Whilst watching a few videos on YouTube, this Jame’s Harden Adidas Commercial caught my attention and I didn’t click “Skip Ad.” The commercial authentically intrigued me because it merged a few favorites of mine (when combined) sports, branding, and design. The commercial positions James Harden as the narrator of various scenarios that depict the void that a lack of creativity would create. Watch the commercial, below:

Transcending the importance of creativity in sports, this commercial (one of several commercial in Adidas “Needs Creators” campaign) implicitly expounds upon the importance of our individual creativity. Here’s five things you can learn about your creativity:

1. Creativity separates you from the usual, the expected, or the normal.
2. Creativity breathes life into your style; style (whether it’s what you wear, what you do, or how you exhibit your purpose) is how you fulfill your greatness.
3. Creativity is what makes you hot; your God-given ingenuity is what produces God-given [graytness].
4. Creativity unboxes the gifts, talents, and skills to the world.
5. Creativity allows you to live a life that is beyond basic; allows you to operate above basic.

The world needs your God-given creativity, use it in exhibiting your God-given [graytness].

The post Five Things to Learn About Your Creativity from @JamesHarden’s #Adidas “Basketball Needs Creators” Commercial first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

As the musical complement to the introductory GRAYTER capsule, “GRAYTER 001 Playlist: The Election Year” lyrically and sonically encompasses the spirit of the three piece merch capsule. 

Curated through the lens of a marginalized & oppressed community, the playlist aims to ignite motivation & optimism within the hearts of those eager to heal authentically and progress transformationally from the 2016 Presidential Election & subsequent socio-political climate. 

Vocalizing the struggle, the plight, the promise, and the purpose embedded in those struggling to identify with or acquire comfort in the current flow of social concerns, the 16-track playlist commences with Chance the Rapper’s “We The People.”

As the opening selection, “We The People” vocalizes everyone’s hope–regardless of socio-economic affiliations–to have a hero that champions the ideals & matters of a community; nevertheless, Michael Jackson’s “Scream” sustains an optimistic hope through the soulful and urban jam production, yet the lyrics and its original elements of rock capture a rising frustration in the injustices that plague a community. 

As the third selection in the playlist, “My People” is a remix of Drake & Meek Mill’s “RICO” that more specifically details the injustices relevant to those that plague the Black community. In essence, the following soulful, southern Church ad-libbed remix of Solange’s “Weary” captures the emotions depleting one’s energy, when it comes to internalizing the injustices occurring in the world. 

Fifth, Tamara Chauneice’s smooth, sultry tone glides over Bryson Tiller’s “Don’t,” a soft, yet respectful reproach to the invokers of injustices as a plea for peace. With peace in mind, PJ Morton’s piano driven “You Should Be Ashamed” follows. Honest & apparently authentic, ‘Ashamed” aims to evoke reflection of the prejudices within the heart of some–given the need for reflection at this point, Brik Liam’s acapella interlude “So Reflective” allows for a minute of reflection, considering the plethora of emotions exploded in the first half of this playlist. 

From hope to frustration to anger to weariness to longing, “So Reflective [Interlude]” permits you to recognize your internal emotions as you continue vibing to the playlist. A sample of a Martin Luther King speech ushers in Darius Scott’s “America,” a plea not to man, but to God. The elements of rasp and assurance in his voice heightens the importance of faith when dealing with the plethora of emotions hovering the hearts of the marginalized. 

Once again, recognizing the presence of such emotions, SHINE–a Brik Liam cover by Lindsay Niccs–summons the shining of the sun in light of rain. Essentially, the interlude of sorts summons the turning of a new leaf. 

The Kayla T cover of Arian Grande’s “Be Alright,” softly turns that leaf. The Kayla T reinterpretation prepares the way for a reassured confidence found lyrically and sonically in Alic Wall’s “Beautiful” and Ajanee Hambrick’s subtly ferocious “Titanium x Ready Aim, .” These two tracks follow Chance the Rapper & The Social Experiment’s contemplative confident “Wonderful Everyday,” the successor of Kayla’s “Be Alright”

Finding & identifying with a lost confidence is essential to the climax of the playlist, Brittney Wright’s “Be Alright.” Purposefully selected as the more vibrant & energized twin to the previous “Be Alright,” Wright’s original song establishes the assurance that we will be alright–regardless of the turbulence we encounter. 

