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THE BRILLIANCE! HTTP://WWW.THEBRILLIANCE.COM/ Interview! We caught up with Maestro Knows, aka Levi Maestro this time around. A bit of a cultural ambassador in the making. We cover his show, the internet, his focus on positivity, breakfast, and more. I'm betting this will be a classic "before they were huge" interview for us. A good read for sure. Internet, internet, internet, posts, Flickr lifestyle, and whatever else we want. THE BRILLIANCE!!! We're still really internet! |
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Lurk Ltd. Interview! CLICK HERE for the direct link to the interview! Saved version of the interview... Lurk: Both of you guys are young professionals, who seem to be starting successful careers in different fields. At what point did you begin to seriously consider your career and future? Ben: When I was like 17 I think... I got my first real job as a web developer in between my sophomore/jr. year of highschool. I had a teacher call me during the summer to let me know one his older students was starting a ‘dot com’. He thought I knew a lot about computers and figured I’d be a good fit. I didn’t know much about computers, and hardly anything about web development...but I kind of faked my way in. Ever since then I learned the fine art of confidence and hustle to get what I wanted/needed in the corporate world. I haven’t ever filled out an application or sat through a job interview for any or the positions I’ve held. Except when I got a job at Banana Republic to meet girls...;I was new in town!!! It worked too! But yeah, I have done the consultant thing, the corporate thing, the freelance thing. I skipped college straight up. And please believe it worked out for the better. Chuck: I've just been creative and doing things like drawing and painting my whole life, literally, as far back as I can remember I have been doing this stuff. I think it was in junior high or maybe early on in high school that I started thinking about doing art as a profession. By the end of high school I had kind of come to the top of my class as far as the art department was concerned, and I knew it was what I was going to do the rest of my life. In senior year I had applied for and recieved scholarships to Columbia in Chicago. I was 'this' close to going there and in the summer between Senior year of HS and freshman year of college, I got a job at a screenprinter and decided not to go to college for a year. Well, I think everyone knows that nobody ever just takes one year off and goes back. So, there's a lot more to this story, but by the beginning of 2004 I had started freelancing and here we are almost 2 years later, still at it and still having a great time. Ben, can you elaborate on what you do as an information architect? What background did you have going into this industry? B: I work for a fairly prominent 4 year old international supply chain consulting company that focuses heavily on the furniture industry. I got in on the ground floor, before we got big. My position grew from the need to have an entirely (for the most part) web-based company. Our clients have suppliers, customers, etc around the globe...so the web was the only way to go. I manage all of the information systems design and ideology of how information should flow in an out. It’s all very ethereal. I have a client (very well known) right now that I am heading up the design of a new supplier portal for and they have roughly 800 suppliers internationally. But yeah...that’s what’s up. I am a corporate hustler. And I wear sneakers in the office everyday. C: Ben does all that stuff, yes, but his main income comes from the brothel he runs. The Brilliance has occasionally referenced your financial interests, with postings about real estate and investment magazines amongst other things. Do you have any investment tips that you wouldn't mind sharing? B: Get a mentor. You can read books, go to seminars (don’t go to seminars), watch boiler room and all that...but there is nothing like having a mentor. If you’re into stocks, real estate, new business or whatever...you have to find a good mentor. Find someone who has already had success in whatever you want to be involved with. It’s the only way to go. C: Ben said it best, get a mentor or someone who can help. However, I haven't had that luxury so the next best thing would be to do your research. Seriously, take advantage of bookstores and the internet. Find out how to manage your money, how to save, why to save, what to save for, what to invest in...I can't stress enough how important I think it is for young people to start a savings account or IRA you will not touch until you are married, about to buy a home, or really old. Seriously, it's the equivalent of why people say you should get a degree no matter what, just so you have something to fall back on. Even though I didn't do the degree thing myself, I just think it's important to