LOCAL WOLVES // ISSUE 36 - LIA MARIE JOHNSON

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pril is one of my favorite months besides December because Christmas and August because it’s my birthday month (duh, of course!) April 12th is significant to me because it will be Local Wolves’ anniversary as we celebrate four amazing years as a publication. This is a huge stepping stone when I look back through all the highlights and challenges that my team and I had to face when starting a publication and our readers are seriously the sweetest human beings who have been so supportive and we are forever grateful to have Local Wolves as a platform where we can interact with our readers and have them involved in our issues. So what next? I will be graduating from university by the end of this year, and trust me, I am so stoked to be done with school. These past few months, I realized that my dream career was right in front of me. This publication is everything to me and my goal is to continue to expand Local Wolves and encourage the youth that it’s okay if you don’t know what you want to major in college and life is unexpected so through your difficult times, it can lead you even more opportunities. If you are passionate about something, go after it and do what you can to make into a career.

Don’t feel discouraged from what others say, continue to push yourself. I’m rooting for you. Thank you for a wonderful four years, wolfies! Hand Lettering (Above): Leah Lu / Illustration (Right): Laura Filas.

Cathrine Khom founder / editor-in-chief

contents

4

CLASSICS 07

playlist

08

munchies

10

do it yourself

12

p.s. positivity

16

wolfie submissions

20

pinpoint

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safety pinned

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food for the starving artist

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unfiltered wires

F E AT U R E S 30 36

wolfie celebration lili price

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cory maryott

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katja golde

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anna ottum

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lia marie johnson

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harrison glazier

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trinity gardner

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christian collins

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nearly summer

ISSUE 36 // LIA MARIE JOHNSON local wolves is an monthly online and print based publication delving into the most creative minds from the world of entertainment, arts and culture. the magazine is driven by a passion for the best coverage and photography to create an adaptive aesthetic.

SAY HELLO // LET’S CHAT general: info@localwolves.com press: press@localwolves.com get involved: community@localwolves.com

wolfie team

many thanks

founder / editor-in-chief cathrine khom copy editor sophia khom playlist editor sena cheung maker madison bass-taylor videographers jessica eu, summer luu head stylist katie qian hair/makeup artist jessie yarborough website coordinator kristy cheung publicist ashley bulayo social media caroline edwards, nicole tillotson front cover logo fiona yeung back cover logo isabel ramos cover photo karen hernandez

anna ottum @annaottum new york, ny

design / illustration kelsey cordutsky, christine ennis, laura filas, lisa lok, leah lu, megan kate potter, lauren wright contributing writers lexie alley, kamrin baker, sadie bell, kendall bolam, ashley bulayo, orion carloto, sydney clarke, rachel coker, nathaniel crawford, karina diez, meghan duncan, morgan eckel, brindy francis, anna hall, alexis jarrett, chloe luthringshausen, hudson luthringshausen, kaela malozewski, emma matthews, harriet stanley contributing photographers lexie alley, mila austin, pamela ayala, madison bass-taylor, megan cencula, viviana contreras, riley donahue, amanda harle, lindsey harris, katy johnson, rachel kober, chris lampkins, sam landreth, summer luu, lhoycel marie, penelope martinez, jenson metcalf, roxana moure, meagan sullivan, melissa tilley, ashley yu

brian wooden @brianwooden nashville, tn christian collins @weeklychris canada cory maryott @coryiander san francisco, ca

lili price @lilipricestudio central london, uk

harrison glazier @harrisonglazier san francisco, ca

trinity gardner @catveins san francisco, ca

jade sheldon @jade_melissa portland, or

connect

joe robles @joerobles dallas, tx katja golde @ragandbroke san francisco, ca lia marie johnson @liamariejohnson los angeles, ca

localwolves.com twitter | instagram | snapchat @localwolves read online issuu.com/localwolves print shop magcloud.com/user/localwolvesmag

playlist + APRIL 2016 +

COVERAGE: SENA CHEUNG

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munchies + BLUESTONE LANE COLLECTIVE CAFÉ +

“just to feel like I’ve got a piece of home and I can disconnect and really enjoy the welcoming and inclusive space around here.”

HOW DID YOU GUYS BECOME SO POPULAR? It’s 100% word of mouth. We’ve never used PR, and so we just hope that our customers have a good time and advocate for us, and that’s been a big influence.

We use social media quite effectively: we have 20K followers on Instagram now which has pretty amazing.

COVERAGE: SOPHIA WILSON INTERVIEW: NICK STONE

WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME OF YOUR RESTAURANT? Bluestone Lane is really from Melbourne, Australia where the central business district is designed like a grid but it has intricate laneways all through it, and the laneways are paved with blue stone. And because I’m from Melbourne, that’s how I came up with the name!

SO, WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO OPEN BLUESTONE HERE, AS OPPOSED TO IN AUSTRALIA? I really came to go to business school here and when I arrived in New York, I just couldn’t believe how inconsistent the coffee experience was.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ITEMS ON THE MENU? I love our avocado smash with a poached egg, it’s great! I really like the pea smash— we do like smashed peas with mint and yogurt, and that’s pretty amazing on multigrain bread. I also really like the green baked eggs, which is baked eggs with tomatoes, chimichurri, spinach What

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leaves, it also has some feta cheese in it.

It’s beautiful. So those are probably my favorites, oh— and then obviously the coffee. My favorite coffee beverage is a piccolo latte.

WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND BLUESTONE LANE? This is very much modeled on what you would typically find in Melbourne, with a strong sort of beach influence, which is really from Sydney, and I think when I moved to the states, I just felt this was a wonderful opportunity because coffee consumption was so high, and I mean people were really interested in healthy, awesome food, and I know that my wife and I love that! My wife is a nutritionist and she’s really into healthy eating and fitness and things, so that was really the inspiration to create something out of my own desire. It is really what I would like to go to.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER BIG PLANS IN THE FUTURE OF BLUESTONE LANE? We’re opening two more: one at the Astor Place subway entrance— it’s a huge space with big glass windows, and then our first one in Brooklyn, in DUMBO, which will be our biggest store.

HAS ANYONE PARTICULARLY FAMOUS DINED AT ONE OF YOUR LOCATIONS? Yeah, we actually have famous people come here pretty much every day! Taylor Swift’s been here three times, Sarah Jessica Parker, Hugh Jackman, all of the Victoria Secret models, Malcolm Gladwell comes in daily, Cameron Diaz has been in here a few times.

LASTLY, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING HERE? That’s a really great question because I think that hospitality is really more than just the food, it’s really the experience and I love coming into our stores and feeling like I’ve escaped Manhattan. Like, right now, it doesn’t really feel like we’re in the middle of Manhattan. I think that’s the most enjoyable thing for me, just to feel like I’ve got a piece of home and I can disconnect and really enjoy the welcoming and inclusive space around here.

LOCATION: 55 GREENWICH AVENUE NEW YORK, NY 10014 BLUESTONELANENY.COM (646) 368-1988

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do it yourself + UPCYCLED GRAPHIC TEE +

SUPPLIES + pair of sharp scissors + graphic tee + marker + thread (matching color of tee) + needle COVERAGE: MEGHAN DUNCAN

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STEPS

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align ruler from the bottom point of the underarm seam to the collar

cut along line (with help of the ruler, if needed) and repeat on opposite sleeve

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4

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make small markings with a marker to indicate a line to cut along

cut along the rim of the collar removing the detached material but leaving the collar seam intact

try on shirt to see where sleeveless silhouette falls, and if desired, tuck in and pin any awkward edges for desired fit or leave as is

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clean up any fringe or messy cutting lines

sew along the pinned area enough to hold edges in

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MY DEAREST FRIENDS, This month Local Wolves turns 4 years old, how insane! Out of those 4 years, P.S Positivity was born exactly 2 years later. January 1, 2014. I never thought I’d actually write for a magazine or that my voice would be heard through such an inspiring platform. Of course, I’ve always dreamt of it, and even told my theatre teacher that my words would make it into an issue, but I’ve always dreamt that they’d happen later in life— I was trying to think “realistically.” It’s absolutely crazy and humbling to think that this whole thing started when I was only 17 years old. When Cathrine reached out to me on behalf of receiving my very own column for Local Wolves, my heart nearly did 8,000 backflips in a matter of 30 seconds, there was no way I could say no! I also knew that I wanted to have a platform where I could talk about things with absolutely no filter at all. A diary or an ode to help the wandering souls that linger for advice. I’ve been there and I knew that this was an opportunity to inspire others, so I took that to my full advantage.

P.S Positivity has covered the good, the bad, and the ugly. You and I have gone through this journey of self discovery and self love together. I do this because I love having the ability to change someone’s life, whether it be temporary or permanently. This is for you.

Thank you endlessly. // Illustration by Megan Kate Potter.

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DEAR ORION, I’ve been a long time fan of your writing for quite some time now, I adore all the pieces you put together and your lovely words top it all off! I can’t wait for your book to make its way on bookshelves and placed in the hands of many. Writing is something that has always been close to my heart, it’s practically my safe haven, I find so much comfort in grabbing a black pen and letting my words unfold on to a blank canvas. A few months back, I had an unfortunate insecurity with my writing and the scribbled up white papers that would confiscate my desk faded quickly. Until, one of your recent P.S. Positivity columns caught my eye, A Guide to Better Your Writing. This has been one of my favorite pieces of P.S. Positivity to look back on. As someone who looks up to your publications, when I read this wonderful guide I was beyond ecstatic to pick up on the advice and further my writing to the best it can be. I’m beginning to fall in love with my words again and thanks to you I don’t plan on stopping.

