Issuu

SEPT. 2022 ISSUE

LIL $O$O Artist of the Month

SABRINA CARMO Social Media Dream Chasing

DIANE P. ESTEVEZ Wonder Woman of Modern-Day Fashion

The Next Big Thing in Modeling

1 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Thurman Brown III @thurmb Photo by: Davinci @framedbydavinci Location: Virgina Key Beach, Florida

Contents 5 The Kojo Miller Story

How just one photography session has the ability to heal.

Sabrina Carmo

FRONT COVER/BACK CREDITS: Photo by: Lissa DeLorenzo @lissadephoto Styling: Molly Quave @molly.styled.me Location: Miami Beach, Florida

COVER STORY PAGE 7

Brooke Brazelton: DJ, Modeling, and Building the Perfect Life for Yourself

How social media allows us to achieve dreams.

Artist of the Month Lil $o$o

Working with Issa Rae, Social Media and the Creative Journey.

43 Viktoria Myr

Learning Not to Be Someone Else Through Fashion

Model: Brooke Brazelton @brookelilybrazelton Photo by: Lissa DeLorenzo @lissadephoto Styling: Molly Quave @molly.styled.me Location: Miami Beach, Florida

2 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

3 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

4 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Brittni Rae Walker @knockoutkitten Photo by: Richard Kojo Miller @kojo.miller Location: Co.lab Studios, Miami, Florida

K O J O M I L L E R 5 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Healing Through Photography The Kojo Miller Story To say that photography is a mere pastime would be inconsiderate, not to mention a little clueless. With the rapid ascent of the digital stage, photography has been and continues to be one of the fastest growing arts in the world, right now. Think about it, a picture you take today could’ve been seen around the entire planet by tomorrow. We live in an age where pictures are truly worth a thousand words, and none more so than to the subject of the photo himself. Richard Kojo Miller is a clinical psychology doctoral student and professional photographer who understands the healing power of photography. Originally from Ghana (though now residing in the U.S.), Kojo’s journey focuses on learning more about himself, but also on helping his client’s overcome trauma, and grow into better versions of themselves. It used to be that you posed for a photo to record a memorable event in your life, since cameras were rare. Now, though, there’s a camera pointed at you literally on every corner, and to people like Kojo, it seems a shame not to be using that. Calling on his background in clinical psychology, Kojo is using his photo sessions to get the most out of his clients. He’s not just shooting pretty pictures for their own sake. Rather, Kojo’s using his passion and skill for photography to bring out more in people. Posing for a picture can reveal things about you that you yourself didn’t know. It can show that you’re joyous, or angry, or even hiding something from yourself. And through that, it helps you heal, and become a better person. Which is what Kojo intends to do with his camera. Equipped with nothing more than his phone camera, Kojo Miller began testing the waters back in November 2020, and instantly discovered a connection to the field of photography. But it was only when he received a professional camera as a gift, half a year later, that he understood this could be more than a mere hobby. Kojo immediately immersed himself in the world of photography, seeking help from and collaborating with professional photographers, and videographers, and learning everything there was to learn from them.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Brittany

Dawson

At present, he’s still collaborating with numerous artists, and building his social media brand on social media. Most of his work consists of shooting regular people, though he aims to change that, adding big brands and celebrities to his repertoire in the near future. Although he’s got an eye on the future, Kojo, a man of immeasurable gratitude and patience is focused on the journey. He’s grateful for all the artists and models he’s encountered across the way, particularly Joel Lomotey (@adoteylomotey), who’s served as a huge inspiration. He draws on each encounter, such as the one with Davinci (@framedbydavinci), for inspiration, and enjoys where he’s at in the present moment. Which we think is the key to success. “Fall in love with the learning process. Be patient with yourself because it may seem frustrating to not see improvements right away in the quality of your work but once you are able to exercise patience and give credit to yourself for what you are able to do right now, you’ll be very appreciative of your journey when you do reach your goals.”

