Broke Livin | Broke & Stylin

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Broke Livin Readers!

We ended 2012 on an amazing note. 31 Artists shared their work, passion & most important their plans for the future with us. It gave me some much needed inspiration to create something every day and keep on pushing even when the hurdles become a daily struggle. Broke Livin will go through some changes in 2013. A weekly sitcom is being cooked up and an incredible collaboration of 12 Designers to create a full collection that will be of course very budget friendly. A Big Thank You goes to everyone who supported Broke Livin!

Now let’s get down to business. I am in the process of putting together an incredible cast & crew for a new sitcom! Details will be available soon. If you live in Chicago please message me immediately ahlam@brokelivin.com. Production will start early spring.

Eric Matyash–On Super Bowl, Haute Couture & Rebranding Their Label!

BL: What project are you working on now?
EM: We have recently finished our 1st collection since rebranding from “MEM Couture” into “Eric Matyash“. Right now we are occupied with a few styling-related projects and some style consulting as well. In February 2013 we are traveling to New Orleans, taking part of an event related to the Super Bowl, showing our most recent collection “La Métamorphose”. We have recently been invited to show our work many places worldwide, from London and Paris, to New York and Dubai, but as young and independent designers we are unfortunately not able to cover so many expenses related to every single project. Hopefully someday we will…

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
EM: Design projects we work on usually consist of several stages. At some points, especially creative parts, location is not the most important thing. You can get inspired anywhere. You absorb the world around you. A good cup of tea/coffee always helps! Of course the production part requires enough space and equipment. Our current working space is far from an ideal one and definitely far to small, however we have managed to create some interesting designs there. An ideal one would be located in a spacious loft in Paris, equipped with large tables, at least a dozen of tailor’s dummies and a model living there 24/7. Oh, and a sofa for our greyhound and borzoi!

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
EM: An unlimited budget is an all-time dream, so let’s dream! We hope one day we will be able to create our own conceptual collections every season, showing our vision of beauty and selling it well. It would be great to focus on couture only, as it is all about perfection – both creatively and technically. But nowadays the prêt-à-porter dominates the world of fashion. Our wish and a long-term plan is to live and work in one of the capitals of fashion. Honestly, Paris has always been a #1 on our list. Oh, a good stage costume design project from time to time would be an absolute pleasure!

BL: What under-appreciated artist or work do you think people should know about?
EM: Josipa Lisac. She is an extraordinary Croatian musician and a highly appreciated artist in countries of the former Yugoslavia, but probably almost unknown worldwide. Her voice, appearance and music are completely one of a kind. Google her! Speaking of fashion – you can find so many creative young fashion designers everywhere in the world. For example, our favorites in Serbia: Ivana Pilja, Marko Mitanovski and Ana Ljubinkovic.

BL: What’s the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
EM: We almost think and work as one. We love the same kind of aesthetics and have similar vision on projects. The first question we ask ourselves when we start a new project is: “What is the story we wish to present?

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist/group?
EM: The most important highlight of this year is our rebranding. In 2004 we showed our 1st collection and named our label MEM couture. A few years ago we felt that name started to limit us in some ways… We did not wish the name would shut our work in a particular frame and stick any kind of label onto it. We do not wish to be limited with the type of fashion we create. Sometimes you get privileged to work on couture designs, but sometimes you enjoy producing ready-to-wear. Therefore a word “couture” as a part of our name was not the best idea. After never-ending brainstormings we decided we wish our name would be personalized, unique and without unnecessary ballast. “Eric Matyash” was born on 17th of September 2012. Furthermore, our new collection, the 1st one after rebranding, got inspired by changes in our work and our lives. The end is also a new beginning. La Métamorphose!

BL: What makes your work stand out?
EM: When working on a project of our own we never try to please anyone or fit into a particular frame. We follow our instinct and remain loyal to our philosophy – storytelling.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
EM: Even though we both are devoted to fashion Matyash studied international relations in politics and gave up as he missed creativity, while Eric thought he would become a specialist on bagpipes and Celtic music.

Thierry Roger–On Couture Gowns & His Signature Line!

BL: What project are you working on now?
TR: I am working on a new line of ready to wear “signature” pieces available online as well as a new concept for this spring season.

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
TR: My sewing studio, I feel very comfortable there. It can be really messy but nobody sees it….lol.

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
TR: An amazing “Haute Couture” gown for a red carpet event, maybe the Oscars….or a complete collection 30 looks or so….

