ARICK ELION ARTIST

More Ava Martin

2011-03-31T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hottness!!!

More Nightmare

2011-03-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

I really don't have too much to say about these pieces. I just wanted to experiment with what I had in my head. I am really trying to push this dream concept because it can truly be all mine. You can't get any more personal than a dream. Either a lie, fear, truth or make believe, it's yours. Oh, man!!! I have so much to show people. I just wish I had more time to do it but I'll do the best that I can with what I have. Here are some of the pieces.

Ava Martin

2011-03-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

I have a lot to say about this shoot. First off, GREAT collabo!!! Wheat and KG did it again. I knew of Ava before but never really had talked to her about an actual shoot date but with the concept that Wheat had for the shoot, she was perfect. I'm kinda proud of myself because KG brought his own lights for us to shoot with and on the first frame I nailed the lighting. The light was so soft and different for me. I was almost worried that people wouldn't think that this was my work. Anyway, we had so much fun shooting, we ended up taking almost 700 pics!!! Ava was very open to all of our ideas and brought some dope ideas of her own. Basically, we nailed it. Here is just one of the pics from the shoot.Us working.

Chalsie Jolie

2011-02-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

THIS CHICK IS HOTT!!!! Every time I post a pic of her on my facebook page, the comments and "likes" just flow right on in like a tornado!!! Within less than two days over 107 people have either commented or "liked" her new pic. Our phones stayed alerting us with new comments and friend requests. She later told me that she got an outstanding 100 F.R. (friend requests) just this weekend. Anyway, enough bragging. Great friend and model!!! Here is the pic.
This is the first image in my new series called "Sleepless Nights: DREAMS AND NIGHTMARES".

It is my photography and art as seen through a dream and nightmare state of mind. It's about to be crazy.

Jad Davis Dec. 27 2010 Photo Shoot

2010-12-29T18:18:00.000-08:00

After almost a year of waiting for the right time to shoot we finally got our schedules together to make this happen. With the help of make-up artist, Amy Chan, a great shoot was made. Jad came in with a great personality and spirit and was ready to work and that he did. Here is one of the shots from the shoot. Within hours of the posting on Facebook, my phone rang with notification after notification with somebody either liking the pic or with a comment. We did A GREAT JOB. This picture looks so much like an AD, it's crazy!!!

I Love You "B.G." music visual Concept art

2010-12-07T02:02:00.000-08:00

This is the concept art for my newest music visual. I am still in the lab working on the animation but I finally have a look that I am happy with so I just wanted to share it with everybody. And I guess you can see the title that I am using. I might change it but for now this is what I'm running with.

I Love You "B.G." music visual

2010-11-24T01:39:00.000-08:00

I'm still putting the visuals together in my head but I'm thinking that this is going to be the main promo pic for the new music visual. Why did I pick a chalkboard? I guess for two reasons.

1. When you write something on a chalkboard, you are expected to have everyone's attention.

2. I wanted to use a phrase that was questionable. "What's going on in his life that made him write that and who is "B.G."

This new music visual won't be just one environment of graphics. I want to take the viewer to different places to paint this visual.

i AM a music visual

2010-11-18T00:18:00.000-08:00

Here is the final piece to "i AM" a music visual.

After showing some of my friends the final piece in a personal private pre-screening, some of the responses I've received have been.....

Friend one.

It looks as though the blue particles are in a relationship in the beginning and here comes the yellow as a distraction to the relationship and the red is the ending of the relationship that wipes everything out.

Friend two is a diver

The blue particles looks like the air she is breathing and the yellow are fish behind her that she can't see and the red is danger that eliminates everything in it's way.

I kind of agree with the first friend. When I was making this visual, I just wanted to show my interpretation of the music I saw in my head and share it with everybody. When looking at the piece now, I do see a good relationship that becomes tainted with distraction and eventually becomes extinct. It's sad but beautiful at the same time. Don't you just love art? :D

i AM a music visual (Still Image)

2010-11-18T00:03:00.000-08:00

I am a little bit late with posting this because this was the teaser photo to the music visual called "i AM" I had been working on. This is the second video I have been working on since my decision to take a break from the photography game. I really didn't like the way I was going about my business and the way I was getting off track from my soul purpose of doing this "ART THING". I just wanted to look at it from another perspective and just be ME without having to depend on models coming in late for shoots or canceling. i AM an artist until the end and I really feel that I don't deserve to be put into one category and this the truth to my reason. BELIEVE IT!!!

Christmas Card for work

2010-11-17T23:52:00.000-08:00

I was working on a christmas card design for one of my friends at work today and I loved it so much that I had to put it on my blog. Here is what it looks like. This is version two. It doesn't really have any text to it yet but I think it looks good on it's own.

