Recap: Arto Day 2018
Arto Day 2018 was pretty amazing. We planned the day with hopes of sharing a good time with everyone that The Artoholiks holds near and dear, fellow Artoholiks and clients (past and current). We called it “the Field Day you’ve been waiting for…” And that’s exactly what it was, but the adult version. Yes, there was even a ‘field-day-shirt’. After working our asses off in the first half of 2018, we wanted a chance to kick back and unwind with the whole crew.
We ate, drank, played an INTENSE game of volleyball, it got really real, really quick. There was slick talk, diving, sliding, and a few collisions. And to top it all off, we gave out Artoholik trophies. Everyone had a great time and we have the pictures to prove it.
We’ve started something that we hope never stops. We’re already planning the 2nd Annual Arto Day, more friends, more sports, more games, more music, and more drinks. Coming?
1 Year In! A Timeline Story by Rasheedah Billups
1 Year In!
A Timeline Story by Rasheedah Billups
NOVEMBER
On November 14, 2016 I walked into The Artoholiks for my first day as a copywriter. Truth be told, as excited as I was to be joining the team, I was also nervous and unsure about how things would unfold. I was worried that my right brain had been neglected for too long. I was worried about how useful my background and skills would be on this new team.
December 17, 2016 the day I fell in love with being an Artoholik.
2017
The new year rolled around and I was in the thick of it. By this time, the part-time schedule, I worked out for myself had become a full-time schedule. I found a rhythm. I was loving every moment of it, but talks about impending tasks and responsibilities terrified me. But I’ve got a mean poker face so I don’t think Iquan knew (cat’s out the bag now lol). I did my best to quiet the fear and kept trucking.
Spring came and The Artoholiks leveled up again and shit got real. One day I looked up and I was pumping out content for clients’ social media, managing a blog, and a load of other things I never saw myself doing. I was in it so I didn’t realize how much things had changed, how much I evolved. By this time my right brain was feeling completely loved on, the Wacom had become my favorite thing ever, I “spoke” fluent PhotoShop, Indesign, and Illustrator – lol – and I was totally dissing anyone who shot in auto mode on their camera (just a joke, no judgement).
MAY
In May I smiled. We received copies of the Scotch Porter Spring/Summer ‘17 manual that we put together and I was the editor. This was the moment it came full circle for me. For someone who has dreams of being an award-winning author, this felt good. It felt real. This moment brought me a step closer to seeing my name on the cover of a book.
SUMMER
…pulled up real smooth. Much like the holiday season of ‘16 it was all love. Not only had I been growing creatively, professionally in a new field, but culturally and socially the journey had been packed with growth, new discoveries and the planting of new relationships.
November 14, 2017 we toasted to me being at The Artoholiks for one year. I was astonished. The year had flown by, my life had been transformed in so many ways. I traded in my suits for an Art Is Dope tee.
I can’t wait to see where I’ll be this time next year. 🙂
The thought of not being an Artoholik is a joke to me. Peace out!
What I learned: Reasonable Doubt
What I learned: Reasonable Doubt
and another one...
when you never listened to 90's hip hop...
One day at the studio we were having a conversation about music. During the conversation Jay Z’s and Biggie’s albums came up and I mentioned that I never heard a full album of either artist. As a Brooklyn native I should have heard at least one album right? But that was not the case due to my mom being strict on me listening to rap music in my younger days. And if I was caught I had to write a one page essay on what the song was about and because of this I was not a big fan of rap. This is one memory from my childhood that I do not miss. Listening to a whole rap album is not ideal for me unless it’s Drake (singing rap, lol), but I decided to give Jay Z’s album “Reasonable Doubt” a try. To my surprise, I actually liked it!
Some of Jay Z’s lyrics required extra research because he raps metaphorically but for the most part I was able to understand his music and the picture he painted of his lifestyle. While listening to “Reasonable Doubt” I picked up on the obvious, he was rapping about his time as a drug dealer. Through his raps, I realized that he’s very smart, and he did not let distractions catch him off guard. Jay Z seemed to be very meticulous in how he conducted his business and he was always a step ahead. As a graphic designer, I was able to relate to his flow; just as Jay says, you have to think ahead to get ahead, the same is true in design. In his music, he is very confident, often comparing himself to big time drug dealers before and during his time. I came to the conclusion that even though, for obvious reasons, his life was very different from mine it was also relatable. Anyone can learn a lot from the life and times of Jay Z.
