Social B. Creative's New Arts Magazine

By Jeffrey Darah

We now turn our attention to a unique, local Toledo marketing firm known as Social B. Creative. Founded and run by Emily Rippe Desmond and Michelle Keller, their company is creating a new women/non-binary-run arts publication called Swell.

What led you to start your new publication called Swell?

Swell is a publication that is four years in the making. During the pandemic and quarantine, I gathered a group of freelance marketers and creatives to discuss producing and showcasing an array of work being done in the midst of all the chaos and uncertainty. Along with my managing editor and co-publisher Laura Upton, the idea of a tangible magazine or book to include and feature Social B. Creative freelancers, clients, and supporters started to percolate.

We originally had plans to publish in 2021, but a series of life events ultimately changed our plans. As we went through different iterations and formats for the publication, we developed a new model for the publication: a multi-modal anthology of artists and makers that reached outside our little network and span from New York to Los Angeles. It truly "swelled" into something bigger and better than we had ever dreamed. What viewers will experience is a 96-page, matte-finished publication that delights all the senses. Pieces include essays, recipes, a movie script, a book review, playlists, photographs, and even a signature perfume scent. All the pieces curated by Laura and I are loosely based on the theme "Contagious" in this first issue.

Can you expand on your mission of "amplifying voices" and highlighting community formation?

In my everyday job (running a freelance network is currently my side-hustle, though back in 2020 I had the privilege of working in the comfort of my home and was managing it full time), I conduct marketing and storytelling projects for a nonprofit that assists marginalized groups and people. This type of work has sort of followed me or found me throughout my career, starting out as a print journalist and finding opportunities to share client and worker stories for several Toledo-based entities, including Toledo City Paper, Toledo.com, ProMedica, Toledo Museum of Art, Balance Grille, and Culture Clash Records/ the late Pat O'Connor (who we are dedicating Swell to). In almost all my freelance and full-time working gigs, I've found myself drawn to the stories, projects, and programs that help underserved populations such as patient advocates, women experimenting, domestic violence, immigrants and refugees, and community members lacking basic needs like housing, food, and transportation. So part of Swell's mission is to continue to report and bring attention to the issues these groups and individuals face.

The second part is ensuring that the people contributing to the publication represent minority or lesser-known voices and perspectives. Swell seeks to amplify the views and work of diverse creators and heavily features the talents of the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC creatives, women and nonbinary folks, and people living with disabilities, both physical and mental. In other words, we are all about inclusion and providing a publishing space for those who are often ignored or left out of the mainstream art and marketing circles.

Where will Swell be available? Will it be available in stores?

We plan to run a limited batch of 300 issues which will be available on a first come, first served basis. Contributors and financial supporters will get first dibs and any remaining copies will be available at pop-up events like launch parties and community readings.

Visit socialbcreative.com and https://gofund.me/b2f8bf19 to support their upcoming Swell arts magazine! Every dollar helps!

Some SBC clients, such as House of Dow and Gathering Volumes, could potentially carry excess copies. A digital version will be released on the SBC website.

What was the inspiration behind starting Social B. Creative?

I have been working on my freelance marketing career and connecting with other freelancers and creators since 2011. Referring marketing experts in their chosen fields of graphic design, videography, photography, web development, and other public relations and content strategists like myself comes naturally. When a client or community member contacts me Continued on pg. 6

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The Lifeguards Movie

Continued from pg. 1 cooperating, and actor would be late, or I would forget a prop at home. We had to adjust on the fly by changing lines here and there. Sometimes we came up with entire new scenes to justify a change we made in the previous scene. One big group scene had to be moved inside due to rain which changed things up a bit. Then in the editing room, we had to rearrange several scenes to match lighting and balance the story out a bit. They say a movie is written three time; while writing, while shooting, and while editing. I can confirm that is true.

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your movie? I hope audiences walk away having enjoyed and laughed along with our story. The comedy genre has really gone down in the past decade for

various reasons. I hope this turns into a movie people watch together every summer!

Did you face any budgetary constraints during production, and if so, how did they impact the film making process? For a feature length project, our budget was about as small as possible. This film would not have been possible without all of the donated items we received. A lot of the locations we got to use for free. Also, many restaurants and families donated lunches for our cast and crew. I can't thank these people enough. A special shout out to Ye Old Durty Bird who fed us for three days. It is really a testament to filmmaking in a small town like Toledo. People are much more willing to help out with no expectation of anything in return.