6 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

7 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Brooke Brazelton @brookelilybrazelton Photo by: Lissa DeLorenzo @lissadephoto Styling: Molly Quave @molly.styled.me Location: Miami Beach, Florida

Brooke Brazelton: DJ, Modeling, and Building the Perfect Life for Yourself Brooke Lily Brazelton is a young fashion model who’s rapidly growing on social media and turning digital heads everywhere her posts pop up. She’s a blonde in boots. She’s a dedicated DJ, working to perfect her craft. She’s an entrepreneur. She’s a human being trying to make it in this world, and we were lucky enough to catch up with her recently. On the surface, Brooke has everything a young woman her age could want. She’s signed with an elite modeling agency. She’s traveled to all corners of the world with her work. She’s signed dozens of contracts, events, shows, and shoots. And she knows that. The first thing that strikes you about Brooke is the immense openness and gratitude flowing from her face. She’s someone who knows how blessed she is, and she’s not afraid to put that out there. Immediately, that makes her a delight to talk to.

Yet, as constant readers know, we’re not just about being grateful for where you are today. We love the hustle, and we love talking to people who know what they’re after. Thankfully, that’s Brooke’s case, too. The young model/influencer also has her eye on the future, and is always working to grow her brand, and achieve more goals. Which makes her even more fun to talk to.

Almost immediately, Brooke told us about her plans to develop and expand her DJ-ing, alongside her fashion model work. And to do that, she’s focusing a lot on building her brand. “One thing I wish I would have done differently is gotten more serious about my social media earlier! I made an Instagram account when I was eighteen and didn’t think it would be such a big role even the first year going to castings! I remember the first swim week casting I did; I was told to write the amount of Instagram followers I had on the top of the page for them to consider us!”

Model: Brooke Brazelton @brookelilybrazelton Photo by: Lissa DeLorenzo @lissadephoto Styling: Molly Quave @molly.styled.me Location: Miami Beach, Florida

Five years later, Brooke has amassed an impressive 274k following on Instagram, and seems to be at the top of her social media game, which she credits for half of her business. At an age where many young people still don’t even know what they want to do with their lives, Brooke has not only managed to build a successful career for herself but is already in the process of developing a new one.

8 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Brooke Brazelton @brookelilybrazelton Photo by: Lissa DeLorenzo @lissadephoto Styling: Molly Quave @molly.styled.me Location: Miami Beach, Florida

9 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Of course, modeling continues to be her passion, and something she will never abandon. At present, Brooke’s taking all she’s learned in her modeling career about networking and using your social media as a platform and infusing it into growing her DJ’ing career. Model: Brooke Brazelton @brookelilybrazelton Photo by: Lissa DeLorenzo @lissadephoto Styling: Molly Quave @molly.styled.me Location: Miami Beach, Florida

10 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Brooke Brazelton @brookelilybrazelton Photo by: Lissa DeLorenzo @lissadephoto Styling: Molly Quave @molly.styled.me Location: Miami Beach, Florida

11 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Page 10

Model: Brooke Brazelton @brookelilybrazelton Photo by: Lissa DeLorenzo @lissadephoto Styling: Molly Quave @molly.styled.me Location: Miami Beach, Florida

Through her social media presence, Brooke is booking shows, restaurants, and parties, and hopes to do more events in the future, as she’s been playing music all her life. She’s also serving as an inspiration to models just starting out, to whom she says: “1. Network a ton!! So many jobs I book are from my mutual model friends and bookers I’ve met over the years!

2. Build your social media, put modeling photos as your “portfolio” so brands and agencies can see how you work. 3. Shoot a bunch of content with all unique styles, it’s good to show a variety of looks you can pull off!” Nothing but superstardom in Brooke’s future and we are so happy to be along for the journey. Make sure to follow her on all of her social media platforms and maybe catch her at party DJ’ing near you. Follow on Instagram: @brookelilybrazelton

12 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

“THE NEW” DAM.BM.CLOTHING

13 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

CATWALK

14 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

“THE NEW” A very general word but at the same time full of curiosity; a lot can be said about it. It represents the union, fusion and innovation of three very different people. The same path and passion connects them to the pieces of garments they create. A deep story and love make each one special. A special recipe of three different styles, personalities and when combined new connections can be made. Symmetrical cuts, clean and colors taken out of the minimalist comfort zone of Daniela Arroyo, with the diversity that comes from the African culture. This along with colors from Hellen and Ella.

