Meet Crystal Dayton, Graphic Designer and Photographer

Crystal Dayton is a passionate graphic designer from Toronto, Ontario. Her talents are varied with a predominant focus in graphic design and photography. She holds a diploma for the Visual and Creative Arts program at Sheridan College, and she currently works as a freelance graphic designer. She is a creative, reliable, hard-working designer who has helped businesses and individuals with professional designs.

Learn more about Crystal and her work by visiting crystaldayton.com and by checking out her blog and her Twitter feed.

1. How did you know you wanted to pursue a career as a designer?

I really always wanted to be a graphic designer, but I had people saying to me, "you should find a more stable job," so I listened. Then eventually I decided I need to do a job I love, and design is something I love. Also, I don't like the idea of a stable job; I like adventure, not knowing what's next. I know eventually my art will turn into a career. So I've had a lot of going back and forth with my career.

2. How does your creative work as a painter and photographer influence your perspective when doing design jobs?

My creative work as a painter influences my design work because instead of simply thinking more for appeal, I want to make something unique like a painting rather than just a design. My photography influences my designs because I usually add my photos to my designs.

3. Would you tell us a bit about some of the design projects you've especially enjoyed working on?

Lately I have been really enjoying designing logos. I find logos are really fun to make, and they require a lot of creativity. Also, I get to meet a lot of people who have their own businesses and sometimes even other artists. I really enjoyed making one logo in particular; it was for a graphic designer who wanted a logo for her graphics company called TaylorMade named after her son. She didn't know how to use the software so I designed it for her.

4. I see that you offer design services through your own website as well as through Fiverr.com. Are most of your clients local, or are you finding clients all over the world these days?

I just joined fiverr.com in October of 2016. I used to have my clients more locally, but now since I have joined several freelance sites, I am acquiring clients from all over the world.

5. What's your advice to someone who needs something like a logo or a book cover design and isn't a designer but wants to do it themselves instead of hiring a professional? What are the benefits of hiring a pro, and do you think the design services are actually more affordable than people might think?

If someone doesn't want to hire a pro to do it, I would suggest learning the programs, showing your design to other people to get feedback, looking into what kind of company you want to be because that should be portrayed in your design, and also reading up on design. The benefits of hiring a pro are it saves you the time to learn the software; the pro is already creative so you may get more options from them; and it's good to discuss what you want because it helps to brainstorm with another person. Services are usually more affordable than you would think; depending on what you want, for example, on Fiverr you can get a basic design for about $5, but if you want something more you may have to spend a little more.

Thanks, Crystal!

M Model and Talent Agency in Canada

Since I last posted about M Model and Talent Agency, the models and actors who are represented by this well-respected Canadian talent firm have been busy appearing in a variety of print and film projects.

The firm's website is located at http://mmodels.ca, and whether you're looking for talent or want to become a model yourself, you can find useful information here. It gives a list of past clients, which include well-known media brands like MTV, Time, Discovery Channel, and Virgin Mobile. Other clients are the makers of popular products such as Mattel and Coca-Cola.

If you're looking for a model or are interested in working with M Models in any capacity, the best thing you can do is to contact them directly via email or phone. They also maintain a regularly updated blog at http://www.mmodels.typepad.com/ which shows their models and talent in action by sharing photos and clips from recent projects.

Over the summer, models from M Models have appeared in commercials for Sun Life Financial, programs on The Shopping Channel, advertising for TRESemme, and in an anti-racism campaign sponsored by the government of Ontario. I always enjoy visiting the M Models blog to see the variety of projects that they have helped people produce by connecting clients with quality talent. Their work also shows a commitment to diversity as they represent models of many ages and ethnicities.

Check out their site and blog to learn more about the good work they turn out month after month and year after year!

M Models and Talent Agency, Review of 2015 Commercial/Print Projects

We're just barely three months into 2015, and M Models and Talent Agency already has a lot to report because the models and talent whom they represent have been getting a lot of work. The agency is based in Toronto, and you'll see the work of their models and actors in Canada, the US, and beyond.

Some recent examples of campaigns their models have appeared in include a Wal-Mart print ad from a model in M Models' kids division, a commercial for the Pan Am Games, a print ad for Canada's Department of Finance, a commercial for Pet Valu, and a commercial for the Hockey Hall of Fame. The team at M Models also place a lot of talent in music videos, include recent videos for Glorious Sons, Tyler Shaw, and Tory Lanez.

For an example of M Models talent at work, watch this 30-second video of the aforementioned commercial for the Hockey Hall of Fame. It features two actors represented by M Models.