BAILEE ROSE // SEATTLE, WA

I want to let you now that you’re a huge influence in my life, not sure how I found you on the internet over a year ago but you’ve changed me, my mind, and soul. I’m forever thankful for that, having such a positive person to look up to when I’m not okay is what I always wanted. Also wanted to tell you what you already know, your writing is beautiful. You’re gonna go far my friend.

Everything you’ve written for P.S. Positivity has had an impact on me. Anyway, thank you for being such a sweet soul, you’re like a ray of sunshine that is always coming through my window and I love it.

VALERIA NÚÑEZ // CR

Hey! I wrote this poem a few months ago when my heart was too broken to function. I was inspired by your love of poetry to write my feelings out and you don’t even understand how much it helped me. You’re the reason I am the person I am today, you helped me find who I am and I found out I’m not a bad writer. You inspire me to do anything every single day about confidence and striving to do the best. I’m a feminist because you were the first person to ever introduce me to that, and I love it. You honestly deserve the world and I hope to one day meet your beautiful soul.

I really hope you like this. I love you, pretty girl! Also, thank you to Local Wolves for giving her the opportunity to write because her words are gold and they inspire so many people: You and I together are a piece of art that was never finished.

Maybe you were the artist and I was the paint,

one day you decided to put the brush down.

Perhaps you were the artist and I was the canvas.

Your love was the paint, You ran out of it.

We were an unfinished piece of art.

CAROL VENTURA // IRVING, TX

Hello, beautiful Orion! Every syntax you’ve conjured to create optimistic meaningful messages for P.S. Positivity is my favorite; it is a constant repetitive reminder that is like a powerful healing incantation that’s made me who I am today. It helps me understand there are things invisible to us that we can cling on to— love and hope. Emphasizing self love repeatedly is so important; we cannot truly love others if we can’t genuinely love ourselves. I mean, if we want someone to love us deeply then we should start with ourselves. If you can’t find someone to love, start loving yourself, sweetie. It allows us to explore ourselves by conquering our fears, by being free and allowing us to be our authentic selves without having to live our lives in the standards of society. P.S. Positivity is a river that positive words keep flowing in the depths of my encephalon every time I read it. P.S Positivity is the expecto patronum that guides me through the tenebrous moments every time I feel blue. Thank you, Orion, for reminding us not to always leave the gate open so that no one and nothing can trample the flowers in the garden of our hearts!

SAMANTHA MARIE // KENT, UK As an aspiring writer myself, I thoroughly enjoy reading what other writers have to say about topics such as body image, positivity, and self love. Those topics are important to me as well as others and I adore Orion Carloto and what she has had to say. Her words are mesmerizing and she has been one of my inspirations for the longest time now. P.S. Positivity is a way for her to think aloud and sort of allow others to know her personal feelings about certain topics and such. Happy fourth anniversary to Local Wolves and all of their superb columnists! They have all done a terrific job and I know this magical zine will go far.

Anticipating what’s to come.

NOAM WEIZMANN // SC

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P.S. Positivity is all about loving yourself.

I’ve never read a more genuine column.

P.S. Positivity is raised on the platform of empowerment, and I believe that is something seldom found in today’s self-loathing, toxic environment. With the things life tends to overwhelm us with, it is important to make room for genuine advice that supplies knowledge from experience, confidence, and overall compassion. This is exactly what P.S. Positivity does for me.

Each time I read Orion’s words, I find myself feeling lighter, like the slightly embarrassing things I’ve done in the past aren’t so embarrassing. The column always reminds me that it’s normal to feel a little lost in life, and, I believe, P.S. Positivity is the guide for those conflicting moments. Down to it, my favorite thing about Orion’s column is her tone and the way she provides comfort in the subtlest of ways. P.S. Positivity is all about loving yourself and guidance when you need it, and I’ve never read a more genuine column. I think P.S. Positivity is what every high schooler deserves, and what every once-high schooler needed when they were struggling with the heartache of a crush or low self-esteem.

MIKAYLA CONNOLLY // MIDDLETOWN, NJ

Your name is literally a constellation, and that’s fitting considering you truly are a star. Your words resemble more than positivity: they show reason. They show that becoming hopeful for a better future is worth it. You really are an inspiring soul. Whether you’re column is about love, friendship, or healing, P.S. Positivity never fails to disappoint. As a monthly reader, retrogressing your journey whilst reading your words is indescribable. After watching you grow these past few years, it’s really amazing how much happier you are and you’ve made me feel through your column. I’m so glad you’re a regular writer for Local Wolves, because if you weren’t, my thoughts would wander without your guidance. I thank you for your letters to us. I thank you for sticking around. And most of all, I thank you for you.

DANI DEANGELIS // NJ

Orion’s work in P.S. Positivity is a such a crucial addition to the Local Wolves issues. She manages to come up with new and helpful pieces of advice each month to inspire young minds.

What blows my mind the most is that even if she could be feeling down or upset, Orion always keeps up with positive thoughts and words to lift the spirits of others. She never fails to be honest with us, the readers, and share her personal experiences, even if it may be difficult for her. I hope her beautiful mind continues to bless the spreads of Local Wolves for many more months to come!

JODIE QUINTER // BOSTON, MA

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Orion’s column in Local Wolves are what I look forward to every month. I love Orion so much; it’s honestly hard to put into words.

When I discovered she wrote in this magazine, I became ecstatic and read many months worth of P.S. Positivity. I’ve learned how to better my writing, became inspired, got a new outlook on self-acceptance and body positivity, just to name a few of my favorites. She has recommended her favorite songs, books, etc. and now those are also my favorite. Every month, I am truly blown away by her amazing words that she wrote on whatever topic it might be. I hope to see Orion writing for Local Wolves for a really long time because I know what she writes impacts thousands of people.

PAYTON I. // OH

I am someone who loves to write, but I’m not exactly surrounded by writers. It can be difficult to talk about when a lot of people in my generation lack appreciation for reading and writing. Orion Carloto, however, has inspired me to pursue my passions. Seeing a YouTuber I’ve been watching for years find success with her writing has been an amazing experience. Orion is almost like the wise, older sister I have always wanted to have. She has helped me in countless ways, but her writing has truly been an eyeopener to me. I look forward to the new issue of Local Wolves every month, especially P.S. Positivity. As someone who has a hard time getting through the mundane days of high school, a quick read and a reminder to be positive is extremely helpful to me. Seeing Orion working on her book has impacted me greatly.

I have been writing for as long as I can remember, but now I’ve started hold my poems and stories close to me. I have recently been writing more than ever before. I find myself overflowing with ideas and words and thanks to Orion, I feel that there is some purpose for it. At 16 years old, I’m thinking about refining some of my works and trying to publish a collection of poems and short stories. I am no longer doubtful of my art. Orion has taught me to take pride in my writing and love what I love to do.

Thank you Orion, for all the ways you have kept me positive and all of the things you have taught me. Your words have healed me in more ways than one.

KAYLA E. ALLEN // TEMECULA, CA

My favorite thing about P.S. Positivity is the fact that it is both inspiring and empowering. It truly is exactly what we need in a world where there is too much negativity around. P.S. Positivity is relatable but also rather helpful, as the advice Orion provides (in the most beautifully worded pieces) helps people like myself get through day-to-day life. P.S. Positivity is my favorite column out there. Thank you, Orion, for giving the gift of words in the loveliest of manners.

PRIYANKA SHAJPAL // SOLIHULL, UK

ZAHRA EL-KHAZRAGI // WALES, UK

P.S. Positivity allowed me to gain a proper understanding of what it means to love yourself unconditionally and to put your needs above the wants of others. Every month, Orion has shown me in one way or another that positivity is not just about having a smile on your face. It’s about empowerment, communities, self-love and self-confidence, and feeling connected to the space and people around you. It’s about passion, and enjoyment and taking the time to what you love to do. Positivity is about your outlook on life, and the way you view everything going on around you; it’s about having perspective. To me, positivity is having two roads and picking to go down the one you know will have the best impact on your life— because after all, being happy is a choice.

JESSICA McKNIGHT // AUCKLAND, NZ

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#balance + WOLFIE SUBMISSIONS +

This month we discuss about the concept of balance when it comes to being in-sync with yourself, how you handle dealing with unexpected challenges and still being able to do what you love. ILLUSTRATION (LEFT): LAURA FILAS // ILLUSTRATION (LEFT): LEAH LU Truthfully, I don’t believe anyone’s life is perfectly balanced.

I think as humans we crave that sense of perfection, a forever balance, but once we feel we have a hold of it the universes seems to throw something our way that tilts the scales. But the good thing? It’s happening to everybody.

Nobody knows what the next day will bring, what new challenge will be thrown our way. I deal with my unbalanced life from the inside. I see myself as the pillar that holds the two scales up. Through meditation and yoga I’ve found my balance inwardly. The two practices have taught me how to bend and move through the changes in my life. To accept the fact that perfection is only a concept, and one that never sticks around. I’m still working on it, this balancing act, but I’ve learnt to deal with the constant wobble we call life. – ASHLEY SEEBALD / EDEN, NY First of all, breathe. Unlike Ron Weasley, I don’t have the emotional range of a teaspoon. I always have conflicting emotions, incoherent thoughts and I am always at war with myself. To handle and balance such challenging personal matters— school, family, work, social life and my physical and mental health— is tough if you are facing all these all at once at the speed of light on your own. My advice? Allow yourself to ask for help when the weight of the world has become too much. This means to practice self-care; to take good care of yourself. I try to have a positive perspective when dealing with unexpected news because let’s face it, it is unavoidable and part of life. It may be shocking but always know that you will get through no matter what.