Garments with very creative details, with contributions from individuals that have left a mark on us on this 15 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

journey and continue to contribute to us. A capsule collection in which social cultures are studied as a fundamental pillar. He makes us see that we are all equal, that borders do not exist, that race does not matter, and that equality and acceptance prevail. Here we were able to realize that the most fulfilling thing in life is to unify things, share cultures and merge our best practices with each other. It has made us grow and coexist with each other, to learn to unlearn and to take next steps towards our future. We still have to persist, love what we love and carry the art of fashion. and remember. "the art of coexistence"

16 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Sabrina Carmo @sabrinacarmooficial Photo by: Yuri Matos @yurimatosart Styling: Sabrina Carmo @sabrinacarmooficial Location: Bahia, Brazil

How Social Networks Allow Us to Achieve Dreams

17 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Sabrina Carmo @sabrinacarmooficial Photo by: Yuri Matos @yurimatosart Styling: Sabrina Carmo @sabrinacarmooficial Location: Bahia, Brazil

Sabrina do Carmo’s story sounds like something out of a movie. In fact, at a first glance, you’d be forgiven if you mistook it for such. But no, Sabrina do Carmo is the living, breathing proof that you can reach the stars. Even when all you’ve got is a dream. Even when everyone

thinks your dreams impossible. Especially then. Sabrina do Carmo’s story begins in a small village in the heart of Brazil. Though her village was by no means one of the big fashion capitals of the world, Sabrina had a dream that she just knew she had to see through. Becoming a model. Though she nurtured big dreams, Sabrina was also visited by an unerring sense of realism. She understood from the get-go that what she wanted was by no means easy. Thankfully, she had an idea how a girl like her could grow to be like “the girls on the cover”. The Internet. Lo and behold, young Sabrina figured out this was her only chance of catching the eye of anyone in the fashion world, so she took it.

“I recently talked to a person who recruited models for Victoria's Secret: the internet allowed a girl from a small town in Brazil to hear good advice from an extremely influential person and that's the important part: social networks allow us to achieve dreams.” Understanding the importance of networking, Sabrina started getting recognized by famous models she’d always looked up to, and big brands. She got to work on building a brand for herself, one centered around everything she had to offer the world. And as it turned out, there was plenty of that. Today, Sabrina is a world-recognized fashion model and influencer, who is in high demand. And she tells us, she feels “it’s only the beginning”. And not just fashion-wise, for Sabrina is also studying to become an environmental scientist. Powered by a desire to save the river of the city she was born in, as well as the forests of her native Brazil, Sabrina is an impassioned advocate for the environment. 18 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Sabrina Carmo @sabrinacarmooficial Photo by: Yuri Matos @yurimatosart Styling: Sabrina Carmo @sabrinacarmooficial Location: Bahia, Brazil

Aside from becoming a Victoria’s Secret model, and Milan Fashion Week, she’s also dreaming of doing her master’s in an environment-related field. Far from being “just another pretty face”, Sabrina is also working with NGOs, to help children in need, and does what she can to help the people that she meets. When we asked her why all this focus on giving back, Sabrina’s answer was simple, and to the point: “Being a famous model doesn't equate to being important to someone. [...] I met an NGO (SSA Invisível) that introduced me to the children's shelter and there they organized a day of leisure for them and a one-anda-half-year-old baby smiled at me as if he knew me. [..] being important to someone is what makes life worth living for me, whether it's a kid I've just met or my family or friends. They are my precious, my greatest treasure.” Sabrina has nothing more than determination, a positive outlook on life and a will to make things happen. We are excited to follow her journey because we know that her future is bright. Make sure to follow Sabrina on all her social media platforms and on Instagram: @sabrinacarmooficial

19 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Sabrina Carmo @sabrinacarmooficial Photo by: Yuri Matos @yurimatosart Styling: Sabrina Carmo @sabrinacarmooficial Location: Bahia, Brazil

20 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Artist: Lil $o$o @lilsosodon Photo by: Davinci @framedbydavinci Styling: Melissa Marin @melvision @meli.anndrea Clothing: Pretty Little Thing @prettylittlething Location: Co.Lab Studios Miami, Florida

21 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Lil $o$o is a young artist and entrepreneur from West Palm Beach, Florida, whom we had the pleasure of talking with, recently. Together, we delved into what it means to be a rap artist just starting out today, what some of his biggest accomplishments were, and what her relationship with social media is like. For every artist, the hardest part is the beginning. Just getting up there, and daring to do what it is, in your heart, you feel like you must do. For Lil $o$o, that was beginning her rap journey and trusting in what she had to add to the scene. Taking her cue from fellow artists Nicki Minaj, Coi Leray, Megan Thee Stallion, and Latto, Lil $o$o came to realize her talent and dared to put it out there. Whereas in the past, this might’ve meant performing at a local club, today, it means putting your skills on display for all the world to see. In this way, social media has always been both a crutch, and a danger for artists. A true doubleedged sword, social media has the potential of exposing your art to an immense audience. At the same time, the stakes are much higher, when you put your art out there for all the world to see… and judge.