I've posted about M Models before, so check out this post for an overview of M Models and what makes their agency thrive. They are a busy, popular agency, with over 12,000 likes on their Facebook page as of this writing. If you are a model or actor in the Toronto area--of if you are a business, band, or other person/group looking to hire talent--I think it's worth your time to give them a call.

Meet Ed Roman, Musician and Songwriter

Ed Roman is an award-winning singer/songwriter, performer, and multi-instrumentalist from Shelburne, Ontario, Canada. Blurring the lines between pop, rock, folk, and country music genres, Ed's uniquely crafted songs have received regular rotation on more than 100 terrestrial radio stations across North America. Ed is a 2014 Artists Music Guild Award Nominee and a 2014 Artists In Music Award Nominee. He is also a 2014 International Music and Entertainment Association Award Winner. His current album, Letters From High Latitudes (an homage to his Ontario home) is a critically-acclaimed vehicle for Ed's socio-political, earthly-conscious, and globally-aware messages. This earthy, funky, and magical mix of music has earned Ed Roman airplay chart recognition and won over legions of fans around the world, known as Ed Heads. Learn more about Ed by checking out his website, EdRoman.net.

1. What inspires you to write a song, and did anything in particular inspire you as you worked on your latest album?

First off, let me say thank you for having me today, and it's a pleasure to speak with you.

It's really hard to pinpoint what inspires you to write a song as there are so many things that propel us into an emotional framework of thinking. I'm continually inspired, moved, and enlightened by so many things I see from day-to-day. Not only other people's lives but my own. I am greatly inspired by things that affect our habits of living, the things we do and don't understand about other people including ourselves. I'm very passionate about politics, agriculture, and the state of the human condition. In the day and age that we live in, it is essential to feel passionate about the circumstances that we love and the things that bring us to anger, then to take action. These two extremes are like a melting pot of emotional thinking.

A song like "I Told You So" on my new album Letters From High Latitudes is posing metaphors that are asking questions about where the commodities that we consume come from and how they are manufactured, to the political discourse and state of corporate federal politics that overrides, in many cases, civilian rights and freedoms. Because I study politics and come from a very political background, I can understand how these subtle changes have occurred over a long period of time and yet in our existence of human civilization, a blink of an eye. I feel most connected to my music when I'm singing and playing about things that matter not only to me but to my fellow brothers and sisters.

2. Considering that you play 90% of the instruments on Letters From High Latitudes, would you tell us what your recording process was like?

That's true, and on much of the music or songs, I play a little bit of everything. Of course, I play bass because that's my primary instrument, but also drums, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes, and the multitude of squeaks and whistles that are more like icing on the cake.

I played with so many wonderful musicians, including Chris Taggart, Antony Cook, David Patel, Michael Freedman, and Tobias Tinker. In our own right, we have created some incredible recordings, but at the same time, music is more like a candy store of limitless possibilities. So many musicians I know, including the ones that I've mentioned, all dabble on different instruments, and it's a really healthy way for you to release yourself from the things you're always working on with your principal instrument.

As I have my own studio, Area 51, it's very easy for me, day-to-day, to experiment with different instruments in my audio laboratory, more like a mad scientist hidden in an old airplane hangar on some distant field in a forgotten forest. As I'm writing the songs, they themselves are the ones that tell me how the music needs to unfold in the recording process. As I am a composer, I can start to see how music needs to be painted, so to speak. Some of the music, because of its construction, requires a band in a live off the floor process. It's important to try to capture these electric moments as they happen as opposed to a sound on sound recording that you can build over the course of the day or period of time. I always love interacting with other musicians and love getting other people's opinions on the flow, rhythm, and textural colors that make up the overall tapestry of the song.

3. How does your connection to Ontario influence your work as an artist?

Ontario is the birth canal of my life. I was fortunate enough to have a rural childhood which included long summer days spent by creeks, catching fish, and taking endless bike rides without the worry and troubles of an inner-city whether it was building tree forts in the woods or building tightly woven constructions of corn to make fortresses in our fields. We lived symbiotically on our farm with our animals in our environment on almost 1500 acres.

Ontario breathes more like an abundant basket of life, energy, and hard work. As kids we pushed ourselves in every environment when it came to art and being creative: music coursed through Ontario and us. It was infectious to the point of a complete embrace. So many people that I knew in late grade school and all through high school all played instruments of some kind. Whether it was Sadie Hawkins dances, battle of the bands, assemblies, or hours on a frozen pond at local carnivals or fall fairs, music was a part of our DNA and Ontario. Its abundance of freedoms and abilities to create at whim is what fueled us as young artists.