Being that I am a creative person I am also a visual person. I tend to go off the deep end with my imagination and that’s what drew me to his lyrics. His storytelling paints such a vivid picture, allowing me to live life vicariously through his music. This album gave me an appreciation for the 90’s and early 2000’s music, unlike today’s music — no shade intended, because I still listen to it — which only consists of mumbling and words that make NO sense. There’s clearly much to be learned from classics such as “Reasonable Doubt”, it definitely has lasting artistic merit.
SMBNYC x IQUAN Winter 2017
Randomly our Artoholik crew members Steve Cancel @smbnyc & Iquan Worthington aka @iquanw get together at least twice and year and document their hangout through photos and video all just for the fun. With Spring closely approaching, we decided to compile a batch of images from their recent Winter campaign titled smbnycxiquanwwinter. This is the first time that the duo, systematically edited and posted their images together with a proper hashtag and timeline. Oh, and there’s a vlog to go with it if the images don’t tell the story of their day completely.
Urban Exploring: Exploring Seattle
THE SYNOPSIS
In this episode, Iquan takes us on his journey as he figure out his way around Seattle Washington. He's in town for work, but makes the most out of his time by discovering shops, restaurants and the Seattle neighborhoods. He also managed to catch a baseball game at Safeco Field, check it out!
Subscribe...
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheArtoholiks
THE DISCOVERIES
ART PRIMO
Art Primo is a Seattle based art supply company. Specializing in supplies for Crafters, Muralists, Graffiti Artists and Aerosol Artists. Providing customers with low prices and the best in customer service. For years Art Primo have been supplying online stores and Seattle area college students with art supplies at wholesale prices, now we are open to the public!
RAYGUN LOUNGE
Since opening doors in 2009 Gamma Ray Games has been proud to be Capitol Hill’s premiere tabletop gaming store. We carry a huge selection of board, card, miniature, roleplaying and collectible games including many rare and out of print games and have a free custom ordering service to ensure that if we don’t have something on the shelf we can get it for you quickly and easily. Drop by when you’re in the neighborhood and we’ll show you around.
PHOTO PROPS
PIKE PLACE MARKET
Seattle’s Neighborhood Market
Created more than a century ago to connect the city’s citizens and farmers, Pike Place Market is a beloved Seattle landmark, welcoming more than 10 million visitors a year. Encompassing a nine-acre Market Historic District overlooking Elliott Bay, the Market remains the bustling center of farm fresh, locally sourced, artisanal and specialty foods. It’s a place where you can “Meet the Producer”—the farmers, butchers, fishmongers, cheesemongers, bakers, winemakers and purveyors who bring their bounty to your table. The Market features one of the largest craft markets in the country, featuring all locally made handcrafted goods. And with more than 225 small independent businesses and a diverse array of restaurants, the Market offers endless opportunities for delight and discovery.
PHOTO CRED
PIONEER SQUARE
Today, Pioneer Square is home to art galleries, internet companies, cafés, sports bars, nightclubs, bookstores, and a unit of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, the other unit of which is located in Skagway, Alaska. It is often described as the center of Seattle's nightlife.
EMMET WATSON'S OYSTER BAR
Cozy & casual spot with fresh oysters, fish 'n' chips & plenty of local beers on tap. Located in Pike Place Market!
CAPITAL HILL DISTRICT
I explored Capitol Hill's Broadway strip, which forms the commercial heart of the district. Pine & Pike streets where the street that I had to climb in order to get to Broadway. Large portions of E. Pike Street, E. Pine Street, Broadway, 15th Avenue, and E. Olive Way are lined almost continuously with street front businesses. Like 100 Starbucks and other cafes, mom and pop restaurants & bars, arts and novelty shops, small college campuses and other useful commercial stores & businesses.
PHOTO CRED
LIL WOODY'S
An independent burger joint based in Seattle, Washington.
Serving up the best NW grass fed beef that's hand formed into 6 signature burgers.