BL: What under-appreciated artist or work do you think people should know about?
TR: The actual workers who create and assemble that outfit you buy from a big name designer, they are the invisible talent.

BL: What’s the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
TR: Will people like it and relate to it ?

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist/group?
TR: 2012 was a great year; as I met many very talented people in the Fashion industry and had the opportunity to do some great collaborations.

BL: What makes your work stand out?
TR: I try to stay true to my French roots and be classic in an ocean of avant garde and edgy designers. I always felt that Classic is Timeless.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
TR: I have a “low height” vertigo….lol.

Beth Vandal–Success Through Trial And Error!

BL: What project are you working on now?
BV: Right now I am in the process of recording my Album. I’m really excited to hear my songs go from raw acoustic songs, to more involved songs with drums, bass, and harmony’s.

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
BV: My favorite place to work on any project is on my couch, in my living room. That is where all of my songs have been written so far.

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
BV: I would be doing exactly what I am now. Writing, and recording music, just on a bigger level. I would also have a larger collection of music videos, both covers and originals. And I’m sure I would be touring the US and Europe. Hitting up everywhere I could.

BL: What’s the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
BV: The first thing I think about when writing a song is nothing. I clear my mind and allow whatever my subconscious is hoarding, climb on out in a song. It takes its own course and I build music on a mere thought. Sometimes I will be playing my guitar and singing, not even sure what it is I’m trying to say yet. But that doesn’t mean I don’t write songs about things that I consciously think about either. I do that also. My songs come straight from the core of me.

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist?
BV: I would have to say my favorite highlight this year would be winning the RAWARTISTS Musician of the year award. This year I put more time into writing, recording, and performing and my award came a lot faster than expected. Because I just started writing my own originals again at the beginning this year I was honored to have won such an award. I had so much inspiration, I couldn’t stop myself from producing and endless amount of songs if I tried. Every time I sat down, my guitar would be in my hand and a new song was erupting. Another highlight is the gratification of making my own music videos for Youtube. I’ve have had so much fun so far, I can’t wait to make more quirky videos. Making new fans and meeting other artist through it all.

BL: What makes your work stand out?
BV: Some of my songs are sad but in a “I’m not going to let this defeat me attitude”. I also have a sense of humor in my songs as well. I love to laugh, it is my favorite thing to do. So I like to share that with my audience. I feel like we can all have a great time together in a positive way. Even if its someone in another country or state that hears a song of mine, or a video on the internet, I know that I made them smile or related to them in some way. I have a style of my own. I may find inspiration in other artists, but I always love to hear people say, “I have never really heard anything like this before.” That lets me know I’m on the right track.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
BV: I was a contestant on a show called Nickelodeon “GUTS” when I was a kid.

Gill Sotu–A Life Of Poetry!

BL: What project are you working on now?
GS: Currently I’m working on 3 different projects. A CD called MOVEMENT, a book of poetry, lyrics, and essays (untitled), and the re-launch of my open mic event Train of Thought. All due out in spring 2013

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
GS: On the road. I love to create and think on projects while I’m driving. It’s where I am most at peace.

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
GS: I would create a multi-media cultural center for different events in San Diego.

30 Artists in 30 Days Interview with Gill Sotu on Vimeo.

BL: What under-appreciated artist or work do you think people should know about?
GS: Kevin Sandbloom – Soul singer out of LA, tremendously talented and extremely underrated. He was on my last album and will be on the new one.

BL: What’s the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
GS: Whether it be a song, poem, or an entire album I always ask at the beginning and ending of a piece, “in one sentence, what is it you are trying to say with this?”

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist/group?
GS: 2012 San Diego Raw Performer of the Year. Opening for Grammy Nominated pop star Sheila E. Official poet of San Diego Fashion Week. 2012 Winner of San Diego City’s Anti-Littering Spoken Word Campaign.

BL: What makes your work stand out?
GS: I think my work brings different demographics together. When I tell my story through my art people are able to see themselves and feel connected to me and those bars, I do in schools and churches as well.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
GS: I’m an undercover nerd.

Donny Smutz–On Creating Something Everyday!

BL: What project are you working on now?
DS: A holiday stop motion animation short.

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
DS: Where hot tea, Radiohead, decent lighting, and me being alone exists.

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
DS: Actually, what I’m doing now which is shooting film, painting on canvas, animating, storytelling, directing. Eventually all this will lead to featured films. Only then we can talk budget. Interesting enough, the most genius of work tends to blossom out of the most barren of ideal resources.