Today once again in Ontario and the country of Canada, all those things which I just mentioned that I hold so dear need to be protected and preserved for all Canadians and Ontario's people to enjoy once again. It propels me to take action in my language and lyrics and music that I write to try and reinvigorate people's emotions and passions when it comes to the things that we are most concerned about. I write about pharmacological acts, bills, and Parliament that affect the civil rights and freedoms of not only people in Ontario but in this country. My guitar is the greatest and most powerful weapon that I can wield in a passionate and pure way towards these concepts every day of my life.

4. How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?

That's a great question, and as I'm always being asked by so many people who have not heard my music, you need to be able to explain what that is in very few words. I could say my music is thought-provoking and has elements of satire and humor. I could say my music has a bulky and funky edge that is reminiscent of things of the past yet the same time has a new and innovative feel. I could say my music is political commentary on the day and age that we live in. I could say my music has elements of folk, rock, jazz, country, progressive, or even funk; but if I had to say in a few words, it's like a 57 Chevy blowing up in your kitchen.

5. What projects are you planning to work on over the next year or so?

Letters From High Latitudes has been doing extremely well over the last year, and as I've been doing interviews, TV appearances, and a whole whack of radio, I also have been releasing videos the whole time. The latest video for the track "I Found God" has been doing extremely well and getting a lot of plays as well as being embraced in social networking by a great a deal of socially consciously active people.

I'm planning a trip to the island of Jamaica to record my next video. Letters From High Latitudes features the song "Jamaica," and as I have a godchild and incredible amount of friends and newfound family, I plan to shoot a video and release it sometime in the month of May or early June. At the same time, I've also been doing a lot of writing, and I'm planning to embark on a new recording project for a new album that will be released sometime in late 2015.

I'm also headed down to Austin, Texas to play at the Red Gorilla Music Festival, running parallel to SXSW. The band and I will be at the Thirsty Nickel on 6th street in the heart of beautiful downtown Austin, smack dab in the middle of the festival. We will be on at 7 PM. Then we're down in New Jersey in Cape May on 27th of March for the Cape May Music Folk Festival. I'll be playing at the beautiful old Alethea's at the Inn of Cape May.

Once again, thank you so much for having me, and it's a pleasure to be able to speak with you today. If you're listening to Ed, then you are an Ed Head. Come by and check me out anytime at www.edroman.net. Over and out.

Thanks, Ed!

Introducing M Models, a Talent Agency in Toronto

If you're interested in learning about how a talent agency works and the different jobs that clients find with the help of their agency, check out the blog for M Models, a talent agency in Toronto.

M Models helps models and actors find work in print advertising, principal acting, and more. They work with talent of all ages, including young children. They represent clients in Canada and North America as well as internationally.

What I like about the agency's blog is that you get a concrete idea of the kinds of jobs that models and actors find through the agency. You also get to see a lot of different headshots and photos, which can be useful if you're looking to update your own portfolio and want some ideas for effective portraits to accentuate your best attributes.

Recent blog posts feature talent represented by M Models who have landed jobs with TSN (The Sports Network), a music video for the band Royal Tusk, a TV commercial for an event called BuskerFest, and a commercial for a dating service called Lavalife. Another post gives a detailed profile of two new clients recently signed to M Models who had previously appeared on The Amazing Race Canada.

Check out M Models' blog if you want to keep up with the latest from a growing talent agency in Toronto.

Excerpt from The Whimzy and Whammy of Chase and Chance

Sheron Archibald is the author of the children's book, The Whimzy and Whammy of Chase and Chance, available on Amazon. Sheron describes herself as an avid reader and a bit of a philosopher. She was born and raised on the island of Grenada, in the British West Indies. Today she lives in Canada. Sheron is a strong advocate for social justice, especially for the elderly and the poor.

The title characters of Sheron's book, Chase and Chance are from Brampton, Ontario. Their escapades, quirkiness, and ability to ask spot-on questions leave readers blushing and roaring with laughter. They are twins with a little sister named Chloe.

Below is an excerpt from The Whimzy and Whammy of Chase and Chance.

Mother, What Are Twins?

