Blogging has gone home, but this
site will stay here showcasing all of our older posts.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Moving Day - We’re Moving Back to Chris Allred Design (chrisallreddesign.com)
Monday, April 18, 2016
Sunday, April 17, 2016
BoCephas LaFollette Freestyle Rap
I was fortunate to meet BoCephas LaFollette the other night.
I was even more fortunate to capture his flow for everyone to see. This guy is
so positive and upbeat that I had to share this video with all of you.
Check out the video…
Chris Allred Design
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Best Memories…David Gregory
Memory: “Exploring the mountains with my best friend when I
was a kid, or hiking through the Sierra Nevada mountain range.”
Writer’s Thought: David has “outdoorsman” written all over
him, and for good reason, but that’s his story to tell. David has the right
mixture of being humble, but not getting walked over. I look forward to getting
to know him better.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Helping Support Red Nose Day
Red Nose Day raises money for a number of children’s
organizations and charities. I was lucky enough to be part of it last year and
have fun with a group of lovely people. I know that my friend DJ Cowboy helped
support the cause, and also showed them some love last year.
This is one of those times when you can actually say…”It’s
for the children”.
Here is a little about it from their website (http://www.rednoseday.org/)
Red Nose Day is a special day to have fun, come together and make a
difference for kids who need our help the most - here in the US and around the
world.
Red Nose Day globally has raised over $1billion in the past 25
years.
Red Nose Day is a fundraising campaign run by the non-profit
organization Comic Relief Inc, a registered 501(c)(3) American public
charity. In 2015, Red Nose Day raised over $23million dollars in its first year
in America. Funds raised go to the Red Nose Day Fund and last year
benefited children in all 50 states and 15 countries internationally through
programs to keep children and young people safe, healthy and
educated.
Comic Relief Inc. in the US and Comic Relief UK are
independent sister organizations that are joined by their shared vision of a
just world, free from poverty and the mission to drive positive change through
the power of entertainment.
Chris Allred Design
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Zachariah and BoCephas Attempt Lip Syncing
I met Zachariah and BoCephas for the first time the other
night as we stopped in for some late night dinner. It was late, in a small
town, it was the only thing open, and these guys were working for the golden
arches.
I asked them if I could film them doing a lip sync battle.
Unfortunately Bo’s speaker stopped working and so they improvised (sort of).
Either way these guys are great!!!
Check out the video…
Chris Allred Design
Friday, April 8, 2016
Best Memories…Henry
Memory: “I have a lot happy memories…son being born…daughter
being born. When I get out of the joint. Days are good even in the joint. I
have a lot of happy memories.”
Writer’s Thought: Henry is an old-school vato who knows a
lot; very street smart. All of his tattoos represent points in his life, and
although a lot of his tatts are faded and old, Henry’s memories are sharp and
clear. There is a lot of knowledge and respect within Henry, and for Henry.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Hanging on Set with Theory Hazit
The other day was remarkable. I got paid to be on television
(as one should); plus I was hanging out with music producer, rapper, artist,
actor; Theory Hazit. This man is a future legend without a doubt.
Theory is very talented, but don’t take my word for it…
Check out this interview Redman (rapper / actor) gave a
while back…
Legendary hip-hop artist Redman has been bigging up the
talents of Portland, Oregon-based producer Theory
Hazit in interviews.
“That’s Oregon’s finest,” Redman said in an interview…“The
beats he has been giving me been phenomenal. Actually the one that I’m using on
the album (‘Mudface’), because he is going to be on this album and ‘Muddy Waters
2,’ so the one I use from this album I actually wrote the verse to his beat and
I used that verse on the BET Cypher. It was from his beat. Big up to Theory
Hazit. He had a birthday not too long ago, couple of days ago. Happy belated
birthday to Theory Hazit. Portland support him if you see him out anywhere. He
is definitely official. He is official tissue.”
Monday, April 4, 2016
Inside the Mind of T. Ponder
The more that I get to know T. Ponder, the more it makes me
question who he really is. Does he even know who he is? It’s easy to see that
he is doing what he loves, and that makes me happy. On the outside T. Ponder is
an artist, writer, author, but that only scratches the surface.
He has a shyness about him, and his writings have attributes
of his real life. That is where his words are the strongest; his written word
gives him a voice.