Learn to let go of the negative to make new space for the positive. Use the power of your voice to make a change.

Do remember that you are the artist that will colour your world of black and white; you are the author that will write the next chapter of your life and you are the composer that will compose the half finished song you were composing. – SAMANTHA MARIE / KENT, UK

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Staying in touch with yourself despite unexpected challenges is all about going back to what made you love what you love. I have a childlike heart so I get anxious about the big adult things— filing taxes, moving, safety procedures, paperwork, health insurance... you get the point. Ever so often, it'll really affect my vibe and I'll just crawl into my sea of lavender covers with a stressed out state of mind for hours on end. Yet I realized that you could still get the annoying adult stuff done without sacrificing what you love. I truly believe experience and wisdom can coexist with innocence and enthusiasm, even if William Blake doesn't think so. Harry Potter is something that's been with me through my entire life, so I always end going back to Hogwarts when I need a creative or emotional pickme-up. Or I'll shamelessly dive into a large bag of Hot Cheetos. Or I'll walk through the greenest forest I know while listening to ancient hymns. Or I'll go to Disneyland and watch the fireworks while sipping my double tall soy mocha, crying endlessly into the seam of the cup. You have to hold onto those things that make you, you, right? I always think to myself, "What would my 7 year old self think? What do I think now, at this current moment? And what will I think on my deathbed, looking down at my life?" Balance is all about staying connecting with your past, present and future, and letting it journey with you. You can't get caught up in the symptoms and obligations of your life. – MARIA ELENA / LONG BEACH, CA

ILLUSTRATION/POEM: HIBA ARGANE / QATAR

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On days where the sun does not shine and the rain streaks my windowpanes, I close my eyes and breathe. In all the chaos, I find serenity in the hot herbal tea that I sip, the coffee house blues that stream through my square of a room, and escaping my reality for a little while unraveling another writer’s work. On days when I find myself outof-sync, I string words together to create poetry that will rearrange the angels and demons in one’s soul. I take the rain and use that day of weakness as a gain in my writing, as a gain to my strength. Somehow, I think that’s what makes me go on. I know that balance is never easy, and maybe I will never fully reach an equilibrium, but I can take the bad and make it good within myself. I can make it so good within myself that it can hopefully radiate outward, out of my body, and maybe just maybe be the equilibrium in someone else’s life. Finding consistency in life is something rare but not something worth faltering in faith. There is never such a thing as too “busy” because we make time for what we believe to be important. So balance in life is directly correlated to what is important to you. Not everyday will be the best, but even on the rainiest of days, I can find comfort in the simple things to keep me grounded. At peace. My own version of balance. – CORAL GOLDSTEIN / HOUSTON, TX

Balance is a very difficult thing for me. I spend an unhealthy amount of time letting myself be ruled by my emotions.

By that I mean, if I feel like having a cookie because I'm sad and that will make me feel better, I do it. Four cookies later and I think I hate myself so I go lay in my bed and watch Netflix because that makes me feel better about eating too much. And it becomes an endless cycle of never getting anything done while I lay around trying to figure out why I can't get anything done. Creativity blocks are also something I struggle with. I'm really glad that Local Wolves is focusing on balance this month because it's my birthday month, and I'm turning a year older and it's just a perfect reminder that I need to get my head out of the clouds.

Working towards a balanced lifestyle is something we as humans tend to idolize, maybe unintentionally, which can ruin the whole purpose of doing it in the first place. The way I organize myself is through creative projects and art.

If I am trying to get something done I'll try to draw or find inspiration somewhere, which helps me focus on whatever task I have to do. I think keeping yourself in check is absolutely vital if you are staying balanced. – HANNAH MILARD / ORLANDO, FL

Balance, like most ideas, has a quite subjective and relative meaning. To me, it is being able to find peace within myself and being in harmony with my surroundings. To incorporate this in my life, I tend to go to my happy places; places that represent my comfort zone in times of turbulence, where I know I will feel safe for a while until I'm ready to face reality once again. Some of these places include my imagination (creativity), pretty views of nature, fresh blankets, a cup of tea, etc. It may be difficult at times to escape what we perceive as inevitable, but when our emotional sanity is at risk, it becomes necessary. Putting my spiritual/emotional self as a top priority was a key step to being comfortable with my life and, thus, find balance. It is also important to remember that limits, labels, and predefined paths are all imaginary, man made norms that we're not obliged to follow. Finding peace or balance gets even harder if trying to please society and its standards all the time so don't. As cliché as it sounds, being your own beautiful self is the way to go. – MARIA FIERRO / CARLSBAND, CA ILLUSTRATION (ABOVE): NICOLE ZUHSE / ELON, NC

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pinpoint + B A LT I M O R E / / M A R Y L A N D + COVERAGE: ERIN KRESPAN

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artifact coffee ARTIFACTCOFFEE.COM / @ARTIFACTCOFFEE ON INSTAGRAM

ARTIFACT COFFEE is one of the hottest coffee shops in the Baltimore area. It is always jam packed any day of the week, but waiting in line is worth it. There are tons of options from a great pour-over coffee to a more interesting choice like the Spike-i-atto. Artifact Coffee should be your first stop if you’re looking for a caffeine fix.

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broadway diner BROADWAYDINER1.COM

BROADWAY DINER, a 24-hour hot spot, gives you endless options of great food. I’ve had breakfast, lunch and dinner here before and none have ever disappointed. Breakfast would have to be my favorite though— I can’t say no to a Belgium waffle with ice cream on the side! Broadway Diner was also featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, so it has to be good.

café hon CAFEHON.COM / @CAFEHON ON INSTAGRAM

CAFÉ HON is located in the heart of the Hampden neighborhood. This lunch spot has eclectic décor with a giant flamingo on the front of the restaurant, an oversized spoon the front door and a life size Elvis greeting you as you walk in. Café Hon has so many great choices for lunch and you really can’t go wrong with anything.

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bottle of bread @BOTTLEOFBREAD ON INSTAGRAM

If you enjoy vintage clothes and handmade jewelry, you need to stop into BOTTLE OF BREAD. They’ve been supplying Baltimore with eclectic clothing since 2013.

Bottle of Bread also supports other local small businesses by selling homemade candles and jewelry. If you enjoy vintage pieces, this will be heavenly for you.

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After watching THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL, I set out to find the grooviest SILK BOMBER I could get my hands on. As I channeled springtime in 1970s San Francisco for these three looks, I wanted to recreate that same comfortably confident attitude that Minnie, the young heroine of the film, unashamedly brandished. Of course, there were moments of vulnerability that shone through little cracks in her tough teen girl façade, but there always remained freedom in her movements. Freedom to choose what makes you comfortable is the most important part of finding your own style, and I hope that the versatility of these three looks can empower you to find a headspace where it feels good to just be you. Take inspiration from the things around you in little bits to effortlessly blend a trend with your own style— like pairing subtly detailed cropped jeans for a vintage feel with your favorite sneakers and lovingly worn out graphic tee. A skirt or a dress will always look super cool with a bold jacket; so don’t be afraid to try unexpected color combinations. Lastly, add easy and pretty detail with a simple leather watch or cord choker. Whatever you wear, have fun with it.

I N S P I R AT I O N / film the diary of a teenage girl

LOOK 1 / EDGY forever 21 colorblocked bomber jacket thrifted graphic tee topshop ‘jamie’ pinstripe high rise ankle skinny jeans vans old skool sneaker forever 21 mirrored round sunglasses

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WORDS: MEGHAN DUNCAN PHOTOGRAPHY: LHOYCEL MARIE BANNER: LAURA FILAS

LOOK 3 / SPORTY LOOK 2 / CLASSIC forever 21 colorblocked bomber jacket boohoo plunge front bohemian floral romper thrifted platform leather heeled sandals diy cord necklace

forever 21 colorblocked bomber jacket forever 21 striped ringer tee bdg corduroy button-front mini skirt adidas originals gazelle uo black cat watch

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food for the starving artist COVERAGE: NATHANIEL CRAWFORD

Hi, friends and welcome to FOOD FOR THE STARVING ARTIST, a new series I’m writing exclusively for Local Wolves about the simplicity and creativity that can be found in the art of cooking. As someone who has found so much passion and love for cooking and baking, I am so excited to be sharing my recipes and ramblings with all you lovely readers!

white pistachio cake with a strawberry chutney buttercream

Get out your party hats and light those candles, because we’re celebrating a birthday. That’s right, Local Wolves is celebrating its 4-year-old birthday! Yay! I think the only logical way to celebrate a birthday is to make a decadent birthday cake, don’t you agree? Typically, I would go for a rich dark chocolate or maybe a salted caramel inspired one with a golden sauce dripping down the sides. Though with the spring season upon us, it just seemed fitting to work with fresh strawberries. I adore strawberries. They’re probably my favorite fruit of all time. They’re the perfect blend of tart and sweet, all encased in a red, seedy exterior of deliciousness.

WARNING: This cake is absolutely wonderful. The cake batter includes chopped pistachios which add a nice flavor and texture to the cake. Fresh out of the oven, the cake is warm and buttery with a perfectly golden brown exterior. I decided to layer the cake with a strawberry chutney buttercream. A chutney is essentially a sweet & tart syrup/sauce mixture with fruit tossed in and cooked down, releasing all the fruits natural sugars and juices as it heats. The chutney really brightened the richness of the buttercream which complimented the pistachio cake exquisitely. All in all, a perfect cake for a springtime celebration.

Cheers to you, Local Wolves! Happy birthday and with many more to come!

