gerardo herrera |
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the interview
Define Music Producer?
A Music Producer is someone who creates and expresses themselves through music. Music Producer’ s have the capability of writing full records, producing instrumentals, and working with a wide range of artist to make music that last a lifetime.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from what I feel at the moment. I may feel like touching up on some southern roots or deep African percussion. I believe that’s why my beats range from many different genres. I try not to limit myself to just one genre.
What inspired you to produce music?
I always loved music. A lot of artists have said they grew up on old school artists like Curtis Mayfield or The Isley Brothers, but I had foreign parents so there wasn’t much of that. I researched and listened to music my brother and I liked. He influenced me the most to really produce. We recorded songs when we were younger and I always took it really serious even though we were simply playing around. It was so much fun for me that when my bother introduced me to a beat-making program I went full fledge into learning to make beats.
Why is what you do important?
I have pondered on why what I do (music) is so important. And I realized, that Beyonce records music people love in the club and there is a music producer behind it. The music producer is also behind the song that gives a girl butterflies when she thinks about a guy she has a crush on. The music producer is instrumental in creating the music that makes you feel good as well. If you take the time to think about life without Music, then you’ll realize how important it is.
What do you think is the most important tool for a music producer?
Honestly I don’t really think there is a critical tool you need to be a music producer. You do not need a $1500 dollar keyboard or beats by Dre equipment. I have seen producers that simply have a microphone and record natural sounds from the earth to make beats.
What advice do you have for someone that wants to be a music producer?
Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Be honest with yourself, is this something you are going to take serious? Are you willing to put in the work and take very harsh criticism at times? Add your own creative swing to your music and have fun.
What is an interesting fact about you?
An interesting fact about me is that I am Nigerian.
Where are you from / Where do you live?
I was born in Maryland but my parents are From Nigeria. I live in Riverdale, Maryland as of now.
Who is your favorite music producer?
I don’t think I can just pick one. It ranges from Timberland, Kanye West, 9th Wonder, Quincy Jones, and a lot more.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
By Gods Grace 5 years from now I see myself with the company I am with now successfully making music, loving what we do, and working with many other artist in the industry. Taking care of my family and having a family of my own years down the road.
A Music Producer is someone who creates and expresses themselves through music. Music Producer’ s have the capability of writing full records, producing instrumentals, and working with a wide range of artist to make music that last a lifetime.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from what I feel at the moment. I may feel like touching up on some southern roots or deep African percussion. I believe that’s why my beats range from many different genres. I try not to limit myself to just one genre.
What inspired you to produce music?
I always loved music. A lot of artists have said they grew up on old school artists like Curtis Mayfield or The Isley Brothers, but I had foreign parents so there wasn’t much of that. I researched and listened to music my brother and I liked. He influenced me the most to really produce. We recorded songs when we were younger and I always took it really serious even though we were simply playing around. It was so much fun for me that when my bother introduced me to a beat-making program I went full fledge into learning to make beats.
Why is what you do important?
I have pondered on why what I do (music) is so important. And I realized, that Beyonce records music people love in the club and there is a music producer behind it. The music producer is also behind the song that gives a girl butterflies when she thinks about a guy she has a crush on. The music producer is instrumental in creating the music that makes you feel good as well. If you take the time to think about life without Music, then you’ll realize how important it is.
What do you think is the most important tool for a music producer?
Honestly I don’t really think there is a critical tool you need to be a music producer. You do not need a $1500 dollar keyboard or beats by Dre equipment. I have seen producers that simply have a microphone and record natural sounds from the earth to make beats.
What advice do you have for someone that wants to be a music producer?
Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Be honest with yourself, is this something you are going to take serious? Are you willing to put in the work and take very harsh criticism at times? Add your own creative swing to your music and have fun.
What is an interesting fact about you?
An interesting fact about me is that I am Nigerian.
Where are you from / Where do you live?
I was born in Maryland but my parents are From Nigeria. I live in Riverdale, Maryland as of now.
Who is your favorite music producer?
