SCAN Spring 2016

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SCAD ATLANTA’S STUDENT MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 | VOL. 8 NO. 2

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Table of Contents 02

MEET THE STAFF

03

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

03

CARE TO SHARE SCARES?

04

SHOWCASES

10

SEX-ED NEVER TAUGHT ME HOW TO BE SEXY

14

COOKING 101: A CRASH COURSE IN THE KITCHEN

17

COMICS CORNER

18

ARE YOU READY FOR A PET?

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PLEASE DON’T KEEP IT 100

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PERKS OF BEING AN ADULT

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THROUGH THE SHADOWS

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THE POWER OF REAL FACE-TIME

Students tell their first-timer scares.

Alumna Heidi Elnora (Fashion Design) and graduate student Joshua Rashaad McFadden (Photography).

A SCANdalous discussion about coming into sexual being.

It’s time to graduate from microwave meals.

Find the perfect pet to fit your personality.

Are you being real or just being rude?

A reflection on the advantages of being a grown-up.

A risqué fashion spread not for the faint of heart.

Why you need to network outside of the digital world.

Signature

Date Cat. No. 10231X

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MEET THE STAFF

JEN SCHWARTZ

LUANNE DEMEO

ACQUILLE DUNKLEY

KRIS SEPPALA

editor-in-chief

photo editor

creative director

copy editor

VANIA HO

art director

SCOTT RUSSELL

arts and entertainment editor

MATTHEW CORNWALL public relations director

KATE BETTS

features editor

ASPEN EVANS style editor

TONESA JONES opinions editor

SCAN is the quarterly student magazine of the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta. All editorial content is determined by the student editors. Opinions expressed in SCAN are not necesssarily those of the college. Š2016 SCAN Magazine. All rights reserved.

No parts of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Cover photograph by LUANNE DEMEO Model: KYLE HENDERSON Staff photographs by ACQUILLE DUNKLEY

SCAN MAGAZINE // SPRING 2016

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR As a kid I always had a very clear picture of what my life as an adult would look like. I knew where I would get married (Disney World), what my career would be (successful singer/songwriter) and where I would settle down (in my parents house, where my best friend would live next door). Right now I’m 24, living outside of my parents house, unmarried (though I still think Disney World would be a fantastic destination wedding) and have given up on any dreams of becoming the next Lady Gaga.Though I’m nowhere near where my childhood fantasies told me I would be, I’m pretty okay with not living up to the plans I made for myself when I was 10. Adulthood as a concept is simple— something you can plan for all throughout your adolescence— but when actually lived, it becomes quite clear that being an adult is so much more than a career and where you live.

This issue of SCAN examines the ins and outs of adulthood and what it means to be grown. From high school to college, college to grad school (or wherever life may take you), to the “real world” of job hunting and employment, adulthood is more of a journey than a destination. No matter your age, there is always more to learn.

JEN SCHWARTZ editor-in-chief

CARE TO SHARE SCARES? interview by MATTHEW CORNWALL photographs by ASPEN EVANS “[...] the thing I was afraid to do alone at SCAD was eat

“Back when I was in undergrad I decided to live by myself

in the Hub. And I wouldn’t say afraid – more nervous

in Atlanta instead of going home for the summer because

than anything – because I didn’t know anyone there.

I was an “adult.” Everyone that I knew left the city. I had

There always seemed to be large groups of people sitting

to create a new social life for myself and being a very shy

together and it seemed like a no-no to even go near them.

person this was not easy. I eventually adjusted but I was

Later I found it was all in my head.”

happy when the summer ended.”

WAYMAN HUMPHREY, ANIMATION (Alumnus)

CHARLES QUINNEY, ANIMATION (Graduate Student)

“When I first came to SCAD, I was afraid of having my

“As a third-year sequential art student, I’ve had to do a

own voice. Back in high school I [...] just went with the

lot of things for the first time here at SCAD. Most of them

flow. I dressed according to basic trends, I never really

have been good firsts, some of them a little intimidating

defended myself, and I depended on my friends a lot. So

and some even pretty scary. But the hardest thing I ever

when [I came to] SCAD, I wanted to have my own voice,

had to do alone was to find a doctor who would accept my

and to be unique from everyone else. [...] I was petrified

gender identity.”

on how everyone would judge me. But I learned that they

CHARLIE BAKER, SEQUENTIAL ART (third year)

appreciated me more than anything else” DARRYL SMITH, SEQUENTIAL ART (fourth year)

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SHOWCASE

ALUMNA SHOWCASE

FASHION DESIGN

HEIDI ELNORA written by ANANYA VAHAL photographs by LUANNE DEMEO and ACQUILLE DUNKLEY

Y

ou might know Heidi Elnora as the talented bridal designer and host of TLC’s “Bride by Design” but Elnora was once just a country girl from Alabama with big dreams. Elnora loved fashion ever since she was a little girl and always knew she wanted to be a designer. But she was more than just a dreamer. Elnora says she was going to work tirelessly to make her dreams come true. “I knew that that’s what I wanted and I’m a very determined person,” she says.

The first step to realizing her dreams was going to SCAD. She received a presidential scholarship which allowed her to be able to afford a college education. She enrolled in the SCAD fashion design program and she said, “When I attended SCAD, it was such a blessing.” Her determination and passion made her stand out from the other students. Elnora said that she was not there to have

SCAN MAGAZINE // SPRING 2016

SHOWCASE

fun; she was there to learn as much as she could about

wanted to do women’s ready-to-wear, she realized she

bad things that happen and they focus on the negativity

the fashion industry as possible from her professors.

had to do something more meaningful to stand out in a

but to me it was such a blessing because it made me

“I asked my teachers so many questions I probably

place that wasn’t known for its fashion. She veered off

step outside the box. [I went from being] this girl from

drove them insane.” Elnora took advantage of all of the

her expected course to try something she had never done

Alabama who went to SCAD to being this girl who starts a

resources available to her at SCAD and expressed how

before. “Bridal was not really where I planned to go. I

fashion now in her hometown.” Elnora’s grateful attitude

grateful she was to have had the opportunity to go to

planned to do women’s ready-to-wear. It was my goal and

and passion towards life is evident in the way she handles

a creative school. “Going to SCAD was really amazing

my plan, but that wasn’t God’s plan necessarily.” Elnora

her business as well.

for me because for the first time I felt like I fit in. I was

wanted to design something that a woman would cherish

surrounded by other artists and other people who thought

forever and not something that relied on the latest trends,

Although bridal wear is a business for Elnora, it is a very

outside the box, were creative, and had this creative

so in 2006 she started her own bridal company, Heidi

emotional time for her clients. One of the reasons Elnora

energy about them.” She fed off the creative energy of

Elnora. Although Elnora was confident and determined,

is such a revered designer is because she has a keen

SCAD students and professors while she was here and

she said “I started my company from scratch never

sense of what the bride’s needs are. In fact, she said,

finally graduated in 2002.

having designed one wedding dress in my entire life. I

“On [‘Bride by Design’], all the producers call me the

thought I could do this and so I did.”