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CAKE 4 egg whites, room temperature 2 cup sugar 1 cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ tablespoons baking powder 2 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup milk ½ cup pistachios, chopped

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STRAWBERRY CHUTNEY BUTTERCREAM ¼ cup raisins ¼ cup brown sugar, packed firmly ¼ cup fresh lemon juice ¼ cup red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons honey 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced 3 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 cup butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon heavy cream 5 – 6 tablespoons chutney

STEPS 1 For the cake. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

NOTE: To make room temperature egg whites. Place the eggs in a large liquid measuring cup. Fill the cup with lukewarm water and allow the eggs to sit for 15-20 minutes.

Using room temperature eggs will allow for an easier and faster meringue.

2 In a large mixing bowl with clean beaters, beat the four room temperature egg whites with 2 tablespoons of the sugar until they hold almost stiff peaks. (Do not overbeat until dry looking). Set bowl aside.

NOTE: What are stiff peaks? Essentially, what you want is when you turn off the beaters and take them out of the mixing bowl, the mixture should appear light and fluffy (looks like marshmallow fluff) and the egg white mixture on the tip of the beater should be firmly curved. It should hold its peak (like a mountains peak).

3 In another bowl cream together the butter, the remaining sugar, and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt and add the mixture in thirds, alternating with the milk, beating until smooth. Stir in the chopped pistachios and 1/3 of the beaten egg whites.

Fold in the remaining egg whites with a large spatula until thoroughly combined, and divide the batter between the 2 prepared pans.

NOTE: Fold in the egg whites carefully by starting from the bottom of the batter and pulling up, bringing the spatula over the batter mixture. Repeat until well incorporated.

The egg whites are what helps in creating a “lightness” and “airiness” to the cake. Don’t deflate your egg whites or you’re going to have a bad time.

4 Bake the layers in the middle of the oven for 35 minutes or until a skewer tests clean and the cake pulls away from the pan. Allow the layers to cool for 10 minutes. Take a butter knife and gently glide it around the perimeter of the cake until the cake has come off from sides of the pan.

Invert onto a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before assembling.

5 For the chutney. Combine the raisins, brown sugar, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and honey in a saucepan.

Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil.

Continue to cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until sauce slightly thickens. Stir in strawberries. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the mixture is thick, stirring occasionally. Take off the heat and allow to cool before using.

6 For the buttercream. In a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, mix together sugar and butter until mixture is light and fluffy. Mix on low speed until well blended and then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes.

Add vanilla and cream and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more. Add in roughly 5 to 6 tablespoons of the cooled chutney and mix until well incorporated.

7 Assembly. Take 1/3 of the buttercream and spread it evenly over the top one of the cake halves. Take the other cake half and place it on top of the frosted cake. Take the 1/3 of the buttercream and spread it evening over the top of the cake. Use the remaining 1/3 of buttercream and evenly cover it, using an offset spatula to create an even layer.

Top with fresh strawberries and serve immediately. Spoon the remaining chutney over cut pieces of cake. Keep cake covered in the fridge when not serving.

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#wolfiecelebration + H A P P Y 4 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y L O C A L W O LV E S ! +

ILLUSTRATION: CAROLINE EDWARDS / MALIBU, CA

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Referring to P.S. Positivity in our #StayBraveBeBold issue: I often have to remind myself that no great love story was ever written about late night texts. And the boy who forgets to respond to me probably won’t end up being my Romeo. I mean, Romeo did scale a building after his first date, and I just got a ‘Read at 11:58.’ But that doesn’t mean my Romeo or Heathcliff isn’t out there, it just means I have the wrong number. Maybe all of us have mixed matched numbers for a while. Maybe we are the ones that don’t respond. And maybe, just for a little bit, we fall in love with someone else’s Romeo. We could spend years with the wrong Romeo, and he’ll teach you everything about compassion and misguided youth, but then he’ll lock eyes with his actual Juliet, and you’ll become nothing more than time spent. Isn’t that what happened? Romeo was in love with Rosaline, but the second he saw Juliet she became Rosawho? And it wasn’t her fault at all, some beginnings are just more important than endings. Maybe that what Orion knew, or knows now; that there’s always another love story waiting to be told so don’t worry when one doesn’t work out. Everyone out there has a person who won’t leave them on read or forget about them at first glance. It may take a while, but it’ll be worth the wait. So in the time being, with messy hearts and damp cheeks, be the Rosaline of the story. Fall in and out of love so many times that when it’s real you can feel the difference in the air. And who knows, maybe eventually Rosaline did have the best love story of all time. We at least know it turned out better than Romeo’s.

– LIZZY BRIGHAM / HOUSTON, TX Local Wolves is such a diverse magazine in terms of what they cover in every issue. From musicians to DIYs to spreading positivity, it’s hard to categorize Local Wolves.

Each issue brings something new to the table, and each issue never disappoints. The past four years of Local Wolves has grown into something so much more than just a magazine. By creating Wolfie Submissions, the Local Wolves team has allowed aspiring artists and writers to express themselves on a broad platform that they would otherwise not have access to. It’s an opportunity that I, as well as other wolfies, are beyond appreciative to have.

Local Wolves’ inclusion of their readers in each issue brings about a sense of community that most other magazines don’t have. As someone who has been printed in the Wolfie Submissions previously, it’s incredible to see a team that recognizes the importance of their readers. The connection between the readers and the creators is a tremendous part of what keeps the readers, well, reading. Along with that and the aesthetic that Local Wolves maintains throughout each issue, it’s hard not to fall in love with this magazine.

Local Wolves has come a long way in the past four years, and I can’t wait to watch it evolve into something even more beautiful in these next four years. – HANNAH GREIL / DAYTON, OH

Local Wolves is an abundance of creative and inspiring content. This magazine, other than the usual 'fashion' based ones, appeals to many different people. Writers and artists finally have a place to draw inspiration from and submit their own work. This magazine gives small creators a chance to show off their brilliant creations. I've discovered new music and talented artists and beautiful writers from different issues of Local Wolves. Thank you for filling my life with a collection of gems and here's to many more issues to come. – LEAH FRENCH / DOVER, NH What I admire about Local Wolves is the limitless possibilities they offer, especially with art and music.

There are no boundaries, every one is allowed to fully express themselves and Local Wolves has a way to bring it all together as one to make an breathtaking read. As a photographer, it can be hard to make your art stand out, but this magazine gave me my first published photo in the August issue and it honestly pushed me to keep making eye popping art. I don't limit myself with a camera and this magazine has a big reasoning in that. Art is something that can bring people together; to think, feel, admire and express. That is why I love this magazine, because it makes you feel something. – ASHLEY FENISON / EUGENE, OR My favorite person that has been featured in this magazine is Orion Carloto! I am an enthusiast of poetry and art and I really like how she writes her pieces, and I relate to them so much. Also, I have been subscribed to her YouTube channel for quite a while now and her videos make me smile when I watch them. She is an inspiration to all the people who watches her and I think she is doing an amazing job in entertaining people. It's also a plus that she is gorgeous!

More power to you and your publication, guys! – JOMA TUAZON / BAGUIO CITY, PH (ILLUSTRATION: BELOW)

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ILLUSTRATION: MARINA SUNG MARQUES / SAN PAULO,

ILLUSTRATION: MEGAN KATE POTTER

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ILLUSTRATION: RACHEL TUNG / BRISTOL, UK

I've submitted photographs inspired by Raymond Braun's cover and issue of Local Wolves— one of my favorite issues! These pictures reflect Raymond's colorful and vibrant personality as well as his positive outlook on life.

He embodies youthful and eclectic energy and Local Wolves did an impeccable job in capturing that through photography and writing. – STEVEN BACOUN / PORT-AUPRINCE, HA

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Four. Those four letters. Four. The four reasons why I'm here today. 1. Readers, no matter where you are, thank you for your endless support and know that, we are beyond grateful for all your messages, tweets and seeing our readers purchase our issues in print is to another level.

Trust me, I would have never known that it could be even possible if I didn't take the risk but I'm glad the publication is a convenient platform for both print and digital. 2) Staff, thank you for keeping up with deadlines, impromptu texts and emails filled with all the ideas I've been accumulating.

The publishing aspect is all because of your hard work and dedication to produce monthly creative content every month is absolutely incredible. 3) Platform, the ability to share our content in print and online. issuu has been the first platform where we can share all of our issues for free and the accessibility to read our issues on the desktop or any mobile device. The issuu team has been so supportive and became a part of our extended family. The issuu Generator's camp was such an experience and definitely one of the highlights of my year thus far. Thank you to all of the individuals that I've met that pushed me and my team to continue to create what we love. Magcloud, the first printing company that we used and I must say, it's been a huge part of the publication as well. Thank you for your hospitality and amazing customer service. 4. Social media, there are so many platforms that we are using that allows us to stay connected with our readers and collaborate with other fellow creatives. Local Wolves is driven for the youth and creative minds. I am beyond excited for what's to come in the next upcoming years. This issue is for you and we plan to continue with our promise to share more stories and creative content that we hope will inspire you, motivate you and create more. – CATHRINE KHOM, FOUNDER + EIC I have been a fan of Local Wolves for a long time, so when I found out they were looking for a web designer I sent them an email as fast as I could. The team entrusted me with the task of designing their brand new website and it was one of the most challenging jobs I've done, but also the most rewarding. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity Local Wolves gave me as it has opened many doors in my professional career as a web designer and developer.

Congratulations to the team on their fourth anniversary.

Keep producing rad content! Much love. – JESUS ACOSTA, WEB DESIGNER / DEVELOPER My experience with Local Wolves has been brilliant so far.

I've loved meeting and working with other creatives and feeling part of a team that produces such a great magazine.