On the same energized funk, soul, and inspirational runway, Cooley Kimble’s “Higher” is a cool, yet relentless song of ambition, with a simple assurance of going higher. 

Ultimately, the playlist captures the intended ethos of the Election Year Capsule: keeping hope, gratitude, faith, and confidence to continuously press forth towards something. Thus, the playlist ends with an enchanting & inspirational draft “Go On” by Isa –inclusive of affirmational words and a confident readiness for the forthcoming. 

After listening to the playlist, head to www.grayter.co to preorder one of the shirts in the Election Year Merch Capsule. 

The post STREAM: GRAYTER 001 Capsule Playlist | The Election Year on @Soundcloud first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

We. Go. Through. Things. Life has a way of exalting us in the happier of times and breaking us down in the harder of times. Sometimes, regardless of the situation, we lose sight or confidence that things will work out or get better. Tye Tribbett’s new single, “Work It Out” aims to remind us (me) that things will work out, through the involvement of God, in a eclectically engaging manner.

Before buying or streaming “Work It Out”, explore three reasons why you you should hold your head up, put your headphones in, and go OFFF to the song:

1. The Fusion of Trap & Gospel Harmonies & Arrangements: Now, listen here, I need to go purchase two things after listening to this track: 1). a Waka-Flocka esque dread wig to go awf at the drop of the beat throughout the song and 2). A praise dancer jersey material garment to praise dance in when the Gospel harmonies lace the track during several parts of the song. If you’re fond of OT Genasis’ “OG Bobby Johnson”, listen to this song because Tye Tribbett successfully bridged elements of today’s sound with gospel elements integral to his sound throughout the years.
2. The God-Centered Message: The track doesn’t glorify our problems or prioritize the significance of our issues in our life, instead, the track aims to amplify the significance of God’s power and capabilities in your life, REGARDLESS of the mountains of issues or struggles we face daily.
3. Lyrical Simplicity: The chorus and hook are aptly simple, making the song easy to sing along to and easy to speak over your life during the good times or the hard times. Making you believe every word lacing the beat.

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#DONEGRAYT explores visual projects, artistic aesthetics, musical releases, cultural initiatives, branding efforts, advertising, and marketing campaigns, analyzing their creativity, distinction, and connectivity.

The post DONE GRAYT: Tye Tribbett’s “Work it Out” + Three Reasons to Listen! first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Honestly, truly, I have an affinity for clean, hype, motivational tracks. Last month, I shared 10 major keys from Kaleb Mitchell’s “45” mixtape–hypothetically, the soundtrack for everyone hustling to reach their dreams. Since that post, he’s released “Get It,” another bonafide “score” to the “film” of a dreamer’s life. The Juice Bangers production, the motivational & affirmational lyrics, and its sonic relevance converge to make this song one of the songs to add to your playlist when striving & thriving towards your dreams. Listen to the track below & get into five keys on getting it:

Four Keys on Getting It:

1. It’s a Requirement: You have to make up in your mind that you HAVE TO WAKE UP AND GET IT! “Have To” being the operative phrase!
2. Don’t Stop: Make up in your mind that their is NO STOPPING YOUR GRIND!
3. Work Hard:  Your hard work pays off! Your hard work works hard for your success!
4. Believe in Yourself: Everyday you wake up & look in the mirror, believe YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES to NOT STOP & WORK HARD! You have what it takes to be First Place!

Support & Buy “Get It” on iTunes!

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#DONEGRAYT explores visual projects, artistic aesthetics, musical releases, cultural initiatives, branding efforts, advertising, and marketing campaigns, analyzing their creativity, distinction, and connectivity.