BL: What under-appreciated artist or work do you think people should know about?
DS: When I lived in Nashville, I became friends with artist, Casey Pierce. I’ve admired his work since the day I saw his work hanging in Fido.

BL: What’s the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
DS: I walk away from it. Only when I’m out floating in the world for a few days/weeks, will the project or vision really hit me on what I need to do, how to do it, and how long I think it will take me. It has to have an solid impact. Will make people move. Think. Question or admire. If it doesn’t do that, I’m not doing it.

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist?
DS: Waking up knowing I am creating every day. If I’m not doing that, I’m wasting space. No time for television boys and girls– go make something.

BL: What makes your work stand out?
DS: I don’t want it to stand out. I want it to quietly burrow itself into the back of your brain, sear itself just under your cerebrum, and only when you wake up in the middle of the night will you realize just how powerful my paintings are.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
DS: After years of a monochromatic wardrobe, I recently purchased a purple plaid custom dress shirt, here in Chicago. Soon after, I realized why I have a monochromatic wardrobe.

Utopic Holiday Video from Utopic on Vimeo.

Frank Freppon–On Street & Fashion Photography!

BL: What project are you working on now?
FF: The project I’m working on at the moment consists of casting people in the street in order to shoot fashion pictures with them.

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
FF: I do not have a favorite place for taking pictures. Places are very important for the basic message of a photograph, though. Each series and every single picture needs to have a special background which pushes the meaning forward

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
FF: It isn’t all about the money. Sure, I could put the unlimited budget in a bigger team but will that get me better pictures? I don’t think so. You don’t see the money that was spent on taking pictures, you only see the meaning they convey. And the only thing you need for a good photo shoot is a creative atmosphere for your team so they can work at their best.

BL: What under-appreciated artist or work do you think people should know about?
FF: The work of an artist is difficult to measure. Both for the people who see the work, as well as for the artist himself. It’s no financial product or machine that is all about facts and figures.

BL: What is the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
FF: Every project starts with extensive research to find out what I like and also which way I don’t it want to go.

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist/group?
FF: Every day contains a lot of highlights; you only have to open your eyes and your heart… Over the entire year there have been so many nice things that I could not pick out only one.

BL: What makes your work stand out?
FF: I like bringing two things together in a picture: the personality of my models and the light in its different ways. Both parts should be melting together and become something that is more than just the sum of its parts.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
FF: Sorry, I’m still thinking …

Ferenc Csabay–From Budapest With Love!

BL: What is your name & profession?
FC: My name is Ferenc Csabay. I live in Budapest, Hungary. I’m a fashion designer and I am currently working at my own label. I’m the designer of the CSF (www.csf.co.hu)

BL: What inspired you to work on your favorite project this year?
FC: This year, my favorite project was a editorial shoot with my favorite singer Dalma Berger (www.volkovasisters.com). Her fantastic, unique character inspired me to work with her.

BL: What were your challenges (finance, weird obstacles, your cat/dog threw up on your project, etc)
FC: Challenges? The audience’s expectations are getting higher– season by season! It’s not easy to show always something better than what I did previously. I must develop myself every day and that is a lifelong challenge.

BL: What were some of the highlights and rewards of this year?
FC: It was a great moment for me when I had a presentation at the Budapest Design Week event.

BL: What is an advice that you could have used or needed at the beginning of the year?
FC: I’m not very productive without sleeping. Sleeping is important.

BL: What is the next step for 2013?
FC: I guess I found my way, I only have to go further. Bigger collections, more special projects, wider product range these are my goals for the next year!

BL: What project are you working on now?
FC: At this moment I’m working on some special clothes for a singer. She is a fantastic character so I have to do something different for her than my basic style, that’s why this project is so inspirational for me.

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
FC: My studio. It can be found at the very very very downtown of Budapest. Perfect environment for a fashion designer.

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
FC: I’m sure it would be an interactive fashion video with different story lines. Don’t think it is too simple, it would really cost a lot of money.

BL: What under-appreciated artist or work do you think people should know about?
FC: I know a photographer & videographer guy, Tamas Olajos (www.tamasolajos.com). His work is fantastic and I really hope he will reach his goals in London (he is living there), Hungary does not appreciate him enough.

BL: What’s the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
FC: I always look for projects that are improving me. To have new experiences and to work with talented people is priceless.

