Track 5.

SPEECH. An urban renaissance man, well thats what I call him. He does clothing design, web design, photography and a broad array of other things. Although I am from NY I do have to show love to cats from other cities, especially if they've accomplished that much at the age of 19. Yeah YOU reading this, step your game up.


> Start off by telling everyone your name and where your from?

A : I'm from Detroit, Michigan, born and raised. Joy Rd.

> You have a clothing line? Who is involved in it? How did that begin?
> Where can we purchase it?

A: I own 1/3 of The Welldone, along with Raymidwest and Albyn Maranen. It's actually the final product from the merge of ABE Clothing and Farclose Clothing Co. You can purchase it at www.thewelldone.com, and you should be able to get it from sk8 shops in Michigan and Japan.

> If given the chance to collaborate with a designer who would it be and why?

A: Wow. That's a hard one. It would probably have to be the Designers of Nike. They work so hard to do what they do, and I comes out so nice. I'd love to have a Welldone X Nike shoe out.

> Photography means a lot to you. When did your love for that begin? Why did you continue to pursue your love for it?

When I first started skating, most of the photographers wanted me to take their photos while they skateboarded also. From there they just taught me how to use a camera. I can't put a camera down. i have to create media that puts people in awe. It's an addiction.

> Do you have a favorite photograph and photographer?

I don't have a favorite photograph, but right now, my favorite photographer is Richard Avedon.

> Your a skater. How long have you been skating? How do you feel about the sudden interest in skate culture? Is it a good or bad thing?

Skateboarding and Photography came hand in hand, so since 13. The sudden interest in sk8 culture is a good and bad thing... when I first started, I sacrifice myself just so I could skate. I got into fights, arguments, and been misjudged all because I've wanted that one thing. With sk8ing in the media now, it's easier to except. But many people are abusing their rights. There is no such thing as half way crooks. Go all the way or go home. No experimenting.

> Your an avid traveler.Where have you been? Does that influence you artistically? What have you learned while abroad?

I've been to Japan, and I plan to hit the UK in the next couple months. Besides the 50 states, traveling does influence me artistically. Going somewhere and breathing someone else's air, or eating their food, it's great, because you learn more about things that are different to you. Japan is great. That's my second home.

> Who and what influences you?

A : People who defy the law influence me. Not so much as criminals, but people who go out of the ordinary to make something happen and they stand by their commitment. That's what makes important people.

> So you do web design, clothing design, and photography. What don't you do? How do you manage it all?

I don't do ballet [Laughs]. I don't try to see it as me managing multiple tasks.. they all go hand in hand. I think it's beautiful when you can just take whatever you have around you and make something out of it. Don't be an artist of paint, or pencil. Be an artist of life.

> What has been your greatest accomplishment? What do you plan on accomplishing in all aspects of your life (career, relationship, etc) ?

Most people would say that I've accomplished much, but I don't see it as accomplishment, because I'm not done yet and I'm not stopping until I'm on top. I want to run a corporate multi media publishing company, doing everything from photos to sound. And I will have a big family.

> What artists are you listening to right now?

Termanology, Kool G Rap, Saigon, Tasha(Korean), and Breakbeats.

> I'll say a word and you give me the first word that comes to mind?
>
> Detroit- Nest
>
> Struggle- Training
>
> Love- Product
>
> Skating- Freedom
>
> Photography- Expression
>
> Art- Manipulation
>
> Thanks for allowing me to interview you.
> Peace, Stay Up, & Good Luck.