Michael Vlamis is an upcoming American actor, director and screenwriter who has appeared in shows such as; New Girl and Two Close. He also write, produce and act in his own production short films. His work and talent has inspired me and has me on the edge of my seat waiting for him to make it big in the acting industry.
Actor Michael Vlamis
Question & Answer
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THE WORLD OF ACTING ?
People and storytelling. To me, there's nothing better than connecting with and affecting a fellow human being. An honest performance can speak to people from all different backgrounds and bring the most unlikely people together, which is pretty special. With that in mind, I never thought a career in film was feasible since I grew up in Chicago and didn't know anyone in the industry. I ended up going to Chapman University to study business and play baseball and while there, I took an acting class as an elective and my teacher told me I could probably do this for a living. It's amazing what early encouragement can do for someone. I'm extremely thankful for her.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ACHIEVED IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS OF YOUR CAREER ?
I'd like to be in a position where roles in TV and Film are pursuing me just as much as I'm pursuing them. I have too many aspirations to list, so my hope is to continue learning, working, and remembering it's about the journey, not the destination. In addition to acting, I'm writing, directing, and producing my own projects, which I believe is extremely important for any aspiring actor or filmmaker because it's a great way to grow as an artist and see your specific role from a different point of view.
ACTING AND THE ARTS ARENT ALWAYS PRAISED BY EVERYONE AND IS SEEN BY SOME AS A JOKE, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG AND UPCOMING ARTIST WHO WANT TO DELVE INTO THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT ?
Screw everyone. Are you doing this for everyone? If so, find a new career. Ha, I know that's harsh, but in all honesty, there will always be haters, and you simply have to ignore them by staying true to who you are what you want. If you have a burning desire to create and make a difference in the world through art, GO FOR IT! I stress that because too many people are scared to go after what they love. In the 17 hours a day you're awake, what do you think about most? You just answered what you want to do with your life. Nobody can hold you back, aside from yourself. And remember, everyone starts somewhere...
IF YOU WEREN'T ACTING WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE PURSUED INSTEAD ?
I probably would still be in entertainment. It's in my blood and I have no doubts I would have gotten pulled into this industry in one way or another. Buuuuut, if I must answer, I'd say a serial Entrepreneur. I studied entrepreneurship in college and would love bounce from startup to startup.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON NEW PROJECTS WE COULD BE EXPECTING IN THE MERE FUTURE ?
I just wrapped up being the Creative Director and star of the Snapchat account for the Fox TV show, Scream Queens, which came after my short film, Meme! True Hollywood Story won the Snapchat category at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival. I'm currently gearing up to release a digital series I created titled, Making It, which is a satirical comedy based in LA. My dramatic short film, He'd Be King, which I also wrote, directed, produced, and starred in will premiere later this year, and you can currently find my face on the retail box of the latest Kim-Kardashian backed product, the LuMee Duo. Funny story – My mom was Christmas shopping at the Apple store last month and saw me on the box without knowing I'd be on it! She then told the clerk and he made a store-wide announcement. Thanks mom!
LASTLY WHATS YOUR FAVORITE ROLE YOU'VE PLAYED SO FAR AND WHY ?
I co-starred in my first full-length feature film this past September where I play a recently divorced playboy who sells his startup for millions and reunites with his college buddies for their best friend's bachelor party. The party gets out of hand, people go missing, and things get crazy! My character owns a yacht in the film, so I got to drive a 50 foot boat around Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, which was obviously a blast. I'm hoping the movie gets released later this year, so stay tuned !
The festive season is almost over , and the time to cram in all your favorite Christmas movies are right now. Here are a few jingle ball movies you should most definitely watch before the twinkly season is over.
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Deck The Halls
Home Alone 1
Home Alone 2
The Polar Express
The Grinch
Jack Frost
Four Christmases
Elf
Santa Clause 1 - 3
I strongly recommend you stay in bed all day and catch up on the festive feels. Let me know some of your favorite Christmas time movies. Have a great Christmas.
🎄🎄🎄
Christmas Playlist
Anyone who knows me really well , knows that Christmas is my most favorite time of the year. Here are just a few of my favorite Christmas songs to get you in the festive mood this month.
