Granted my sister has been running track for over a decade, Track & Field has practically become my favorite sport to watch. Additionally, Usain Bolt has become a staple in Track & Field and pop culture–sports and pop culture being an intersection of topics that intrigue me when it comes to documentaries. Thus, Usain Bolt’s “I Am Bolt” documentary piqued my interest.

Once ready to watch, I realized the documentary was close to TWO HOURS LONG, so I knew I was in for a decent watch. When it comes to documentaries, I tend to gravitate towards films that capture an icon or icon -in-the-making “Making good, GRAYT!” I love watching legends or GRAYTS work, while I work. The film does a great job of assembling the arrangement of various perspectives from Usain, his coaching & conditioning team, other greats like Michael Johnson and Serena, paralleled with a reflection of who Bolt is as an individual.

Through the film’s account of Usain’s upbringing, the beginning of his track career, his historic 2008 Olympic showing, and his most recent Rio showings, “I Am Bolt” ultimately unveils five things to consider when walking into your God-given [graytness]:

1. Remain true to yourself in your rise: The film depicts Usain Bolt as the same around the way guy who valued humor and good times, from his childhood to currently. Seemingly instrumental to the fulfillment of his graytness, authenticity is depicted as Bolt’s underlying force.
2. Remain true to yourself at your pinnacle: Capturing his emotions during the 2008. 2012, and 2016 Olympics, “I Am Bolt” showcases the importance of authenticity during Bolt’s reign as iconic sprinter–that authenticity being his hard work paralleled with his lighthearted approach to competitive environments.
3. Have Fun fulfilling your God-given gift: Above anything else, “I Am Bolt” showcases the value of having fun while fulfilling your God-given gift. Your gift isn’t only limited to bringing joy to others, it should bring joy to you, as well.
4. Be Cognizant of Your Behavior: Bolt’s ankle injury is a major feature of this documentary, which was allegedly caused by a mishap at a club. Although not addressed in the documentary, one can assume reckless behavior could have brought this unwarranted behavior. Who knows? Nevertheless, being cognizant of your behavior when fulfilling your graytness is vital to your optimal performance.
5. Be Self-Aware in Fulfilling Your Graytness: An over-arching theme of the docuemtary, is Bolt’s declining motivation for Track & Field, as a competitor. Bolt demonstrates the importance of being self-aware in fulfilling our gratyness, that way we can maximize happiness and be in tune with the seasons of our lives!

The post Five Tips on Fulfilling Graytness from @UsainBolt’s “I Am Bolt” Documentary first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

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.

“Fake Love” by Drake is all the rave right now (and admittedly I’m a fan of a few covers of the song currently!) Interpersonally, we all may have dealt with fake love from fake friends who we thought were real friends showing real love straight up in our face. Or, we admittedly have been that fake friend showing fake love to get something we love? Nonetheless, the greatest man to walk the Earth dealt with “fake love” too–Jesus Christ.

What I’m starting to love about Jesus Christ are the major keys he often times exemplified–one of those times, exemplifying the major keys in dealing with “fake love”. Two considerable instances, once when the Pharisees plotted on how to trap Jesus to provoke him to offer illegal advice (Matthew 22:15-17) and Judas Iscariot’s kiss of betrayal for about $21.60 ( about 30 pieces of silver), (Matthew 26:14-16, Luke 22:47-48 ). Considering these two instances, he showed us three valuable things when dealing with fake love:

1. Assess Your Squad & Know Their Heart: When it came to Judas, Jesus recognized what what was going on. Hypothetically, he could suspected/discerned/knew that the love was fake (John 6:70, John 13:21) and that something wasn’t right when they were talking! In your life, assess your squad, assess your circle, strive to know your team & know their heart; be cognizant of how they affect your spirit! 
2. Address Fake Love in Hopes of Moving Forward in Peace: When it came to the Pharisees in the aforementioned Matthew 22:15-19, Christ recognized the Pharisee’s sweet talking all in attempt to trap him; he RECOGNIZED the fake love and addressed the fake love, in hopes of moving forward in peace–which was achieved, when Matthew 22:22 attests to the “hypocrites” departing from Jesus amazed! Recognize the fake love and address the fake love, in hopes of moving forward in peace!
3. Continue to Extend God’s Love: When it comes to Judas Iscariot, one of the 12 disciples, from early on, Jesus knew that he would be the one to exhibit “fake love.” From earlier on, Christ knew that “Something ain’t right when [they were] talking!” Amidst his service to Judas (washing his disciples feet, John 13:5) to Christ’s fellowship with Judas (John 13:26), he continuously extended Godly love to the one he could “tell that the love [was] fake.” If capable and equipped with God within you, continue extending his love despite those smiling straight up in your face, whilst stabbing you in your heart.