Wood's also serve Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, Veggie Burger, Hand Cut Washington Potato Fries, Onion Rings and Full Tilt's handmade shakes.
I enjoyed my shake!
lilwoodys.com
BEARDED CIVIL WAR
Step right up to the 3rd Annual Washington vs. Oregon all-freestyle Bearded Civil War!
For the first time, this annual battle is being held in Seattle by the Emerald City Beardos, the last 2 events having been hosted at the Tonic in Portland, Oregon by the Portland Beardsmen.
The Highline vegan metal bar is right on Broadway & John in the funky Capitol Hill neighborhood, full of shopping, restaurants, bars, clubs, parks, and general freakery, about a 20-minute uphill walk from downtown.
See the VIDEO: WATCH
THE MUSIC
Urban Exploring: Open Crates + Sweet Chick (Special Edition)
THE SYNOPSIS
In this Lost Episode of Urban Exploring, Guru and Ike share clips about the success and growth of Open Crates in the earlier part of 2014. The duo also spent a day in Williamsburg Brooklyn at CMJ to catch up with drummer Layton Weedeman of Courtesy Tier as he performed with his friends Isle Of Rhodes. Lastly, they grabbed grub from Sweet Chick, a soulful Chicken and Waffle restaurant also located in Williamsburg Brooklyn.
THE DISCOVERIES
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OPEN CRATES
Open Crates curates music, breaks records and builds culture for progressive vinyl heads. We vibe on all genres of heavy percussive music.
Check them out monthly in Jersey City for Open Dig, click the flyer for more details.
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SWEET CHICK
Sweet Chick's philosophy is simple: Great Food, a Cool Vibe, and interesting Cocktails at a great price.
Along with some of the best fried chicken and waffles in New York City, we're serving what we like to call American cuisine with a Southern accent: Rustic but Modern American comfort food and twists on classic dishes and cocktails, plus home-baked desserts that will make you feel like a kid again. The dining room, on the bustling corner of North 8th and Bedford Ave, is as cozy and inviting (and locally-sourced) as our food. Check them out on Yelp
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CMJ
CMJ connects music fans and music industry professionals with the best in new music through interactive media and live events. CMJ also produces a legendary Music Marathon, the largest and longest-running music industry event of its kind, in addition to live events across the US. LEARN MORE[/one_half]
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ISLE OF RHODES
Isle of Rhodes is the moniker for Rob Farren's hard hitting indie rock project. Known for interweaving dynamic stylings and virtuosic abilities, while fashioning rock with an ensemble flair, Isle of Rhodes, draws upon on blues, funk, and classical elements, with influences ranging from Gershwin, Beethoven, Radiohead, The Beatles, Arcade Fire, to Roy Orbison. LEARN MORE[/one_half_last]
LAYTON WEEDEMAN
Layton Weedeman is a drummer and DJ from Moorestown, NJ who graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Music from the Berklee College of Music in 2004. He moved to Brooklyn, New York soon after with his alt-rock-indie band Courtesy Tier. As a drummer, he’s been featured on records by local artists Jessi Robertson, Isle of Rhodes and Man Made West. With Courtesy Tier, Layton has toured the US, played showcases for CMJ in New York City as well as SXSW in Austin, TX and has been named one of the top artists in New York’s indie rock scene by the Deli Magazine three years in a row. As a DJ, he goes by the alias DJ Laytonic and exclusively spins vinyl records highlighting hip-hop instrumentals from the 90’s. His mixes include music by A Tribe Called Quest, DJ Premier, J Dilla, Buckwild and Pete Rock. For more on Layton Click Here
THE MUSIC
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PAT VAN DYKE - Frequency
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PAT VAN DYKE - Swindle
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DJ CENTER -
Dem Say Ah
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HäZEL - Badoowap
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LAYTONIC - Until You Were Gone
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BIG JACK - Live @ OC
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Urban Exploring: Bongo Boy + Mikey's Burgers (Special Edition)
THE SYNOPSIS
In this Special Edition of Urban Exploring… Iquan and Guru dig through files shot earlier this year and came across YouTube star Bongo Boy. From the LES to Midtown the duo spent an afternoon learning how young Matthew got his start. Lastly, The Artoholiks were blessed with the opportunity to create their own burger at Mikey's in the Lower Eastside.