Not everything is personal, or fictional, or of the same
genre, and according to Ponder, “I’m not a rainbow writer”, and that’s probably
true.
So who is T. Ponder?
I sat down with him a while back and asked him some
questions, and here is what I can share with you:
Why did you become a writer? “I write to enhance what life
is. It helps me process what I learn.”
Sum up life in a few words? “Living and learning.”
What are some of your goals? “Writing is part of who I am. I
want to keep publishing and come out with new materials. Write books and have
others turn them into movies.”
Why movies? “Show that my words can be visual and not just
words on paper. Writings can cross-over into other art forms.”
Did that happen with the movie that you made? “Yes, but I
had to cut parts due to expenses. The movie could have been better if
everything crossed-over from the book.”
What would you like to say to your fans? “Be ready for more
work from me; work that’s mystic. Enjoy the art.”
I have talked to T. Ponder, which happens to be his artist /
pen name, a few times, and believe that he is one of those people that you need
to know for years before you really know them. That creates an interesting and
exciting environment with writing. If one were to dissect Ponder’s work; what
is personal and what isn’t? What is separating fact from fiction, and fiction
from fact? It also gives him possibilities on where to go next.
Here are two sites to check out before you to answer the
question…
How do you define the writings and style of T. Ponder?
YouTube movie link – “Panic Bracelet”
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Best Memories…Brodie
Memory: “Vacationing with my grandparents when I was a kid.”
Writer’s Thought: Brodie is a real life firefighter who has
worked hard to make his dream a reality. He actually injured his arm while on
the job, but that’s a story for another time.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Best Memories…Sona
Memory: “My favorite memory is here because I never had a
job before. So getting a job is my happiest memory.”
Writer’s Thought: I met Sona at her place of employment, and
it is easy to see that she is beautiful inside and out. Her smile is
contagious. Seeing her smile, made me smile.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Why do I care about this commercial, because at 1st, 2nd, or 3rd glance it doesn’t seem to represent Chris Allred Design at all?
And you’re right…sort of…
I created the commercial, and brought it together with the
help of Alan Espasandin; which basically means that Chris Allred Design (CAD)
joined forces with TruEarth Entertainment.
I couldn’t have done it without Alan!!!!
When we win an Emmy (or whatever commercials get) it should
go to Alan (I may borrow it and take it to the park on Sundays).
Honestly…this is my first TV commercial, and I’m stoked
about it. With the budget and time restraints that we had, it was a miracle
that it could even be done. No one else would have done it.
I was crazy to take on the project, but I’m positive so I can
take on the world.
I was told by people in the TV and movie industry to not do
it because it was impossible with what I had to work with. Others told me to go
back and renegotiate for more time.
I do believe that Alan Espasandin may be even crazier than
me because he said yes.
Here is a photo of the commercial airing on TV’s “Ink Master”
last night (check out Caleb and Brad looking tough)…
Love it or hate it…it passed Comcast’s requirements and it’s
on television. Plus it gets the word out about the upcoming tattoo convention,
which is the point.
How did I get involved with a tattoo convention?
The answer is actually really long and goes back a few
years, but I’ll keep it short and simple…
- Brad has been putting this on for years
- This year he went to Caleb and said help
- Caleb went to me and said help
That is it…everything else is in the details of how Ink’n
The Couve went from Point A to Point B, including all of the side trips,
detours, dead ends, pit stops, and every other driving reference that you could
think of.
The journey to put on this convention hasn’t been easy…still
have weeks of work to do.
I am grateful for the small wins; like having Alan
Espasandin being crazy enough to say yes, and for having a friend like Caleb
Brouk who trusts and believes in me.
If you haven’t seen the commercial yet, or would like to see
it for the hundredth time, here is the link to watch it…
Links…
Ink'n The Couve Website
Monday, March 14, 2016
Best Memories…Dave Graham
Memory: “Pretty much everything about Hyde” (his dog). Like
when Dave rescued Hyde from Dave’s “hellish ex”, or when Hyde howled when they
drove down the street rocking out.
Writer’s Thought: Dave is an OG in the tattoo world and has
in own shop, Biofx Tattoo, in Vancouver, WA. I want to know more about the
memories that weren’t his favorite because he has a lot. For example, he found a
little black and white square photo on the ground while in Portland. The photo
was of a guy and a girl, and on the back it read, “I loved her, but then I had
to kill her”. I wonder what happened with that story?