Every person I have photographed has their unique world and dreams and it is so good to see people of my age so driven in creating their visions and making stuff happen, it's very motivating. Local Wolves has allowed me to develop, improve and branch out my photography and career as well as gain increasing knowledge in the field. – MILA AUSTIN, PHOTOGRAPHER

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I first found out about Local Wolves in 2013 through YouTube, of course. I remember the first issue I read was issue seven featuring JC Caylen, and thinking it was so cool that there was a magazine out there that was featuring YouTubers and bands I was into. During that time I was in college for graphic design. In March 2014, the magazine tweeted they were looking for graphic designers and I emailed my design portfolio. A few days later they welcomed me to the team via Twitter and I was completely overjoyed— in fact I printed out the tweet, stuck it on my wall, and since then it’s still there today. Since then I’ve worked on 24 issues, including this one. I also had the great opportunity of photographing Buffer Festival 2014 for the magazine, which can be seen in the Halsey issue. I wouldn't have been able to experience that without LW. For me, working for Local Wolves has been the most amazing journey. From designing and creating for the magazine monthly, I’ve discovered that editorial and layout design is my favorite type of graphic design and what I can see myself continuing into the future. I've also made so many friends through LW and I can't thank the magazine enough for connecting me with such amazing creative people. Thank you Local Wolves, and Cathrine Khom for giving me such amazing opportunities and keeping me around. Happy 4th Anniversary, LW! – CHRISTINE ENNIS, GRAPHIC DESIGNER To be honest, I can hardly remember how I got started with Local Wolves… but the feeling of seeing my name and story in print for the first time is certainly something I will always remember. What’s special about Local Wolves is that it allows so many young writers to experience that feeling, that validation. As writers, photographers, filmmakers, etc. there is a period when starting out that feels strange because of its non-official-ness… of course, we are all real artists, but to see your name on the big screen or on the page is very much a moment of fruition. It’s an addictive feeling for those who truly love their craft— and a publication like Local Wolves cannot thrive the way it has without a staff full of artists addicted, devoted, and full of passion for their craft. So, as a writer, I have Local Wolves to thank for galvanizing what I hope to be a long pursuit of that very passion born out of the assignment-email, the research, the interview, and the story in print. It doesn’t get much cooler than that for a group of young people from across a nation and we all have Cathrine Khom, the absolute wonder behind the entire publication, to thank for all of this. Cathrine has been an integral part of not just the Local Wolves the readers see, but the Local Wolves behind the scenes in the email chains, spending hours upon hours to make every issue better. Being a part of the Local Wolves team has been an amazing experience and a growth both professionally and personally and I can’t wait to see what’s to come for the community. Happy Anniversary, LW! – HUDSON LUTHRINGSHAUSEN, WRITER

ILLUSTRATIONS: JADE SHELDON / PORTLAND, OR

Local Wolves Magazine has been a part of my life for about 4 years now. The first time I photographed with Local Wolves was for the Carpe Diem Issue. My first assignment was to photograph a bunch of bands playing at Chain Reaction, Anaheim, CA like Almost Hero, A Plus Dropouts, This Century, etc. I remember being so nervous and excited to be a part of something great! This moment changed my life forever. Seeing the magazine from the beginning stages to what it has become now is truly a remarkable thing to see. The magazine has grown and developed to such a unique place of art, music, and creativity. Local Wolves not has only helped me grow as a photographer, but they’ve also led me to life changing experiences. I also wanna thank Cathrine aka “Cath” for being such an amazing editor-in-chief and creative brain behind Local Wolves Magazine. I’m so honored and grateful to be a part of the wolfpack! Thank you for also introducing me to life long photographer friends and all the wonderful memories I will cherish forever! Happy Anniversary, Local Wolves Magazine! – LHOYCEL MARIE TEOPE, PHOTOGRAPHER

I feel like I’m about to write a yearbook entry. Anyways, I learned about Local Wolves when I was a model for my friend’s online shop, Random and Beautiful. A few years later, I saw a tweet that they were looking for writers and now here I am. A writer and publicist for the team. It’s crazy to even imagine all the amazing opportunities LW has brought to me. I’ve been contacted by some of my favorite up-and-coming artists or found myself learning about a whole slew of rising content creators that wow me as I watch them succeed in their career paths months after we cover them. This magazine has given me an outlet to work on my writing and a mini-family whom I have never met in my life but I mean let’s be real. The best friendships are made online. (Is that just me or…) And look, it’s not easy to put a publication together. Heck, I’ve seen it being a writer and working behind the scenes months building up to the release date. I have nothing but mad respect for Cathrine Khom for creating such a unique publication for everyone to enjoy. It’s only going to continue to grow stronger each and every year! Happy Anniversary, Local Wolves. You rock, never change. – ASHLEY BULAYO, WRITER/PUBLICIST

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lili price STORY: EMMA MATTHEWS PHOTOGRAPHY: MILA AUSTIN

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“I was always moving in a creative direction,” explains graphic guru, LILI PRICE. The Londonbased designer has become known for quirky hand-drawn illustrations that have appeared on everything from phone cases to tote bags to pouches. She’s even found fans in some of the capital’s most popular fashion bloggers including, Lily Pebbles, Samantha Maria and Victoria Magrath from In The Frow.

So how did it all begin? “I was fascinated with the music industry when I was younger. I used to listen to bands such as Foals, Paramore, You Me At Six, Ben Howard and A Day To Remember and was really interested in the artwork, music video, stage visuals and posters that were produced. At that young age I never really understood that it was a job to create all of the designs, I just thought the singers made it themselves,” she recalls. Adamant on producing her own art, Price quickly started thinking about a career in music. “I did this so I could make album covers and other relevant artwork. I came up with various other crazy ways to try and get into design such as wanting to own a nightclub or attempting to set up a record company!”

She’s also opened her own online shop and sold her products at Camden Lock Market and Renegade Fair. “I was bored of my work sitting in a portfolio rotting away in the sunlight.

So I took some drawings from projects I had designed and then printed them onto products to try and get my work seen by people,” she explains. “I then just emailed bloggers who seemed to love my work and it has just grown from there. Adverting and networking is key to growing my business.”

Hoping to graduate and work as a freelance designer in the fashion and music industry, Price’s very clear when it comes to advice to young artists. She ensures that it’s important to push creative boundaries on a day-to-day basis. “Always be creative, even if it’s dreaming up music videos when listing to music, taking photos of everyday life, doodling, or making stories up in your mind. Don’t let any one tell you can’t do something and if they do, prove them wrong!” she says. “Also, don’t be lazy!

Email people and or show them your portfolio, you never know, there might be a chance that they will open it and get back to you.”

Once she started college, she began to consider graphic design a job itself and has since tried to learn as much about it as possible. Of course, it wasn’t always a smooth journey. “There was a time when my work wasn’t reaching anybody, it just didn’t get any reactions,” she says. But those days seem far behind her. Alongside her university studies, Price has started taking on collaborations. Whilst ‘Alien Creature’ reached heaps of people globally, London allowed her to develop her skills and merge together illustration with graphic design. “This I felt really pushed my work. For the first time ever, it was never about a client but all about the story I was developing and creating— this different world in my head. It was also amazing to try and get my work to have a reaction from people where I could trigger emotions such as sadness and heart ache,” she says.

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cory maryott STORY: ANNA HALL PHOTOGRAPHY: AIDAN DOYLE

“At the heart of it, photography is about telling our stories,” says CORY MARYOTT. A recent Berkeley graduate, Cory is a freelance photographer in the Bay Area with a passion for telling stories through compelling photography. “As individuals, we take photos to capture memories, or to share experiences with others— these become tools for recalling our stories and for bringing them to others.”

Though he was majoring in landscape architecture, Maryott was introduced to photography during a photo class in his junior year at UC Berkeley. It was during that class that he fell in love with the art of photography and began to carry his camera everywhere. Eventually, his plans for the future in landscape architecture took a turn. “My last semester of senior year I was interning in my dream landscape firm, only to discover that the professional practice didn’t really suit me. I had some savings and took some time after graduation to adventure, meet new friends via Instagram, and produce a lot of photo work. After a few months of searching, I started to feel less and less excited about those design roles and started to focus more on photography and social media related work, and am now freelancing in those realms.”

Maryott has no regrets, however, regarding his time at UC Berkeley. Majoring in landscape architecture provided him with fundamental design principles and art history that is invaluable to his photography work now. “Despite moving away from the field of landscape architecture, I can’t imagine having studied anything else, and I find so many lessons relevant to what I do now, and likely to anything I decide to do in the future.

Berkeley definitely challenged me in so many ways, both in academics and in many life lessons. I really greatly value how much Berkeley made me challenge my own worldviews, both in and out of the classroom.”

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In the last few months Maryott has been working in food photography, shooting primarily with a San Francisco-based food start up called Munchery. “Going into food photography was definitely not something I ever expected would happen, but I’ve been having a lot of fun with it. It is definitely much more difficult than anything else I’ve had to shoot though,” Maryott admits.

While having consistent photography work has been great, he hasn’t had much time for his own projects.

“I recently moved to San Francisco from Berkeley, and the rent is astronomical! Having more consistent work lately has been a huge help though, and I have a personal project in the works. I don’t want to say too much yet, but I’m planning an interview series for my photo blog on corymaryott.exposure.co!”