It was a nice day outside, and Mother was doing errands with Chase, Chance and Chloe. She had to grab some things at the store, go to the post office, and get something at the pet store. The children loved going to the pet store to see all of the animals. They walked around inside and saw fish, hamsters, ferrets, birds, and a very special surprise! Someone had brought a litter of kittens to the store to be adopted. The children loved watching the kittens play together. They all looked the same--all black with white paws. Chance and Chase especially loved watching two very playful kittens in the litter. They were chasing each other's tails and swatting at them. Then, they were chasing their own tails. Then, the silly kittens were reaching through the cage to try to touch the boys.

"Aww, so cute! It is twins watching twins!" said the store clerk.

Mother smiled and nodded her head. "Yes, they are. They are very special indeed!" said Mother.

"Can we keep them?" asked Chance and Chase in unison.

"Not today, boys. We are not getting any kittens anytime soon," replied Mother. After paying for the food that Mother had gone to the store for, they headed home.

While riding in the car, Chase and Chance got to thinking a lot about what the clerk at the store said. "Mother, why do people call us twins? What does it mean?" asked the boys.

"Well, it means that you both were in my belly at the same time. You were born on the same day, so you shared the same space as you grew. It is kind of like those kittens you were watching. You remember how they looked so alike? That is because they were in their mother cat's belly at the same time. They grew inside of her and were born the same day. That makes them a lot alike. But they are still different kittens and have their own personalities, just like both of you. It makes you very special," explained Mother.

"Oh, okay. Well, what about Chloe? Does that mean she isn't special? We love you, Chloe. You are special to us," said the boys trying to make sure Chloe knew she was special.

"All of you are very special. You are all special people, and you all have different things that make you special. Only some mommies get to have twins. That's what makes it so special. But you are still different because you are not exactly the same. You have different personalities and different likes. Chloe is very special because there is no one in the whole world who is like her. And there is no other Chase like you, and there is no other Chance like you. That makes you both very special, too. Chase, you came out of my belly first, so that makes you the oldest. And Chance, you came out of my belly right after Chase. Just like those kittens, one of them came out first, and that makes them the oldest. Also, one of them is the youngest because they came out last. But I want you all to know that you are all very special to me because you all are mine and you will always be mine. You’re my Chase, my Chance and my Chloe, all special for being who you are."

"Oh, we get it now. So, can we get those kittens? They are twins, and you said they are special, so they need a special home. You told us that all of us are special, so we would be a very special home for them!" reasoned the boys. Mother just laughed and shook her head.

The End

Thanks, Sheron!

Meet Giorgio Taverniti of Frank's Pizza House

Frank's Pizza House is a local favorite in Toronto, Ontario. The two chefs at this family-run restaurant are a dynamic duo of mother and son. Maria and Giorgio Taverniti are the minds behind the classic Italian dishes they offer to their clients. The restaurant atmosphere is warm and filled with friendly faces--as well as delicious aromas of freshly made dough, sizzling pizza, and savory espresso.

Giorgio Taverniti attended the Italian culinary progam at George Brown College. The culinary program combined with his mother's vast knowledge paved the way for him to follow his passion for the culinary arts. He now teaches Pizza 101 at George Brown College part-time.

Photo by Albano Martins

1. Why did you and your family decide to open a pizzeria in Toronto?

Choosing Toronto to open our pizzeria was a clear choice because Toronto is where we call home. Plus, Toronto is a mega city with a large culture and ethnic population, three major league sports franchise teams, and locals who have a knowledge of food. Toronto was an easy choice!

2. Could you tell us about your family's background and experience with cooking Italian foods?

My mother being of Portugese background learned her culinary skills in Italian cuisine from my grandmother from Calabria. Myself, I attended George Brown College here in Toronto where I completed the Italian Culinary program. After myself and my mother worked in different restaurants thoughout Toronto, we decided to open our own Italian pizzeria restaurant here in Toronto.

3. What makes Frank's Pizza House a unique restaurant to visit in Toronto?

What makes us different is being hands-on at all times in this family pizzeria.

4. What keeps customers coming back to your restaurant?

I think what keeps our customers coming back is us being part of the community and being visible at all times, showing them that we care about what we put out of our kitchen. Our simple, fresh dishes give dining at Frank's Pizza House a feel of the cultural influence of being in Italy.

5. If you had to choose your favorite three items on your menu, what would they be, and why?

Three favorite items would start with Frank's Salad, which has our special balasmic vinegar reduction to die for. Second would be our pizzas--that's what we're known for, and my favorite is the Toronto Pizza, a classic. Then I would choose our pillow Gnocchi, house-made in a simple tomato sauce that melts in your mouth.

Thanks, Giorgio!