My Cousin's Birthday promo pics

2010-11-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

This is my cousin Wendy Elion. She asked for me to do her birthday promo pics and I just had to post one of them because we are really excited about how the whole piece turned out. This is just a taste of what they will look like. For her first photoshoot, she did great!!!!

The Gift and the Curse Video

2010-11-14T03:59:00.000-08:00

The Gift and The Curse

2010-10-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

This is just the poster for the final piece. I still have two more pieces to put out before I post the main event. It's so colorful, I can't take my eyes off of it.

New Fall Series: Title unreleased yet

2010-09-26T02:14:00.000-07:00

These are the first two pieces to a major concept I have been working on. I wanted to focus more on my artistic side rather than just photography. I have already finished the final piece but these 2 out a series of 4 are just to give the viewer a little description of where I'm coming from when they see the entire piece.

Aug. 4, 2010 Shon Cheree

2010-08-05T00:38:00.000-07:00

This is just the beginning to a larger series. I wanted to try something a little different.

Aug. 1, 2010 Brandie Harvey "QUEEN BEE"

2010-08-03T02:00:00.000-07:00

After a very intense day at work, I came home and shot Ms. Harvey. She really isn't into modeling that much but when she does, I really bring that side out. She can go from classy to Goddess sexy in a change of an outfit. She can be very reserved which is great because it's like when I shoot her, the animal comes right on out and that is so unexpected of her. I love that about art. It's all about taking the unseen and making it real. So far I am her only photographer and I personally want to keep it that way. It's almost like I have my own secret weapon I can pull out and shock the world with anytime I want. Pure GODDESS. More pics to come.

Old School photo flashback

2010-08-01T03:23:00.000-07:00

Alley Dreams staring Kym Derry

2010-08-01T03:11:00.000-07:00

With the help of rats the size of footballs, memphis' homeless, and a shitty smelling alley, this shoot was made possible. Also, my man Logan was in the back doing his assistant thing. With the use of a tripod, one spot light and a slow shutter speed, I think these pics turned out great. I'm really trying to get out and shoot outside more. I'm really tired of the studio shoots. There's so much more out in the world that I haven't even touched on yet. It's all about growth.

7.21.10 Usher - There goes my baby music video

2010-07-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting on this for a good minute. I am so glad he made a video to this!!!!

Lust for Life TEST

2010-07-15T23:36:00.000-07:00

THIS IS ONLY A TEST. I'm just putting this up to get feedback or any comments.

Kym Derry July 2010

2010-07-15T22:25:00.000-07:00

My newest model........ Kym Derry. Great attitude and energy. A true natural beauty. All we really used for the shoot was eye liner and baby oil for her lips and the rest is history. I would like to give a personal shoot out to my die hard assistant, LOGAN. Great job, man!!!!

Jessica Wang July 2010

2010-07-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

A very energetic person. During the shoot, she just couldn't stay still but it worked for us. I just kept on pushing that button and got some great shoots!!!! Oh, she was on time for the shoot as well. It is really getting on my nerves that people think that your time is sooooo useless that you have all the time in the world to wait on them. I'm sorry but I had a little moment there. I'm sure every photographer will agree with me.

First entry of 2010 July 14, 2010

2010-07-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

I'M BACK!!!! I have really been busy and side-tracked from keeping up with my blog. I guess I've used facebook to service the purpose of my blog. Anyway. In saying that. Here is some of my newest work.

Graciela Eunhae Ahn part 3 Dec. 09 post

2009-12-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

Nothing big. I just wanted to add another great photo of her. We work so well together. It might have taken me 30 minutes to clean this picture. What you see here is 99% all natural (minus my color correction and all) but other than that. Dig that!!!!!

Brent Cary Nov.9

2009-12-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

Brent Cary. I'm sure this guy looks a little bit familiar. I shot him earlier this year with my homie, Chan. She's in California now. I miss her. (Tear) He was in town for the weekend from Nashiville and we decided to hook and make some magic. Here just some of the shots we took.

The Script - Breakeven

2009-11-28T11:45:00.000-08:00

I am so feeling this song right now. I woke up this morning at 6am with only 3 hours of sleep under my belt. I turn the channel to MTV and when I saw this video, it was like dude was speaking for me, word for word. Ain't it funny when you go through things in life and it is like when you hear certain songs, you really relate to them so well? Love is Pain and Pain is Love. Why?