‘bridal whisperer.’ They’re like, ‘How do you know what

After SCAD, she began working as a designer at Carter’s

she wants?’ I’m like because I’ve done this for ten years

children wear in Atlanta. Although she had never

and women, we’re all the same.” Elnora’s ability to know

planned to be a children’s wear designer she enjoyed

exactly what the bride wants come from work experience

her job and was determined to live in the city and climb

and her listening skills. She said that she understands

up the corporate ladder. While she worked at Carter’s,

that this is a very emotional time for a bride so she just

she dreamed of one day pursuing her original goal of

lets them talk as she carefully listens and understands

designing women’s ready-to-wear. Then, about four years

what they need. “The thing I do is just try to listen. Just

after working at Carter’s, Elnora tried out for “Project

listen and be calm because planning a wedding and

Runway” in 2005. She went to Miami to audition for the

being a bride can be super chaotic so I just try to remain

show and to her amazement, she made it. “It was really

really calm.”

cool because of all the people that auditioned at the Miami auditions, there was one that made it, which was me.” When talking about her dreams beginning to solidify themselves, Elnora said, “It was awesome to see my dreams really evolving. SCAD was the start of my dreams evolving and then being on ‘Project Runway’ just kind of helped to clarify this was the right path for me.” She says she was now more confident than ever and knew that her goals were within reach.

“GOING TO SCAD WAS REALLY AMAZING FOR ME [...]. I WAS SURROUNDED BY OTHER ARTISTS AND OTHER PEOPLE WHO THOUGHT OUTSIDE THE BOX, WERE CREATIVE, AND HAD THIS CREATIVE ENERGY ABOUT THEM.”

In addition to starting her own business in a small town, Elnora’s determination also shows in how hard she worked to get her reality TV show on TLC. After “Project Runway,” Elnora was approached by several producers to do a TV show. However, she just wasn’t interested in it until a producer from Los Angeles named Dana approached her about a bridal show and told her that she was going to be a star. Getting “Bride by Design” on air was no easy feat, saying, “It took us four years to get on

Unfortunately, soon after “Project Runway,” Elnora was

Today, Elnora owns twenty different bridal boutiques

a network. It’s a lot harder than people think. It’s not like

in a terrible car accident that changed the course of

across the United States, as well as one in London, UK.

an overnight success story.” Elnora said she lived with the

her entire life. In October 2005, she was hit by a drunk

She accredits the difficulties she has faced in her life for

motto that “if you want it, you gotta work. It’s not gonna

driver. Elnora went to Alabama where her mother, who is

her success. Although the car accident was a horrific

be handed to you.” So she kept fighting until, in 2015,

a nurse, took care of her and helped her recover. While

incident that Elnora still struggles with today, she also

her show “Bride by Design” finally aired on TLC. Although

recovering in Alabama, she met and fell in love with

recognizes the positive outcomes that came about as a

Elnora is now a celebrity bridal designer, the part she says

the man who is now her husband. For this reason, she

result of the accident. For example, Elnora said that if

she appreciates the most about her work is how many

moved back to Alabama permanently. While in Alabama,

she had never gotten into the car accident, she would

people she gets to help and inspire.

she wondered “What can I do here? We’re not known as

never have moved back to Alabama where she met her

the fashion capital by any means.” Although she always

husband and began her bridal boutique. “People look at

5

SHOWCASE

STUDENT SHOWCASE

PHOTOGRAPHY

JOSHUA RASHAAD MCFADDEN written by ANANYA VAHAL photograph by CHRISTIAN CODY

S

ince he was about five years old, it was obvious that Joshua Rashaad McFadden was going to be an artist. His mother encouraged his artistic interests from the beginning: “I got into the arts because of my mother, who taught me how to draw.

She also got me my first camera,” says McFadden. Today, McFadden has inspired countless people with his photography.

When McFadden moved as an undergrad from Rochester, New York to Elizabeth City State University in a small town in North Carolina, he says that he knew he wanted his art to tackle deep-rooted social issues and to educate others.

Once he became interested in photography during his senior year, he began his award-winning project Colorism.

In McFadden’s own words, “Colorism basically is the discrimination against one another based on skin tone

SCAN MAGAZINE // SPRING 2016

SHOWCASE

within the same race.” He wanted to expose this issue

portraits and how they make them feel.” In August 2015,

In his After Selma project he captured the raw emotion

because it greatly affects women in the African-American

McFadden was commissioned by the Atlanta Beltline to

of the residents of the town and made this project

community today. In 2012, McFadden submitted three

install his work for six

another gut-wrenching experience for the

portraits of black women from his Colorism project to an

months. He received

viewers. Since these are heavy issues for

exhibit in London. To his surprise, he won ‘Best in Show’

tremendous support

McFadden as well, he made sure that he

in the exhibition. He said this gave him the confidence to

from many women

researched his topics in depth beforehand

know that he had recognizable talent and that the subject

taking pictures with his

so he was as objective about them as

matter his work touched on was important to the world.

photographs on the

possible. Although he has received many

He graduated with his B.F.A. from Elizabeth City State

Atlanta Beltline and

different reactions to the project, some of

University the same year.

sharing them through

which he admits he wasn’t ready for, he

social media to let him

also recognizes that with such an intense

McFadden heard about SCAD when one of his professors

know how much they

issue, “you don’t control how people react

from ECSU left to teach at SCAD. He decided to apply to

related to the topic and

to it. You don’t control what people think.”

the SCAD photography program as a graduate student

appreciated his work.

Despite the tragic topic, McFadden believes

and said he was elated when he found out he was

that it isn’t all bad, saying, “You do see

accepted. He started school in 2014 and continued

Then, another social

hope in the work. You do see rejoic[ing] in

to work on his Colorism project to tell the stories of the

issue that has recently

the work. And there is also a hint of pain.”

women he photographed. He took over fifty portraits

come to the forefront

of women looking directly into the camera. To capture

of our society took hold

McFadden is now working on his thesis

true emotions in their facial expressions, he had conversations with them about their personal experiences with colorism and photographed them immediately afterwards.

Although today this issue

“COLORISM BASICALLY IS THE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ONE ANOTHER BASED ON SKIN TONE WITHIN THE SAME RACE.” HE WANTED TO EXPOSE THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT GREATLY AFFECTS WOMEN IN THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY TODAY.

affects both men and

and hopes to graduate with an M.F.A. in photography in the spring of this year. The of McFadden’s heart

Black Male Selfhood project which he began earlier at

strings: police brutality.