The post 3 Things #Jesus Can Teach Us About @Drake’s #FakeLove 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.

Keeping Hope & Faith has been vital and will continue to be vital within the next few months (and next few years). Well, it’s something that’s vital to internalize for the rest of our lives, ha!.

Launching Grayter, the commerce adjacent of the site, is definitely a step of faith. Beyond applying hope & faith to our personal lives, extend some to your community, your region, and America! With that in mind, check out 3 things you should know about this shirt in the 3-piece Election Year Merch Capsule when you preorder on Grayter.co:

About the Store:

3 Things to Know about this Shirt:

1. The Shirt Identifies Alliance: Similar to Hillary Clinton’s #ImWithHer slogan to identify one’s alliance with her campaign, this shirt highlights your alliance to the things God has for your life during this season!
2. The Shirt Merges the American Flag & Declarative Text: This shirt augments the American flag to format a cross with the “I Am With God” declarative text!
3. The Shirt is a shirt of Hope: At the end of the day, this shirt is an assertion of your hope in something greater for your life, for America, and for the world!

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Keep hope, keep gratitude & preorder the OBAMACARED: We Thank You Shirt & additional #ElectionYear Merch, here: www.grayter.co

The post GRAYTER Store & Merch Launch: 3 Things to Know About the “I Am With God” Shirt first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Controversy & confusion has been a common occurence within the past couple of weeks. Nonetheless, we don’t have to succumb to its impact or influence. If nothing else, believe in yourself enought to fight for your goals & dreams. Internalizing that notion, I launched the commerce adjacent to the site, GRAYTER CO.

As a 3-piece shirt capsule, the Election Year Merch aims to inspire you to keep hope, gratitude, confidence, and faith! The GREAT Already shirt aims to empower your confidence! Learn more about the store and the shirt, below:

About the Store:

Three Things to Know about the Shirt:

1. The Shirt is Reflective: This shirt aims to inspire you to reflect on what makes the world already great, what makes America already great, and what makes you already great! There’s something already great in all three, preorder and ponder on what that “great” is!
2. The Shirt is Affirmational: If by chance you fail to identify what’s “GREAT Already” in the world, America, or yourself, this shirt is curated for you to speak greatness over all three–an expectancy of greatness
3. The Shirt is for Personalization: With an expectancy of greatness, this shirt is curated for personalization. Whatever is the reason you wear it, wear it as you prepare to walk in GREATNESS!!

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Keep hope, keep gratitude & preorder the GREAT Already  & additional #ElectionYear Merch, here: www.grayter.co

The post GRAYTER Store & Merch Launch: 3 Things to Know about the “GREAT Already” Shirt first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

What a time to be alive, eh? So why not pursue your dreams and goals. Resonating with that mantra, I launched the commerce adjacent to this site, GRAYTER. The online store aims to empower you to embrace your GRAYTER with each capsule installment, through every purchase. 

Excited about this new addition to TheJoshuaGray.com, the Election Year Merch Capsuld is available on GRAYTER.CO for preorder until Wednesday, November 30

About the Store:

Three Things About the Obamacared Shirt:

The Election Year Merch Capsule curates three exclusive short-sleeve shirt designs  incorporating political, conversational, and inspirational undertones. The “Obamacared: We Thank You” Shirt is a statement on keeping hope & gratitude, here’s three special elements of the shirt

1. The Wording: A play on words of President Obama’s “Obamacare,” the wording enhances the commemorative nature of the shirt and the myriad of issues President Obama cares about in the past 8 years–from some policies to the poise his administration exuded throughout this election year. 
2. The Presidential Silhouettes: Adding a reflective and finalizing touch, the wording contains silhouettes of Barack & Michelle Obama looking at each other. 
3. The Significance: In its completion, this shirt symbolizes hope in the future (regardless of its bleakness) and gratitude for President Obama’s service to America. 

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Keep hope, keep gratitude & preorder the OBAMACARED: We Thank You Shirt & additional #ElectionYear Merch, here: www.grayter.co

The post GRAYTER Store & Merch Launch: 3 Things to Know About the #Obamacared Shirt 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.