Michael Bublé - Holly Jolly Christmas
Ariana Grande - Santa Tell Me
Frank Sinatra - White Christmas
Michael Bublé - The Christmas Song
Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You
Bing Crosby - Its beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Michael Bublé - White Christmas
Train - Shake Up Christmas
Those are just a handful of my favorite Christmas songs. Let me know some of your favorites by leaving a comment on my Instagram or sending me a dm.
🎄🎄🎄
Summer Reads
The pass few weeks Ive been drowning myself in literature and so I discovered a few great reads you need to finish this summer (Fiction & Biography)
THE MAZE RUNNER : (FICTIONAL SERIES)
If you enjoyed The Hunger Games , this will most definitely quench your thirst for more. The series starts with a prequel (The Kill Order) followed by The Maze Runner and two other books which takes the reader into a futuristic world where killer sun flares have unleashed devastation on our planet earth, which caused a deadly disease to spread and forced a group of friends to try and survive.
The Maze Runner By James Dashner
STEVE JOBS : (BIOGRAPHY) This exclusive biography, written with Steve Jobs's full cooperation was based on forty interviews conducted over two years , with the man himself. The greatly written biography conducts about Jobs live since his adoption till the day he became the CEO of the worldly renowned Apple Company. The biography consists of content from his personal life and his life spent growing Apple. This book and his life story has inspired me and will do the same for you.
Steve Jobs , The Biography By Walter Isaacson
I hope you enjoyed my book suggestions for the holiday time, let me know via email or dm if you would like to see more of these each month.
Fall Trends
A 90's trend has been resurrected, and I'm literally obsessed. Pins have made a return to the fashion podium and its a must have this fall and year. Pin them to your favorite jean-jacket or coat to complete your look for the day and give your street style an interesting piece of art.
If you're one of those people who enjoy wearing sandels but, can't find the perfect pair modern enough to wear with your street stylings , the solution has been found and its one of falls greatest styling options, the Leather Sandel. It lightens your look and looks great with a pair of black jeans rolled up and a cumfy jersey.
Let me know about some of your favorite fall trends right now via email or instagram.
July Favorite Book & Album
Even though I've been listening to this album for two months non stop , its most defenitely one of my favorite albums right now. The pop album is inspired by the 80's and interpreted in a new modern way.
Ive been reading Fifty Shades Of Grey , since it came out and was instantly obsessed with the books. EL James decided to publish the first book , from Christian Grey's perspective , which gives us a deeper look into the broken man known as Fifty Shades Of Fucked Up.
These are my current favorites, let me know what yours is by sending me an email or commenting on my instagram.
Black
There's nothing more classic than an all black look. I added a pop of so called color (gray) to break the continues black flow.
The visible gray socks underneath the tugged up black jeans , is an influence of modern day street wear inspired by european styling. Round off the minimal black look with any pair of your favorite sun glasses and shoes , and you'll be ready to go.
Sun glasses : Spitfire London Bomber Jacket : Mr Price Plain Black Top : TopMan Black Jeans : Mr Price Shoes : John Drake Watch : Diesel Gray Socks : Edgars
Send me your thaughts and what some of your favorite minimal outfits are via email , dm or comment on my instagram what you thaught.
Nineteen things I learned turning nineteen
10 July 2016
Turning nineteen , I say goodbye to my eighteen year old self , and enjoy the last year of being a teenager. I am blessed to have spent my nineteen years on earth with my twin , who has been a best friend and fellow adventurer , documenter and curator.
Here are the lessons I've learned :
One: Being authentic , is worth more than trying to fit in , especially in high school.
Two: Friends come and go.
Three: Your opinion matters. Listen to different opinions but don't let it suppress your own.
Four: Don't be a bully.
Five: Don't be bullied , stand up for yourself.
Six: Your happiness depends on yourself, no one else.
Seven: Participate in as many activities as you can while in high school , join clubs and make new friends and memories.
Eight: Travel and go on adventures, experience different cultures, sceneries, religions and people.
Nine: Get off the damn couch, and be active.