always have a 'secret stash' in the bank that you try to just forget about but constantly add to. Haven't touched real estate yet but it's something I'd love to get involved in in the future. Chuck, your work with No Pattern is definitely diverse, and often quite impressive. Do you have any future direction you'd like to see No Pattern go? Or do you see yourself ever abandoning it or expanding into a more encompassing project/company? B: Chuck is going to expand by hiring me as the CEO. But he’s just going to yell at me all day long about how I never get anything done, the whole office smells like beef jerky and that I always get pop tart crumbs on his desk. C: OFTEN quite impressive? I think you mean ALWAYS VERY impressive. Ha...you know I'm just kidding. Thanks though...Ben will never be the CEO, maybe he'll be my scanner bitch. When I need to scan a drawing or W-2 or something he can do that and I'll pay him in sticks of gum. Seriously though, for future direction...I think I'm already doing some of the things I had hoped would come in my future. I told myself in the beginning of the year that there were a few things I wanted to accomplish this year, including doubling what I made in 2004 and speaking at a few events or colleges. Well, check and check. I have Semi-Permanent NYC at the Lincoln Center coming up that I'll be speaking at as well as 3 colleges I have been invited to come and speak/lecture at. I'm extremely blessed and I thank the Lord for every continued blessing that comes my way in life and in work. For the future...in 2006...I think I'd like to just keep doing what I've been doing, new clients, new friends, more travel...Just having a good time and running a successful small, one-man-show, business. What career advice would either of you like to expound on for anyone reading this that may be in the midst of trying to figure things out? B: Really find what you like. And know that, if you want to make money, you REALLY have to hustle. It’s hard. Just because you are an artist doesn’t mean you can break the rules of business...Kaws is a great example of this, as is Futura with the Nike stuff. Even though their success seems to break a lot of rules, it revolves around hard work, dedication, and passion. And you don’t have to be a millionaire...make sure you enjoy what you do. C: Want it more than anyone else, but most of all, pray a lot. ...and on to a little fashion sense... You've described The Brilliance as a 'tastemaking' website. What qualifications do you feel you have? Let's see some credentials homeboy, haha. B: Credentials? Haha... I just feel like I am up on what’s fresh. Whether it was thrift store gear or something I got from Barney’s, I have always been good at putting it together. I mean, I know that sounds like I’m bragging or whatever... But, for real. Even with girls, I can pick out a fresh outfit for any girl man. It’s all opinion though really. I mean, what’s fresh to me might not be to someone else. With THE BRILLIANCE, we just put it out there. People seem to like it. C: That's the thing. Nobody needs credentials to start a website and post things. We could make a post that says it's the new thing to wear tapered purple sweatpants with oversized mickey mouse tshirts and a fishing hat and who would stop us? We'd get hilarious emails about it, but that's the thing. Anybody can do this tastemaking thing...the trend reporting. Just depends if anyone else will listen. Haha, I expected a totally cocky but jokingly response, but that was straight forward. The site is really good, and you usually have something funny to say regardless of the subject. On to fashion, ever since Jay-Z said "I don't wear jerseys or button-ups" the hip-hop and high fashion world have moved closer together. Do you foresee an eventual trickle down of this perspective into the mainstream? After all, many of the 'urban' (sorry guys, I hate to use that word) apparel lines still emphasize oversized tees. B: I believe the line was more like, ‘...and I don’t where jerseys, I’m 30 plus. Give me a fresh pair of jeans and a button-up...’ Ha, sorry dude, had to get you on that one. The problem with ‘high fashion’ is the cost. Plus it’s all trends. I mean, its Purple Label pea coats right now, but 5 years from now it could be back to jerseys... This is kind of a hard question to answer. AS far as the ‘urban’ lines... I mean, look at the Marc Ecko ‘cut&sew’ line, its all about a more mature look. So yeah, it looks like its trickling down. C: I think for the most part people are going to start dressing more like Kanye or John Legend, or the new Jay-Z, if anything, as far as hiphop fashion influence is concerned. I don't think that is news to anybody, but it is just what I think. Black, white, hispanic, whatever. The way Kanye and that whole group is dressing up is a breath of fresh air. I either want that to happen or people to start just wearing jeans and a tshirt that actually fit them. No more of