The post DONE GRAYT: @KalebMitchell’s “Get It” + Four Keys on Getting It! first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

While browsing Alic Wall’s Soundcloud, I came across Kaleb Mitchell’s “45” Mixtape. Soundbites, ridiculously hype production, and a good flow can easily keep me locked into a musical piece. Comprising all of the above, Kaleb Mitchell’s “45” definitely locked me in and hasn’t let me go, yet.

I always live for a good musical project that projects inspiration & motivation onto the listener–it makes it easier to listen to when working towards your own destiny. Doing just that, “45” has definitely become something to listen to while working, working out, or just brainstorming ideas on how to push closer to your purpose.

The Vibe:

This musical collective doesn’t lock you in over vain ambitions or vain accomplishments; the substance of the album and the subsequent vibe it fosters is what makes this a moving hip-hop fused mixtape. 45 is raw in its authenticity, honest in subject matter that millennials face, and emotional in its transparency. Kaleb’s aggressive and sincere flow fused with the mixtape’s general high energy elevates the mixtape’s relatability to a higher level. Above all, the contemporary nature of the mixtape makes for a comfortable listen.

The 10 #MajorKeys: Legitimately, each track has some “key” to make your good, GRAYT. Here’s 10 key takeaways to unlocking your GRAYTNESS from Kaleb Mitchell’s “45”:

1. Never say never, recapture your dream. (Track: 45)
2. Disregard the doubters of your dream. Be confident and determined in your destiny. Believe in your special! (Track: Whatchu Mean)
3. “Set a goal and execute” & Continue to believe in your dream. (Track: Free Throws)
4. “Sometimes you can’t be here for the compliments.” But, be here for the completion of your goals and dreams. (Track: Switch Up)
5. You can’t accomplish everything and/or perfect everything in your human ability, you need something greater. (Track: SOS)
6. Be determined to not be defeated by stress or pressure! (Track: No Pressure, All Good)
7. If “you have a dream, don’t let anyone take it”! (Track: No Pressure, All Good)
8. Declare that you are all good. Even if you’ve been to hell and back, speak over your life that you are all good! (No Pressure, All Good)
9. Identify your perception of yourself and keep working toward being true to your true calling (Track: Outro).
10. Fear nothing, you possess something greater inside of you! (Track: Goliath)

Ignite your life and STREAM this soundtrack to your GRIND, below:

Connect Kaleb Mitchell:
www.kalebmitchell.com
www.instagram.com/kalebmitchell

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#DONEGRAYT explores visual projects, artistic aesthetics, musical releases, cultural initiatives, branding efforts, advertising, and marketing campaigns, analyzing their creativity, distinction, and connectivity.

The post DONE GRAYT: 10 #MAJORKEYS from @KalebMitchell’s “45” Mixtape + Stream the Mixtape first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Once again, Instagram has been the source for discovering GRAYT PEOPLE and GRAYT ART. Earlier this year, I discovered the Instagram account @WeirdCreative and  continuously became enamored with his artistic aesthetic and his digital art renderings.

If you want to push the boundaries of your imagination, @WeirdCreative is one artist who will collide your perception of reality with conceptions of futuristic possibilities. I had the opportunity to converse with @WeirdCreative to appreciate his art aesthetic even-the-more. Explore his art and three reasons (distinction, creativity, and connectivity) you should appreciate his art aesthetic:

As a graphic designer and somewhat of a digital artist myself, I dabbled in some of the styling elements that @WeirdCreative implements, nevertheless, he distinctively strides with the fusion of obscure realities to create masterful digital art. When asked, “What compels you to collide the tangibility of reality with fascinating futuristic imagery?,” he shared:

“Firstly I would say reality leaves a lot to the imagination. The awareness that not so much attention is given to how our thoughts can change reality makes me go deeper to create the possible and the impossible. I then wrap my mind  around things that may exist or create an idealistic imagination and fit them into my version of what reality means; that’s when it comes art. Because most of what I create seems impossible in the reality gives an illusion that they could become part of our reality in the future, I think that’s where the futuristic imagery comes from.”