As Maryott observes, photography is about telling our stories. In fact, photography’s potential to create experiences and tell stories has come into a new light lately after the death of a close of friend of his. “Since her recent passing I’ve found myself contemplating life a lot more, thinking about how quickly time slips by, and it makes me consider quite seriously where I’m spending my time, and with whom, and towards what ends. Most of all, it shifted my perspective and once again has reminded me quite shockingly how fragile life can be. Now when I savor warm bread, or when I smell the rain, or when I kiss my love goodnight, I see each moment pass with new eyes. Maybe my work will capture this a bit.”

Maryott’s photography shows an awareness and appreciation of how fleeting each and every moment can be. For him, a photo is a fragile moment frozen in time. Whatever future projects Maryott has in the works, he no doubt will bring this unique perspective and passion for storytelling to his photography.

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“

NOW WHEN I SAVOR WARM BREAD, SMELL THE RAIN, OR KISS MY LOVE GOODNIGHT, I SEE EACH MOMENT PASS WITH NEW EYES. MAYBE MY WORK WILL CAPTURE THIS A BIT.

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katja golde STORY: BRINDY FRANCIS PHOTOGRAPHY: AIDAN DOYLE

“As a photographer, I’ve learned not to be stressed out about taking photos, even if they don’t come out well the first time. Be patient and realize it’s not always going to be exactly how you want,” remarks San Francisco’s up and coming photographer, KATJA GOLDE when chatting about the obstacles photographers may go through. “An obstacle I have faced taking while pictures is comparing myself to other people. I need to understand that I am a different person than they are.”

Golde, with over 17k followers, has been loving her career on Instagram. Her simplistic photographs have reached the hearts of many. The number one question photographers seem to be asked is what camera equipment they use.

Golde’s extreme talent is mostly brought to you by her very own iPhone camera! She states that at times, she will take out her Canon 30D. The message her work tends to portray is simplicity. “A lot of my photos are of simple things I’m doing. I want to show that you can take anything simple, like drinking a cup of coffee, and turn it into something beautiful. I also want to encourage people to explore more of the areas around them,” says Golde.

We all tend to be inspired while investing in something we love. At the beginning and throughout Golde’s work, she has discovered a love for other people who make art, just like her. “My mom is an artist, so I’ve learned a lot from her. She was the one who first started taking me to cafes and sunsets.” Golde also gives a shout out to @ rackandrouge and @harrisonglazier. They were the two who really have stuck out and has inspired her every step of her photography experience, which she states has been three years.

Everyone seems to focus on someone just for their profession. What is Golde doing when not snapping photos? When she is not photographing, she tends to be making art or working on some DIY project while listening to her favorite records. I’m with her! Who doesn’t love a good ol’ turntable? I bet you’re wondering who’s playing on that turntable! “My go-to artists for when I’m relaxing is Mac Demarco or Beach House, but it can definitely switch up,” states Golde. Now, I wonder where she tends to be when she is photographing. “I’m definitely in a cafe or cute shop while taking pictures, but I love to go outside and walk too. I’m trying to get outdoor photos more often now.”

Golde is not only known for her beautiful photographic technique, but she also makes films! We asked her what her messages seem to say in her cinematic work. “It switches based on the films. Some are from a message that you can apply to your daily life, while others are just visuals that I like.” She is always motivated to do what she loves to do.

She hasn’t given up or even thought about it! You wonder what keeps her going.

She’s a headstrong, hard working woman (#girlpower).

“I take photos because I love playing with colors and exploring new places.” She says she’s motivated by hearing adventurous stories or seeing photos that urge her to get out and experience. In the end, that’s what it’s all about: experiences and living in the moment. How do you become successful in the photography world? How can you become the next Katja Golde? “You aren’t going to start from the top, so be patient and stay true to yourself.”

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anna ottum STORY: EMMA MATTHEWS PHOTOGRAPHY: SAVANNAH DARAS

For photographer ANNA OTTUM, it’s almost as if she was destined to pick up a lens. “My parents met in a photography graduate program and I grew up around a ton of picture taking,” she recalls. “When I was young, my father lent me his 35mm Pentax Spotmatic and in high school, my work was chosen for a couple shows by the head of the photo department.” Shortly after, Ottum decided to peruse snapping more seriously with the ambition to make a career out of it.

time reading articles and books, listening to podcasts and flip through blogs and magazines to sort of bombard my senses and see what sticks. Many times this gives me a better idea of what I want to pursue for my next project,” she explains. “When I’m traveling I sometimes put too much pressure on myself to constantly document and then analyze my work as I’m creating it— but it’s always best to not force this idea of ‘brilliance.’ Instead I’m open to visual inspiration and I’m thankful when it comes.”

After college she moved to New York City from Oregon and soon found herself shooting for the likes of Urban Outfitters, Mood NYC and Sweetgreen, a healthy scratch kitchen. Naturally, the move didn’t come without its hurdles. “It was a challenge at first since my work mainly consisted of friends in the outdoors, which was really just a normal occurrence in Oregon and only required I carry my camera around in the chance I saw something I liked,” says Ottum. “In New York, my work became much more cropped in, because the interactions I had with friends happened inside our homes, in buildings or around crowds. I switched from a 28mm to a 50mm lens and started focusing more on portraiture.”

“I’M A BIG SUPPORTER OF ANYONE BEING ABLE TO SHOOT A GREAT PHOTO FROM THEIR PHONE AND SHARE IT WITH THE WORLD VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. I DON’T NECESSARILY THINK TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED POPULAR AESTHETIC, BUT IT HAS GIVEN A HUGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THE ABILITY TO FEEL CONFIDENT TAKING A PHOTOGRAPH, WHICH I’M VERY SUPPORTIVE OF.”

That said, New York is still a city that’s full to the brim of inspiration. For Ottum, her ideas can come from the littlest of things. “I’m a very traditional photographer in my love of dynamic light. I look for an interesting interaction of the subject with their surroundings, even if that subject is as seemingly mundane as a blue tissue box matching a blue sink. If my surroundings aren’t inspiring, I spend

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Of course, with technology progressing more and more photographers are taking on new mediums. Alongside the surge in interest for vintage cameras, the past few years have also seen snappers shoot campaigns with gear as simple as an iPhone and Instagram. So where does Ottum see photography going in the future? “It seems to go in cycles and there is still a very strong traditional hold on it. The great photographers of fashion, landscape, street photography, you name it— all learned and worked on film and they continue to be referenced and looked up to by many young photographers working today,” she says.

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“From what I’ve witnessed, the work that photographers are producing still holds to the traditional rules of photography, though new technology has allowed us to capture much more than we were able to before. I’m a big supporter of anyone being able to shoot a great photo from their phone and share it with the world via social media. I don’t necessarily think technology has changed popular aesthetic, but it has given a huge number of people the ability to feel confident taking a photograph, which I’m very supportive of.”

As for advice Ottum would give to photographers who are looking to turn their hobby into a job, she has some very wise pointers. “Being easy to work is a very important trait to me. Of course, we should all have confidence in our work and never get taken advantage of, but you can still get what you want without being a difficult person. It is more likely you will be hired back and referred if you get along with your clients,” she says. “In terms of equipment, I recommend using tools that you look forward to working with. For photography specifically, don’t buy a camera because you’re told it’s the best— try different cameras (many shops have a rental option) and find which image, controls and feel you like best. If you like your tools, chances are you’ll use them all the time and will produce more work that will lead to your favorite work.” Oh and let’s not forget the tip that we can all relate to, no matter your chosen art form: “In the midst of all this creating, find other creatives who care about and support your work and whose work you support and care about as well.”

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brian wooden

STORY: MEGHAN DUNCAN PHOTOGRAPHY: MATTHEW SIMMONS

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BRIAN WOODEN is an artist of all trades. Painting, mixed media, graffiti, music— you name it, he’s into it.

He dabbles in these creative spheres, but shockingly excels in it all. Just take a look at his Instagram and discover for yourself. Between series of figure studies (the animated versions of which will blow your mind) and kitschy pop-culture portraits that range from a floral Storm Trooper to an uber-passionate Frank Zappa, Wooden is making a distinct impression on the Nashville art scene.

He isn’t so callous to pretend his craft is easy, and that’s what makes him so likeable. We asked him how he deals with the feeling of frustration that sometimes arises after a project doesn’t turn out according to plan.

He candidly responded, “One of the hardest things to learn is just to let go of some things that you aren’t satisfied with in order to move forward. Some refer to this as ‘killing the baby.’ A lot of the things you create will feel like your child, whether or not you are satisfied with it, so sometimes you just gotta kill it. Start fresh.”

It may be easy to think Wooden is perfectly put together. Though, he says that is exactly what he’s not; he embraces the mess of attempting, succeeding and sometimes failing that comes along with being a creator. Wooden says the creative rut is impossible to evade— “I don’t avoid the rut. You inevitably get stuck and have to work your way out of it. The best way I have found to keep moving forward is to just keep making things, even if you hate them. Some of the greatest works in any medium have emerged from a pool of garbage.” It’s hard to envision anything Wooden makes being born out of garbage, but this kind of mentality is fearless at its core. His undaunted attitude saturates his work ethic, relying on intuition to guide his motions. When asked to describe an ideal workweek he quips, “I wish I knew. I never know what day it is.”

It’s apparent Wooden cares deeply about what he produces, and has arrived to a point in his career at which he understands the components needed to create an innovative space. Wooden divulges, “I love working late at night. I used to fight it because society seems to condition us with the ‘early bird gets the worm’ mentality. I would force myself to wake up as early as I could every day to try and feel productive, but the morning would always escape me before I knew it. You blink and it’s already lunch time. Everyone else is out and crowding the streets. The night just gets darker and quieter the deeper in you go. It lasts as long as you want it to, or until you are rewarded with the sunrise. I don’t even like worms.”