I don’t think I can just pick one. It ranges from Timberland, Kanye West, 9th Wonder, Quincy Jones, and a lot more.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
By Gods Grace 5 years from now I see myself with the company I am with now successfully making music, loving what we do, and working with many other artist in the industry. Taking care of my family and having a family of my own years down the road.
social media
EXCEPTIONAL YOUTH SERIES
Aira tonijea flores
photographer/vocalist
BIO: Aira Flores is a Senior at Parkdale High School, an Advanced Placement student, a member of the National Honor Society, Student Government Association Delegate, Asian Club member, and a former member of the Parkdale High School Choir. She is the Staff Director and lead photographer for the Parkdale Student Government Association and the Lyrikal Storm Arts and Entertainment Organization. As well as being a highly skilled photographer, she is also an award winning songstress and in 2011 won second place and was a feature performer in the 2013 Parkdale’s Got Talent annual talent search competition. In her leisure time, she volunteers as a librarian, travels, takes pictures, makes YouTube videos and sings at church.
Photography
vocals
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the interview
Define photographer?
Being a photographer is one of the most important jobs in the world because it is the photographers who capture memories and gives one a hard copy of that memory.
Where do you draw your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from my own imagination and artists on social media.
What inspired you to photograph?
Ever since I was young I loved taking pictures, but it wasn’t until I was introduced to Tumblr and YouTube that I really began recognizing photography as my hobby.
Why is what you do important?
If we go down the history, it was really difficult to recognize important people because cameras weren’t invented yet. We could only rely on old paintings and drawings. But now, every memory could be captured with just a click and held by one’s hand.
What do you think is the most important tool for a photographer?
The most important tool for being a photographer is of course is a camera and the passion to take pictures. Photography is a skill that anyone can learn but it takes passion to become a real photographer.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to be a photographer?
First of all, invest in a camera that is friendly for beginners. I recommend the Nikon D3000 because it is focused on just taking pictures and it has a special guide program that could help you understand how to adjust exposure, aperture and etc. Another piece of advice is to keep practicing by bringing your camera everywhere you go. The last thing is finding your inspiration because it will help you decide what kind of a photographer you are.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I’ve never taken a photography class and everything that I can do, I’ve acquired myself and I have only been in the US for 5 years.
Where are you from / Where do you live?
I was born and raised in the Philippines but I currently live in New Carrollton, Maryland.
Who is your favorite photographer?
My favorite photographer is my next-door neighbor, Jay Arr Abarquez.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I will be pursuing early childhood education in college and continue making covers of songs in YouTube. Hopefully, I will to do photography as a job.
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/omgairaa
http://instagram.com/ailovee
https://www.youtube.com/user/Jeairaa
https://twitter.com/aiIovee
Being a photographer is one of the most important jobs in the world because it is the photographers who capture memories and gives one a hard copy of that memory.
Where do you draw your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from my own imagination and artists on social media.
What inspired you to photograph?
Ever since I was young I loved taking pictures, but it wasn’t until I was introduced to Tumblr and YouTube that I really began recognizing photography as my hobby.
Why is what you do important?
If we go down the history, it was really difficult to recognize important people because cameras weren’t invented yet. We could only rely on old paintings and drawings. But now, every memory could be captured with just a click and held by one’s hand.
What do you think is the most important tool for a photographer?
The most important tool for being a photographer is of course is a camera and the passion to take pictures. Photography is a skill that anyone can learn but it takes passion to become a real photographer.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to be a photographer?
First of all, invest in a camera that is friendly for beginners. I recommend the Nikon D3000 because it is focused on just taking pictures and it has a special guide program that could help you understand how to adjust exposure, aperture and etc. Another piece of advice is to keep practicing by bringing your camera everywhere you go. The last thing is finding your inspiration because it will help you decide what kind of a photographer you are.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I’ve never taken a photography class and everything that I can do, I’ve acquired myself and I have only been in the US for 5 years.
Where are you from / Where do you live?
I was born and raised in the Philippines but I currently live in New Carrollton, Maryland.
Who is your favorite photographer?
My favorite photographer is my next-door neighbor, Jay Arr Abarquez.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I will be pursuing early childhood education in college and continue making covers of songs in YouTube. Hopefully, I will to do photography as a job.