Beyond pushing the boundaries of what one would interpret as reality, @WeirdCreative combines amazing colors, strong focal points, and beautiful imagery to create impactful pieces. Extremely motivated by what takes him into the worlds he creates, I asked, “What (whether it be music, places you’ve traveled, art you’ve seen other places, etc.) in your creative process brings you to the worlds you create with your artwork?”, he shared:

“The worlds I create are where I want to see and feel at that point in time, imagination takes me to where I want to be. Bringing my imaginations to reality completes me living in that reality. Nothing in life is more beautiful than nature and its my constant object of observation I also include the darker side of nature because hidden in these phenomena there is beauty. So I look for it in abundance in the sky, dept of the sea, animals, etc..”

I wholeheartedly believe that our talents and gifts are planted inside of us to be shared with others, with the hope that it would move them closer to their purpose and calling. Interested in how he wanted his work to connect with viewers and the world, I asked @WeirdCreative, “Where do you want to see your illustrations go in the future, whether it be in a museum, on someone’s wall, on someone’s phone, billboards, etc?”, in which he shared:

“I am more concerned about how people appreciate my work and Acknowledge my value of me being a true artist. Making every class of the society affirming this in their daily lives is where I would like my work to go in future.”

Keep up with his endeavors and his artwork on Instagram: @WeirdCreative

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#DONEGRAYT explores visual projects, artistic aesthetics, musical releases, cultural initiatives, branding efforts, advertising, and marketing campaigns, analyzing their creativity, distinction, and connectivity.

The post DONE GRAYT X #ART: Three Reasons to Appreciate the “Weird Creative” Aesthetic first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Some people you follow because you know they have a ear tuned to what’s now and what’s next & a passion to inspire through their next move with distinction. Keyondra Lockett has become one of those individuals for me–stylistically, sonically, and vocally.

Recently, Keyondra released “Angels” produced by Luke Witherspoon III & Tedy P. If you still need a few reasons on why you should check out “Angels,” get into three reasons why I listened to the track over and over, and then listen to the track over and over:

1. Dorinda Clark-Cole Sample: “Angels” is actually a remake of Dorninda Clark-Cole’s “No Not One.” I am forever a fan of a good remake, remix, and/or sample; this was definitely a good remake.
2. Vibes Similar to Drake’s Views: Admittedly, the vibes this track gives fit in with today’s sound. In my head, if Drake were to re-release Views, this would perfectly fit in the middle section of the album and/or ending section of Views; feature it twice, it’s that good.
3. The Message: The message is comforting; “Angels” makes you feel secure in today’s crazy world, reminding you that under God’s grace we have angels watching over us!

You can download the track on NoiseTrade, HERE.

The post DONE GRAYT: Three Reasons to Vibe with @KeyondraLockett’s #ANGELS first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Last week, I was casually scrolling through Instagram when I heard a track that I INSTANTLY fell in love with. After locating the track on Apple Music by Philip Bixby, I played it at least 20-30 times. “Favor 2.0,” produced by Tyshane (@IAmTyshane), is an ode to the amazing things God can do in our lives when we acknowledge his grace in our lives. Get into the track below:

Enamored with the Travis Scott styled production of “Favor 2.0”, I found the second version of the track today that samples Monica’s “Why I Love You So Much.” Even the more enamored, the fusion of contemporary sounds, R & B sampling, and a empowering message definitely will get you HYPED & RIGHT for this new week!

Connect with Philip Bixby:
Instagram: @PhilipBixby
Twitter: @PhilipBixby
Tumblr: www.philipbixby.tumblr.com

The post DONE GRAYT: Start Your Week Hyped & Right with “Favor 2.0” by @PhilipBixby first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Admittedly, I did not see everything I could or should have while in Buenos Aires; nevertheless, “Not Seeing Everything, Gives you Every Reason to Come Back to See Some Things.” I’m forever grateful for the first half of 2016 that involved living in Buenos Aires, meeting new people, and seeing new places.