Being fearless can also mean allowing yourself to drift into new forms of expression. For Wooden, music came as a natural progression alongside art. “Music and visual art have always gone hand in hand for me.

I’ve found it helpful to experiment with an array of mediums. I’ll get a lot of ideas that I want to get out, and sometimes pencil and paper just isn’t the best method of doing so. It’s nice to have variety in order to get your message across the way you want.”

This pattern of productivity that he has created for himself seems to be working. The proof can be found among his 35,000 eager Instagram followers who patiently await his newest posts. But this count is almost lost on our friend. He tells us his motive for sharing his art comes from simply sharing a part of himself. “I try and be conscious of the message I send out whether it be to 3 people or 3,000. Being genuine is the most important part.”

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“SOME OF THE GREATEST WORKS IN ANY MEDIUM HAVE EMERGED FROM A POOL OF GARBAGE.”

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STORY: HUDSON LUTHRINGSHAUSEN PHOTOGRAPHY: KAREN HERNANDEZ HAIR & MAKEUP: JESSIE YARBOROUGH STYLING: KATIE QIAN

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“I want to be happy, traveling, performing, and surrounded by people I love and who love me.

The end goal is so far away I can’t even wrap my brain around it.”

At the age of nineteen, LIA MARIE JOHNSON is no stranger to the redundancies of questions like, “What are your plans?” or “Do you have a boyfriend?” . . . only, these questions aren’t exclusive to the family dinner table. For Johnson, these questions are coming from everyone. And seemingly she has no more idea of her future than any other college-aged kid; however, her present… well, that’s a little different.

With millions of followers, movie-roles, tv-roles, and a studio album in the works it’s apparent that Johnson’s reality is, frankly, unreal. After joining YouTube in 2007 and launching her acting career in 2008, the teenaged-Hawaiian certainly couldn’t have dreamed of the success she would achieve in the coming decade. That success was no accident, though.

Hard work, talent, and informed decisions were all in order for Johnson and continue to dominate her professional trajectory today.

All that said, many must wonder about the production quality of her image. She has a Disney-like relationship with AwesomenessTV (YouTube’s premiere entertainment company), following many of the familiar steps of stars like Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato. Yet, profiles like her Instagram that give glimpses of her life off-camera (and “out-of-character”) muddle the aforementioned “child-star sweetheart” persona her many professional ventures may imply. I get the sense this is all purposeful when she mentions her album (in-progress) that “showcases a darker part of [her] life [she hasn’t] shared much about yet.”

Given her massive following, Johnson agrees that there comes a responsibility to answer to. But that doesn’t worry her, if anything it only helps her cause. “I want people who look up to me to love themselves and see the beauty that life has to offer. I’m obviously not perfect and do things that all normal teenagers do, but that’s a part of my life that I don’t mind sharing either,” she explains to me about the way she approaches her social profiles. Her answer demonstrates the way she walks the tightrope between being a teen and an internet sensation with the composure of Philippe Petit— an impressive feat, indeed.

That’s not the only gap she bridges, too. Johnson has been active, and largely successful, in both music and acting thus far. She tells me that while acting is a huge part of her life, music is her primary focus at the moment. Her schedule for the upcoming year is very busy, too, and most of it she can’t divulge on. “I’ve been in the studio nearly every day working with some amazing producers and collaborating with a bunch of incredibly talented writers. I also just found out some great news about the series ‘T@gged’ I worked on last year, which is exciting. I have projects lined up for the rest of this year but I have to keep a lot of it a surprise! I’m so grateful for everything happening in my life right now,” she tells me— which is enough to get fans excited for more to come.

After talking about her professional life, we switch gears toward some more personal topics, beginning with her off-duty routine. “There are days I get to relax, its not all go-go-go. I love spending time with my friends and I love getting brunch (I am a brunch addict). I love concerts and late night adventures. I love to party and dance, but I also love staying in and watching movies or just reading.” These parties and adventures are those glimpses she offers on her social profiles, which rounds out the idea that she isn’t afraid to share what she’s really up to.

Before she goes I ask if she keeps a journal and she says yes: “I write in it every day. I started keeping a journal because I was constantly upset at the fact that I couldn’t remember all of my memories. I found myself getting very sad that life was moving so fast and I couldn’t just grab it and pause it. So much happens in our lives, and for me especially, its so hard to keep track of everything. Its nice to look back and remember what you were doing and how you were feeling. It helped me a lot because when you’re writing, its kind of like pausing the day for a second.” As for what worries a girl like Lia Marie Johnson, she says: “A lot of things worry me. Life worries me the most.

I’m always afraid I’m not going to have enough time to do everything and go everywhere I want. I could jump out of a plane and not have the least bit of anxiety, but when it comes to time and what we have of it on this earth, it scares the sh*t out of me.”

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harrison glazier STORY: KAMRIN BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY: AIDAN DOYLE

Just yesterday, I re-pinned a graphic containing a quote from Aaron Siskind, saying “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving.

What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” Not only did it contribute to my personal “media mogul” board, but it struck me with inspiration and a friendly reminder of one, HARRISON GLAZIER. Glazier is a youthful California photographer with an itch for natural light and joy. His journey on and off Instagram proves to be one of unadulterated talent and hope. His first page began at thirteen years old, where he set up his cleverly-named @insta_harry account (now a professional @harrizonglazier) with a typical feed of food and family, leading his parents to gift him a DSLR camera for his fourteenth birthday, which was the beginning of everything. “Pure, true personal work has always proven to consistently help me fall in love with photography over and over again,” Glazier recalls. “When I am allowed to shoot with unadulterated freedom, no strings attached or expectations to be met, I realize why I began taking pictures in the first place. Spontaneous shoots, shoots for my portfolio, shoots with just friends; these are the experiences that continually prove to be the most inspiring and valuable for my creative health. I love working with joy and elation. There are so many ways to capture a euphoric moment. No laugh looks the same.”

Glazier’s fascination with emotion stems from his own core, a place stimulated by sunsets and Solange Knowles. He finds a muse photographing near the Outer Sunset and the Marin Headlands, just past the Golden Gate Bridge. Glazier also identifies Knowles as a huge influence and “a modern-day renaissance woman” with “brilliant music, impeccable style, and a really unique eye for visuals.” With hopes to be just as independent and artistic in the industry, he respects Knowles’ vibe. “I tend to keep my editing very light and minimal,” Glazier speaks on his personal style. “Beyond technicalities, I hope that others see my personality and attitude towards life reflected in my work. I’m a very open and outgoing individual, yet very emotional and sensitive. I love the human mind and all of its ensuing complexities… so I think that my work is just very human. With any work that I do, I am heavily involved in the creative process from start to finish. Because of this, I think that a lot of my own humanity (my fear, my love, my joy, my anxiety) embeds itself into my photographs, and manifests as very unique, very organic presence.”

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With features for Urban Outfitters, Converse and Pixar, he hopes to continue to strive above and beyond. His devotion to shooting in film, covering weddings and women, and producing a final product of honesty and beauty defines Glazier as an artist and individual.

“Film feels much more “real” to me than digital, but who am I to be the judge of that? There’s a certain quality of film that just can’t be emulated: the way it translates colors, highlights, and grain is unparalleled in the digital world,” he says.

The tangible legitimacy of his subjects is what drives the creative spirit in Glazier. His internal fire burns to produce and develop things that tell important stories and emulate a string of emotions, ranging from fresh and current to nostalgic and classic.

“Photography is one of the most important things in my life, up there with family, community and spirituality,” Glazier reflects.

“However, that being said, I refuse to let myself be restricted to one medium of expression. I hope to continue to grow not only as a photographer, but as a modern artist in the modern world. I’d love to venture into filmmaking, painting and publication; the beautiful

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thing is that photography can inform all of these, and even be the primary foundation for any creative venture. But no matter where my career goes in the coming decades, I know that I will always be photographing.”

As he continues to work with people, models, moments and beyond, Glazier finds his goals in a spectrum of personal satisfaction, studio shoots and music and fashion calls. Although he already stands as a role model to many with his same passion, Glazier reminds himself and others the deepest fact of working in photography.

“You are not an aspiring photographer, you are a photographer.

Period. Your work is valuable and something special, something that only you can give society. Keep shooting, keep challenging yourself. The world needs what you have!”

trinity gardner STORY: KARMIN BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY: AIDAN DOYLE

Photography is a very broad term. For some, it means scrolling through a droll Facebook photo album of family events or staring into the eyes of a famous National Geographic subject, frozen in time. For others, like California native, TRINITY GARDNER, it means feeling anything with reckless abandon and making art based on the hodgepodge of the human condition.

Gardner made an Instagram account when she was 11, and the rest was history. “I struggled with identity as well as what direction I wanted to take my life until I was about 13 years old,” Gardner says. “I had been into photography and music but I had never been pleased with the content I created. Then, in eighth grade, I went on a trip to Athens, Greece for TEDx Athens. There, I met some amazing people like Olivia Bee and a man who has climbed Mt. Everest twice, I had the first photo shoot I had ever been proud of, and I learned countless things about myself and life in general.”

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Gardner’s love of youth and adventure began here.

Think Troye Sivan with a DSLR, mixed with the beauty and nuance of a young woman’s point of view. “My roots are in the East Bay, and I recommend that everyone visits Clayton, California sometime,” Gardner says on behalf of her hometown. “That’s the place where I grew up until I was 12. It’s filled from edge to edge with abandoned houses and barns. I give that city a notable mention in stemming my lust for adventure and exploration.”