SCAD has now taken a forefront as his thesis. He hopes

McFadden said he

to expand upon the idea as he once again tackles an

wanted to follow the

important social issue. After SCAD, McFadden hopes to

path through which Dr.

be able to continue to create art about such issues. He

Martin Luther King, Jr.

admits that he would like to work for a major publication;

led African-Americans

however, his main focus will always be telling stories

women in the African-American community, McFadden

fighting for civil rights from Selma to Montgomery, Ala.

through his photography. He wants to be an inspiration

picked women for this project because he believes

more than 50 years ago. The combination of McFadden’s

and to “make work for a purpose or work with a purpose.”

that men and women deal with this issue in completely

interest in civil rights issues and the numerous killings of

Although McFadden has many accomplishments under

different ways. “From personal experience I think men

black males including Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir

his belt, it hasn’t been an easy road. “As artists we get

react to colorism differently than women in a way that

Rice, Walter Scott, and many more by police officers

discouraged a lot because it’s tough and it has been

men don’t talk about it,” McFadden says, “So I think the

in the United States made this a personal mission for

tough but you just can’t stop. You have to fight for the

way [to] go about doing the project, I would have to attack

McFadden. “It turned into a movement and a fire within

work that you believe in.” McFadden’s reason for fighting

the subject in a different way than women.” He plans to

me to document all of these situations that have been

against the odds is to be able to tell stories about people

address the way colorism affects African-American males

going on in the south and all over.” He knew he had to

who themselves are fighting for their identity or basic

in a future project.

go to Selma. To fund this spontaneous trip, he started

human rights. He tells these stories because he believes

a GoFundMe and managed to raise $600 to help him

in the power of photography. “Photography can change

The intensity of the photographs is apparent through

while he spent a week in Selma capturing emotional

the world and I believe that it has.”

the emotional reactions that viewers have to them and

moments. Not only was this a “life-changing experience”

McFadden has witnessed this affect many times. “When

for McFadden, but in 2015 his After Selma project also

it’s displayed I always get these very, very bold reactions.

won first place in the ‘Social Cause’ category for the

I’ve had multiple people cry because of seeing these

International Photography Awards.

7

SCAD SCAD

sexy

SEX-ED NEVER TAUGHT ME HOW TO BE

written by TONESA JONES | photograph by ACQUILLE DUNKLEY | illustrations by KARA ROBSON model: LAMARR MOORE | production by JEN SCHWARTZ and JACKSON SURRETT Special thanks to the ACA Library of SCAD for books.

SCAN MAGAZINE // SPRING 2016

OPINIONS

For some students, sex education may be exclusively left

develop an opinion about sex formed from exposure to

to parents. In an article for Bustle, Rachel Sanoff reported

sexual media and conversations with our parents or older

that only 22 states mandate sex education and of those

siblings and our peers.

22, only 13 mandate that the curriculum is “medically

E

veryone’s introduction to all things related to sex and their bodies begins well before sexual exploration becomes a part of their identity. According to data collected by the CDC, 96 percent of teenagers receive sex education before the age of 18. Ahmara Smith, a secondyear illustration major, described her early introduction to sex as scientific: “I got my sex education from my middle school, high school, my mom, and the internet. In school it was only about [the] biological process, like having a baby, where the testes are located, and then using condoms, so more like sex science.”

accurate.” For students left without formal sex education,

Smith says that at a young age she thought “sex was

their journey to understanding sex will most likely have

... this great thing that only adults got to do, like a big

included correcting misinformation from peers and filling

secret. Then in middle school I [became] interested in

in gaps from abstinence-only sex education programs.

sex science and gender differences.” Jordan Robinson,

Kathryn De Shields Harker, an MFA writing student, recalled her informal introduction to sex: “I got the talk unofficially in the first grade when my next door neighbor and best friend, Angelica, tried to tell me about ... sex and unsuccessfully illustrated it

FOR STUDENTS LEFT WITHOUT FORMAL SEX EDUCATION, THEIR JOURNEY TO UNDERSTANDING SEX WILL MOST LIKELY HAVE INCLUDED CORRECTING MISINFORMATION FROM PEERS AND FILLING IN GAPS FROM ABSTINENCEONLY SEX EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

on a piece of paper. I thought she had lost her mind.”

an MA arts administration, initially thought of sex as “a functionality [...] only relevant if you wanted kids.”

For Harker, her knowledge about sex did not leave her with a high opinion of it, “[…]

I thought sex was gross. It really didn’t make any sense

to me, as I wasn’t even crushing on boys yet or yearning for physical contact outside of slapping my brother upside

While it may focus on the mechanics of sex or on

the head or a hug from my parents.” According to a

abstinence and the consequences of having sex, rarely

study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation 2009,

does sexual education discuss how sex relates to

8- to 18-year-olds spend an average of seven-and-a-half

identity and self-exploration. That journey is one young

hours consuming media on any given day, and more than

adults must sojourn by themselves without diagrams

half of that content contains sexual imagery. Research

or pamphlets. This begins when our younger selves

has yet to reach a consensus on the impact this has on

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OPINIONS

sexual maturation, but one thing is clear: children are

being close means a lot to me. I’m also comfort-based

being exposed to it and are thinking about it well

too, as my sexy self will learn everything that

before they fully understand their body and how

makes you smile, and [be] happy … and

they feel about sex.

maybe buckle at the knees a little bit.”

In spite of the confusion of the formative years,

Coming into sexual being also comes with

once we have reached the stage where we can

new challenges. For women, it often comes

comfortably name our anatomy, sex becomes a subject deeply connected to identity and personal growth.

The synthesis of our

IN SPITE OF THE CONFUSION OF THE FORMATIVE YEARS, ONCE WE HAVE REACHED THE STAGE WHERE WE CAN COMFORTABLY NAME OUR ANATOMY, SEX BECOMES A SUBJECT DEEPLY CONNECTED TO IDENTITY AND PERSONAL GROWTH.

with threats of sexual violence.

Harker believes every woman experiences some modicum of sexual harassment at

understanding of self and knowledge about sex begins

some point, “From the ‘aye shawty’ to being touched

to shape our perception of what it means to be a sexual

inappropriately at a club or groped. I’ve always seen those

being. For Robinson, being a sexual being means “being

experiences as a deficit within the other person. I refused

someone who is in tune with their sexuality, but does not

to allow it to affect me. I’ve been called all the usual

let it define them. Sexuality is a combination of what you

names before, but I’m not defined by a label.”

want and how you physically react.”

For Smith, these experiences with sexual harassment cut Becoming a fully realized sexual being begins when

a little deeper: “For me, having been aware of harassment

people acknowledge their sexual identity and when they

from a young age I feel like I dress down a lot more so

can proudly admit they are a person who enjoys sex and

I don’t stand out, [for example], lots of pants and long

sexual exploration. Harker felt that moment came for

skirts, and come off more angry to strangers when I’m by

her when she was in her early twenties: “It wasn’t until

myself. When I was younger I definitely wanted to be a

I was in my twenties that I truly accepted all aspects of

boy because of harassment, so I still have a streak of toxic

my sexuality [including] the fact that I’m bisexual. To

masculinity or, like things society would see as masculine,

fully realize yourself sexually, you have to be willing to be

like don’t cry, argue with your fists, [and] cuss a lot.”

honest with yourself. That’s the only way you can truly be While sexual harassment is more likely to be experienced

free and uninhibited.”

by women, men can also experience unwanted sexual Part of being a sexual being is understanding what makes you feel sexy, and there is no textbook preparation for that.