Denzel McArthur Nov. 09

2009-11-23T02:45:00.000-08:00

Finally, I am getting some guys in my port. This is one very professional 17 year old. For a while now I haven't shot anybody under the age of 18, let alone a teenager period. This guy came in and was ready to work. With the support of his 15 year old sister behind me, these are some of the shots from the shoot.

Graciela Eunhae Ahn part 2 Nov. 09

2009-11-19T23:24:00.000-08:00

Graciela Eunhae Ahn

2009-11-19T19:13:00.000-08:00

My homegirl Graciela. She is a very respectable young lady. She is very open to all my ideas and understands my vision of sexy but yet being classy at the same time. I love working with her. We had fun today and got a lot of great pics out of it too. Here are some.

HEARTBREAK SERIES CONT.

2009-11-16T18:30:00.001-08:00

These are the rest of my "Heart" series.

HEARTBREAK SERIES

2009-11-16T16:12:00.001-08:00

This is one out of four pieces that I am working on about the abstractness of the heart, the good and the bad.

Arick's Jay-Z - On to the Next One Music Video

2009-11-13T00:25:00.000-08:00

This is a concept I came up with in my head as I was listening to the beat. I just saw sound and I just wanted to show everybody what was in my head when I heard this. I'm kinda proud of it because it is 99.9% exactly what I wanted. Also the lyrics are exactly what I'm about right now. Let's keep it moving my fellow artist. You have to be well rounded in this game to stay fresh. I'm trying to do my part by pushing the envelope. The ball is in your court now.

Film Strip

2009-11-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

This is the continuation of the series I did of Dani earlier today. I spent a great deal of time editing that series, that I wanted to do something really cool with the end product. Well, here it is.

Dani Mitchell Nov.09

2009-11-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

I met Dani during the Bella Honey's video shoot and we had a blast. I really liked our first impression. She was ON TIME and very cooperative with following my directions and concepts. Beautiful girl, personality, and model. I love her hustler spirit. She is in the talks of shooting with my homegirl Audria so watch out for that. Here are just SOME of the pics from our shoot this past Tuesday. I just love this series. She took so many great pictures of dang near the same pose I had to post them all.

Figure Study

2009-11-09T02:04:00.000-08:00

This morning as I was working in the GAP, I started looking around and tried to figure out a new cool project to work on after I got off from work. All throughout the store are new holiday mannequins with all of these cool accessories and clothes. A light just went off in my head and said, why not shoot your own mannequin set up. I asked my manager if I could take them home for a few hours. She said, yes and this is just two of the many cool shots I got in that short amount of time. I just really want for my work to span all across the board and using as many resources as I can is the best way I feel I can do that. "If you have an eye for it, you can make anything look beautiful."- Arick

Wedding Pics

2009-11-07T07:28:00.001-08:00

I really like the way that these came out.

LOVE HARD

2009-11-07T04:44:00.000-08:00

THE FUTURE WIFE OF AN ARTIST

What can I say? She got me. :0)

Diamond Nov. 09

2009-11-02T21:50:00.000-08:00

I just had to post these ASAP. I am really proud of these. I am really pushing for a more sexy yet artistic direction. The "T" and "A" shots are out the door for me right now. I think you can still have "shock value" with putting somebody's assets in front of the camera.

KAWS/KANYE 808's and Heartbreak promo commercial

2009-10-26T03:46:00.000-07:00

I know that this is OOOOOLLLLLLLDDDDD but I never seen the whole piece before in animation form so this why I am posting it. For more cool videos go to www.laundrymat.tv.

Bella Honey Music Video

2009-10-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

What a day I have had. Just from the beginning of the day it has been hectic. Lamesica and I had planned to shoot the video at Level II earlier this week but just trying to get all of the needed models for the project to show up really became a problem because either everybody was working or something came up. Well, through it all we still got the job done and here are some of the photo stills from the video shoot. I LOVE 'EM. I can't wait to get on the video. But for now, this is what I have to keep you satisfied.

Inspirational photos

2009-10-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

I saw this on the net and it made me feel so good about my craft and reminded me how great simple art can be. You don't need all of the fluff, just a great concept.

Spike Jonze: We Were Once a Fairytale

2009-10-20T00:06:00.000-07:00

This mini movie crazy sick!!!! I love it!!!!

Here is the link so you can check it out in high quality.

http://motionographer.com/theater/we-were-once-a-fairytale/

A NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

2009-10-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics that I took last year when I went to NY to visit my twin brother with my girl friend. This was her first time in NY and boy did we give her a crash course of the city. By the time the sun went down, we were done. That was a very busy day for all of us. Anyway, here are some of the pics I took of the downtown NY.