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Best Memories…Samuel
Memory: “Seeing my family, and being able to go to school.”
Writer’s Thought: Samuel left his home nation to come to the
United States for the right reasons; a sick mother, and our education system.
Samuel will become a success and help a lot of people because that’s his
personality and drive.
Monday, March 7, 2016
The Meeting of the Minds
The Keef Army is doing it again, and so yesterday
was a great inside view of the TV making process.
The people pictured are: Josh the Terrible, Diablo
Dean, Heidi Marks, Emma Chasen, Caleb Brouk, and my cane (which is standing in
for me (Chris Allred) since I’m taking the pictures).
Why were we all there?
Josh, Diablo, Heidi, and Emma are all working on a
top secret project that I cannot talk about. I just hope that they all remember
that I was there in the beginning and kept my mouth shut; you know for when the
money starts rolling in. Daddy needs a new pair of Converse.
I was there because I’m a writer for the Keef Army,
and because I’m nosy (which is a great talent to have in being a great writer).
In all actuality, I was really there for the same
reason as Caleb Brouk. We have a tattoo convention coming up really soon, and
we are working with Diablo Dean and the Keef Army to help make that happen. The
convention will happen with or without the help of the Keef Army; but they have
a completely separate, yet very similar, demographic that we are trying to
reach to help make this year’s tattoo convention the biggest and best yet. That
connection/partnership will take the event from “great” to “super great”.
Caleb Brouk, as you all know, is the owner and one
of the artists at Illuminati Tattoo Parlor in Vancouver, WA.
Why is this important?
Because Illuminati Tattoo Parlor is putting on and presenting
the 3rd Annual “Ink’n The Couve” Tattoo Convention at the Clark
County Fairgrounds April 29th – May 1st 2016.
So part of the meeting was about that thing that we
can’t talk about, but the other part of the meeting was about Diablo and the
Keef Army bringing Josh, Heidi, and Emma to the tattoo convention to do their
thing there…live and in front of everybody.
All that I can say is that there is the possibility
that every guest that comes through the event center doors at this years “Ink’nThe Couve” will leave with free samples that will be at least double the value
of the ticket price.
But don’t just take my word for how great “Ink’n TheCouve” is going to be. Put it on your calendar and make sure that you show up.
Until then check out their Facebook page to see all of the artists and live demonstrations
scheduled to be there.
And don’t forget to tell your friends!!!!!
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Caleb and I hanging for lunch at the world’s smallest (yet usable) picnic table.
We actually sat at a “normal” table because there was no way
that my fat ass would ever be able to get up from that experience without
hurting myself and the table.
I took a picture of my foot to show how small the table
really was, but it didn’t show the actual size.
So I finally took a picture of Caleb sitting on the table
because anyone who knows Caleb knows that he isn’t 7 ft. tall.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Friday, March 4, 2016
Best Memories…Kristopher F.
Memory: “The day that my daughter was born. I jumped off 100
foot cliffs, but the biggest high is when my daughter was born.”
Writer’s Thought: Kristopher really loves Alaska.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Best Memories…Mindee
Memory: Moved out here from Chicago because her boyfriend
got a job transfer. She had a job lined up, but got “screwed over” when she got
here. Luckily she applied with a different company, and was hired on really
quickly.
Writer’s Thought: Mindee was really sick during the
interview.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Best Memories…Frankie Webb
Memory: “Today. Right now. Today is a good day.”
Writer’s Thought: Frankie is a very talented artist that has
the whole world ahead of him.
Friday, February 26, 2016
Best Memories…Ryan Snell
Memory: “I don’t know. That is a tough question,” when asked
what his favorite memory was. “Today is a good day.”
Writer’s Thought: Ryan is a person that can relate and help
a lot of people become who they need to be.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
A Man of Many Talents…Keith Weldon
I “officially” met Keith at the very first Jerry Bell Jr.
event. I had talked to him a few times before that, but had never met him in
person.
And this is how I met him that night…
I saw him, and instantly recognized him. So I walked over
and said something like, “Aren’t you the guy who turned me down on my Lemon
Cake Initiative?” That sparked up a
conversation and we’ve been talking off and on ever since.
For those who don’t know who Mr. Weldon is; first of all shame
on you, but you have probably seen his work even if you don’t know his name. You
have definitely seen the models he works with, and you have definitely seen his
photography.