This varies from person to person.

For Smith, sexiness

BECOMING A FULLY REALIZED SEXUAL BEING BEGINS WHEN PEOPLE ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR SEXUAL IDENTITY AND CAN PROUDLY ADMIT THEY ARE A PERSON WHO ENJOYS SEX AND SEXUAL EXPLORATION.

experienced sexual harassment: “I was in the locker room with other guys in middle school [and] it

is just about as routine as hygiene: “I guess I don’t really

was common to give people purple nipple[s], and I was

have a sexy self. But I feel really nice-looking when I

a chubby kid, so it was a goal for some to try to pinch my

have a clean face.” For Robinson, his sense of sexiness

nipples. I did tell the teachers, but most of the time, I had

requires intimacy: “My ‘sexy self’ is very touch-based.

to defend myself.”

I take touch very personal[ly], so cuddling or physically

SCAN MAGAZINE // SPRING 2016

approaches. Robinson recalled a moment when he

One of the most essential aspects of sexual exploration, engaging in sexual activity, is something sex education does not prepare people for their journey becoming a fully realized sexual being. Robinson believes there is no one thing that can ever prepare someone for that experience: “My formal education was one thing, the relationships around sex was another thing from my parents.

Knowledge about self pleasure, toys, and “non-traditional” positions, [came from] porn and personal experience.”

Smith, who identifies as asexual, doesn’t plan to have sex, but believes, “Besides good, healthy advice, the only thing that can prepare you for sex is having it with someone who listens to you and [who you trust].”

For Harker, sex should be explored as commonly as shopping for groceries, and she laments that the subject still remains taboo: “I’ll walk into a sex shop like it’s Target. My husband and I make it a point to be very open in communication regarding our sexual needs. I don’t think that there’s anything out there that prepares you for communicating with your partner about sex. Heck, even in premarital counseling they skirted around the issue.

It takes a willingness to be vulnerable with your partner at an even deeper level. Sex should be an enjoyable experience on every level — not just the physical.”

The journey to becoming a sexual being is complicated by sexual media, our early understandings of sex and conflicting perspectives on what it means to be sexually awakened. In spite of that, we all emerge from the confusion of early adolescence with a greater understanding of ourselves as sexual beings. Learning about sexual selfhood does not end once we know about the birds and bees. It is a continuous journey to awaken our sexual selves.

13

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

COOKING 101 a crash course in the kitchen

written by MOLLY MORRIS | photographs by LUANNE DEMEO assisted by ACQUILLE DUNKLEY food styling by VANIA HO

S

o, I feel like we should have “the talk.” I totally understand that Easy Mac, ramen and cans of tuna are comfortable.

They’ve gotten you through sleepless nights during finals; they’ve been there for you when a full three-course dinner wasn’t, but here’s the thing: this relationship needs to end. There are bigger and better fish in the sea (salmon and halibut, just to name a few). It’s time to look through that little black cookbook and start exploring other options.

you want to be known for the pasta and water you microwave in a plastic cup, or for your perfectly grilled steak with fresh rosemary and notes of garlic? If you’re anything like me, you desire to be defined by the daring culinary adventures you take, with a chef’s knife and sauté pan as your sword and shield. I want to share the love I have for the art of cooking so that you (yes, you!) can cook for your friends, for stress relief and to see art through a new, savory lens. Here are some basic guidelines to building a healthy relationship with your kitchen.

THE BUTTERFLIES: GOING ON YOUR FIRST DATE WITH YOUR KITCHEN When it comes to cooking, getting started — and even knowing where to begin — can be difficult. It’s going to take time, and it may even feel wrong sometimes. Don’t let your discouragement get the better of you. You’re going to burn things, you’re going to get lost in the recipes and forget the timing, but these are the moments that give you stories to share with the people you cook for. And if you’re just cooking for yourself, then blog

As SCAD students, we may not have the time to cook Julia Child’s coq au vin between

about it! Write about your experiences — take note of what works and what doesn’t.

projects and homework, but we absolutely possess the creativity to learn to cook, and

Getting a recipe box with empty notecards will help you get started as well. When I look

cook well. Cooking is an art — a visual expression of taste, personality and culture. Do

through mine, it makes me feel like I’m opening one of my own Horcruxes each time

SCAN MAGAZINE // SPRING 2016

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

I search for an old recipe

and enjoy in moderation without

I’d scribbled away. Gather

feeling fearful.

family recipes, or recipes that you simply love to eat

The last member of my friend

(the ones you draw hearts

circle is fresh veggies. You can

all around in your mental

never have enough vegetables!

notebook). I’ve ripped

Finely chopped celery, carrots

pages out of cookbooks and

and onions are an excellent soup

screenshotted findings from

base. Spinach can act as a base

my favorite food writers and

to lay your grilled salmon on for a

magazines. As I get to know

colorful and artistic presentation,

these recipes, I take notes

or it can stand alone as a

1 lb italian sausage

and I make modifications.

superfood salad as the center of

1 cup very finely chopped white onion

Think of this process as

your meal. I also love steaming

1 egg

your first few dates — you’re

rich, magenta beets to serve

1 cup italian bread crumbs

getting to know the qualities

alongside chopped chard. Making

¾ cup grated romano cheese

of the foods that charm you,

my meals as colorful as possible

1 tbsp. olive oil

so bask in the splendor of

helps me know I’m getting

1 tbsp. water

that first meat-cute with your

nutrients — and it looks great on

ingredients and recipes.

BROS BEFORE HO-HO’S: KEEPING YOUR KITCHEN SQUAD ON POINT A large part of my love for cooking is accompanied by my love for fresh ingredients.

First, I’d like to introduce

HAVING THE RIGHT UTENSILS IN YOUR KITCHEN IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE. JUST LIKE YOU CAN’T TEXT YOUR NEW SIGNIFICANT OTHER EVERY FIVE MINUTES AND EXPECT YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO LAST, YOU CAN’T EXPECT TO CUT THROUGH A RAW PIECE OF MEAT WITH A BUTTER KNIFE.

you to my besties: garlic and onion. They’ve been with me from the very beginning,

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS MEATBALL INGREDIENTS:

Instagram, too. You can begin

SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

to experiment as you progress

1 can crushed tomatoes

in your relationship with the

1 can tomato paste

kitchen, but these ingredients

Basil leaves, finely ground or chopped

should be in your posse through

Thyme leaves, finely ground or chopped

every culinary endeavor.