this super tight or super baggy stuff. Just a nice fitting tshirt and a pair of decent jeans. Or cutoff denim shorts with a sweet carpenter loop and a flannel button up with holes and stains. That might work. What impact do you predict the ever growing Houston and Southern rap scenes will have on fashion? B: Honestly, I hope none! I mean, it’s cool to see Kanye rocking fronts with a YSL shirt on, but only people like Kanye can pull off that juxtaposition. The south really doesn’t have any fashion I’m into. Bun-B wears cool sunglasses every once in a while... I don’t know on this. I hope people feel more inclined to wear clothing that looks good on them rather than what is popular in their particular niche. Kanye is a cool example of this. I just said his name 3 times! C: Ben said it best. Hopefully none. It fits for those rappers from the south, but just in general and throughout the mainstream...seriously, people in general would just look like straight up doofuses dressing like those guys on a regular basis. As well, with fronts becoming more ubiquitous, do you think they will maintain their underground appeal or will they eventually become accepted by the mainstream consumer? B: I really hope they don’t. It just doesn’t look good on most people. Slim Thug’s look kind of cool I guess. I hate the one Mike Jones has. I could just see H&M making some fronts...haha...you know that little rack they always have with the fake diamond chains and gold-plated dog tags. But no, I don’t think it will work out for the mainstream really. C: I like what Pharrell can do with the fronts, maybe even Baby since he is so dramatic with them and over the top...but uh...in general...no. Sorry. Terribly corny. Would either of you rock fronts, haha? B: Most likely not. All though I would love to see what they would look like on. C: Don't worry Ben, they won't look good on you. What do you guys feel make diamonds a trend's best friend? B: Kind of funny, and this is my fault. But the whole idea of name ‘THE BRILLIANCE’ kind of references diamonds. So when we say ‘Diamonds are a trend’s best friend’ we are saying our site, THE BRILLIANCE, is a trend’s best friend. Kind of like a cocky joke. C: Ben came up with that, not me. Just sounds cool. The designer t-shirt market has most definitely become oversaturated with a lot of rather banal product. What suggestions do either of you have in regards to this niche market returning to a respectable level of quality? B: I went to dictionary.com to see what ‘banal’ meant. I guess I would say bring the quantity down. But, you know, I heard someone say the other day that it is good to see people getting inspired to make their own thing. You know, exactly what they want. But I really wish people wouldn’t be so bent on selling their product right away. Let it bake, let it simmer. People will create visible demand if they want it you know? And the prices for these shirts are ridiculous. Really, they are Bape is one of the few that is allowed to charge that, they are a true life-style brand. You are buying a little piece of Nigo and his whole aesthetic when you pay $90 for a shirt. It’s justified with them. But some Joe selling a t-shirt for $65 bucks with no brand behind it, no incredible retail spaces, no teak and glass garage at his home...I mean, I can’t see it. C: I think A-Ron of aNYthing said it best on the interview we did with him on The Brilliance. Keep the art on the walls! Stop trying to make these big crazy odd-placement designs work on tshirts. That's just me, I just don't like it. I don't wear anything with graphics on it unless it's real nice and crisp - and simple. Shirts with typography and lettering on them are the best, with a little added imagery maybe...just need more simplicity. If you want it detailed, fine, just need to do something honestly different. And that's the problem - it's too saturated right now to do anything that will really truly stand out too much. And yeah, please, stop trying to make your 'brand' t-shirts worth any more than like, $40 tops. Especially if you're cutting and sewing AA tags for your own. Are there any places, online or elsewhere, that The Brilliance goes when they feel the need to cop some fresh gear? B: eBay for real. Its so hard to find other shops online that have what I want. All I want are the Japanese LVC Levis. It drives me nuts that I have to call someone in Japan to get them shipped over to me. Ha, whatever. C: Mostly whatever is on sale at Wal-Mart or when Goodwill does a half-off Friday. Just kidding. I don't know. just get clothes when and where I need them and if I like them. eBay, sure. Gap, H&M, Marshall Fields even, for my Ralph Lauren polos or Puma stuff. Maybe Hot Topic for a flaming dice print lounge shirt or a leather jacket with a giant spider web graphic on the back and metal spikes jutting out in all directions. Hot topic, really? That's hot Chuck. Pure lava, really. Haha. Now for a few last questions where