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist?
FC: Our „My Void” editorial was my favorite project in 2012. Tamas Olajos was the photographer and we asked singer, Dalma Berger to collaborate. I made some special ribbon vests for her and the result was over our expectations.

BL: What makes your work stand out?
FC: I like the minimalism but I also like to re-think the traditional forms and details. I think in my work; I can mix the simple with the exciting.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
FC: I was a signed dart player for seven years .

Magic Leone–On Being A Dating Coach!

BL: What project are you working on now?
ML: I am currently trying to spread dating and relationship education to the public at large. My goal is to get this information made available to men and women at elementary level so they grow up with skills to enter and manage a healthy and happy relationship.

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
ML: Unfortunately in my case I do not have the liberty to choose locations. I travel to every location where someone needs my help. Currently focused on major cities like LA, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and London.

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
ML: I would like to put together a curricula that can be made available to youths in schools and adults in colleges. I would like to reach the masses and create an awareness as to why it is important to learn about love and relationships.

BL: What under-appreciated artist or work do you think people should know about?
ML: I don’t have an artist or project at the time that gets my attention. However for sometime now I have been thinking about the contribution that hairstylists make towards the self-esteem of their clients and how under-appreciated they are for doing this. They not only make clients look good but also discuss private life, boost confidence and make them feel good about themselves. This itself is a very valuable service in my opinion.

BL: What’s the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
ML: How will it make people’s life easy, happy and fulfilled.

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist?
ML: In my case it is about the success of my clients. I have had numerous clients get married and engage this year. Some of these men believe they will never be able to date quality women. Their transformed, happy and lovely life is the best piece of art to me.

BL: What makes your work stand out?
ML: What really stands us apart is that I rebuild men and women from ground up. Even though I am a dating coach some also label me as pickup artist I am actually more of mentor who allows men and women to free up and start living life they desire. It is the result of this freedom that they are able to meet and attract the kind of partner they desire. The clarity clients receive from the workshop allows them to live healthy relationship. And this freedom seeps into every area of life including social and business. Most of my clients not only succeed with women but become more focused, get promotions, earn more money and get more fame. This combined progress in their life is what really stands my work apart. There is no other happiness to see men and women live their potential and experience ultimate happiness.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
ML: Most people do not know that I am a poet and won an international award for a romantic poem I wrote in 2001.

Lindsey Strehlow–A Storyteller By Nature!

BL: What project are you working on now?
LS: Right now, I am working on a series of dance paintings that I want to build a sculpture series off of. I love dance. I am a blues and swing dancer, but I love to watch all kinds of dance. The movement, the emotion, the identity that people find in dance is really what I want to capture, but mostly the feeling of being lost, utterly and completely lost in a dance, to the point that the world around isn’t there anymore; it’s only the dance.

BL: What is your favorite place to work on a project?
LS: My favorite place to work….well, I just moved so I am getting used to new territory and haven’t found an exact place yet. But I tend to love to work anywhere there is a feeling of security. I like to be in my room, at my desk- somewhere familiar and that is mine. It makes me feel safe inside my work.

BL: If you had an unlimited budget what kind of project would you like to work on?
LS: If I had an unlimited budget I would travel the world to create a series of places and the emotions that those places held inside one small space of a sculpture or painting.

BL: What under-appreciated artist or work do you think people should know about?
LS: Probably the work of my professors and teachers over the years. Their work and lives and advice have inspired so much in my own work that I feel that they could never be appreciated enough because of all that they dedicate to their students. (Gary Voss, Suzanne Farris, Kim Ferrer, Eric Horn, Monica Lapierre.)

BL: What’s the first thing you think about when you embark on a new project?
LS: They thing I think about is how is it possible? I tend to come up with pieces that shouldn’t work and are impossible to make so my first thought is always how do I get it done.

BL: 2012 is almost over what are some of your favorite highlights as an artist/group?
LS: The highlights from 2012 is getting my own place to store my work and have a place to work as well. Also, the shows that I have been apart of this year have been wonderful.

BL: What makes your work stand out?
LS: What makes my work stand out is the unique stories that go with everything. I am a storyteller by nature and I want everything that I make cause people to want to know and see more, to understand more and learn more.

BL: Give us one fact about yourself that will surprise people?
LS: A surprising fact about me is that I taste color. I am a synesthe and synesthetic people have an “overlap” in the brain of certain sensory elements. In my brain, taste and color go hand in hand.