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/omgairaa
http://instagram.com/ailovee
https://www.youtube.com/user/Jeairaa
https://twitter.com/aiIovee
EXCEPTIONAL YOUTH SERIES
claudia hernandez
visual artist
Bio: Claudia Hernandez is a proud senior at Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Maryland. Although she has "flown beneath the radar" in formal accolades, she has developed a "word of mouth" reputation in the Arts community. She is the head design editor and major contributor of the 2013-2014 Parkdale Yearbook. In her spare time she loves to listen to music and draw. She also is an avid skater. In the summer of 2014 she hopes to begin her studies as a certified medical assistant, in hopes to raise enough money to pursue her dreams of becoming a graphic designer.
the interview
Define visual artist?
To me visual artist are people who can manage to create an image in someones mind. Even an author can be a visual artist to me if they use enough detail to portray a picture and scene of what exactly is going on.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I gain inspiration from things that people wouldn't consider art and just a destruction of property. I may not be able to draw or create graffiti, however i enjoy it so very much. Just staring at it gives me so many ideas. I don't just see it as one overall thing, but break it down into sections and admire the technique. I also gain inspiration from tattoos. Most of my art and technique resembles those of tattoos. People who judge others for having so many can get on my nerve. They see it as hooliganism, but i see it as stories. Other things that give me inspiration include music(of all kinds) and anything mysterious, dark, twisted, wicked, and fantasy like.
What inspired you to create?
The thing that inspired me to create my form of art was the criticism i could hear the media give on things like graffiti and people with tattoos.
Why is what you do important?
What I do may not be important to others, but it is important to me. For me it is a way to express myself and share my ideas with the world.
Who is your favorite artist(s)?
My favorite artists are those that are unknown. The ones who create masterpieces but never get recognized.
What do you think is the most important tool for an artist?
The most important tool for an artist is their imagination.
What advice do you have for someone that wants to be a visual artist?
Let your imagination go wild! Don't let people tell you what to do and don't let their criticism get to you.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I have never taken an art class in my life besides ceramics, which doesn't exactly help me in the drawing aspect.
Where are you from / Where do you live?
I am from Houston, Texas but I have been raised in College Park, Maryland for about 80% of my life.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
In five years I see myself still drawing in a sketch book, carrying it around from one place to another, but maybe not in a career where I am following my dream to become a graphic designer. Instead I will probably be working to save money so that I can one day achieve my dream.
Social Media Information:
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/beyesa
Instagram- XX__MINDA__XX
(name^^^: WillIEverBeAbleToSleepAgain )
To me visual artist are people who can manage to create an image in someones mind. Even an author can be a visual artist to me if they use enough detail to portray a picture and scene of what exactly is going on.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I gain inspiration from things that people wouldn't consider art and just a destruction of property. I may not be able to draw or create graffiti, however i enjoy it so very much. Just staring at it gives me so many ideas. I don't just see it as one overall thing, but break it down into sections and admire the technique. I also gain inspiration from tattoos. Most of my art and technique resembles those of tattoos. People who judge others for having so many can get on my nerve. They see it as hooliganism, but i see it as stories. Other things that give me inspiration include music(of all kinds) and anything mysterious, dark, twisted, wicked, and fantasy like.
What inspired you to create?
The thing that inspired me to create my form of art was the criticism i could hear the media give on things like graffiti and people with tattoos.
Why is what you do important?
What I do may not be important to others, but it is important to me. For me it is a way to express myself and share my ideas with the world.
Who is your favorite artist(s)?
My favorite artists are those that are unknown. The ones who create masterpieces but never get recognized.
What do you think is the most important tool for an artist?
The most important tool for an artist is their imagination.
What advice do you have for someone that wants to be a visual artist?
Let your imagination go wild! Don't let people tell you what to do and don't let their criticism get to you.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I have never taken an art class in my life besides ceramics, which doesn't exactly help me in the drawing aspect.
Where are you from / Where do you live?
I am from Houston, Texas but I have been raised in College Park, Maryland for about 80% of my life.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
In five years I see myself still drawing in a sketch book, carrying it around from one place to another, but maybe not in a career where I am following my dream to become a graphic designer. Instead I will probably be working to save money so that I can one day achieve my dream.