Ten: Exercise, "YOLO" won't mean shit if you're overweight and have diabetes.
Eleven: Work hard, academics are really important , especially if you want to apply to University.
Twelve: Don't keep toxic people in your life , they will only drag you down.
Thirteen: Do what makes you happy, don't be forced to be or do something, that doesn't bring you happiness.
Fourteen: Fall in love , have a summer romance.
Fifteen: Take a break from social media now and then.
Sixteen: Appreciate the little things in life.
Seventeen: Be a kid , don't spend time wishing you were older you'll surely regret it.
Eighteen: Don't be afraid to make mistakes , they turn out to be the best memories.
Nineteen: Be happy , happiness is everything in this mess of a world.
Follow my twin brothers social media for inspirational content. @EonRheeder
Gray Hair & Jean Jacket
For the past year and a half , I really wanted to color my hair gray , but I was scared of what people would say and if it would damage my hair. Finally I had the courage to do it and after a few sessions of bleach and coloring , I had the hair of an old man , and it looked great , I was instantly obsessed.
It takes some work to maintain the hair color , but definitely worth it. I am blessed to have a professional hairstylist (26 years of styling) as a mother , which made the process fun and so much easier.
Having gray hair switched up my style and made me experiment with new looks , and Im obsessed with the european influence of style.
Forget the rules , if you like it wear it. Clothes are all about making you feel great , and giving you the power to express your own sense of style.
Jean Jacket : Oakridge Plain Black Top : Topman Black Jeans : Mr Price Shoes : John Drake Sunglasses : Spitfire London
Hairstyling: Adele Rheeder
NANNA VENTER
by Leo Rheeder
Art work by Nanna Venter
Nanna (Anja) Venter is a South African artistic creator , who grew up in Bellville. She is currently still studying. She did her BA (Hons) at Stellenbosch University , her MA at the University of Cape Town , and currently finnishing her PhD there as well.
The Interview
You have a specific style , when it comes to your art , what would you say inspired it.
" I ripped off so many people to get to a style I could call my own. I have been greatly influence by the work of Jaime Hernandez, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Marchand. I used to rip off this fantastic comic artist, Willem Samuel, to the point of blatant plagiarism. I like work that doesn't take itself too seriously, and enjoy the absurdist and chaotic qualities of Dada, 90's zine culture, and glitch artists like David O'Reilly "
What are you currently doing (working on)
" I'm finishing up my PhD in creative technologies and participatory culture (crossing fields from Media Studies to Computer Science) and making a drawing every day for instagram to keep my drawing skills sharp "
Why did you choose to become an artist
" I don't really see myself as an artist per say. I would probably say I'm more of a general creative. I make things and write things. I don't know if being a creative person is a choice, as much as it is a confluence of factors that lead you down a particular path. I harbour a great romanticism about artists, musicians, thinkers and writers of all kinds, so I think my choice of vocation has something to do with my desire to hang around interesting people, and live an interesting life "
How would you describe your style
" Scribblecore "
Who is your number one inspiration and why
" A very tall man called Ben Rausch. He is the most creative, colour-outside-the-lines, playful, and accomplished artist/designer/animator/game designer/person I know, and I want to be just like him when I grow up "
Where would you like to be in five years time
" A very difficult question, because I don't believe in 5-year plans. But if you'll entertain my fantasties - I'd like to make friends with some kind of alien lifeforce. Realistically, I guess I'd want to have written a work of fiction, and have a giant studio space (which I imagine would look like the Ninja Turtles lair from the 1990 movie) where I can paint canvasses and get drunk with my friends "
Do you believe artists have a place in this world , and can they make a living off doing what they love
" Of course! Case in point - Lorraine Loots, Danielle Clough, Lauren Beukes, Jean de Wet, etc etc. I believe the world would be dead and boring without artists. The suicide rate would be through the roof. Art injects colour and joy into the narratives of our lives. It reveals the world to us in new ways "
A lot of artists have struggles with being who they are , and developing their own style , what advice would you give them
" Keep making things. Copy as many people as you need. All creativity is in actuality a remix - a dialogic process. Eventually what will emerge is your own voice, even if it's little bits of all the things you love - nobody loves the exact same things that you do "
Whats your favorite media to work in
" I love markers and brushpens of all kinds (posca, copic, pentel, etc). I prefer work that has a lot of texture - so I tend to rather mix mediums than favour any one single visual repertoire "
Nanna Venter is truly a free spirited creator , and has been featured by Grazia Magazine for the work she is doing. Follow the links below to find out more about Nanna and the work she is doing.