1 tsp dried oregano Salt and pepper

WHISK ME AWAY: HAVING THE RIGHT TOOLS TO CREATE A ROMANCE WITH YOUR KITCHEN

seasoning my recipes and supporting me when I didn’t

Having the right utensils in your kitchen is of the utmost

have enough spices in my cupboard. You can use garlic

importance. Just like you can’t text your new significant

and onion in just about any savory recipe, whether it

other every five minutes and expect your relationship to

calls for them or not. Roast whole cloves of peeled and

last, you can’t expect to cut through a raw piece of meat

crushed garlic in a pan with meat for a fragrant scent, or

with a butter knife. The keys to maintaining a successful

crush it and toss it in a pan with your veggies for a more

romance with food are quite simple: good knives, a

concentrated flavor.

beautiful wooden cutting board, measuring utensils and

Garlic 1. Create a new opera Spotify playlist (I recommend Puccini or Verdi’s “La Traviata”) 2. Pour a glass of wine (if you’re 21+ and live off campus!)

3. In a mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients listed above. Mix with hands (it’s going to be messy!). Form into one-inch balls.

4. Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat and place meatballs in gently, turning so they brown evenly.

5. While meatballs are cooking, combine all sauce

a good set of pots and pans. These items will serve your

ingredients. Your preference for spicing it up — just

Another item to keep in your kitchen is olive oil. It’s going

cooking like a sweet compliment will serve the butterflies

add a little at a time and taste test occasionally. (Mine

to be something that you use in almost every dish you

in your stomach.

changes every time I make it!) Basil and oregano are

cook. It has a moderate burning point, which means you

always a must, as is garlic. If I’m feeling extra spicy, I toss

can heat up a pan and make the oil gently sizzle without

A chef’s knife will be handy for just about everything

it smoking (a low-to-medium heat is always best). Olive

you chop. You can dice, mince and slice to your heart’s

6. Cook pasta according to directions.

oil is loaded with antioxidants and healthy fats that are

content — just make sure you’re conscious of your

7. Plate beautifully and enjoy! Great with a side of crusty

good for your digestive system, so it’s something to savor

fingertips! A paring knife, which is much smaller, is

in some sriracha or chili powder to make my nose run.

french bread or freshly steamed broccoli.

15

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

best used for quartering fruit or peeling rinds. I also use

press, you’re in great luck! You won’t even have to flip the

a paring knife to cut designs into pie crust and bread

sandwich, and you can press the flavors together inside.

dough. My best advice is to start slowly with knives and

COLLEGE COBB SALAD: This is my go-to when I’m

hold the handle firmly.

needing something light, but filling. Chop up some A cutting board will not only save your counter some

romaine, layer it in a bowl and top with grilled chicken,

heartbreak and slash marks, but it will also keep you

chopped turkey bacon, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes,

organized as you work. Just as you have to keep your

hard-boiled egg, chickpeas, red onion, cucumber and

workplace neat and orderly in 3-D design class, your

manzanilla olives. I usually drizzle vinegar and olive oil on

kitchen should not end up looking like the Tasmanian

top, but any salad dressing will work.

Devil tried to help you cook. I use my cutting board for removing fat off chicken as well as to display charcuterie when friends are over. This multi-use approach to the cutting board can work with a lot of other tools in the kitchen, as well, and this kind of thinking will save you time, money and help to create a methodology to your newfound madness.

SPICING THINGS UP: HOW TO KEEP THE CULINARY ROMANCE ALIVE

IT’S TAKEN ME FIVE YEARS TO BUILD MY KITCHEN, BUT I TRULY FEEL COMMITTED TO IT NOW. AM I THE NEXT GORDON RAMSAY? HELL NO, BUT I AM MADLY IN LOVE WITH THE ART OF COOKING. JUST LIKE ART SCHOOL, PRACTICE HELPS US PROGRESS.

The best way to get creative is to start small. Just as we start our projects with thumbnail sketches and moodboards, make a list of the foods you love (you could even draw how you imagine plating the meal). Take basic recipes and find ways to make them a little more

MAKING THE LOVE AFFAIR LAST: INSPIRED COOKING FOR A LIFETIME

sophisticated. Here are three easy meals I love to throw together after a long day at SCAD.

It’s taken me five years to build my kitchen, but I truly feel committed to it now. Am I the next Gordon Ramsay?

ROCKIN’ RAMEN: Take an ordinary bag of ramen noodles

Hell no, but I am madly in love with the art of cooking.

(or buy the gluten-free rice noodles at Costco or Whole

Just like art school, practice helps us progress. Also, think

Foods), boil some water and cook accordingly. Top with a

healthy when you’re cooking — don’t fall into the trap of

soft-boiled egg cut in half, slices of cooked pork (or tofu

buying meal helpers or pre-packaged kits. If you not only

if you’re a vegetarian), corn, scallions, tamari and a slice

get into the practice of creating your own meals but also

of lime. If you’re feeling extra creative, substitute in miso

creating healthy choices, I guarantee that your kitchen will

broth (available at Trader Joe’s) and garnish with a slice

feel more alive, more inspired. It’s not only about making

of seaweed.

delicious food — it’s also about building confidence and craftsmanship in new areas of your life.

GROWN-UP GRILLED CHEESE: Instead of just plain old cheese and bread, take a Morningstar Farms black bean burger and create a layered sandwich of grey poupon mustard, provolone cheese, chopped bread and butter pickles, and thinly sliced white onion on crusty white bread. Cook evenly on both sides, or if you have a panini

SCAN MAGAZINE // SPRING 2016

COMICS CORNER

COMICS CORNER

VALERIE THAKKAR, BFA illustration

JORDAN BEST, BFA animation

NINO FLORES, BFA illustration

EMMANUEL GREEN, BFA visual communication 17

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

ARE YOU READY FOR A PET? written by SCOTT RUSSELL | illustrations by GABRIELA MANCINI

A

lthough adulthood means paying bills and jogging and other terrible things, adulting certainly has its privileges. Pet ownership is a big one — having a happy animal waiting for you at the end of those long grown-up days is a joy, though it requires responsibility in exchange. It can be difficult to pick out a pet, let alone take care of one. Dr. Seuss himself wrote the book on this: “What Pet Should I Get?” The answer, as you may have guessed, depends entirely on you. So we cooked up ten questions to help you figure out whether you are ready for a pet, as well as to show you which critter is the perfect fit for your personality, preferences and lifestyle.