She explains that “for San Francisco, my favorite spots are Stow Lake, Gather, The Sunset, and places like the Cal Academy and De Young. The entire city is spectacular, really.” Although it almost seems obvious that Gardner’s aesthetic is a Cali girl with a camera in hand, her personality stems deeper and more detailed, something she hopes to reveal through her work.

“ NEVER

SET BOUNDARIES FOR YOURSELF. LOVE WHAT YOU DO AND PEOPLE WILL NATURALLY GRAVITATE TOWARD YOUR WORK. MOST IMPORTANTLY, DON’T SELL OUT TO PLEASE ANYONE.” local wolves — 67

“ MY

GOAL IS TO CAPTURE THE PHOTO AS IF THEIR PERSONALITY IS DRIPPING FROM THE PAGE. ”

“Often times, my work doesn’t have a specific message, rather a feeling I’m aiming to illustrate through each image,” she adds. “Nostalgia, joy and reckless abandon make common reappearances among my work. I will be eternally fascinated by them [people]. My goal is to capture the photo as if their personality is dripping from the page. Often my photos reflect how I was feeling in that moment, or the general feelings and colors of that day.”

Gardner’s goal was to not remain stagnant, while also continuing to explore the world around her.

When she wasn’t on shoots, she explored the city and abandoned buildings, watched new films, attended concerts and musical events, skate, drew, and if she couldn’t fill up her plate any more or any more brilliantly, she enjoyed studying astrophysics as well. “I believe in countless things,” she says.

“The Secret, String Theory, Evolution, Christianity, Love, Optimism, and Passion just to name a few.”

Gardner’s belief system narrows down to a mantra of passion, creation and adventure. Her itinerary potentially consisted of a bus trip across the states and Mexico with her boyfriend, as well as venturing to abandoned areas in China to shoot skaters in an industrial backdrop. “We would stop wherever we want to take photos and meet more people to bring along the way,” she says, dreamily. “There would be no planned route. The whole thing would be very spontaneous and fun, which is my favorite kind of shoot to do.”

Although Gardner focuses on a film roll of people and their stories, she prides herself on drawing “support from within,” and relying on herself more than anyone else. She is wise to stay inspired by others to create a burst of close friends, but her energy stems from a central core of self love. “Be innovative, passionate, ever-evolving,” she advises.

“Never set boundaries for yourself. Love what you do and people will naturally gravitate toward your work.

Most importantly, don’t sell out to please anyone.”

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christian collins STORY: SADIE BELL PHOTOGRAPHY: FIONA O’HANLON

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“WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I WOULD FILM WITH MY MOM’S PINK VIDEO CAMERA, AND WHEN YOUTUBE FORMED, IT WAS A NATURAL PLACE TO START PUTTING MY VIDEOS ONLINE.”

CHRISTIAN COLLINS has grown up behind a camera— he has been making videos for as long as he can remember and has been uploading them to YouTube for the past six years. To put it simply: he loves to create. “I’ve always had, and still have, a passion for creating content.” It is his way to express himself, his means of sharing his talents and ideas with the world— and though stardom was never his goal, what Collins has created has gained him nearly two million subscribers and over eighty million total views on his YouTube channel, WeeklyChris. With his immense charisma and genuine values, Collins has let a number of dedicated fans into his personal world— and now as he begins to transition into his career as a solo recording artist, his fans will become acquainted with an even more intimate side of their favorite YouTube star. “I have learned a lot about myself through YouTube,” said Collins. “It has been an incredible journey. I have seen a lot of growth in my content, and also in myself.”

While the young star has moved from comical uploads to advice videos on a variety of important topics and most notably his polished pop covers, Collins has always remained true to himself. He said, “More than anything, I try to be myself and express my ideas. I try to live my life as authentic as possible. It’s important to always be my authentic self because I have a very personal relationship with my viewers. It’s been amazing to have their support and trust in everything I do. They are authentic with me and I want to make sure I am authentic with them in return,” he said. While Collins’ videos are an honest reflection of his life and views, with the upcoming release of his debut EP later this year, his fans are about to get to know him even more than before, as his music is an amalgamation of his most vulnerable thoughts and feelings. Collins said, “My music reflects me in every way. I try to authentically place myself into every piece of content I create, [and because of this,] I express my thoughts and emotions in my music. I always want the music to portray me.”

Collins has already released his first single, “You Don’t Have To Go,” a song on the edge of high studio production with emotional lyrical content exploring the self-destruction of running away from your problems. Based on his first release, Collins has a romantic, yet fierce, R&B sound, bound to hit the Top 40 charts, and while his videos are charming and saccharinesweet, nothing he has created thus far has been as sincerely vulnerable and the true entirety of Christian Collins as the music he is set to release.

“My music expresses a different part of me than my YouTube content. Music allows me to express myself in ways [that] I can’t in other means. Deeper thoughts and concepts go into my music,” said Collins. By listening to his music, one can come more closely to an understanding of just who really is WeeklyChris. Collins said the most rewarding part of his career thus far has been being able to connect with his fans. “It’s great that the content I create is able to impact others’ lives,” he said. As he is truly passionate about all that he creates, based on the honesty and effort he is putting into his music, there is no denying that Collins’ upcoming sounds are going to connect with his fans even more than any content before.

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“ MORE THAN ANYTHING, I TRY TO BE MYSELF AND EXPRESS MY IDEAS. I TRY TO LIVE MY LIFE AS AUTHENTIC AS POSSIBLE. ”

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nearly summer PHOTOGRAPHY: JOE ROBLES

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unfiltered wires // WITH RICKY PINELA //

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FULL NAME: Ricky Pinela AGE: 20 LOCATION: New York, NY OCCUPATION: Intern at DoSomething.org WIRED PLATFORM: Instagram

unfiltered wires, an addition to the wolfie community where we interview our readers on their current projects in a raw

WOLFIE GOODS: + Fine tipped pen — I love drawing with thin lines + Clean, blank notebook — This is where the magic happens + iPhone 6 Plus — It takes amazing photos on the go + Adobe Photoshop — This software saved my life + NYC Metro Card — My inspiration roaming around the city

TELL US ABOUT THE STORY OR RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE BEHIND ONE OF YOUR ARTWORK. My most recent drawing (the one with the fish swallowing the girl) was created yesterday, actually. I was standing at the street corner waiting to cross, drenched from the rain. I looked down at the floor, and I liked the contrast of color between the yellow curb and the asphalt. There’s something so peaceful about watching raindrops rippling the water, so I took a photo of it, went home, and decided I wanted to draw something aquatic-themed to pair up with the rainy weather. I love using people of color in my work because representing different cultures is very important to me. I modeled the girl after my friend Lorena, and I didn’t feel like drawing her body so I decided to draw a fish in its place. It was weird, aquatic, and simple, so I rolled with it.

When I finished the drawing, I put it into Photoshop and started coloring, working with blues and greens because the colors went nicely with the girl’s brown skin.

IS THERE A ROUTINE YOU FOLLOW IN ATTEMPTING TO CONVERT YOUR IDEAS INTO CREATED CONTENT? I always get inspired by random sights. For example, if I found a particular wall with a great color scheme, I’d take a photo of it, add a doodle on top, and color it in with complimenting hues. Sometimes it’s the opposite, where I might draw a really neat doodle and then go out searching for the perfect background. I love using different hues of blue and red, so a lot of times I like finding backgrounds that contrast with that. I love using city sights as a background, like a grimy subway wall or a rusty fence. Things that have history.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUTHFUL, ASPIRING NEWCOMERS TO YOUR INDUSTRY? Be proud of your work! Show it off! I think it’s important to create things for yourself, but there’s nothing more motivating than having someone tell you “That’s great!” or “Can’t wait to see what you have next!” I’ve been doodling for years, in my private little notebook that I never showed anyone. I felt that my notebook was a portal to my mind, and I thought my drawings were creepy and weird, but they were mine and I liked them. A few weeks ago I showed

and original aspect. everyone is wired to their own platform of choice but somehow everyone is connected in this pool of creativity. let’s get wired.

my friend my drawings for the first time, and she loved them and actually inspired me to show more people. Not everything you create will be a winner; you just have to keep on going and don’t let the bad projects hold you back.

I have a ton of doodles that suck, but for every bad doodle there are two great ones, hiding in my mind somewhere, waiting to be drawn.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FIND YOURSELF FACED WITH AS A CONTENT CREATOR? HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT THESE CHALLENGES DON’T CONSTRAIN YOUR CREATIVITY? Like most artists, I sometimes find myself getting worried that someone may not like my work. I think it’s important to create content that you love, even if someone may not like it. The way I see it, a person loses their spark as soon as they stop creating for themselves.

BESIDES SUCCESS OR FULFILLMENT, WHAT OTHER EMOTIONS CAN YOU IDENTIFY FEELING AFTER HAVING FINISHED A PROJECT? Honestly, tired. Sometimes I work on a doodle for so long that my eyes burn. I guess it’s from staring at my computer screen, perfecting every little detail before I finish. I get random waves of motivation, where I work non-stop doodling and coloring and editing, and once I’m done, I realize I’ve zoned out for an hour and a half and I’m exhausted!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE APP/WEBSITE/OUTLET THAT MAKES YOU FEEL THE MOST OF YOUR “UNFILTERED WIRES” POTENTIAL? Instagram is definitely my favorite source of inspo. I follow a ton of aspiring artists on there, and it’s great seeing their work and sometimes I get ideas from them, whether it’s a certain color they used or just the way their lines curve on the page. Also, this may sound weird, but I get a lot of my motivation while listening to 80s synth pop music.

Sometimes when I listen to music, I can feel colors and shapes and it moves from my pen to my paper.

ILLUSTRATION (LEFT): LAURA FILAS

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