THE DISCOVERIES
MATTHEW COHEN B.K.A. BONGO BOY
At the age of 13 Matt decided that he wanted to ditch the slow and boring New Jersey suburb life and pursue his curiosity for Music and Fashion. Since then, Matt has produced over 200 video interviews under his nickname “Bongo Boy”. Interviewing big name brands and artists such as Johnny Cupcakes, Benny Gold, Flo Rida and French Montana just to name a few... Today, Matt and his production team are producing music videos and working on a top secret video series. For more info on Matt aka Bongo Boy check him out here
MIKEY'S BURGERS
We’ve eaten at this spot a number of times while hanging around in the LES. Mikey’s is one of those spots that you find yourself in after walking the strip and just needing something to eat. Surprisingly, this hole in the wall serves up one of the best burgers in the area and the Lower Eastside community loves their cheese fries. We tried the shakes and loved them, we ate the fries and loved them, long story short… We don’t have anything bad to say about this Burger joint, especially since they have The Artoholik burger on the menu! Learn more about Mikey’shere
THE ARTOHOLIK BURGER
The Artoholik burger consist of American cheese, corned-beef, caramelized onions and mustard topped on a Turkey burger in between warm toasted buns.
Get yours at 134 Ludlow St. New York, NY 10002
MODERN AMUSEMENT
Shout out to our peeps at Modern Amusement for the hooking us up with the fresh threads in this episode. Shop now at PACSUN.com
THE MUSIC
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J-Louis - THAT DUDE JAY ( J-LOUIS x JBIRD )
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Digable Planets - Jettin'
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lAlexGl - Harco Pront – Trust
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PHOTOS
A Conversation Piece
Last weekend we told football to watch us as we connected with local luxury bag brand Yetu Urithi to shoot their Fall/Winter lookbook. It was simple, we meet at a house, packed the car with the goods, went to a near by park in Verona, NJ, waited about an hour or two for models and then we began flicking away. The goal was to capture the models in the mist of fake picnic with their bags. But we are way too creative for that, we decided to tell a story through photos about certain actions and moods can evoke a CONVERSATION. Stay tuned for the lookbook and see what we came up with and enjoy these behind the scenes photos until then... PEACE!
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In My Shoes ft. Jamiyl Peters
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[one_half_last]These are my second pair of Magnani dress shoes. MAGNANNI is a third generation family-owned company that has been producing fine Men’s shoes for more nearly 60 years. This specific pair is called “Montego Cognac”. I bought them a year and a half ago at Nordstrom’s in Pentagon City Mall in Arlington, VA. I absolutely love the contour, feel and class of this shoe. It makes every time I put them on special. I was definitely excited when I purchased them because they made me feel like a new man with great purpose.
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They look great with almost anything a gentleman chooses to lace himself in. This specific pair I have, have traveled all over the United States with me: Austin, TX, New York City, Newark, New Jersey, Portsmouth, ME, Washington, D.C. and New Haven, CT.
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[one_third]In our nation’s capitol of Washington, D.C. they stood out. Most men on Capitol Hill choose comfort over distinctive and exquisite precision when it comes to shoes. The halls of Congress are sturdy, battle tested and unforgiving on even the most veteran of political legs, but my MAGNANIS have yet to fail me.
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[one_half_last]Checking the time before my next meeting and making sure the gear is right. It’s always an honor to know that you represent your hometown and district well: with knowledge, class, patience and an open-mind. There are few who choose to up the ante. Most men stick to the classic and current Cole Hahn (with the Nike Air Sole) with the wing-tipped front. At every point a man should dare to step outside of the lines and choose to be different, seeing the world from their own view and more over their own shoes.
In the tail end of 2012, I decided to create my own fashion blog via Tumblr titled PremiumP. It's pretty much a personal diary of the fashionable things, people and places that I like. Whenever you create anything you should have a purpose, so I asked myself what's my purpose for this blog? My answer... I'm aspiring to inspire.
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Big events call for effort and class and I try to play with the best of them on days like this and still try not to out do the Groom. Lol!