ANDRE 10.5.09

2009-10-06T01:55:00.000-07:00

I just thought that this was a cool and different shot for my brother. He normally gets your average hip hop photo shoot but this time when you look at his picture, I want him to stand out. Hopefully he likes it.

10.3.09 PARTY AT LEVEL II

2009-10-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

Last saturday night was wild!!! Andre, Chad, Landon, Brandie, and I along with many more partied the night away celebrating all of our Sept. and Oct. birthdays. With my Nikon in my right hand, not a moment was missed. Check out some of the pics and for more crazy pics, check them out on my facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/arickelion

www.edwintse.com

2009-09-29T01:13:00.000-07:00

I don't remember how I found this website but I do go to it from time to time for inspiration and I just wanted to share it with you. Here are some of pics. Check it out.

Jay-Z - Lost Ones

2009-09-29T00:57:00.000-07:00

Drake - FOREVER

2009-09-24T03:57:00.000-07:00

Hype strikes again!!!

Dream ft. Kanye West - Walking on the moon video (my version)

2009-09-21T04:27:00.000-07:00

I just thought that i would add this to my blog. Check out how many views my video got on myspace. This is a record high for my work.

FALL 09 Website

2009-09-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

It's done!!!! This took me about three and a half weeks to do. I just kept redesigning it until I was happy. I wanted to keep the same simple navigation but give the site a bigger and better feel to it. I also wanted to show all of my skills and not just my digital skills. I was true raw artist before all of this computer stuff came into play. Leonardo Da Vinci was true to his craft because he didn't need a Mac to show how talented he was. I guess thats the point I'm trying to make here. I'm not just a photographer or a video director, or a digital illustrator, I AM AN ARTIST! What I do on paper can't be taught in a web design class. The vision has to start from somewhere and thats on paper.

Diddy -ANGELS

2009-09-15T00:41:00.000-07:00

Hype Williams does it again! My take on the video/song is that I'm not too fond of the beat because he just ripped it off from Jay-Z's "The Streets Is Watching". What does the party have to do with Angels? I don't get that part but everything else, the visuals, editing, composition, the contrast, I love. Also, what was the point of using B.I.G.? Is he supposed to be the angel thats calling? What? Maybe Diddy will explain at a later time but DOPE VIDEO.

Gold Gameboy

2009-09-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

This one must belong to Pharrell Williams. :0) It is said to cost more than $25,000.00 If you think about it, you could BUY a car with that money and I'm sure this thing doesn't come with a game.

AE Polo Commercial 2009

2009-09-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

This was something that I just wanted to play around with and be a little different with. So far, i feeling the responses I've been receiving. Check it out.

itsjustbusiness BEGINS

2009-09-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

Here is just a piece from my shoot with Whitney Unique Faces Griffin today. She was so excited and I was so in the zone. I'm back baby! THIS IS NOT A GAME!!!!

itsjustbusiness

2009-08-29T09:34:00.001-07:00

Here is my new promo piece for my fall series "itsjustbusiness". I'm in the zone people!

TOM FORD

2009-08-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

I think I found my fall inspiration. I know I am totally in love with the Kenneth Cole look but this dude has "Edge" on his resume. His work is still clean but it has that shock value in it as well. This is what moves me.

THE RETURN IS UPON US

2009-08-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

I'm coming out hard this fall. I think I'm gonna name my whole fall series, "It's Just Business". I might change it but this is the concept I'm pushing for. THIS IS NOT A GAME!!!!!

LOVE LOCKDOWN

2009-08-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a comeback like this. Get ready. Videos and all. Keep it simple.

Imogen Heap New Album

2009-08-22T06:08:00.001-07:00

Imogen Heap

From Frou Frou to 2009. What a great career. I remember sitting in my manager's office at Fedex back in 2002 when I first heard of Frou Frou. I was instantly intrigued. This woman's voice and sound was so different. It almost reminded me of Annie Lenox but with a millennium twist. After a run as Frou Frou, Imogen Heap came out as a solo act and just killed it. The electronic genre of iTunes was ruled by this woman for weeks. Imogen Heap is pure talent and an artist to be dealt with. So far with the tracks that I have heard, I highly recommend

" Canvas" - Great lyrics and beats; something worth listening to while drawing or being creative. Very inspiring.

"Aha!" - Great beats; reminds me of an opera

"2-1" - Classic Imogen; if you loved any of her previous works, this one takes you back. It is almost like a sequel/or a missed hidden track they added to this album from the last album. Great song.

"Earth" - Great intro and smooth lyrics. Yet again, classic Imogen.

Again, a great artist. If you love great music, you have to have this.