Get into the last five of my Top 20 Moments Before Midyear, below:

16. Embracing My Buenos Aires Classmates & Friends: If anything, meeting & learning from the 70+ classmates and faculty from my study abroad program, was a confirmation on what I learned throughout my five years at university: you, in your humanness, cannot control everything. While exploring South America and the final semester of my undergraduate career with everyone in the picture above, I developed a mindset of being okay with not having everything figured out, but working towards figuring things out.

While I was a fifth-year senior at Pepperdine University, the majority of my classmates were sophomores at Pepperdine eager to figure out their next step in life. Our individual and collective experiences significantly showed that there is value in going through a process (not knowing every little step or knowing every “next move), yet additional value in knowing there is a purpose to the process.  

17. Graduating University: The 18-year old boy that entered Pepperdine University five years ago thought that you could control everything, that you can control the majority of experiences that happen in your life (proving false with me landing in LA, rushing to Vegas for graduation prep, and driving overnight back to LA for all graduation festivities).

Nevertheless, all of those experiences—educational, international, and personal—brought me to my April 30^th graduation and the realization that full control only belongs to God and its my purpose to spread the love of Christ to those in this diverse world through my skills, $300,000 & growing knowledge, and gifts.

18. Cinco De Mayo Nephew: Holiday babies intrigue me. Well, this year, my third nephew was born on Cinco de Mayo. His birth further pushes me to make a mark in this world for him to see & chase. Make a mark in this world for those you cherish to see & strive after.

19. Travelling & Exploring the West Coast: After returning to the country,  I visited Seattle (Washington) and Eugene (Oregon) both for Track & Field purposes. I don’t run track; I was in both of these cities to support my sister. Whilst in each city, it was always great exploring various landmarks and trying various foods. While in Seattle, FELL IN ABSOLUTE LOVE WITH THEe BEST GARLIC FRIES (Below). Definitely have to visit Seattle again to find that spot with the fries! Find something new, learn something new, go somewhere new!

20. Watching My Sister Compete in Her First NCAA National Championships: Inspiring, indeed, was watching my sister compete in the 2016 NCAA Track & Field National Championships for the first time. From every winner to every loser, they all showed me—inclusive of my sister—that you will experience the manifestation of your destiny at God’s timing when we work hard, commit ourselves, and remain diligent.

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Five More Insights & Inspirations to take into the Second Half of Your 2016:

1. There is value in going through a process, whilst knowing there is a purpose.
2. Full control only belongs to God
3. Make a mark in this world for those you cherish to see & strive after.
4. Find something new, learn something new, go somewhere new!
5. You will experience the manifestation of your destiny at God’s timing when we work hard, commit ourselves, and remain diligent.

The post #CULTURE: Buenos Aires + Top 20 Moments Before Midyear (16-20) first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

The fourth was the perfect holiday weekend to catch up on the first half of the year with family and friends. To make conversation easier, I shared my first half of my top 20 moments yesterday, here: PART ONE & PART TWO.

I’m excited to share these moments to inspire or spark the dopeness and greatness that is embedded inside of us! Phenomenal, funny, fearless, and  once-in-a-lifetime experiences characterized the first half of my 2016, check five more of my top moments from the first half of my 2016, below:

11. Buenos Aires Graffiti & Street Art: Before moving to Buenos Aires, I Google Map’d the location of my residence, only to see frequent occurences of graffiti, I became apprehensive about the quality of neighborhood where I would reside.

Nevertheless, after talking with locals and friends, I realized that graffiti didn’t necessarily insinuate criminal activity—and many times graffiti and street art were means of communicating ideals or ideas.




Universally, the meaning behind cultural activities or cultural expressions at home don’t hold the same significance abroad.

12. Argentinean Patagonia: That 16-Mile El Chalten Hike, Seeing Icebergs, & Hiking on Glaciers: Earlier on in the year, I talked about the longest hike I ever did in my life (pictured below: Early in the Hike, When I Almost Quit, When I Made It) and the amazing experience of seeing icebergs and hiking glaciers.

