” to see how authentic it feels. You are debuting this newfound confidence and ready for the world to respect you. You’ve been releasing what hasn’t served you in recent years and this will be especially true in the remaining six months ahead, as well. The sooner you own your power and realize that life isn’t just happening to you—you must create it—the sooner you will feel more comfortable wielding your newfound courage. There is a possibility you could feel the push-pull in a relationship, and with so much planetary action highlighting your partnerships, it is quite likely you’re ready to say “yes, let’s do this forever” or “it might be time for us to fly solo.” This obviously can be any important one-onone relationship that is forcing you to reflect, whether that is a business partner, serious lover, or roommate. Confusion appears to be in your head about this person for the first weeks of the month and it may show that your mind and heart are in different places. However, if you choose, you can use this to improve your communication going forward. It is possible that because of this Mercury Retrograde, though, you are nostalgic for an old lover or decide to reconnect with one at this time.

If you’d like to reconcile or find closure, you’re in luck to still do so this month—but you won’t have another opportunity until the beginning of 2022. The New Moon on the 20th will open doors for you to grow closer together whether that is engagement, moving in, or signing papers. While a lot of this energy certainly does favor already committed Capricorns, those who are single and looking can still possibly find a perfect someone. Make a list of the things you want in your ideal partner, and then set forth to go out there to find them.

Last to note this month is that Mars, (continued on page xx) UPLOADER MAGAZINE 137

HOROSCOPES JULY 2020 planet of energy, will fuel up your sector of domesticity for the coming six months. This could signal a few different things, such as you needing to rapidly find the right place to live or improve your home situation. Some Capricorns may be renovating or having a great deal of activity take place in their homes. If there have been any difficulties in your living situation or family, though, this might reveal that they’re boiling over and you must face them. You are going to be highly emotional over the next six months, and it appears that rather than feeling vulnerable, you are going to become more assertive, defensive, and aggressive to protect your stance.

Above and beyond the stars are saying that this year truly is about YOU getting what you want and deserve, so know that you don’t have to settle anymore.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20TH - FEBRUARY 18TH

Welcome to July, Aquarius, a month that will be important for many reasons. First and foremost, the final eclipse in the three-act saga that occurred over the last month takes place on the 4th. This will demand that you lie low, rest, and recharge because you deserve it. Don’t push too hard now, otherwise you may find that you stumble into some trouble. Karma tied to your actions over the last decade may come out at this time, so prepare for the Universe to pass judgment. If you have been kind, prepare to embrace some TLC and self-love. However, if you have been wicked, prepare for a more difficult blow from the cosmos as your schemes may be revealed as if by destiny.

You will not be forced to face eclipses of this intensity for many years, so life should move more in your favor. Over the last several months, you’ve had Saturn, the great planet of life lessons, in your zodiac sign and it could have forced you to take on more responsibility. At the start of July, it leaves your sign to once again teach you that you must find closure with your past before you can fully move onto the next stage of your life.

While I do see that you are likely to be very productive this month, especially because of the New Moon on the 20th, I also do see opportunities to improve your employment if you so choose. Use the days following this lunation to apply for new roles or to take on new projects that may impress your superiors. It is possible that you could have some confusion onthe-job or find that instructions are not being delivered well, causing communication breakdowns in the first weeks of the month. This will sort itself out gradually, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Yet, despite all of this active energy, July also brings a lot of attention to your personal life and relationships. In recent months, you have seen a karmic dance in regards to your romantic life, which may have either allowed you to reconnect with old lovers or find closure once and for all. You’ve likely felt your heart call to someone special’s soul intensely at this time and have had a great deal of time to reflect, review, and re-assess. However, now that Venus will happily dance forward in pleasant motion throughout the entire month, your romantic life can also improve yet again. If single, use July to put yourself out there. You have so much luck in love on your side. If committed, use this fertile vibration to bring more laughter and 138 UPLOADER MAGAZINE

sweetness into your connection. Last to note is that when the Sun blazes on into your sector of commitments on the 22nd, the coming month ahead will bring attention to your wants and needs in your relationships. If looking to find someone with serious potential, know what you want ideally, and don’t be afraid to take the initiative and go after it. Mars, planet of action, is in your communications sector for many months and this means that you must be direct, honest, and upfront with what is on your mind. And yes, that means that you’re going to have to take the lead. Don’t be afraid to.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19TH - MARCH 20TH July promises to be one of the sweetest months of the year for you, Pisces, so lead with your heart. First and foremost to note is all of the activity highlighting fun, pleasure, and passion.

As we begin the month, a Lunar Eclipse in your social sector lights up the sky. This means that you are likely to see an important hope or dream you’ve been pushing toward for the last two years finally fall into your lap. On one hand, this may be tied to your community or network and you find someone who truly believes in you that opens the door you were waiting at. Or that a project you’ve been working toward finally is ready to be greenlit for the world. Or that a personal goal you’ve hoped to achieve is now within reach. No matter what, the Universe is smiling upon you, so don’t sit back complacently.

Reach to the stars. During this time, with such a focus on your social life, you may find that you are growing closer with a best friend and you wish to celebrate life. Depending on your social distancing precautions, an event may appear, as well. Choose wisely whether it would be beneficial or not to attend and obviously wear a mask. Yet, that is not all for such a blessed month! As the Sun ignites your heart throughout most of the month, expect love and expression to be on your mind, as well. Single Pisces will especially love this vibration, as it pushes you out into the world and may bring you the opportunity to find someone very special. If you want a magical romance—and what Pisces doesn’t?—make dating a priority now. The New Moon on the 20th is the most important time for you to set out to find that soul mate, so search then for sure. However, with Mercury Retrograde taking place in this same sector, it does show that you may feel uncertain about what you’re looking for—or that you and a potential option aren’t on the same page. Take it slowly because the clarity will arrive in the second half of the month. Last to note in July is that the mighty Sun will soar on into your productivity zone beginning on the 22nd. This marks an important period for you that will allow you to improve your work life and bring a better personal-professional balance to your routine. The month ahead will surely be busy. I do see that you have high moneymaking potential ahead for you now and in the months ahead. Some of you may be realizing that in order to make money, you need to spend it, and if this is the case, be sure that you are keeping track of everything so you are the master of your life, rather than being at the mercy of everyone else’s demands.

@MrKyleThomas Photography: @DonQ,HannahPhotography Styling: @JRScalzitti Make-Up: @Lizzy_Lawless Hair: @HairByAlexTan Fitness: Body by @FitnessDust

ADVERTISING FEATURE IslandBreezeArt

Artist Olivia Evans works with epoxy to create paintings and functional pieces of beautiful art such as trays, serving boards, tables, and much more.

“The ocean is my inspiration, which can be seen in most of my items.” www.Islandbreezeart.com Instagram @islandbreezeart

The Productive Greenhouse

www.beecherproch.com

www.theproductivegreenhouse.co.uk Facebook: The Productive Greenhouse Twitter: @thepghomemade

The Productive Greenhouse HANDMADE FACEMASKS FOR ADULTS & KIDS

www.theproductivegreenhouse.co.uk Facebook: The Productive Greenhouse Twitter: @thepghomemade

For advertising rates and sizes, please contact us at hello@uploadermagazine.com

Excellent Homegrown Quality Produce Made with locally sourced ingredients

UPLOADER MAGAZINE 141