OLD SCHOOL

2009-08-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

LL Cool J - Going Back To Cali

Great cinema photography!!!!

Daymes Model Mayhem Photographer

2009-08-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

Today I want to pay homage to a wonderful photographer I found on www.modelmayhem.com. I really like his style and the level of creativity he brings to the camera. I'm putting this posting up because this is direction I want to take my work in. These pieces are so timeless!!! This could have been shot tens years ago and the observer would never had known it. This is top notch hardback book material.

I just love the lighting, poses, makeup and hair in all of these pieces. This is what the craft is all about. Even the simple graphic layouts are genius. Less is for sure more in this case. The model's poses speak elegance and class. The clothing execute thought, style and high fashion at its best. I have become a great fan of his work and look forward to taking my work to that next level.

MUTE MATH IS BACK!!!!

2009-08-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

The wait is finally over!!!! This guys have an amazing unique sound. I remember the first time a co-worker of mine introduced me to their music, I was instantly hooked. Ever sense, whatever new piece of music they released, I had to have. From the 2007 Transformers movie theme to the Twilight soundtrack, it just made me that much more ready for the new album.

While they were on tour last year they came to Memphis, TN but I missed them because I couldn't go to the show because I had just found about it that morning. So I know I missed a great performance. Anyway, its round two and I'm ready for the glorious unspoken sound that is Mute Math. LET'S GO!!!!

MOTIVATION

2009-08-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

This is how I'm feeling right now. I am so into getting my art together for the fall. I'm trying to get on a totally different level. Get ready.

N.E.R.D.'s new website

2009-06-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.n-e-r-d.com

I saw the link on Kanye West's blog and I just had to put it on mine. They have a N.E.R.D. web video game on there. IT IS TOO COOL!

INSPIRATION Flashback video

2009-06-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

I was going through music videos on Youtube while I was working on the "Walking on the Moon" video and I came across this old school video. I just love the look of it. At the time I wasn't really that crazy about the song but the video no doubt is great.

My Trip to Miami

2009-06-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was very interesting and exciting all at the same time. It started last Thursday as me and nine models got together for a fifteen hour trip to Miami. I packed all of the girl's bags that were riding with me and all of their bigger bags, i packed on the roof of my truck. We weren't on the road a good 20 minutes before one of the bags popped off of the roof and was swinging from the side of the truck. I immediately pulled over and just took the bags down and put some of them inside the truck and some in the other truck that we were following.

We met up with LaMescia's Dad in Alabama around 2am at a Wal-mart. While we were taking a break, me and some of the girls went inside Wal-mart. We weren't in there two minutes before dudes were trying to holla at them. I was walking with one of the girls named, Winter and I told her that I would just be paranoid if I were a female and have dudes just coming from nowhere just trying to holla at me.

We got back on the road about an hour later and was headed for Miami. It wasn't for another 12 hours before we finally got to Miami.

As soon as we got to the hotel, we unpacked and got straight to work. We started poolside and the pics and lighting was oh so on point. I think we finished around mid-night. After a long trip and intense photo shoot, some of the girls decided that they wanted to enjoy a Friday night in Miami. We got dressed and went out only to find out that just about every restaurant was closing. Our only option was to hit up either Mikey D's or some other late night fast food joint. We ended up hiting up Mikey D's and Taco Bell and headed on back to the hotel.

We ended up missing our early morning scheduled photo shoot due from staying out all night so we really didn't get started getting up until around 9am. We all packed into my truck as well two other cars and headed to the beach. We hit the beach and hit it hard. Beach side were hot models taking pictures with thongs along side on looking 16 - 40 men. It really bugged me out that these girls were getting all of this attention and they just handed there business just as if it were just out there.

I think it might have been around four or five in the afternoon before we decided to head to dinner. The place we went to, I can't even remember the name but the food was cool. It almost reminded me of a Picadilli/Taco Bell. After eight hours and a sunburn, off to the hotel it was. We were scheduled to continue shooting in the hotel again but most of the models were worn out and had the craziest sunburn so everybody just figured that it would best to take a load off.

Me and seven of the models hoped into my truck, (just so if you are wondering, I have a Ford Explorer with third seating). I know what you're thinking, yeah, i was the only dude there. Anyway, getting past all of that. It took us good thirty minutes before we found a good parking spot. We parked and hit the strip. We went to the "Mansion" abd it cost each of us a good $20. I personally liked the club. After about an hour the whole group got a good feel for the club and was working the room. One of my new friends, Winter came up to me and told me that somebody spit in her mouth. I thought that was crazy. She said that she was scared because she didn't know what it was that dude spit. Damn, man.

