Recap: Talk Story Sessions

A bevy of creatives, artists, musicians and designers put one hand up for education and inspiration at the inaugural Talk Story Sessions, a daylong series of workshops put on in part by CMA Hawaii, In4mation and FLUX. Presentations by speakers who aren’t afraid to think outside of the box set creative passions ablaze, encouraging Talk Story goers to think with vision and incite change within themselves, and effectively, their communities.

We are grateful to have been a part of this amazing experience and are continually humbled to be in the midst of passionate individuals who embody the spirit of aloha and community

Meet the Speakers


DJ ESKAE

Nocturnal Sound Krew + Red Bull

SESSION TOPIC: Make it Clap! DJing Basics w/the Red Bull BPM App

Learn the basics of DJing from one of Hawai‘i’s most versatile DJs while using the new Red Bull BPM app. Whether you’re a professional spinning at a club or an amateur mixing music in your bedroom, the range of Red Bull BPM Player apps can put a complete mobile DJ booth in your pocket. Quick to install and easy to understand, the apps are compatible with a wide range of sound formats. You can use it on its own and even in harmony with a traditional DJ setup – just add an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.

Steve Kanemoto, aka DJ Eskae, of the Nocturnal Sound Krew, is regarded as one of Hawai‘i’s most versatile DJs. He is the resident DJ at The EDITION’s Crazybox, the official DJ for Red Bull, and has been throwing the monthly Soul Clap at thirtyninehotel for the past four years. Shown above with fellow NSKer DJ Compose at their ever popular Bacardi Pool Party.

 

HUMANHAND

Jon Borgonia, Justin Cravalho, Warren Daubert

SESSION TOPIC: The Value of Collaboration in the Creative Environment

It is popular thought that the most powerful art is created by a singular artist working unmolested by outside opinions and ideas. However, for the working creative, the ability to accept and incorporate constructive criticism is paramount. How does an artist distance him or herself from the work enough to be able to take such criticism without taking offense and move forward, armed with fresh points of view? That’s where the building of creative collaboration comes into play. By establishing such a dynamic, all those involved will benefit from the honest, open critiques that will inevitably make all parties’ work stronger. Learn how to harness the friction and energy of collaboration in the creative realm. Bring your mouthpiece and cutman…

Humanhand is an independent design company built around the idea that inspired art and design will make good ideas extraordinary. Their client list includes: The Honolulu Academy of Art, La Tour Bakehouse, MA‘O Organic Farms and ‘Umeke Market. Humanhand founders Warren Daubert (center) and Justin Cravalho (right), with videographer Luke Aguinaldo (left).

 

IN4MATION

Jun Jo, Rhandy Tambio

In4mation is a lifestyle, action-sports brand founded by Ryan Arakaki, Todd Shimabuku, Jun Jo and Rhandy Tambio in 2002. It has grown from a humble retail store in Mililani to being sold in more than 150 locations worldwide, including two retail shops at Ward Center and Pearlridge, and Aloha Army in Waikīkī.

 

KID SISTER

Fool’s Gold Records + Downtown

SESSION TOPIC: Q&A with Rap Artist Kid Sister

Chicago femcee Kid Sister debuted in 2007 with the single “Pro Nails,” which became popular enough as a digital download that Kanye West included a remix with his own guest verse on his summer 2007 mixtape Can’t Tell Me Nothing. Her mixtape Kiss Kiss Kiss was released in January for free on Fool’s Gold, featuring collaborations with Gucci Mane and Nina Sky.

 

PROF. MARI MATSUDA

William S. Richardson School of Law, UH Manoa

SESSION TOPIC: Organizing For Social Change

Change in government, in policy, in culture, can only come if we demand it. In this workshop, Mari will discuss how to organize and stand up, fight back, for what you believe in to create positive social change.

Activist and law professor at William S. Richardson School of Law, Mari Matsuda became the first tenured female Asian American law professor in the United States while teaching at UCLA’s School of Law. She is a recognized leader in the Asian American community and has authored three of the top ten most cited law review articles according to Yale Law School. She also heads local social activism group CMA Hawaii. Her beautifully eloquent words are known to move listeners to tears.