I pry into your personal lives and expose you darkest secrets, haha. Ben, you're a definite fan of the white sneakers. As anyone who's owned a pair knows, you're slipping on your game if your kicks aren't clean. In your experience, how do you maintain a crisp pair of white on whites? B: I do love white sneakers. I went from Reeboks, to Air Force 1’s, to Superstar 1’s, and have landed at the more mature Stan Smith. And yes, dingy white shoes are instant uncle status. You know, everybody has that uncle who always wears puffy-ass dirty white sneakers. Keeping them clean? That ‘magic eraser’ is sick. My mom put me onto it like last year I think. But we all know, white sneakers don’t last long, just by nature. To keep a crispy pair on your feet you’ll need to hit your favorite store on a regular. Just how it is. C: What? Ben, stop it. Tell everyone what you really wear. Ben loves his K Swiss and penny loafers when he dresses up. Also, you've previously mentioned your fondness for skating. With the exception of Nike's SB line and a VERY select group of other sneakers, the skateboarding shoe is too often a heinous sight to behold. What's the deal with this, and do you have any suggestions for some ill skateshoes besides dunks? B: I skate Nike’s e-cues. Two reasons: Nike makes a quality product, and they still know how to design something well. Second, the shoe is truly functional for skate boarding. My laces are protected, the ollie area has grip but is almost indestructible, and my heal doesn’t get hurt when I bail on a trick. This shoe is a great example of a technical design that fits both form and function. C: Again, Ben, you got to stop lying. Listen, Ben does not skateboard. Ben wishes he could skateboard. Ben can barely rollerskate. You'll mostly catch him around town on his new Razor Scooter or rented Segway. The amount of progressive culture related content on the web has exploded in the past few years, however websites rarely provide the in-depth coverage available in print. On the other hand, magazines are often behind simply because of the logistics of production. Do you find yourself looking more to the web or print for news on emerging trends and designers? B: The web. I use the web for getting the latest info without question. But I love big glossy magazines. V, Flaunt, Black Book, etc... So much work goes into print, so it’s like a different respect for that. C: We just Ask Jeeves! The Brilliance have shown their love for tattoos, and I've seen small images of the work on your arm Chuck. Do you both of you have work done, and what exactly do either of you have tattooed? Also, would you like to give a shout out to any artists or shops? B: I don’t have any work...but I may soon. I am a very indecisive person so something like a tattoo is a struggle to settle on. Chuck’s stuff is very sharp, very clean. The birds are one of my favorite tattoos I have ever seen. C: Thanks B...I love my tattoos...I have some birds, some lines, maybe a little NP initial...all black work. I'll be going again soon. I love tattoos, getting tattoos, people with tattoos, and looking at tattoo magazines/sites. It's just a fascinating subculture to me that has pretty much permeated the mainstream as an acceptable form of art. Cool to see that happening. No shout outs to anyone specific just yet. Ah, well, maybe Rich from Peace of Art in the Heights. In addition, what do you think has given tattoos their recent mainstream appeal and how do you believe this will impact society and culture? B: Have the gotten more popular? I kind don’t follow that close...more for Chuck. But I think juxtaposition is a huge trend emerging right now, and tattoos can give a lot of street cred to someone you know? You could be wearing a pink polo and linen pants with a big angel tattoo on your neck...that’s gangster. C: Celebrities having tattoos is a huge reason they are so acceptable and OK. It's just becoming less looked down upon as an act of rebellion and more as an expression. Plus, less people are getting barbed wire and Kanji writing, so, maybe that's why it's looking up...ehhhhh. Barbed wire. Or tribal. Please don't. The interview has been great and rather than ending with last words of advice (I think I covered that well enough in the first few questions), I leave you with this decision to make. Consider what you would've wrote as a few last words and instead choose a Ghostface song that represents those thoughts. (BTW, a little while back when you dropped that little quote about "Susie, Yo Susie!!" you seriously had me rollin'. That has to be one of the best skits ever.) B: I think ‘The Splash’ is dope, one of my favorites right now. But I don’t know if that’s something to close out with. Maybe ‘The Hilton’ is better. ‘...thugs on the computers...’ C: Ghost got ants in his pants. Ghost: You got ants in yo' mouf, bitch! Haha. B: Thanks for the interview, stay up! End.  |
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