Luckily for Lil $o$o, the response on social media has been an overwhelmingly positive one, so far. “[Social media is] super important, I feel like a lot of my followers watched me grow on my platform and that’s what connects them to me and my journey.” As an artist, knowing how to “work” the social media platforms to your advantage is tremendously hard work. Artists need to be consistent, yet not pushy. More importantly, they have to know how to connect with their following on a personal level. Because on social media, you’re no longer just a star, you’re a human being, and that can be your most significant advantage, and your greatest weakness out there. And yet, being able to share her journey, and document it for her followers, has been one of the greatest satisfactions for Lil $o$o. One that she only aims to hone and grow in the next five years, as she also looks to make more music, travel the world, and be able to support and help her young son thrive.

22 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

“Lil $o$o – Dolla Signs on the S’s”

23 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

She seems to be well on the way. Her music was recently noticed and featured by writer/producer Issa Rae and was included in her brand new HBO Max Series “Rap Sh!t”.

“I love her and what she does, and I’m honored that she felt like my song was the perfect fit for her new show. I’m still a newer artist so for things to be moving so quickly like that makes me feel good.” Lastly, being an artist on social media is also about providing a powerful, positive example for your followers. Asked if there was anything she wanted her followers, and young creatives in general, to know, Lil $o$o says: “Be consistent and never give up. Believe in yourself and remember you are the only person who can win for you. You have to be the battery for you and your team. You have to lead and be confident even when sometimes you don’t feel it. You have to create the life you want. Breathe it. Think it. Believe it. Achieve it.” We are so thrilled to see what the future holds for Lil $o$o. She is determined, focused and has a work ethic of someone who has been in the game for years. We will continue to follower her journey on her rapid rise to the top. Make sure to follow her movement on social media and her Instagram @lilsosodon. 24 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

25 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Page 2

26 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Shedding Light on Sustainability in Fashion

WRITTEN BY: BARION MCQUEEN

Sustainability in the fashion has become a hot topic in recent years, and for a good reason. Our planet is under pressure from human activity, and we need to take steps to reduce our impact. The fashion industry is one area where we can make a big difference. In this blog post, we will explore ways that the fashion industry can be more sustainable. We will discuss the benefits of sustainability and look at some

specific ways that the industry can change its ways. Let’s get started!.

The Benefits of Sustainability There are many benefits to making the fashion industry more sustainable. Here are just a few:

27 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RON LACH

In sectors such as renewable energy and recycling and could

Environmental Benefits The fashion industry has a huge environmental footprint. It is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and is the second most polluting industry

save business money by reducing waste. These are just some of the reasons why sustainability is so important. Now let's look at some specific ways that the the fashion industry can be more

sustainable.

in the world (after oil). Making

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RON LACH

the industry more sustainable

instead of synthetic dyes.

would have a big impact on climate change.

Social Benefits

Specific Ways to Make the Fashion Industry More Sustainable

Sustainability is not just about

Here are some specific

the environment – it’s also

ways that the fashion

about people. The fashion

industry can be more

industry employs millions of people, many of whom are paid

sustainable.

industry more sustainable would improve working conditions and help to reduce poverty.

Another way to reduce the impact of the fashion industry is to reduce water use. This can be done in a number of ways, such as using less water in the manufacturing process or choosing fabrics that require less water to produce (such as

very low wages and work in

poor conditions. Making the

Reduce Water Use

Use Sustainable Materials

bamboo or organic cotton)..

Reduce Waste

One way to make the fashion industry more sustainable is to

Economic Benefits A more sustainable fashion industry would be good for the economy. It would create jobs

use more sustainable

A third way to make the

materials. This could mean

fashion industry more

using organic cotton or

sustainable is to reduce waste.

bamboo instead of

This can be done by using

conventional cotton, recycled

fabric scraps to create new

polyester instead of new

products or by donating

polyester, or natural dyes

unwanted clothing to charity. 28 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

29 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RON LACH

Improve Working Conditions A fourth way to make the fashion industry more sustainable is to improve working conditions. This could involve paying workers a living wage, providing better health and safety conditions, or ensuring that workers have a voice in the workplace. These are just some of the ways that the fashion industry can be more sustainable. Sustainability is a complex issue, and there is no one-size-fitsall solution. But if we all work together to make small changes, we can make a big difference.