1. First of all, be honest: do you think you’re ready for a pet?

4. Do you have a daily routine?

A. Absolutely. I love animals!

A. Yes. It’s not quite “Gym, tan, laundry,” but it’s close.

B. Yes, as long as I can still do what I want.

B. I do, but I also make plenty of time to relax.

C. Yeah, probably. I could use a little companionship.

C. Sort of. I’m not exactly a creature of habit, though.

D. I think so, as long as it’s not too time-consuming.

D. I wake up in the morning and go to bed at night, but in between, anything goes.

E. I don’t know, but there’s only one way to find out!

E. I couldn’t tell you. It’s all a blur.

F. Not at all. You caught me, quiz.

F. Yes — I’m busy, daily.

2. Do you consider yourself a hard worker?

5. What do you like to do to unwind?

A. Yes, and I also consider myself a hard player!

A. Anything active. As long as I’m moving, I’m happy.

B. Of course, but I make it look easy.

B. Read, watch TV and movies, nap ... just generally lounge around.

C. Sometimes — I have my moments.

C. Be social — have friends over or go out to meet new ones.

D. Only every once in a while.

D. Be creative and get lost in my imagination.

E. Sometimes, sure. Other times ... not so much. It’s hard to say, really.

E. It varies. I’ll try anything once.

F. Kind of, but what do I know?

F. Whatever I want, whenever I want to!

3. Do you travel often?

6. How would you describe your living space?

A. Sure do. I love a good road trip!

A. It’s roomy and durable — I’m not afraid of a little mess.

B. No, I’m more of a homebody.

B. Quiet, cozy and usually immaculate.

C. Every now and then. I prefer to fly.

C. Cluttered, but with plenty of personality.

D. Rarely. I’d rather stick to my comfort zone.

D. It’s pretty basic, but I like it.

E. Only in my mind!

E. I’m not sure ... it’s pretty weird.

F. Constantly. I’m a real rolling stone.

F. It’s nothing special. I don’t spend much time there.

SCAN MAGAZINE // SPRING 2016

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

7. How would you describe yourself?

ANSWERS

A. Cheerful, energetic and outgoing.

B. Thoughtful, quiet and independent.

C. Quirky, quick-witted and talkative.

IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY A: You got: Dog

D. Laidback, patient and low-maintenance.

You are active, enthusiastic and fun, but you don’t let

E. I wouldn’t — I don’t understand me, either.

enjoying yourself get in the way of your responsibilities.

F. I’m a hot mess, if we’re being real.

You’re ready for the joyous mess that is dog ownership.

8. How responsible are you?

IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY B: You got: Cat

A. Very responsible!

You are capable, self-reliant and you prefer to keep to

B. Pretty darn responsible.

yourself, which makes you the ideal match for a feline

C. Usually responsible.

friend. You and your cat can sit back and relax together.

D. Rarely responsible.

E. All over the map.

F. Irresponsible and unashamed.

9. Are you easily grossed out?

IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY C: You got: Bird You are talkative, quirky and comfortable in both social and solitary situations. You are well suited to a pet that is intelligent, neat and easier to care for than other animals.

A. Nope, I have no problem getting my hands dirty.

B. Not much fazes me, but I do have my limits.

C. Sort of. I prefer to keep things neat.

IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY D: You got: Fish

D. Honestly, yes, I am.

You like to keep things straightforward and low-

E. Bring it on — I can handle it.

maintenance, so a stationary, aquatic kind of critter is

F. Yes. An episode of “Fear Factor” once gave me nightmares.

more your speed. When in doubt, both you and your pet

10. Which of these movies do you like best?

A. “Turner & Hooch”

just keep swimming.

B. “The Aristocats”

IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY E: You got: Other

C. “Rio”

You’re a bit of a wild card, so the possibilities are

D. “Finding Nemo”

endless. Maybe you’d do well with a hamster, or perhaps

E. “Noah”

something more exotic, like an iguana. More research will

F. None of the above

help you narrow it down.

IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY F: You got: No pet You might be too busy for a pet, too impulsive, or maybe you’re just being too hard on yourself. At any rate, the time isn’t quite right for you to get a pet ... yet!

19 21

OPINIONS

please don’t keep it Whether posted in a meme or simply included as a

written by JEN SCHWARTZ illustrations by VANIA HO

I

t’s becoming more and more common for people to boast that they “keep it 100,” as in 100 percent real, meaning that they are authentic and honest at all times, no matter what. While it’s difficult to trace the exact origins of the phrase, it’s undeniable that the expression has earned a prominent place in pop culture over the past year with songs from various artists referencing the saying in both song titles and lyrics (such as 2 Chainz’ “Keep It 100” and Drake in “Too Much”). “Keep it 100” has become so ubiquitous that even a popular news show, if you can consider anything airing on Comedy Central “news,” “The Nightly Show with Larry Willmore” has its own segment named after the phrase.

SCAN MAGAZINE // SPRING 2016

let’s say you’re out at a bar with a friend when they spot

side-note or hashtag in a post via emoji,

their recent ex out of the corner of their eye. Not

claiming that one keeps it 100 is extremely

having seen their ex since the breakup, they ask

commonplace nowadays for the Internet-

you how they look. After hours of tequila shots

savvy. The biggest irony in this trendy social

and drunken dancing, their face is flushed all

media brag is that social media in itself is

over, their hair in a state of disarray, and their

inauthentic. There’s a reason the term “online

eyes are bloodshot. The honest thing to do

presence” exists and that’s because an online persona is an inaccurate portrayal of that person and their lifestyle as a whole.

Online profiles consist

ONLINE PROFILES CONSIST OF CAREFULLY CHOSEN PICTURES, STATUSES, AND ACHIEVEMENTS ACCUMULATING INTO A PERSON’S IDEAL VERSION OF THEMSELVES THAT THEY WANT THE WORLD TO SEE.

would be to tell them they look like a hot mess, but at this point, there’s nothing they can do to rectify that.

They’re not going to go home and redo their hair or pop by the nearest CVS for

of carefully chosen pictures, statuses, and achievements

some eyedrops and return to the bar afterwards. In this

accumulating into a person’s ideal version of themselves

particular case, the kind thing to do would be to reassure

that they want the world to see. Proclaiming your

your friend that they look fine, and while that may be

genuineness on a platform that relies on purposefully

far from the truth I doubt anyone

leaving out information in order to make a good

would look down on you for it or

impression is flat-out hypocritical.

shame you for being a liar.