Definitely a top moment for me—that shows me that when you strategically test your limits, you’ll reap valuable experiences; some expected and some unexpected.

13. South America Travels | Mendoza Airport Sickness, Chile Missed Bus Fiasco, Early Mornings in Rio de Janeiro: Whilst travelling in South America, I had some wild experiences: my vomiting spree (yes, tmi) in Argentina’s Mendoza Airport for over 8 hours, strolling through sketch parts of Santiago Chile after missing my bus back to Argentina & staying awake in the airport all night, to dream vacations throughout Rio de Janeiro. Ultimately, you’ll never know what you will encounter, but LEARN FROM EVERY EXPERIENCE.

14. Entertainment in Buenos Aires: Tango, Traditional Argentine Folk, + Fuerza Bruta Show: Throughout my time living in Buenos Aires, I had the opportunity to attend a Tango Show, Improtu Opera Dinner, Traditional Argentinean Performances, and a phenomenal production called Fuerza Bruta. With all of the phenomenal productions, they demonstrate the power and greatness that can be found in your own culture, if you reach down deep to find it and communicate it!

15. Frequently Speaking Spanish: The language barrier and my introductory level of Spanish made me apprehensive about coming to Buenos Aires and living with my madre—I consistently wondered how would I communicate with her, or how awkward it would be trying to converse. Luckily, when I arrived, I found out that homestay brothers were there to assist me in conversing during dinnertime. Throughout my time interacting with locals in Buenos Aires, I felt more of an idiot for my lack of Spanish skills because this was THE language I have studied on-and-off for 10 years. Nevertheless, I have learned that you: “Simply have to try. If you succeed, try to succeed again. If you fail, try to succeed the next time. Try.”.

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Five Insights & Inspirations for the Second Half of Your 2016:

1. Universally, the meaning behind cultural activities or cultural expressions at home don’t hold the same significance abroad.
2. Strategically test your limits, you’ll reap valuable experiences; some expected and some unexpected.
3. You’ll never know what you will encounter, but LEARN FROM EVERY EXPERIENCE.
4. Greatness can be found in your own culture, if you reach down deep to find it and communicate it!
5. “Simply try. If you succeed, try to succeed again. If you fail, try to succeed the next time. Try.”.

The post #CULTURE: Buenos Aires + Top 20 Moments Before Midyear (11-15) first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Coming to Buenos Aires, I was shocked to learn the correct pronunciation of words, the normal cheek to cheek greetings for locals, the disregard for traffic regulations, low preference for punctuality, and slower operation processes (specifically COTO). These aspects characterized the culture in Buenos Aires; and in order to communicate through my presence, I assimilated.

I didn’t necessarily bring back these practices to the States, but I did bring back the perspective that no one culture is better than the other. Definitely a phenomenal experience, explore five more of my  Top 20 Moments Before Midyear 2016 below:

6. Exploring Buenos Aires & Outlying Cities: San Isidro & El Tigre: A great part about the abroad program that I attended was that I had the opportunity to not only explore the metropolitan areas of Buenos Aires, such as Puerto Maderno or Florida Street, but I had the opportunity to explore outlying cities, such as San Isidro & El Tigre.

(Above: Puerto Maderno, Below: Obelisco de Buenos Aires)

Galerías Pacífico (Above) is a upscale shopping center with a plethora of stores, select dining places, and art decor throughout the center. Interestingly, this is another place that connected me with my Las Vegas roots. Although it’s very European and similar to Harrod’s in London, the location reminded much of the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace here in Las Vegas.

A course assignment brought me to the shopping center, located on Florida Street (some sections below). Florida Street is a downtown pedestrian street pedestrianized in the 1970’s and is one of the city’s major tourist attractions.

Football is one of the biggest sports in America. Futbol is THEE SPORT in South America & Buenos Aires who has two major teams: River and Boca. Literally, a couple weeks before leaving the city, I realized I lived a short distance away from the stadium (below) for the River Team.

