[F-02] Find Time for Yourself

📁 Balancing work and life

Hi everyone!I first want to thank everyone supporting this project. I appreciate you taking the time to read and send feedback on the first newsletter 🖤Today I'll keep it shorter as I've been busy with uni work!

💭 Thoughts

Find time for yourself.

Lately I've been feeling stressed, anxious and overwhelmed by the amount of work I've put on my shoulders, and for being only February that's not good at all. There are moments in which I stop and say to myself "I have to take on less stuff", but the day after I just keep going and ignore my situation again. I'm realising more and more how I feel like I always need to do something, whenever and wherever, often having the sense that chilling or "doing nothing" is a personal crime.

I'm doing uni but that's not enough for me, so I also involve myself in different side projects. One of my issues is that I still have to learn to say "no" to people. Whether because I don't want to seem rude or because I'm afraid that a similar opportunity won't happen again. I guess I'm trying to open (and keep open) as many doors as possible for my future? However, this lead me to 1: lowering the quality of my work because I'm too full, 2: lowering the quality of my physical and mental health, and 3: having less time to invest in my personal projects.

(Coming from someone that doesn't do it) I really encourage to take time to nurture creativity for your own self, not for others, to let go of your duties for a while, and to give your mind some freedom and recovery time. The best way is probably to disconnect from our rushing reality, spend a few days somewhere else, alone or with the people you love, because the best ideas come by living, not working.

👤 Creative

Icykof (Kofi McCalla)

Kofi has been one of my biggest references lately, especially for the changes I made to my personal and creative style. He's a YouTuber, Techno DJ and designer from London with a very recognisable style and innovative mind.

You might have seen one of those "What are people wearing" or "How much is your outfit?" type of videos. Well, he's the one who created them in the first place. His YouTube channel is called "The Unknown Vlogs" and is all about fashion and design, but most importantly it's about sharing these passions with other people.

If you're looking for good vibes, style inspiration and a look inside fashion shows, this is the right person to watch. And definitely make sure to vibe to his DJ mixes posted on the channel.

(I took the picture above last year in Paris when I met Kofi by chance. Yes I froze and didn't know what to say.)

✨ Mental Health

HINDZ

I'm actually suggesting this to you and myself at the same time. I don't have lots of info on him as I should watch his videos much more, but Hindz is an incredibly calm and peaceful person making YouTube about mental health, self worth, mindfulness and all things in between.

It's not a channel for everyone, but going back to what I said in the beginning, if you're also struggling in balancing work and life or having doubts about what you can achieve, this might be something worth exploring. Trust me, I often find videos on these topics very boring, but he has a very personal approach to them, making it feel like you're having a face-to-face conversation with him.

🎧 Music

Tanna Leone

Sleepy Soldier Album Cover

Signed to pgLang and defined by Kendrick Lamar as "generation next", Tanna released his first album last year. I learned about him at Kendrick's concert as he opened the show and instantly fired up the arena. I suggest you listen to his album, there's an interesting mix of vibes ranging from hyping beats to more introspective melodies.

📹 Music Video + Fashion

Code - Offset

Featuring Bella Hadid, this video is the perfect example of how music and fashion are two realities that never stop influencing each other. Lights, clothing, composition and framing are all curated as a magazine editorial, almost giving the vibes of a brand campaign. The whole wardrobe for the shoot was in fact provided by Balenciaga only. A great example of the different way a collaboration can look like today.

🎬 Movie

Creed

Creed Movie Poster

IMDb

I know, it might be an obvious suggestion, but ahead of Creed 3's release next month, it could be nice to relive how it all started, or for the ones who haven't, to discover how well a timeless franchise like Rocky was able to evolve for new generations as well. I love this movie more every time I watch it, and it just feels perfect due to its authenticity. Cinematography, soundtrack and performances all sweetly blend together to create what I consider a modern classic.

📚 Magazine

Off The Rails

A fresh and rule-breaking magazine that explores the world of youth culture in a punk and rebellious key. The mag is photography and visual arts based, always featuring real, raw and authentic works from artists of different sorts. "Fearlessly creative, authentic and inclusive" Off The Rails' print issues are always theme-centred and open for submissions through their website!

🪑 Interior Design

Virgil Abloh x Braun

An inspiring and comforting video of Virgil walking around Farnsworth House while giving insights on the collaboration with Braun. With his always wonderful articulation he goes into the inspirations and concepts behind the reworking of a timeless piece like the Wall Unit.

🕷️ Leo's Projects

Nike AM97 for Special Milano

This is one of the works I'm most proud of: a campaign for the store Special Milano in occasion of the 25th Anniversary relaunch of the Nike Air Max 97 Silver. I used to wear these shoes when I was a kid, so having the opportunity to work on a project like this felt surreal. Check out more images from the campaign on Behance.

I wish you all a month full of personal satisfaction and positivity 🖤See u in March with a special edition of the newsletter!

Leo ✌🏼