Conclusion The fashion industry is one of the most polluting and unsustainable industries in the world. It's time for us to start demanding more sustainable practices from our favourite brands. Fortunately, there are many ways that the fashion industry can be made more sustainable. We hope this article has inspired you to learn more about how you can make a difference through your purchasing decisions. Are there any other specific ways that you think the fashion industry could become more sustainable?

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RON LACH

30 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Chasing the Moment: Talking with Steven Gonzalez, founder of Blackflash Photography Some cultures used to think that a photo was perilous, as it risked capturing the soul of its subject. Now, we don’t know what we think about that, but if it were true, here’s what it would capture about Steven Gonzalez: passionate, entrepreneur, dedicated traveler and artist. Steven Gonzalez is a photographer and travel addict who’s been using his social media to document his journey (both physically, and creatively). One of the first things that strike you about his demeanor is how accepting he is of everything that’s happened to him. When asked what he’d do differently, given the chance, he says ‘nothing’. “You need to go through hardship, mistakes, ups and downs in order to understand the ins and outs of how everything works, I’m happy where I am now with my art and doing what I love so I can’t complain.”

The idea behind Blackflash, in the creator’s own words, is “creatives supporting other creatives, so we stay active on engaging with others to promote or inspire one another ''. One thing that immediately stands out about Steven is his intense passion for learning, and growing his art. One of his goals with Blackflash is to delve deeper into the world of web3 and NFTs. He’s constantly on the lookout for ways to grow as an artist, as well as give back, and help fellow artists. He’s also hoping to develop Blackflash into a thriving art community, and even start his own art magazine. Because so much goes into giving back, and there’s so much to be reaped from helping out other people. And Steven Gonzalez seems to be one of the lucky people who’ve understood that early on in their journey, and are pouring that attitude into their art.

Which is clearly what Steven himself seems to be doing. One artist Steven credits with helping Blackflash grow is DRKT, LLC @drktstudios, whom he speaks of highly, and thanks for opening up so many opportunities. In the future, Steven’s planning to develop Blackflash into the blossoming creative community of his dreams, while continuing his travels through the world. When asked for a word of advice he would give to young artists, just starting out in the photography industry today, Steven spoke plainly. And as always, straight from the heart. “Get a camera and shoot things/people that make you happy and comfortable, don’t chase $$$, chase moments.”

Of course, photography is by no means an easy industry, and when we asked Steve about that, here’s what he had to say:

“Some might say it’s a tough industry and very competitive & they’re not Steven Gonzalez clearly has wrong. But with that being some idea about how to use his said, it shouldn’t stop you or social media to his advantage. discourage you from getting Not only is his personal in tune with your creative account growing by the day, side. Do what makes you but he’s also pouring his efforts happy.” into the new founded @blackflashphotos.eth. 31 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Page 2

Model: Diane P. Estevez @dianepestevez Photo by: Steven Gonzalez @steveng1292 Location: Homestead, Florida

32 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Liana V @lianavxo Photo by: Davinci @framedbydavinci Styling: Davinci @styledbydavinci Location: Co.Lab Studios, Miami, Florida

33 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

“Work & Play”

DECONSTRUCTED LOOK BY: DAVINCI

Model: Liana V @lianavxo Photo by: Davinci @framedbydavinci Styling: Davinci @styledbydavinci Location: Co.Lab Studios, Miami, Florida

The thing about styling is that when you are styling an individual you must provide a look that not only looks good on paper but looks

good on them. I’ve put together plenty of looks that looked amazing on paper but once put on a model it just didn’t come together. Maybe it didn’t fit her body type as well as I wanted, or the colors didn’t pop as much with the skin tone. All of these things play a factor when styling. I am also a person who likes to keep things simple sometimes. Fashion isn’t always about over the top fashion or costume designs that can only be worn on a runway. Its about making someone feel comfortable and stylish in their clothes on just a regular Tuesday. Now don’t get me wrong I have done some over the top looks that only certain people

can pull of but that’s on a situation basis. This look that I put together for Liana is what I call “Work & Play”. This is a look that can be worn at work during the day in a very professional setting but can also be ready to go out for drinks right after work. Black & red are my two (2) favorite colors to pair. So, I paired a vintage Polo Ralph Lauren

truffled blouse with red Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton Slacks. I felt with a strappier heel it would make the look feel classier than a corporate work heel. The glasses add a sense of intellect to the look, with custom ruby red earrings and the model already had a nice accented gold watch. This is a look anyone could pull off. 34 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Liana V @lianavxo Photo by: Davinci @framedbydavinci Styling: Davinci @styledbydavinci Location: Co.Lab Studios, Miami, Florida