I have a few addictions , but the one addiction that I hope never to cure is ; tv series. I have watched a number of tv series , and I have declared myself The King Of Series , and I'll be sharing all my favorites according to category with my readers.
In no specific order , these are the tv shows that learned me a few life lessons, and made me more open minded to new things.
Romance / Drama
Glee The Carrie Diaries Gossip Girl The Fosters Pretty Little Liars 90210 Devious Maids Revenge Desperate Housewives Royal Pains How To Get Away With Murder
Comedy
Modern Family How I Met Your Mother Two Broke Girls Big Bang Theory Will & Grace Friends Orange Is The New Black The Middle Awkward Faking It Ugly Betty Superstore Cougar Town Suburgatory Dont Trust The Bitch In Appartment 23 Pushing Daisies Geordie Shore
Horror / Thriller
American Horror Story Scream Queens Game Of Thrones Outcast Wayward Pines Vampire Diaries The Originals The Walking Dead Fear The Walking Dead Teen Wolf Dexter Lost Bates Motel Hannibal Scream
Sci-Fi
The Flash Arrow The 100 Containment The Shannara Chronicles Under The Dome Merlin Revolution
These are all the series I live by. I encourage you to try those you havent watched , you might just find your new favorite tv show. Send me an email , or comment on my Instagram to let me know any of your favorite tv shows.
Offline
Social media can be tiring.
We spend almost all our time documenting our lives, and posting it to social media , and it can get tiring. Thats why its good to take a break from all social media outlets , and cleanse ones mind from the internet.
Step 1 : Logout By logging out of all your social media apps you can be certain that you wont get any notifications that will attract your attention, or going on the app by mistake , as it starts becoming a habit. (Except for apps used to contact friends or colleagues for example whatsapp)
Step 2 : Be active After you have logged out of all your social medias , you will start to crave them , thats when you have to start being active , physically and mentally. By logging out you'll have so much time to do things you never really had time for , like : working out , reading a book or just getting out more.
Try doing this for five days , and feel the weight lifted off your shoulders , as well as seeing all you have accomplished in those five days , without social media.
Bomber Jacket
Lately, I've been obsessed with bomber jackets and the styling qualities they have, perfect for a modern street style during the day and a night out on the town.
The bomber jacket , has been reborn for modern styling , and its a must have this winter. The jacket , styled with ripped jeans and any pair of your favorite sneakers , will give you the perfect street style this season.
The succulent smell of pancakes awaken me from my slumber. As sanity returns , I open my eyes and gaze up into the emptiness above me. Flashbacks from the night before , make themselves visible , rough love , before drifting off into a deep sleep next to the girl I love.
As I scramble out of bed , I dislodge my pillow , revealing a silver condom packet underneath. A hand appears , and Claire reaches over and grabs the silver packet , with a joyful smirk. "Morning sleepy head" , she says with a devilish smile "I don’t know what to be more happy about , seeing your beautiful face or the smell of those pancakes , I tease her. She glares at me , "Now you wont get either , not me nor those delicious pancakes I whipped up"
I grab her waist , and pin her to the bed , with her hands above her head. Her hair falls over her face and she starts giggling. Her smile sets my heart on fire and I realize in that nanosecond... this girl , this blond haired , blue eyed girl with dimples that caress her beautiful young face is the love of my life. "I love you" , I say to her pinned underneath me. She stills and says nothing. "Breakfast is getting cold" , she says...
Claire and I sit on my rug , eating pancakes covered in syrup. Claire leans against the couch with her just-fucked hair and her long legs stretched out in front of her. She's waring my white Ripcurl t-shirt and it just covers the essentials.