Social Media Information:
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/beyesa
Instagram- XX__MINDA__XX
(name^^^: WillIEverBeAbleToSleepAgain )
EXCEPTIONAL YOUTH SERIES
JENNY TRINH
MAKEUP ARTIST
MAKEUP ARTIST
Bio: Jenny Trinh is a High School Senior at Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Maryland. In her leisure she creates magic as a makeup artist. She will attend the Montgomery Community College in Silver Spring, MD.
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The Interview
Define beauty?
Qualities that make each person unique such as their shape, size, or any other feature that makes that person different. Beauty is not only outer appearance, but what is inside that makes them who they are.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from everything around me. Usually when I'm watching YouTube videos or looking at pictures of other people doing their makeup, it inspires me to continue doing what I'm doing and to keep practicing.
What inspired you to create a YouTube channel?
When I was younger I had many different hobbies, but never remained with one. As time went by I discovered YouTube and "how to" tutorials. I continued to watch the videos in order to gain new skills such as how to apply eyeliner, lipstick, and even how to do my hair a certain way. I finally came to the realization that I could be just like these beauty gurus and help others that want to learn new skills in things such as makeup or even fashion. So with this dream set in my head, I went out and pursued it.
Why is makeup important?
Makeup is important because it is a way to express your creativity. In addition, it could also be used to build your confidence, which is what I love.
What is your favorite makeup?
My favorite makeup is mascara. The reason for this is because it's such a simple thing you could slip into your everyday routine, but makes such a huge difference. Mascara gives the appearance of a more girly/dolly look.
What do you think is the most important tool for a makeup artist?
The most important tool for a makeup artist is their knowledge of makeup. Regardless of the quality of the products, without the skill and knowledge of actually applying the makeup it would be a train wreck.
What advice do you have for someone that wants to do makeup?
My advice to someone who wants to do makeup is go for it! Just make sure you practice a lot, because that's the only way you will see your skills improve.
What is an interesting fact about you?
An interesting fact about me is that I am very diverse and open to try anything new.
Where are you from / Where do you live?
Ethnically I am Vietnamese, I was born in Washington, DC, but raised in Prince George's County, MD. I currently live in New Carrollton, MD.
Who is your favorite makeup artist?
My favorite makeup artist is Ariel Diaz aka theevanitydiary (on Instagram).
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
In 5 years from now I see myself as an up and coming makeup artist while trying to get my nursing degree in college.
Qualities that make each person unique such as their shape, size, or any other feature that makes that person different. Beauty is not only outer appearance, but what is inside that makes them who they are.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from everything around me. Usually when I'm watching YouTube videos or looking at pictures of other people doing their makeup, it inspires me to continue doing what I'm doing and to keep practicing.
What inspired you to create a YouTube channel?
When I was younger I had many different hobbies, but never remained with one. As time went by I discovered YouTube and "how to" tutorials. I continued to watch the videos in order to gain new skills such as how to apply eyeliner, lipstick, and even how to do my hair a certain way. I finally came to the realization that I could be just like these beauty gurus and help others that want to learn new skills in things such as makeup or even fashion. So with this dream set in my head, I went out and pursued it.
Why is makeup important?
Makeup is important because it is a way to express your creativity. In addition, it could also be used to build your confidence, which is what I love.
What is your favorite makeup?
My favorite makeup is mascara. The reason for this is because it's such a simple thing you could slip into your everyday routine, but makes such a huge difference. Mascara gives the appearance of a more girly/dolly look.
What do you think is the most important tool for a makeup artist?
The most important tool for a makeup artist is their knowledge of makeup. Regardless of the quality of the products, without the skill and knowledge of actually applying the makeup it would be a train wreck.
What advice do you have for someone that wants to do makeup?
My advice to someone who wants to do makeup is go for it! Just make sure you practice a lot, because that's the only way you will see your skills improve.
What is an interesting fact about you?
An interesting fact about me is that I am very diverse and open to try anything new.
Where are you from / Where do you live?
Ethnically I am Vietnamese, I was born in Washington, DC, but raised in Prince George's County, MD. I currently live in New Carrollton, MD.
Who is your favorite makeup artist?
My favorite makeup artist is Ariel Diaz aka theevanitydiary (on Instagram).
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
In 5 years from now I see myself as an up and coming makeup artist while trying to get my nursing degree in college.
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