35 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Liana V @lianavxo Photo by: Davinci @framedbydavinci Styling: Davinci @styledbydavinci Location: Co.Lab Studios, Miami, Florida

36 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Page 2

Talking with Artist Evan Trill: Creativity, Injustice, and Social Media Evan Trill (simply known as E-Trill professionally) is an artist in the truest sense of the word. Whether it’s photography, videography, or even music, E-Trill is “always looking for new ways to be creative, and collaborate with other artists”, in his own words. And isn’t that what art is all about? Finding varied ways to express yourself

creatively, and to do good work, which seems to be this young artist’s chief focus at the moment.

When we caught up with him, Evan was quick to point us to one of the biggest agents of both his success, and the reason behind most of his collabs - social media. “Most of my work is visual art like photos or music videos, and social media is the easiest way to view and share that type of content. Also, I've found so many different contacts, peers and clients through social media as well. It's safe to say my career wouldn't exist

without social media.”

Whereas in the past, visual artists had few ways to get their work out there, and make themselves known to the public, today, thanks to social media, the sky is the limit. And people like Evan are taking full advantage of that. Like any true creative spirit, Evan’s heavily focused on turning the opportunity at hand on all sides, and finding new ways to grow, both online and off. 39 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Recently, he’s worked on a plethora of projects,

of our conversation with E-Trill was his laidback,

such as Denzel Curry’s Rolling Loud recap project,

free-flowing attitude. When asked where he sees

or working on a sequence in Antonio Brown’s “60

himself five years from now, he had this to say:

Minutes” video. Evan also worked as photographer for the Art Plug Powerhouse, possibly the largest

“Five years ago, if you asked me that question,

event to ever be held at the Art Basel Miami.

my answer would not have been where I'm at today. So, five years from now, who knows?”

Evan’s work and art also enjoys a powerfully social aspect. Over the past summer, Evan used his creative vantage point, as well as his social media platform to capture and share the events at the Black Lives Matter protests in Fort Lauderdale. “Being able to stand with the people in my city against injustice as well as share the moments with thousands of people around the world is probably my most important work as a photographer.”

Though clearly on the rise, E-Trill strikes you as uniquely humble, even pointing out to his lack of professional training in photography, or visual art, in general. Of course, readers of our magazine will know it’s not the training that “makes” the artist, but

the vision and the skill, and E-Trill clearly has that by the bucket. Professionally, he’s focused on honing his skills, and cultivating his social media presence, in the hopes of one day inspiring young photographers in the same way his own idols inspired him.

When he’s not creating art, Evan likes to kick back and relax with some music (artists like Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar are never far from his playlist), or some video games. Perhaps our favorite aspect

40 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Diane P. Estevez @dianepestevez Photo by: Asulprusia Photography @asulprusia Makeup: Jenny Dyson Roura @jennydmakeup Agency: Vault Management

The Wonder Woman of Modern-Day Fashion

41 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Diane P. Estevez is a modern-day Jane-of-alltrades, which gave us all the more reason to sit down and talk to her for a bit. At first glance, this remarkable young lady is a fashion model, working with commercial and more indie fashion brands to bring their vision to life. But wait, there’s more. Aside from being a successful model, and a soon-to-be Marketing graduate at FIU, Diane is also an entrepreneur who runs her very own business. She is the owner and founder of ISAO MEDIA LLC, a digital marketing agency that specializes in creating custom content for high-end brands.

without an agent, who was just starting out, she even had the grit to negotiate a better rate for herself on her first official launch gig. It’s the mark of someone who knows what they want and is determined to work hard to get it.

As such, we naturally had a bunch of questions for Diane, first of all, what part social media plays in her work?

“I would tell them that it’s not a fast or easy career. That it is something you need to have a true passion for, and you can’t have a doubt of failing. Always tell yourself that you will make it and act accordingly.”

“It’s crucial to my brand. As a model you have to be putting yourself out there to be seen, as you never know when a brand/ casting director is going to see your face scrolling through their feed, hashtag, or their explore page. I believe that consistently posting content about whatever it is you do will grant you more success in that area.”