Seemingly, after moving from China, I couldn’t escape China. My apartment was literally 2 seconds across the street from a Chinese Grab & Go place and I lived a few minutes away from the Buenos Aires Chinese Barrio, or neighborhood.

I was trying really hard to speak Chinese to some people at the stores…it didn’t work, so I just resorted to silence and taking pictures of various art and various buildings.

Named “Tigre” for the jaguars that used to be hunted in the region during the early years of the town, Tigre sits on an island created by small streams and rivers. Boating on the river early one Thursday morning was the way that I seen the town.

Although Tigre is a town in the Buenos Aires Province, it was definitely a relaxing getaway from the “hustle & bustle” of the  city, where I resided.

San Isidro is another town in the Buenos Aires province, also a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. Biking throughout the town was bittersweet, as it was not the coolest of days when my group and I explored the town.

Exploring cathedrals, museums, and historic cobbled streets, San Isidro is known as one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Argentina. We all need a little bougie, here and there, eh?

When I moved abroad (both in London & Shanghai), I became comfortable with staying in the vicinity of my residence; nevertheless, in moving and exploring Buenos Aires, I finally realized the value in finding out what’s close to you and making it close to you!

7. Suffering from Mosquito Bites: A phenomena that tested my patience and made me more tolerant to the unavoidable in life were mosquitoes. This was my first time in life that I had to deal with mosquitoes and it was quite an irritable experience—either waking up to bites or coming home after a day at my school facility to mosquito bites. Throughout this experience showed that some things you simply can’t control; and if you could control some aspect of some things, everything you can’t control in its entirety.

8. Daily Dinners & Argentine Cuisine: EVERY NIGHT, my homestay mother made a full course dinner. The courses were often protein heavy and were often baked or broiled. Additionally, my “madre” made THE BEST SALADS. I rarely took pictures of my food whilst in Buenos Aires, but when I did (as below), they were worth seeing.

Every night, I ended dinner with a “Gracias por la comida”. Each dinner enlightened me to the importance of EXPRESSING your gratitude and VALUING interaction with those you cherish.


Above: Delicious Steak & Fries from Kansas

9. Discovery of Tortas: Another discovery that I’m craving right now is a “Jamon y Queso Torta,” or savory pies with ham and cheese, that I would typically purchase from “Maru Botana.” Cuisine-wise, this second best thing that happened to me this year. When you travel, find specialty foods that connect you with that particular destination.

10. Discovery of Chimmichurri: During my first dinner with my homestay mother and brothers, I turned down their first offer of “Chimmicurri”, but a few minutes later I tried the herbal seasoning and ultimately fell in love with this seasoning that GOES WITH EVERYTHING. BE OPEN TO CULTURAL FOODS (if you’re not allergic), even if its similar to something you don’t mess with in your normal diet.

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Five Insights & Inspirations to Spark the Second Half of Your 2016!

1. There is value in finding out what’s close to you and making it close to you! Explore!
2. Some things you simply can’t control; and even if you could control some aspect of some things, everything you can’t control in its entirety. Do your part, make your mark!
3. Express your gratitude more and value more interaction with those you cherish.
4. BE OPEN TO CULTURAL FOODS (if you’re not allergic), even if its similar to something you don’t mess with in your normal diet.
5. Find specialty foods that connect you with the  particular destination you reside or visit.

The post #CULTURE: Buenos Aires + Top 20 Moments Before Midyear (6-10) first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

The second of half of 2016 is here! Commencing with this weekend, time to get ready for numerous holidays, numerous get-togethers, new ideas, new developments, and tons of more newness. Personally, the first half of 2016 was one filled with much joy, happiness, growth, and achievement.

