There’s an embedded confidence within Los Angeles-based photographer Kort Havens’ work that only comes when one has a firm understanding of their craft. Personally, I was struck by how inviting and tangible his representation of space is. Whether it’s images of food or a courtyard, it was not much of a stretch to imagine myself stepping into and existing in that space. Photography has that quality to it where depiction of real space can either be too familiar or too foreign.

I met Kofi Hughes at an event back in August of 2021. The event celebrated the launch of lululemon’s shipping container at Chicago’s Boxville output (Boxville is an experiential shopping experience using shipping containers). I was assigned to photograph the celebration, and, not knowing Kofi prior to the event, he stood out. He was tall, ripped, and always smiling. There was a stillness that surrounded him — it was comforting.

If you're familiar with New York City's world of high fashion, you might have come across the work of designer and brand owner Isaac Saqib. He founded Mercy X Mankind in 2014 on the principle of creating “exhilarating, diverse, expressive, humbling, evolving, challenging, and unforgettable” clothing that embodies emotion.

Right around now, you're probably afraid to be yourself. You're probably afraid to be thoughtful and show love, to stand on your morals, to be real and vulnerable, and unaware how that's going to show how strong you really are in the end. I know you think time is running out and that if you don't do "this" by "then," then all "that's" fucked. But that ain't it, chief.

First and foremost, I want to let you know that you’re on the right path. I know you’re still confused about what you’re really gonna do with your life. Just start doing everything you said you were going to do or wanted to do. I promise you, Do Right Radio is only the beginning. You won’t believe how involved in music you’ll be in just a few years (we’ll get to that a little later).

Before I get too ahead of myself, I want to acknowledge where I am right now, both in the physical and mental space I am occupying. I am currently writing this in the comfort of our childhood home—the home where you were surrounded by love; the home where you discovered your passion for art and design; the home where you lost hours of sleep in pursuit of something greater than self; the home where you found God, and then found yourself.

Let me begin with 2020: Yo, you have made it through and that is all that matters. I know that 2021 feels like a long time but, young sir, it will move quite rapidly. The irony is that although the time will pass quickly, the five-year-game will indeed feel like an eternity.

The truth is, I’m interested in a lot of things—which I feel is a great trait of mine. But this year, I’ve been challenging myself to explore my interests with more intentionality. As a multi-hyphenated artist, I find beauty in discovering other artists' processes.

Deric Augustine is a man of ba ing dualisms and impeccable balance. He is confident, but never arrogant; serious, yet also lax; future-oriented, but present and mindful of the past. His modesty and no-nonsense work ethic are a package deal that have resulted in his success as an actor over recent years, but, oddly enough, he does not consider himself “self-made.” If you were to ask him, he’d tell you that he is a synthesis of several positive and negative forces in his life, with the negatives ultimately working out in his favor.

Everything about Joshua Schiffman is full circle. From the way his eyes reflect the warmth of a hug to the smile that spreads like a hurricane, flooding your body with light and hope to be the best version of yourself that you can be. There’s an astounding amount of faith that emanates from Joshua, whether it be tied to his Christian values or his general love for humanity and the creative energy the world pulsates.

As I walk into Circa Modern, the first thing I notice is how the sun is streaming through the front window, creating a prism of light spread over the impeccably staged living space full of angles and textures. It’s a curation of objects that positions itself as much more than an interior showroom and instead a whole ass mood.