Deservedly, she’s acted as lead model in music videos and creations from a number of select artists she grew up worshipping, like Jhay Cortez, Anuel, Natti Natasha, Maluma, Tiago, Ozuna, Randy, and several others. So of course, we finished by asking her what she’d advise young models just starting out.

Of course, Diane is so much more than just a model. As a marketing expert, she was also able to assess her own social media ventures and woes with a critical eye. “Chances are that when a brand or casting director sees your profile, they will only scroll past the first 12 photos. So as a marketer and model I make sure to pay attention to that and advise my model friends to do the same.” Diane’s is an impressive story, by any stretch of the imagination. Coming to the United States as a seven-year-old little girl from Cuba, she never believed such a future was in the cards for her. But it wasn’t in Diane’s nature to be swayed or brought down by stereotypes, prejudice, or any difficulty that might’ve come her way. On the contrary, aware of how much she had to give the world, it only drove her to work harder, a resilience and resolve that is still present in her modus operandi to this day. As a marketing specialist, Diane handles her own social media and knows how to work the platform to her advantage. Not only that, but as a young model

Model: Diane P. Estevez @dianepestevez Photo by: Getty Images @gettyimages Style: Camilla @camillawithlove Location: Miami, Florida

42 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Viktoria Myr @viktoria_myr Photo by: Daria Koso @daria.koso.photo Makeup/Hair: Elya Belogurova @elya.belogurova.make_up Location: Miami, Florida

Learning Not to Be Someone Else Through Fashion

43 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Viktoria Myr is definitely one of the most fun interviews we’ve conducted in a long, long time. Not only is she a humble, funny person, but she also offered an incredible, unique insight into what it means to be an Instagrammer and a fashion influencer in the present day. Hailing from Miami, Florida, Viktoria has been doing fashion for quite a bit now, and in the time since she started, she’s amassed an impressive 257k Instagram followers. So, we wanted to take her back to the beginning, and asked her why she got into fashion, in the first place. “I have always loved fashion and style. I remember as a child I loved to dress up and create fashionable outfits.” Encouraged by family, though, Viktoria went on to pursue a degree in law, despite her passion for journalism. And she might’ve never even pursued this life, were it not for a family acquaintance, the owner of their very own fashion brand, who invited Viktoria to write fashion articles for their blog. So began a journey that would lead this young fashion lover to social media stardom.

Of course, we couldn’t let her go without asking for some inspiring figures, who inspired her to pursue this journey. But Viktoria surprised us, by saying she never really wanted to have so-andso’s career, or so-and-so’s brand. She was always, from the very beginning, set on carving her own path, and discovering what worked and what didn’t for herself. It’s been this individuality and independence that has attracted her impressive following and helped propel her articles to international acclaim and appreciation. Unsurprisingly, when asked what she would advise young people looking to get into fashion (or just the readers of our magazine), she said: “Don't try to be a bad copy of someone else, be a better version of yourself! Our modern world is full of fakes among objects and even people, and I think there are fewer and fewer personalities in the modern world. Therefore, if you are not sure of yourself, then at least start with your inner state, knowing yourself, and your desires, and it will help you start this path by creating your unique style that will help you reveal and present to the whole world the best version of you.”

“The more articles I wrote for a fashion magazine, the more I wanted to read and learn about fashion!” Pretty soon, she was starting her own Instagram page, and her own blog, to dedicate to all things fashion related. Viktoria even went on to study fashion at the prestigious Milan Marangoni Institute, where she graduated as a “personal stylist”. But for Viktoria, it was never about the titles, or even the money. What she loved about fashion was the way it allowed each and every one to be their own unique, crazy self. “I’m helping people to find and create their own style and not to be a copy of someone else. My goal is to teach and acknowledge as many people as I can how to become their best version through the right clothes.” Model: Viktoria Myr @viktoria_myr Photo by: Daria Koso @daria.koso.photo Makeup/Hair: Elya Belogurova @elya.belogurova.make_up Location: Miami, Florida

44 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Viktoria Myr @viktoria_myr Photo by: Daria Koso @daria.koso.photo Makeup/Hair: Elya Belogurova @elya.belogurova.make_up Location: Miami, Florida

45 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022

Model: Viktoria Myr @viktoria_myr Photo by: Daria Koso @daria.koso.photo Makeup/Hair: Elya Belogurova @elya.belogurova.make_up Location: Miami, Florida

46 | Davinci Magazine | Sept. 2022