 

AARON WOES MARTIN

SESSION TOPIC: Surviving as an Artist and Artist Networking

As an urban street artist for more than 10 years, Aaron has had the opportunity to travel around the world and meet renowned urban and fine artists. This workshop will discuss the ins and outs of the art industry, techniques for live works and show pieces, and ultimately how to network and survive as an artist.

Aaron Woes Martin, known for his angry, rabid pandas, has shown in galleries on both coasts of the US, in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Australia, Thailand and New Zealand. He’s collaborated with MINDstyle toys and Disney, Blue Scholars, Kidrobot, Fitted, KICKS/HI and Converse Red.

 

MENOMENA

SESSION TOPIC: Q&A with Menomena

From their music inspiration to life on the road, come see this live interview experience with Portland-based, indie-rock trio Menomena, and discover how drummer/vocalist Danny Seim went from teenager in Hawai‘i to playing on music’s largest stage, Coachella.

Portland indie-rock trio Menomena has been lauded by Pitchfork as “ingenious” and “spine-tingling,” with their 2007 release of Friend and Foe awarded “Best New Music” and rated a coveted 8.5. Their follow-up Mines continues to gain praise from NPR to the Alternative Press, The BBC and Filter. They are fresh off a run of tours with the New Pornographers and an appearance at this year’s Coachella.

 

Nella Media Group

Jason Cutinella, Valerie Sanchez, Chance Carpenter

Jason Cutinella is the “Nella” behind Nella Media Group, a media company that specializes in magazine publishing and design, pr, brand management and creative advertising campaigns. The former marketing executive at Heavywater Magazine has always got a story to tell. The one he’s telling now involves a bus, a fast-food joint and beer. Still Jason is all about the business, with three publications already notched on his belt (go! inflight magazine Innov8, Chinatown Newspaper HNL and Chinatown Newspaper PDX).

 

THE MANIFEST

Brandon Reid

SESSION TOPIC: The Art of the New Entrepreneur

“Dream big and let reality cut the edges off,” advises the visionary Brandon Reid, owner of The Manifest, a coffee shop and lounge that provides creative relief from Chinatown’s hot streets. In just a short time, Brandon has helped reinvigorate the area with artists, students and business people alike flocking to the cafe for its Chai lattes, free WiFi and rotating art installations.

 

WALL-TO-WALL STUDIOS

Bernard Uy

SESSION TOPIC: I Laughed, I Cried, I Remembered: Humor, Emotion and Wit in Branding

Almost all of us are subjected to advertising, branding and marketing messages on a daily basis. Most say this type of messaging is annoying noise that clutters our lives, and much of it ends up being forgettable. However, making an emotional connection can often have the opposite effect: A consumer may choose to remember the brand or messaging, because it was, perhaps, unexpected, made them laugh, or even made them cry. In this presentation, I’ll share some Wall-to-Wall Studios’ client case studies that utilize humor, emotion or wit to stand out against the competition.

Bernard Uy is co-founder and creative director at Wall-to-Wall Studios Inc, a branding agency with offices in Honolulu, HI and Pittsburgh, PA. W2W’s client list includes: Chaminade University, Hank’s Haute Dogs, Hawaii Energy, Hawaii National Bank and Stage Restaurant. He spends most mornings in his studio thinking about lunch.

 

HONOZOOLOO MEDIA

Aaron Yoshino

SESSION TOPIC: Creating Opportunities As a Photographer

Photographers often fool themselves into thinking that the odds of having a successful career in photography are in their favor. This, sadly, happens for only a small few. This workshop will discuss the evolution in the field of photography since the dawn of the digital era; the changes in the new creative industry due to market saturation and devaluation of work; the need to diversify your talent; standing out from the competition; and the importance of “slowing down” your work process.

Aaron’s versatility, professionalism and depth of knowledge about his craft has made him one of the state’s most prolific photographers. His client list includes: The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Contrast Magazine, The Honolulu Weekly, Innov8, in4mation, Hyphen Magazine and FLUX Hawaii, to name just a very few.

 


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