Later on, not to long after that happened to her, I was working my way around the V.I.P. and I noticed a guy dancing on a girl and there was a girl in front of him and he was bitting on her back. Once he stopped, I tried to make my way between the two of them. Bad mistake. Once i got in front of him, the dude started bitting on me. WTF!!!! I hit the dude with my elbow to get him off of me and when he looked up and noticed that it wasn't the girl he had previously bit, he looked scared out of his mind. He couldn't speak english so the only thing he could do was try to make peace with me by trying to give me a pound. OMG!!! Miami, what is going on down there?!!!

On the way back to the car, I started my car with the remote starter just to get the AC going because it was just as humid down there as it is in Memphis. To our surprise, we thought that the Miami police blocked off the streets after events just like Memphis does but in the this case, there was a murder scene. The even more crazy part about it was that my truck was parked right across the street from the shooting.

After I asked the police how long the investigation was going to take, they said that it could be up until noon. I didn't have until noon. Here it is 5am and the models and I had to be up at 6:30 to start our next shoot. An hour went by and the police finally let us go. We got back to the hotel after grabbing some Mickey D's again and off to sleep everybody went.

It was around 10:30am before everybody got up and went to the hotel's pool one last time for our final shoot. 12 noon, it was time to head home. We were out of the hotel by 1pm and on the road. After 16 hours, 3 movies, 10 CDs, unlimited iPod songs, multiple gas and food stops, we finally made it home. To me it was almost the ending of a movie. We all had this wonderful experience with only a handful of people knowing each other from the beginning of the trip to everybody giving each other hugs and well wishes in the end. Just as quickly as it began, it was over.

I AM STRONGER

2009-06-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

How can I start this off? I really have tried not to let my personal life effect or interfere with my artistic life. I think that life experiences can surely inspire great work from an artist, not doubt, but it doesn't have to control it. As an artist you have the control of what you want for people to see and not to see. You are showing them your world wether it is a fantasy or the truth.

The reason for this entry is that two nights ago I found out who my real friends are. It sure is funny what real thoughts people have about you when you aren't around (so they think).

One of my closest friends, (I don't plan on mentioning his name because I'm not as dirty as he is) got on facebook and started to express his feelings about my new released music video to my girlfriend. Little did he know that I was sitting right next to her as he was IMing her. He started telling her that he thought that I was mad at him for the opinions he expressed to me about my video. He later expressed his feelings to her about me as an artist as a whole. His comments were and I quote "He is lost", "Arick is all talk", He is not real", "He is not true to himself", and "His inspirations are not his own".

It was kind of embarrassing to see one of my best friends that I have known since 1996 to be down-talking me to my girlfriend, in front of me of all times. To see her almost laughing at him and what he was saying and then questioning me and our friendship, that hurt. Is this what he really thinks about me? And for her to be questioning me as to ask "Is this what your friendship is like?" I was just as shocked as she was. Wow, man.

This IM conversation went on for about an hour and the longer it went on the more I became that much more disappointed in what he was saying. I couldn't believe that this person would even consider calling himself my friend. My definition of a real friend would be somebody that doesn't put you down at all. If you were a REAL friend, you would pull that person to the side and let them know TO THIER FACE and let them know how you feel about them or what they are doing or have done. Not tell other people, especially to the ones that are close to them. How does that make YOU look as a person. I think it makes you look like a coward and a punk. Even if you did pull that person to the side and let them know, that should be the end of it. You don't need to broadcast your opinion to the rest of the world.

Some of the comments that he said about my video was that the styling hurt the video, that the "White boy" was, and I quote "HORRID", the graphics that I do for my job look better than what was in the video, I was being "CHEAP" with the production of the video and that it was no excuse because he shoots in lesser space than me, and the graphics in the background of the performance pieces look like something that was done at the fair. Oh, and he also went on to say that he would get more youtube hits of a video of him pissing than I would for my video. Please, somebody tell me if that doesn't sound like a HATER. How is that supposed help me get better as an artist? I guess if he's not behind the production, it ain't right or can be called art.

He later went on to touch on certain things about my family that has nothing to do with my art. One of the things he went on to say is that I would prefer that my daughter was fat so that when she got older, little boys wouldn't bother her and distract her from her work. Please tell me, why in the hell would I say something like that? I am the one that takes care of my kids and I do it by myself!!!!! He went on to tell my girlfriend that, "Its those fat little girls that end up sucking dick to get attention because they have low of a self-esteem." Where did that come from?!!!!