"This is good" , I say digging into my breakfast. She smiles and leans toward me to wipe a strain of syrup from my mouth. "Made with love and care" , she smiles We sit and have a good breakfast for about half an hour before I collect her plate and head to the kitchen to wash our plates and the cooking essentials she used.
"I'll clean up , you go on and take a shower" , I say nonchalant , thinking it will give me some time to proses what might be bothering Claire today. "What will I do without you" , she says and hugs me from behind.
The sound of falling water , from the shower grasps me back to reality , and I wash our plates , that are covered in syrup and bits and pieces of pancake.
The morning sun shines through my kitchen window and I reflect on what might be troubling Claire... ever since she returned from the doctors yesterday , she was very distant , but reassuring me that nothing was wrong , she was just feeling sick , and tired , almost all the time ... Then the hard reality hits me , she's pregnant !
She enters the living room with a towel wrapped around her body and her hair still wet and dripping down her body. "Claire , what’s going on" , I ask her worrying She sighs and looks caught off guard "Please tell me" , I plead moving towards her , clasping her hands in mine "If you are pregnant , we can work this out , have a future together the three of us" , I plead
She stills and starts sobbing "There wont be an us , not now not in the future , not ever" , she cries "What do you mean" , I say , holding her close "I’m not pregnant , I have cancer , the doctors detected it all over my body , spreading fast" , she says in between sobs
My heart sinks , and it feels like all the air has escaped my lungs. I grab her waist and pull her towards my body , holding her , not breathing , not thinking... just embracing.
I love writing , and decided to publish one of my old short stories I wrote. Leave me a comment on my instagram to let me know what you thought and if you would like to see more similar content.
Taking Flatlays
A lot of my readers and followers have been requesting this post. Flatlays are crucial to complete your feed and give it a clean and modern feel.
1. Objects
Your flatlay should consist of objects that match your feed. Make sure you have different types of objects , in size and color , to bring more attention to the photo. Objects I usually use are such as : Plants, clothes, watches and books for example.
2. Background & Lighting Your flatlay should be taken on a flat surface that matches the color palette of your Instagram. Great lighting plays an important role in taking a crisp photo. Natural light , is the best source of lighting for these sorts of photos. Try and take the flatlays near any window where there is direct sunlight beaming through the window. (Use a white bulb lamp , if the sun isn't sufficient enough) If the sunlight is to harsh , it might wash out your photo, be careful an over exposed photo cant be used.
3. Rearrange & Snap The Final step will be to rearrange the objects you have chosen to use in the photo. Be creative when rearranging these objects , to attract the attention of your followers. Be sure not to use to many objects , as it will look cluttered and misplaced. Lastly the most important part , taking the perfect picture. Use your phone/camera and stand above the arrangements and line the picture up , until your happy and snap away.
Hope this post was helpful, leave a comment on my Instagram to let me know what you thought of this weeks post.
How to keep an Instagram feed
Instagram Feed
@Leorheeder
Ive been getting a lot of questions on how to get and keep an Instagram feed. I will take you through my three rules for having/keeping a feed , that will hopefully give you a clearer idea of how I manage my Instagram.
1. Color Palette Before you can start your feed , you'll need to choose the color palette of the feed you want to have (keep in mind that , If your surroundings are full of bold colors, that will most likely be the color palette of your feed , as it will be hard to have a white feed for example)
2. Taking photos People will react better to your feed if the photos are of high quality. Taking photos with a camera or high quality phone camera (iPhone) will better the chances of a great picture your followers would want to see. Be creative when taking photos, change things up and switch them around to keep suprising your followers and keep them interested in your work.
3. Consistency You need to be consistent with your uploads , its better to upload a few pictures over the time of a week , than to upload a bunch of pictures at once. I never post photos after 4pm , the prime time to upload will be between 9am and 4pm , when most users and active on Instagram.
I see Instagram as an art form and portfolio for my work , you may interpret in anyway you want , and if you choose not to have a themed feed , thats fine , Instagram should be enjoyed in anyway. I hope this will help you if you do choose to have an Instagram feed.
Clothe yourself with compassion , kindness , humility , gentleness and patience - Colossians 3:12