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I believe that life should be approached the same way: with a careful eye for detail and approached with a slight tilt on the vision and direction that we are all to march. Dare to give each day a little something different.
Urban Exploring: Agenda New York / Las Vegas 2014 (Episode 9)
THE SYNOPSIS
In the season finale of Urban Exploring season 1, Iquan & Guru discover the Agenda Trade Show in New York City. By building connections with brand reps, getting the latest drops from the major brands and getting inspired by the new kids on the block, the duo loved the experience so much that they decided to send Iquan out to Vegas. While in Vegas, Iquan connects with a few friends including a very special person. Enjoy!
THE DISCOVERIES
AGENDA TRADE SHOW
Agenda is the most diverse and creative lifestyle fashion trade show in the world. Since 2003, Agenda has emerged as the premier destination for brands and retailers to converge. Agenda is where passion becomes profit and the business of creativity is conducted in a truly authentic environment. Buyers, brands, investors, distributors, and media hail from around the globe, gathering at Agenda to build partnerships, participate in the community, and grow their businesses. For more info click here
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IN-N-OUT BURGER
In-N-Out Burgers, Inc. is a regional chain of fast food restaurants with locations in the American Southwest. It was founded in 1948 by Harry Snyder and his wife Esther, upon establishing the first In-N-Out burger in Baldwin Park, California. The chain is currently headquartered in Irvine. In-N-Out Burger has slowly expanded outside Southern California into the rest of the state as well as into Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Texas. As the chain has expanded, it has opened several distribution centers in addition to its original Baldwin Park location. The new facilities, located in Lathrop, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Draper, Utah; and Dallas, Texas, will provide for potential future expansion into other parts of the country.
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DAL TORO RESTAURANT
Dal Toro Las Vegas is an exciting multilevel restaurant, car gallery and events center located on the lower level of The Palazzo Hotel. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Dal Toro features a menu of authentic Italian cuisine. The chef's signature dishes, as well as traditional Italian favorites, incorporate natural, artisanal ingredients that make dining at Dal Toro a truly memorable experience.
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ROCAWEAR BLAK
Rocawear BLAK is a new streetwear collection aimed at the fashion-minded young male consumer and debuted at AGENDA LAS VEGAS last week. The collection will be available at major department and specialty stores this Holiday season.
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WILLIAM PAINTER
Polarized Titanium Sunglasses - Anodized Black Titanium Arms, High End CR-39 Polarized Lenses, Double-Barrel Nickel/Silver Hinges, Built in Bottle Opener
and Comes with Hard Case and Cloth. williampainter.com
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FLY SUPPLY
Fly Supply Clothing is a feel-good brand that provides the consumer with quality products, inspires confidence, encourages freedom of speech and fosters creativity. Express your sense of style with Fly Supply Clothing and remember, "Being fly is a way of life". Flysupply.com
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RASTACLAT
For Daniel Kasidi Nyaggah, it all started when he was in High School. As a 17 year old, he made his first bracelet when he was waiting for a ride from a friend to go skateboarding, and the rest was history. Here we are today, a growing company with a message of Spreading Positive Vibrations®, encouraging everyone around us to contribute to one another and follow their dreams. The skate community and the sneaker community were among the first two groups to really adopt and embrace the Rastaclat® brand from the beginning. From there, our products have become a staple in the action sports, urban and streetwear sectors. We are a LIFE brand, so our products are made to be a symbol, a constant reminder of how our differences keep us intertwined. Learn more about Rastaclat
BRAND BLACK
Brandblack, is the Sports brand of the 21st century, focused on image and performance. Brandblack’s mantra, is look good winning. Our mission is to fuse the aesthetic sensibility of high fashion with the most advanced technology in the industry, to provide today’s athletes with the most innovative products in the world.
Brandblack is dedicated to the individual, to personal style, both on and off the field of play. Our athlete is a style icon, we believe in a different way to fly”. LEARN MORE HERE
THE MUSIC
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Lakim - Mountain High
Haan808 - Caldera
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Savon - Tokyo Pt. 2 (Feat. Sango)
Toro Y Moi - High Living
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PHOTOS
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