Even disregarding how it’s impossible to remain

A common excuse people use

completely authentic via social media, the idea of 100%

to bluntly speak their mind is

honesty at all times doesn’t make sense when applied to

to place blame on someone for asking for feedback in

everyday life either. While it may sound good in theory to

the first place — the old “if you didn’t want to know

never lie or misrepresent something, honesty simply isn’t

then you shouldn’t have asked” deal, not bothering

the best policy for every situation. In many instances,

whatsoever to think about others’ feelings. Maybe some

telling the unfiltered truth is immature and unnecessarily

are uncomfortable with the idea of lying at all, regardless

cruel. This is the exact reason people tell “white lies”;

of whether or not it might avoid upsetting someone. This

sometimes hearing the truth serves no real purpose but

is understandable considering honesty is an important

does wind up with someone getting hurt. For instance,

part of any type of relationship, but it still doesn’t justify

1269371_15803 2.4x9 4C

disregarding others’ feelings in interest of telling your

or sometimes their personal

whole truth. Even when dedicated to always telling the

relationships suffer due to their

truth, you can’t just spout out your unbridled opinion and

workaholic nature. Nobody really

expect it to be taken well. There are ways of telling your

believes that complete and utter

truth without being disrespectful, which is a little thing the

honesty is a plausible way to go

socially-conscious like to call “tact.” When someone asks

about your life, and claiming

for an opinion on a particularly horrendous outfit you may

that it is is just an excuse to say whatever’s on your

be thinking, “That looks hideous,” but the polite thing

mind without accepting responsibility for your words and

would be to say it’s not the most flattering. Is that being

actions. Absolutely nobody is real all the time, regardless

100 percent truthful? No, but it’s being kind.

of what they may claim. When the grocer delivers an uninterested obligatory “how are you” as a customer

The emergence of the phrase “keep it 100” has also

reaches the cash register, anyone with any semblance of

resulted in a boost of “fake” being used as an insult to

social skills is going to give a nonchalant noncommittal answer instead of going into

someone’s character, a natural opposite to those who consider themselves “real.” Unlike truths and lies which reflect thoughts and ideas, the difference between real and fake tends to rely heavily on actions and how those

THE EMERGENCE OF THE PHRASE “KEEP IT 100” HAS ALSO RESULTED IN A BOOST OF “FAKE” BEING USED AS AN INSULT TO SOMEONE’S CHARACTER, A NATURAL OPPOSITE TO THOSE WHO CONSIDER THEMSELVES “REAL”.

a tangent of how they just found out their boyfriend has been cheating on them for the past few months or how they recently had to put their childhood dog down.

Though I truly don’t believe

anyone out there fits the description, if there were

being fake occur in social settings where an individual is

someone who truly kept it 100 I certainly wouldn’t want

friendly towards someone they dislike which is absolutely

to meet them. Constantly speaking the candid truth

ridiculous. I’m not advocating that when you encounter an

is needlessly crude, often uninvited, and quite frankly

ex-friend you should throw your arms around them while

selfish. So for the sake of your relationships, both personal

squealing “OMG, it’s been way too long!” but it shouldn’t

and professional, keep it 85. Keep it 93. Whatever you do,

be looked down upon and considered phony to deliver a

just don’t keep it 100.

instances. I mean, what’s the alternative — dance around them in circles while loudly singing Big Sean’s “I Don’t F*** With You”? Roll your eyes and awkwardly wave at

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them with disdain? Ignore them completely? Treating others with respect regardless of ill feelings shows maturity, not dishonesty.

Even these self-proclaimed “real” people don’t believe their own mantra, though. I seriously doubt that anyone, regardless of how often they preach about honesty, are going to answer a job interviewer’s question on their biggest weakness by saying they have trouble staying motivated or that they can’t focus during meetings — no, they’re going to say that they’re a perfectionist

© 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

Member FDIC (1269371_15803) 21 1269371_15803 2.4x9 4C.indd 1

8/14/15 11:11 AM

FEATURES

written by DARISSA TOWNES illustration by ANDERSON CARMAN

Your first day on the job could be your co-worker’s 30th

W

both learn something new from each other. Cliques based

hen I was little, I was never too fond of growing up. Adulthood looked like a boring phase where you became too old to play in the ball pit and the only fun things that you could do were going to clubs and drinking alcohol.

Now that I’ve legally been an adult for a few years, I can say that my thoughts on adulthood are looking pretty good and have changed since I was a child. There are a lot more perks to being an adult than I originally thought.

year. You could have a lot in common, or not, or you could on age don’t have to exist when you’re an adult.

And relationships don’t have to end when we go home from work. As adults, dating can be a lot more exciting.

There aren’t a ton of curfews out here in adulthood, so if you want to chat with someone that you like in a park at three in the morning, although I wouldn’t recommend it, you certainly could. And if you really love someone, you can get married. And as some married couples may know, getting down on one knee and asking to spend the rest of your life with someone is a lot harder than asking someone out to the prom.

Driving is another plus to being an adult. When we were young, we probably thought that a chemistry class was

Being an adult means having more freedom. You get to

difficult. Memorizing the Periodic Table was like learning a

decide when to go to bed and when to wake up. If you

foreign language and reading a triple beam scale was the

want to spend your day off in your pajamas, there aren’t

hardest thing to learn on the planet. But imagine being

any parents to tell you to get dressed. What you eat is

able to move a complicated machine that can weigh a

completely up to you. I could have a cup of coffee at one’

ton or more and go faster than 100 miles per hour. Even

o’clock in the morning and two cookies at nine in the morning. The pressure of doing what you’re told is pretty much nonexistent and the only rules that you have to obey is the law.

As adults, we have a much

today, when I’m at a stoplight,

BEING AN ADULT MEANS HAVING MORE FREEDOM. YOU GET TO DECIDE WHEN TO GO TO BED AND WHEN TO WAKE UP. IF YOU WANT TO SPEND THE DAY IN YOUR PAJAMAS, THERE AREN’T ANY PARENTS TO TELL YOU TO GET DRESSED.

wider friend circle. Maybe back in middle school, we were only friends with the people around our age. But in the world of adulthood, there’s a much greater chance of us becoming friends with people ten years older than us.

SCAN MAGAZINE // SPRING 2016

I think about how amazing it is that I can drive a car. And with a car, you have even more freedom. If you want to take a road trip to the Grand Canyon, all you have to do is get some gas and go!

FEATURES

What also makes being an adult so much fun is all the

Being an adult is also fun because there aren’t any age

play them without being judged. In the typical adult world,

food that we can eat. When we were little kids and we

limits. Now now, get your minds out of the gutter! When I

the view on gaming originally wasn’t much better; video

went out to eat, the kid’s menu probably didn’t have

say no age limits, I mean buying things that we may have

games were seen as time-wasters. But now there are

much to offer us. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches,

needed parental permission for first. Those tickets to that

people out there who earn a living playing and making

pizza with cheese and pepperoni as the only options,

show you want to go to: when you turn 18, you can get

video games. Those people chose to live outside of the

chicken nuggets, hot dogs and a side of either chocolate

them. How about a bus ticket to visit a friend? You can

“adulthood expectations.”As adults, we don’t have to live

milk or apple juice. The portion sizes of the big stuff were

buy those too. And how many times have you all seen

a life of paying bills and only letting loose with clubs and

simply too much for our little stomachs. As adults, we can

those TV commercials where you have to be 18 or older

booze. We get a chance to really be an individual and live

ditch the paper kid’s menu

to order? If you wanted to get that blanket with sleeves,

life the way that we want to. Being at SCAD, a ton of us

and crayons for the laminated pamphlet full of intricately described dishes so elegant we can’t even pronounce them. Best of all, if we wanted to return to the kid’s menu, we could and nobody would judge us. Who wouldn’t want a cheese pizza that had fewer calories and a cheaper price?