What I have to say about that is, IF YOU EVER REFER TO MY DAUGHTER SUCKING SOMEBODY'S DICK, I WILL FUCK YOU UP!!!! Don't think I am playing because if I ever see you again, believe me, it will happen!!!

My friend (so called), you need to watch what you say about people, especially the ones that are close to you and have your back. Making other people feel bad about what they are contributing to this world doesn't make you any better than them, it just makes you that much less of a person. I don't ever remember GOD leaving you in charge to say what is and what isn't.

I would like to conclude and say that from now on, until the day that you die, we are enemies. Don't ever call me again, mention my name, or ask my family or girlfriend about me ever again. You brought this on yourself because I have never put you down or made you feel bad about what you were doing with your art. You have been doing this for years and I am finally done listening to your "I'm better than you mentality". You said that I was "LOST". No man, it's you because you just "LOST" one of your closest friends. With that, I say, FUCK YOU and have a poor and unproductive life. How's that for being "REAL"?

The Dream ft Kanye West - Walking on the Moon (Arick's version)

2009-06-02T15:31:00.001-07:00

IT'S DONE.

Comment and let me know what you think. I hope you like it.

The Dream ft. Kanye West - Walking on the Moon Video Shoot DAY 4

2009-05-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

DAY 4 Allura

This is DAY 4 of shooting and I'm still good. I'm very pleased as to where this video is going. The graphics are tight, the models are giving me what I need, and the buzz is strong. I can't wait to see this video myself. I already know that when I post this, people will be very surprised with my skills as a video director and how I've grown with my art.

I wanted to post the video that goes with these pictures but I think I've given you guys enough already because by the time I post the finished piece, you'll already have an idea as to what the video will look like, and we can't have that, now can we? Anyway, I'll see ya tomorrow. Peace.

The Dream ft. Kanye West - Walking on the Moon Video Shoot DAY 3

2009-05-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

DAY 3: The Editing Room

Here is just a taste of what's to come with the new video. These are stills from the intro of the video without the titles. Where did you get this footage from, you ask? I MADE THIS S--T MYSELF!!! This is not a game to me. I am really trying to be the next Hype Williams/Kanye West with this video director thing. MTV ain't ready for me. MTV VMA AWARDS, here I come. HAHA.

Notice how in the last frame that you can see the moon? Yeah, it's gonna be hot. I'm gonna have to go now because another model is on there way to shoot so I have to clean up my junky looking crib before they get here. Holla at ya tomorrow.

The Dream ft. Kanye West - Walking on the Moon Video Shoot DAY 2

2009-05-19T07:17:00.001-07:00

DAY 2

Things are moving along. Today I shot with Chris "C. Diddy" Harris and Mia. I am so glad that I paired these two up because their chemistry was great. We shot like almost an hour and a half worth of material. I had already worked with C. Diddy before when we did the ICE video so he wasn't a problem at all. He came in, I gave him his direction, and the man just ran with it. Mia was more than eager to do her thing. She was like an energizer bunny. She is a professional dancer (I mean like Debbie Allen) so when it came time to moving, it was on. We shot for close to seven hours which included a lot of play time and joking but at the end of it, I was pleased with the end clips. Great job people.

Note: Photos by Nubia at Nubia Creative Images

The Dream ft. Kanye West - Walking on the Moon Video Shoot

2009-05-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

I have started shooting for my new fashion music video. The song that I am using is The Dream ft. Kanye West - "Walking on the Moon". I wanted to do something different with my photo skills so I decided to bring them to film. I've done something similar to this when I worked with Tarrice Love on the ICE videos. I wanted to have my own complete artistic control and add a little bit more "Arick" into it. In this video, there will be more graphics and effects and hot ass editing. None of the photographers that I know do or have tried to do anything like this and I want to stand out as much as possible in this game.

Everyday I have a shoot, I will add a video clip or a photo from behind the scenes just to show you guys what I have to work with and what I do with it. It's gonna be cool as hell to see the finished product. I already see it in my head. I just can't wait for y'all to see it. It's gonna be a beautiful thing.

I would also like to thank everybody ahead of time for supporting me with this project. Major thanks to my assistant director and camera girl, Nubia from Nudia Creative Images (nubiacreativeimages.com) for her feedback and for taking care of the behind the scenes work for me.

INSPIRATION

2009-05-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

I was hoping around on the internet for some ideas as to how I wanted to design my bedroom. I am really into the "Simple" look. I just wanted to share some of my vision.

I was looking at some old MTV crib photos from around the early 2000's and one the houses that stood out from the regular high priced, Bently parked, and 2 mile long swimming pool was Joseph Khan's house. Now granted when you look at the pics, it looks like he lives a very lonely life. I like it because of the design of the house, the space and how simple and clean it looks.