Keith Weldon is a clothing designer, a photographer, an
artist, a chef, a talent agent, and so much more. He’s so famous that even his
car has its own YouTube channel.
I can’t say that I know Keith very well, but what I do know
about him I like. He has been a person who has given my advice on certain
projects, and has always kept the up-most level of being super positive. I
respect this man a lot because he is doing what he loves, never compromises,
and has shown me nothing but love and respect.
I’d vote for Keith Weldon as mayor right now, and I don’t
even care if the polls aren’t open, or that he’s not running; I’d write his
name in.
The man loves life and you can see that in everything that
he does. Go out and buy one of his designer dresses, hire him as a photographer
for that special occasion, or simply wave hello as he cruises by in Casper.
Learn more about Keith Weldon; because something as simple
as following him on social media will enrich your life…I’m the better for it.
Here are a few links to get you started…
Casper 79pdx on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4glU1hI5vM
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Caleb Brouk Is Many Things to Many People
Caleb is a husband, a dad, a mentor, a business
professional, and a friend.
I met Caleb Brouk a while back, and because of his
intriguing nature, he didn’t toss me out of his shop on the first day that he
met me; instead he researched me and the project that I was working on. He did
all of the right things, and that is more than I would ask anyone to do.
To me…that said a lot about his character.
Since that day, our business and personal relationships have
flourished. We have a working business relationship, we partner on special
projects that help and give back to the community, and I am proud to call Caleb
my friend. He’s the third bother that I never had (I already have two thanks to
my parents).
Caleb Brouk is my family.
He has my respect!!!!
But enough about us and more about Mr. Brouk…
Caleb cares…
If I had to describe Caleb in one word, it would be “cares”.
He actually gives a damn about others, and that is a trait
that I find rare. Yes, all people care about something, and sometimes they care
about lots of things, but that’s not what I am talking about.
I am talking about Caleb genuinely cares about the people
that come into his life, and whatever they find to be of value in their lives,
Caleb also comes to care about it too. That is one of the reasons that Caleb
Brouk is so successful in life and in business.
People can see that…people can feel that…
Illuminati Tattoo Parlor (Caleb’s business) is an extension
of Caleb. His tattoo shop has been an outreach and saving grace for so many. It’s
not always about the money.
Growing up, most of us have had trials and tribulations that
made us or broke us. We each had to choose paths that made us who we are today.
Some of us were dealt a crappy hand when it came to life, and Caleb was no exception.
But Caleb didn’t follow the easier path that others, who
grew up like him, followed. Instead, he took the harder, more rewarding path to
help others and make the world a brighter place.
I know a lot of people, I associate with a lot of people,
and I don’t know of anyone who dislikes Caleb Brouk. There are people, however,
who haven’t been fond of all of his decisions, and that is because Caleb helps
whoever he can, and gives everyone a chance (or ten). The temporary haters don’t
believe certain people should be given a hand for any reason, but Caleb
disagrees and helps (if he can) anyways.
The funny thing is…
That most of the time, Caleb can turn that hater around and
have them assist in giving out that helping hand to the person who they
originally didn’t believe deserved it. I smile every time that I see that.
That is a gift…
Caleb’s passion and caring is so powerful that he can change
minds and bring people together.
And through that gift, he has built a reputation for being
honest, reliable, trustworthy, and an incredible hard worker.
And on top of that…
Caleb is an incredible tattoo artist, painter, and drawer.
Caleb has a huge following…from the rich, to celebrities, to
the single moms who sell things on Etsy to scrape up enough money to come in
for tatt time…Caleb is loved.
In fact…
Whoever your tattoo artist is now…stop going to them and go
down to Illuminati Tattoo Parlor in Vancouver, WA.
Not only is Caleb there, but he also has some other really
talented artist working with him.
Want more proof…
Come down to the shop and meet Caleb Brouk for yourself.
I trust him, respect him, and knowing him is a blessing.
I recommend him for all of your tattoo and art needs.
Caleb Brouk
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Our Very Own Supergirl Saves the Day
Although, Super Woman may be more accurate.
She may or may not wear a cape, but not all superheroes do. She
does however, have a day job and a secret identity (a must for any great superhero).
Of course I am talking about the beautiful and talented
Darcy Graham.
I cannot say that I know Darcy well, but I know enough to
know that I like her a lot and that she works harder than anyone that I know.