AS ADULTS, WE CAN DITCH THE PAPER KID’S MENU AND CRAYONS FOR THE LAMINATED PAMPHLET FULL OF INTRICATELY DESCRIBED DISHES SO ELEGANT WE CAN’T EVEN PRONOUNCE THEM. BEST OF ALL, IF WE WANTED TO RETURN TO THE KID’S MENU, WE COULD AND NOBODY WOULD JUDGE US.

Another perk of being an adult is voting. When we got to high school, we most

you could. What if you get sick

have probably dealt with the “starving artist argument with

and need to schedule a doctor’s

somebody telling us that the life of an artist is just being

appointment? You don’t need

broke and making pretty pictures and that we should get

your parents to call up the doctor.

a “real job.” Here, we’re already living outside of what’s

You have more power as an adult.

expected of us as adults. Now this isn’t saying that people who DO live with those expectations are wrong. Part of

Being an adult also means the

being an adult means accepting how other people choose

ability to raise a family. When we

to live their lives. I know quite a few people who are just

get all settled in with our lives in

as satisfied with going to clubs and drinking for leisure

a nice place, we might feel even

and I’m glad to know that they’ve found what makes their

better with a few little kids of our

lives content.

own to raise. We might have to teach them chemistry too though!

Becoming an adult might mean viewing things through adult eyes. We stop enjoying the ball pits when we realize

likely got a taste of choosing our leaders with the student government stuff, but as adults, we can cast our vote for

Now, this isn’t saying that being an adult is all about no

how potentially filthy they are, we stop laughing at the

somebody who can potentially represent our town, our

bedtimes, eating what you want, and being friends with

fart jokes when we find them immature, and chemistry

state or even our country around the world. That’s a lot

whomever. Unfortunately, adulthood is full of bills and

becomes a cakewalk when compared to mortgages and

of power in our hands, so we have to make sure these

working to pay those bills. Relationships can be hard to

politics. In that sense, adulthood can seem like a terrifying

hands don’t go to waste.

juggle and raising a family is expensive.

experience that any child might find repulsive. But while

As adults, we have the chance to figure out who we

It goes without saying though, that one of the biggest

the opportunity to figure out who you are in ways outside

really are. Maybe back then, we just wanted to fit in with

challenges to adulthood is living up to expectations. But

of a schoolyard. And it’s well worth reading those triple

everybody. But later, we may have started to see that

the best thing about being an adult is the fact that we

beam scales.

trying to be something you’re not can be really stressful.

have a choice when it comes to expectations. In grade

When we became adults, we stopped worrying so much

school, we were expected to go to class and do our

about what people thought of us. When I was young,

homework. Our parents and the government required us

I used to stay put a lot, trying to stick with one group,

to do that. As adults, those expectations are still there, but

but now I’m involved with so many different groups that

we have the choice to adhere to them or not. I know that

everybody recognizes me.

when I was younger, I loved video games, but couldn’t

adulthood is scary, it isn’t something to run away from. It’s

25 23

THROUGH THE SHADOWS photographs by IAN BENBOE (VEGAS GIOVANNI) | models: KIAN YAP LIM and NATHALIA BOLIVAR makeup by FRANDRESHA HALL | Worn Soul Hoodie: NIGEL PRUDE (MOONMAN) Wardrobe courtesy of SCAD fashion department.

SCAN MAGAZINE // SPRING 2016

25

FASHION

SCAN MAGAZINE // SPRING 2016

FASHION

27

FEATURES

THE POWER OF REAL FA C E - T I M E

written by SHELLEY DANZY | illustrations by MATTHEW CORNWALL

C

reatives are the consummate go-getters, making the most of every success, mistake and setback. We are bold souls. Instantaneously we have likeable friends tweeting and messaging us into an instagramming-facetiming-whatsappening-snapchatting frenzy, oftentimes causing us to miss out on the power of effective human interaction.

Yes, social media connections are here to stay, but

with art lovers. Face-to-face is relevant to building a fan

talent alone is not enough. “Nothing is more powerful

base and to posturing your art in a global marketplace.”

than face-to-face connectivity,” said Linda ProctorMerritt, Life Practitioner of Atlanta’s theLPMgroup, LLC,

Lynx Nguyen, SCAD alumnus (MFA, painting, 2015)

“Networking is an intentional

found that potential corporate

meeting, connecting with

clients would simply stop in front of

and placing others in your

or merely pass by his conceptual

‘net’ to work. After making

artwork, which was part of an

the connection, learn the

academic gallery show. Nguyen

communication method that

drove 15 hours to meet with them

works best for the person with whom you are trying to build a relationship. Otherwise, there is a disconnecting in working your ‘net.’”

[...] ARTISTS MUST PERSONALIZE THEIR EXPERIENCES, CONVEY THEIR MISSION AND CONNECT [DIRECTLY WITH ART LOVERS.

Creatives are also multifaceted,

in person. “I was able to explain

I REALIZED THE BIGGEST IMPACT I HAD WAS GETTING IN FRONT OF OTHERS AND TALKING WITH THEM. THIS [NETWORKING] ADDED CREDIBILITY AND HAS HELPED ME BUILD A REPUTATION.

my process. I realized the biggest

face-to-face interaction, we will stand out. We have the

impact I had was getting in front of

power through networking. Let’s consider our ‘“net” as

others and talking with them. This

new experiences to tell our stories, followed by “work”:

[networking] added credibility and

Wonder what others are working on and thinking about.

has helped me build a reputation

Exchanging ideas may lead to a new collaborative effort.

… especially since clients are not

Open opportunities by engaging with others. Avoid the

having to balance making art and networking.

just seeing my work now, but they are purchasing my

“it’s all about me” syndrome. Listening to others may

Washington, D.C. business owner Akidah Felder, Head

art,” Nguyen said.

spark new ideas, new ways of thinking. Read about your

Dream Catcher in Charge & Founder, Suite Ta Bu,

industry: books, articles, anything that increases your

mentioned that social media is vital in terms of sales, but

So do I consider real face-time a benefit? You bet. For

knowledge about your art. You’ll have more meaningful

only after an offline relationship has been established

me, year after year, opportunity after opportunity was

conversations.Keep it real. Sharing information doesn’t

and maintained. She explained, “As a designer and

created by my meeting someone in person, who knew

mean that your creative flow matches someone else’s. Be

artpreneur myself, I find that artists must personalize their

someone, who knew someone else. Competition is out

kind, not arrogant. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes

experiences, convey their mission and connect [directly]

there, but by creating a sense of community through

to creativity. Networking. Now that’s real face time that will work!

SCAN MAGAZINE // SPRING 2016

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