I already got some of the look knocked out already. My editing room looks just like his except my screens are hella bigger and thinner. These other photos are just what moves me and an example of what I'm looking for for my place.

I not only do art, I live it!

2009-04-14T04:09:00.000-07:00

Boy! I feel like I'm on a roll. I feel like I'm on an artistic high. I guess it's because I have been so busy on getting my website up, I've kind of put cleaning my photos off. I have so many great pics I've taken of my models and so many concepts, I'm in the zone.

I'm trying to pump out at least 2 major dope series out everyday. Some may be complex and some maybe clean but I'ma make sure you're gonna love 'em.

2009-04-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

I finally have my own website now.

Yeap. Its official. I think I have been talking about putting one up sense around 2003 but I never really sat down and put it together. When I would, I never really liked the look or the way that it was going so I just kept putting it off.

I'm really happy with the way it looks. I still have some more work to add to it and make more personal because right now it is just a body of work. I want it to showcase the artist and how the work has progressed.

In due time. But in the mean time I'm very happy with the way its going.

I AM MUSIC TOUR starring Lil Wayne

2009-03-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

I know I'm almost a week late on the subject but i have a very busy schedule so you'll have to excuse me.

My personal view on the concert was that I was surprisingly entertained. Due to the fact that I have a twin brother that works at Universal Motown, he kind of gave me a heads up on what to expect. I do feel that T-Pain could have been given a bigger set to work on. He has just about as many hits as Lil Wayne so it wouldn't have hurt.

I missed the first two acts which were Gym Class Heros and Keri Hilson but Keri came back on stage during Wayne's set so I got to see a piece of her in action. She was still sexy as she is on TV. Overall, Lil Wayne still kept up to his superstar status and gave a great show. I have never seen a Cash Money concert before so I really don't know how much he has grown as an artist but I can say that it was a VERY well plained out show with plenty of highs and lows of excitement.

If the show ever comes to your hood, check it out!!!

luSt lovE seX

2009-03-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

Here is another one of my women/beauty pieces. I hope that when women look at these series, that they aren't being offended but just reminded how beautiful the female body is and how man really accepts and appreciates this gift that GOD has given us.

When I shot this, I was really pushing for shock value but yet keep it clean and classy. And also try to incorporate some type of theme and meaning instead of just putting up some crotch shots. Looking at this reminds me of the "See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil" series everyone has seen. Well, just for the record, that's NOT where this came from. I think sometimes people get these three words mixed up into them all meaning or leading up to the same thing.

LUST: to me, is just a want type of feeling. There really isn't a major feeling for that person other than the physical.

LOVE: to me, is everlasting. It is beyond the physical. It is admiring the personality, characteristics, and appreciation that this person mirrors for you.

SEX: to me, quick. It is a thing for the moment. It doesn't last past the urge of the moment which in-turn becomes nothing but a satisfaction for the flesh.

In conclusion. All three of these words are faceless. You can share either one of these with anybody and make each one of these mean just what you want them to mean.

NINA

2009-03-05T17:27:00.000-08:00

This is my homegirl Nina (rename: Niela). This was the photoshoot that I met Audria Arnold. Audria came and just opened my mind up to a totally new way of shooting. We shoot with her brand new strobe lights. It took me a minute to get used to them but as you can see, the shoot turned out HOT!!!

Just as always, Nina brings her own ideas and vibe to the table. I rarely have to give her any direction which makes my job a whole lot easier.

MY WORK

2009-03-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

At the present moment, this is my hottest series. With only 2 and half months after being posted and really no promotional push, this picture has managed to get close to 900 views and 32 comments on my modelmayhem page. I'm quite proud of myself.

Oh, the model's name is, Lillie. I've known her for just about six years now. Damn, we getting up there. She is a great girl!

My whole aspect of this photography thing is to showcase my vision of what I think beauty and strength is. If I offend anybody, I'm sorry, you just need to have an open mind and grow up and realize that just about everything you will experience in this world is for your growth in being a better human being. You taking offense is only hurts you, not me.

New to the game

2009-03-05T15:35:00.000-08:00

Man, I finally have a blog page. I just want to start off by saying that I feel so far behind because some of my closest friends already had blog pages years ago. Everybody was like, "Arick, when are you gonna get a website?" "Arick, when are you gonna get a blog?" Well, the time has arrived.

The things that you can expect from my blog are more pictures that you didn't get to see on myspace page www.myspace.com/arickleonardian and from my modelmayhem page http://www.modelmayhem.com/arickphotographer.