Clayton Cubitt, NYC-based photographer, filmmaker, and writer, talks about his roaming childhood spent between Nevada and New Orleans, dropping out and running away at 16, the luck that helped him escape poverty, his first big break as a photographer, and taking the long-raod approach rather than chasing trends or cash.
Steven Heller, NYC-based art director, curator, editor, and writer, talks growing up in the city, his early ambition as a cartoonist, finding his niche, and why we’re all imbued with something—it’s just a matter of finding it.
Kevin Allison, NYC-based comedian, entrepreneur, and writer, opens up about growing up gay in the Midwest, life after The State, and why overcoming his fear of making comedy personal has been the most rewarding endeavor.
Yesenia Perez-Cruz, Philadelphia-based designer, remembers her Puerto Rican roots, opens up about embracing her introverted nature, and challenges us all to be who we are.
Molly Crabapple, New York City-based artist and writer, recalls her early years in the city, opens up about a defining Occupy Wall Street experience, talks about combining art and journalism, and gives some damn good advice.
David duChemin, Vancouver-based humanitarian photographer and writer, tackles the tough subject of money, shares about his recovery from a major accident, and urges us to call bullshit on fear and follow our longings.
Liz Danzico, chair and cofounder of the MFA in Interaction Design at School of Visual Arts, talks about her newest role at NPR, her most influential mentor, the importance of trusting your instincts, and ice cream—hey, it’s summer in the city!
I first encountered Roxane’s writing on the online literary magazine, The Rumpus. Immediately, I was drawn into her writing, into its wit, its directness, and its unapologetic approach. Needless to say, I’m a fan of Roxane’s work, and I was thrilled at the opportunity to interview her for this week’s issue. I spoke with Roxane while she was on tour for her debut novel, An Untamed State, which is getting rave reviews! Roxane recalled her upbringing in the Midwest, the “Aha!” moment that had been inside of her the whole time, spoke about what she hopes to contribute as a writer—and as a human being—and gave some pretty great advice: give a damn and own your work. —Tina”
An accomplished curator, writer, designer, and critic, Ellen splits her time between her home in Baltimore, Maryland, and New York City. I met with Ellen at The Grey Dog, where she recalled the path that led to her to the city in the first place, the “Aha!” moment that helped her merge writing and design, and the importance of teaching and sharing. But my favorite part of our conversation was her advice to give 150%; in Ellen’s words, “If you really want to build a powerful career, and make an impact, then you have to be prepared to put in blood, sweat, and tears,” and it’s true. So, friends, take it from Ellen: be willing to do the hard work. Yes, it will be worth it! —Tina
Like any good teacher, John Maeda is a great storyteller, and I had the honor of talking with him about his own story, which began in a tofu shop in Seattle and led him to places he had never imagined he would go. John, who admitted that he didn’t always know what he wanted to do, recalled his early interests in math and art, the teachers who helped steer his course, his years at MIT, the opportunity to become president of RISD, and his recent transition into new roles. Hearing John open up about his unplanned path and his own bouts of self-doubt was a reminder that we all struggle to be confident and courageous at times. But hope urges us to move forward, to take the next step, whether we can see the path or not. So, go ahead, make a move. —Tina
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