Over five years ago, I went on a “Blazer” spree, one of those blazers included the blue blazer featured in three of my style concepts, most recently Style Concept #68: “The Blues Throughout”. With my style journey over the past few years, a good blazer would always be my go-to, especially colored blazers. Nevertheless, at the age of 23, I needed a simple way to transform this blazer in a way that reflected my growth. Here’s a couple of ways to transform a garment/blazer to reflect your growth:

1. The Pairing:

Back in 2011, I was the biggest fan of  color blocking; thus, this solid blue blazer was perfect for a color blocking fusion. Nevertheless, in this 2016 interpretation of the blazer, simplicity in styling and colors were key for me. When exemplifying the growth in your style, if you can still fit a garment and still have the garment, pair it differently or streamline the styling to reflect your growth.

2. Switching Up the Blazer’s Features:

Another way to evolve a blazer/garment along with your personal style, is to switch up features on the garment. For me, switching up the buttons to parallel the more simplistic approach to style was essential. Changing garment features allows your garment to transcend trends in style, while your style transforms!

Oh how times have changed, the garments from five years are what I would wear to class. Most recent styling featured in Style Concept #68, is what I wore to lunch at Jardin at the Wynn

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The Behind the Concepts are curated arrangements of garments, purchase details, alternatives, and behind the scene details for items in The Joshua Gray Style Concept series.

The post Behind the Concept #68: How to Transform a Five Year-Old Blazer 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.

On Monday, I had the opportunity to welcome the new and returning students at Matt Kelly Elementary School with over 150 men in the Las Vegas community and dignitaries (Can you spot me in the picture above?). Here’s three insights on why its important to impact and support tomorrow’s generation, if you need a reminder:

1. Your Presence is Meaningful: Day to day, week to week, our career commitment and pursuits of personal advancement can cause us to forget that we are indeed someone’s inspiration and that our stories of failure and success can motivate someone to succeed. In our presence at this event, over 150 life experiences converged to welcome and support the students of Matt Kelly on their first day.
2. You May be Someone’s Void Occupant: Per the Nevada Youth Network, “over 50% of the heads of households of Matt Kelly students are women. In the Sherman Gardens neighborhood complex right across the street, 91% of the heads of household are women.” On this morning, for some of these students we occupied the void of a father encouraging them on their first day of school. Your presence and your support may positively fill a void in tomorrow’s generation fueling them to succeed today.
3. You are Someone’s Catalyst: Someone somewhere is looking for your success story to ignite their dreams and begin pursuing their goals. Who better to be catalyst for, than tomorrow’s generation? 

Truly, the opportunity to ignite belief and confidence in Matt Kelly’s students was inspiring.

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#SHARETHEGRAYT is a collective initiative that strives to share what’s [GRAYT] and inspirational in viewer’s lives, in our communities, and in the world. What’s GRAYT in your life? Let us know, share@thejoshuagray.com

The post SHARE THE GRAYT: Matt Kelly Elementary School & Three Reasons to Uplift Tomorrow’s Generation first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Ever since the bleached tee craze resurfaced, I’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to create my own tee that was sentimental to me. I finally found the perfect T-Shirt to join the “vintage” t-shirt trend lingering around the globe. Check out how I created “The Wolves” Shirt, tips on the Knot-Pattern, and the shirt’s sentimental value, below:

1. Selecting a Meaningful Shirt: My elementary school mascot was a wolf, so finding this T-Shirt set the tone for making this masterpiece of a shirt. When looking for a vintage tee, try to find a shirt that you connect with and/or has historical value to you!
   
2. Preparing for the Knot-Pattern: This method of bleaching all started when I could not find any rubber-bands or rope to tie my shirt for bleaching. Tying the shirt into not serves as a compelling method for bleaching the shirt.
   
   
3. The Bleach Soak: After you tie the knots into your shirt, lay the shirt in a bucket or sink, and pour 2-3 cups of High Premium Bleach onto the upper half of the shirt where the knots are located. Then, let the shirt soak for about an hour and then let it sit for the wetness to dry.
   
4. Washing & Drying: After the shirt sits for a  few hours (3-5) hours, untie the knots and throw the shirt into a washing machine to wash out the bleach. After the shirt is washed, let the shirt dry (air-dry or dryer-machine). And then it’ll be ready to wear!
   

Expectations: Hilariously, after I wore the shirt once, I noticed holes in the shirt. The bleach is capable of burning holes in the shirt or weakening the fabric, nevertheless, they add to the distressed vibe of the shirt!

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The Behind The Concepts are curated arrangements of garments, purchase details, alternatives, and behind the scene details for items in The Joshua Gray Style Concept series.

The post Behind the Style Concept #64: How to Create the Bleached “Knot-Pattern” Wolves Tee first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.