If Darcy takes on a task; she makes sure that it gets done.
A couple of months back, I was part of a charity auction
(along with Caleb Brouk), and that is when I first met Darcy Graham. Prior to
that, I knew of her by name only, and that she was part of the Modified Dolls
(Washington and Oregon Chapters).
What I soon learned was that Darcy was the total package,
and there was nothing that she couldn’t do. It was like time didn’t play a
factor in her daily life, because somehow she balanced and accomplished everything.
Darcy became the lifeblood of our auction, and while Caleb
and I were out front, most of the artists and sponsors worked directly with
Darcy. She was (and is) absolutely amazing, and in all honesty did more work than
Caleb and I did combined. She was even up in front of the crowd with us as our
third MC.
Our success was Darcy’s success.
So what else do I know about Darcy Graham?
She is married to Mr. Darcy Graham (also known as Dave Graham). Dave and Darcy seem to have it right as a couple. They work hard, turn
around and work even harder, and then they play. Dave is a talented tattoo
artist, an OG in the tattoo world, owner of Biofx Tattoo, and has that perfect
sarcastic sense of humor. They are absolutely meant to be together in the best
ways possible.
But this isn’t about Dave…
Darcy can bake. I have never met a cookie that I didn’t
like, and Darcy delivers with every bite. In fact, I hope that Darcy reads this
and feels the urge to bake me some cookies (yes…that is a hint).
Darcy loves her family, and would do anything humanly
possible for the people in her circle. It’s not always easy putting other
people first, but Darcy makes it looks easy. People can feel that her love and
compassion are genuine.
I’m the better for meeting Darcy and having her play a role
in my life. I look forward to getting to know her and Dave better as our lives
move forward.
Darcy…I want to thank you for being the strong person that
you are. For being a role model and inspiration to women everywhere. For being positive and a lover of life. For
raising everyone else up. For just being you…thank you!!!!
Monday, January 18, 2016
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Honor and Love to a Family That I Look Up To
Every person, every family, and every friendship has
problems. Some issues are worse than others, and not everyone will understand. I
have my fair share and so does my family.
There is no secret that I had, have, and will always have a
bond of brotherly love and friendship with Bernard Owens. There was a big chunk
of time where we did not communicate; not because of personal issues between us
or a falling out, but because of consequences not related to our friendship.
When I was young, Bernard’s mom was the best, and the only other
person who came close to her was Bernard’s grandma. In fact, the entire Owens family was really nice to me, and for that I will always have love and respect
for them.
Since the time of my reconnection with Bernard, I have had
the privilege to meet and talk with Vicky, Bernard’s wife. She is a true gem
and one of the strongest people that I know. In all honesty, I don’t personally
know her all that well, but it is easy to see who she is.
Vicky is funny, sarcastic, beautiful, nice, smart, strong,
and loves her family more than words can describe.
I will not say that I have agreed with all of Bernard’s
decisions in life, or that we were always on the same page when it came to
things. We didn’t have to be; that was part of what made our friendship work. However,
I do agree whole-heartily with his decision to marry Vicky and come forth with
a beautiful family of their own.
Like I said, I don’t know Vicky all that well. I know part
of her story, and some of the issues that she has gone through, but I am not
going to pretend to understand her life. I do know that her decision to be in
Bernard’s life and raise their family has been hard and glorious at the same
time. She is the definition of what a good wife, a good mother, and a good
friend is; and nobody can ever take that away from her. Nobody…those are her
badges of honor.
I’m a person who is seeing the Owens family from the
outside looking in through social media and limited conversations. There have
been some bad calls in their game of life, but it doesn’t break them. They have
an honor that others can’t or don’t understand.
Bernard is my family. Vicky is my family (even if she doesn’t
know it yet).
In fact, next time that I am in the Yakima Valley, I’m going
to ask Bernard’s folks to adopt me (officially or unofficially, just as long as
there is food…ideally BBQ).
I’d make a good Owens. I could be that cousin that no one
talks about, or the forgotten brother who you can hear walking in the attic
when there isn’t supposed to be an attic.
Much love Owens family!!!!
Friday, January 8, 2016
Remember that one time that I got my own trailer for that TV show that I was on?
Yes it was small, and yes it had a tape (cassette) player in
the wall, but it was still the coolest thing ever.
I wonder if this is how Brando started?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)