In the next few days, I’m excited to share insights & inspirations from the first half of my 2016. From reconnecting with great friends, making new friends, moving to and living in another Argentina, graduating, and travelling the west coast, my Top 20 Moments Before Midyear are a testament to our capabilities and opportunities to thrive in life! Explore my first five moments, below:

1. San Francisco & Reconnecting with Brother from College: After returning from Shanghai, I opened up the year by visiting San Francisco a few days before departing for Buenos Aires. What was so special about this trip was reconnecting with my brother from college who I had not seen for three years.

Not only did this moment show me that I’m getting older (not seeing friends for years at a time, gosh), but it showed me that time can be the ultimate test of authenticity and sincerity.

2. The “Infamous” Flight to Buenos Aires Mishap: Before departing for Buenos Aires, I arrived in Los Angeles a couple days before departing for South America.

Little did I know, upon awaking from a nap on the evening of my arrival day to Los Angeles, I realized I needed to depart for the airport in less than 12 hours (whilst needing a haircut & needing other essentials). Definitely a lessened learned: get all of your necessities for trips 48 hours prior to departure. However, I made it!

3. My First Weekend in Buenos Aires: After 14 hours of air flight time, I arrived in Buenos Aires encountering my first experience of homesickness. The heat coupled with humidity coupled with Wifi complications took a toll on my emotions.

Nevertheless, it is important to surround  yourself with people (such as my homestay mother below) and places that enrich your RIGHT NOW during such emotions.

4. Living in Belgrano & My Daily Commute to School: As I was living in Buenos Aires, I initially walked to my  university facilities everyday (approximately 1 mile each way).

Throughout my commutes over the three months, I fell in love with the idea of commuting to nearby places by way of walking. Living in Belgrano, a a residential and commercial “barrio” in Buenos Aires, I had the opportunity to see families engage in tasks, dogs doing certain “tasks”, me stepping in certain dog tasks, and also finding a Walmart (Ha).

Commuting throughout the city really awakened the notion in me to: Open your eyes, see the city, see your surroundings, and see your culture!

The New Laundry System: This may not be significant in others world, but I initially had THEE HARDEST time finding a washing service. Nevertheless, I finally found a cleaners and eventually (and unfortunately) SPENT OVER $100.00 on cleaning my clothes over 3 months. Excessive for me, but necessary. Lesson learned: Never be afraid to seek insight on the necessary elements of your life when transitioning to a new place in a city or even in life.

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Five Insights & Motivations for the Second Half of Your Year:

1. Time can be the ultimate test of authenticity and sincerity
2. Get all of your necessities for trips 48 hours prior to departure
3. Surround  yourself with people (such as my homestay mother below) and places that enrich your RIGHT NOW during such emotions.
4. Open your eyes, see the city, see your surroundings, and see your culture!
5. Never be afraid to seek insight on the necessary elements of your life when transitioning to a new place in a city or even in life.

The post #CULTURE: Buenos Aires + Top 20 Moments Before Midyear (1-5) first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

While scrolling through Instagram this past weekend, I came across Jeff Manning and hist artwork captivated me. As I began scrolling through is Instagram (@jeffmanning_), his vibrant color contrasts, apparent melanin appreciation, mosaic-collage artistic style fusion, and art orientation moved me, inspired me, and motivated me.

Jeff Manning is a, “Philadelphia-based Graphic Artist…creat[ing] work that is informed by music, in particularly, the neo-soul genre. Music is what really sets the tone for him to get going creatively. He will usually listen to a specific song and then create artwork that is fueled by the vibe that he picks up from the song.” 

For me, Manning’s pieces illustrate the beauty & astonishment that can be found in complexity. When formatted, reformed, and healed, our complex issues can turn into a testimony of how life’s situations don’t have to break us, they can make us better!

Explore some of his pieces below and visit his website (click here) to view more of his artwork and purchase some of his pieces in various sizes in his SHOP.

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#DONEGRAYT explores visual projects, musical releases, cultural initiatives, branding efforts, advertising, and marketing campaigns, analyzing their creativity, distinction, and connectivity.

The post #DONEGRAYT x #ART: Jeff Manning Bridging Graphic Design & Afrocentricity first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.