Were there any specific influences or references—whether from other films, literature, or personal experiences —that shaped the direction of your movie? The Sandlot is probably the biggest influence. It is a great summer movie about a group of friends welcoming in the new kid. It even has a great lifeguard pool scene! Caddyshack is another big one of course being about kids working at a country club. Dazed and Confused is also a big influence. The movie does not have one single plot line or goal for all of the characters. It is a bunch of small story lines of people just trying to have a good time.

If you could say something to young, aspiring, filmmakers, what would you tell them? Whatever you are making whether

it is a short film, feature, sketch, music, etc. you will always have an audience of at least one; yourself. Whatever you make, make sure you like it. You might create a project that no one ever sees except you. So just make sure you like it. You are the most important audience.

Are there any particular scenes in the film that you're especially proud of, and what makes them stand out to you? All of the scenes have parts I love and a few moments I wish I could redo, but the opening scene might actually be my favorite. I think it is the funniest one and a really strong opening for the film. I hope it will hook the audience in for the rest of the picture.

Collaboration is often key in filmmaking. Can you share a bit about the team behind the

66 Whatever you make, make sure you like it. 99

movie and the roles they played in bringing your vision to life? I can't say enough about the people I worked with on this film. I won the lottery of actors here. We did a nation wide search and even received a few submissions from France. The best actors for the roles also happened to be in Toledo. Bowling Green, or just up north in Michigan. The behind the camera crew was also such a joy to work with. They followed along with

all my crazy ideas and made this film happen. The one thing I would NOT change is the people I worked with.

Where can our readers watch this film? The Lifeguards is premiering at The Maumee Indoor Theater on Thursday, May 2nd. Tickets are $15 and can be found on our website thelifeguardsmovie.co m. We are actively setting up other screenings too at other theaters across the country. We will post all updates on our website and Instagram.

We thank Johnny for speaking with us! Check out the official Instagram and website!

www.thelifeguardsmovie.com @the_lifeguards_movie

Local Toledo Artists to Know

Seth Resendez (IG: @soulsavedarts)

Seth tells us "Art has always been a passion of mine and love to inspire others to find the beauty in art to see that a piece of art work can make someone smile bring them joy and happiness art has really been a blessing in so many ways"

Nancy Jean ([email protected])

Michael Hill ([email protected])

I'm a self taught artist. My motivation is to select subjects that challenge my skills. "Dahlia" tested if I could remove the background and still retain a strong subject presence. "Sun flowers" was an exercise on how to combine three photos (by Kay Kroker w/ permission) while adjusting the lighting to make a uniform subject. I have 150 pieces, all done to hone my skills, so when I have something artistic to say I'll know how to speak the language. Maybe the total of my works is that artistic message.

"Crushed" by Cassidy Thompson

See more of their work on artconomy.com:

Want to be Featured Next?

We are looking for more creators of all skill levels. If you have successfully published a book, you could be the next featured author! If you would like to be featured next, shoot us an email: [email protected].

Poetry Corner

Pretty Pictures

aren't all they seem, while hearts are crumbled behind the scenes. How nice it is to be the favorite the star, the shine, the silent victim. "Don't tell" they say and children listen. And some brave ones question and get misdirected. For the view from underneath the rug is limited, smothering, and void of love. And the mind has ways of doubling, the pain and sorrow of lost hopes and dreams. The heart has ways of taking you down, loyalty, family...all you know....all you want.

It all becomes a jumbled mess and some fall prey to innocence. And lost inside these tepid souls things are lost, the heart grows old. And time flies forward, time reveals The old in youth too much to heal. Till bitterness grows firm and cold icy memories that never go. And time so slow just never ends, the pain within one never sheds. The torturous gasping wish inside, that no one ever saw me shine. Poem by Nancy Jean

Wherever Shore Is

Poem by Alex Langston

man on the moon grins down as you drift away under mirror clouds don't get too tired out there i can't swim as well as i used to don't wanna get lost inside the foggy surface

you won't believe what came floating back to shore on the only wave i've seen for hours wherever shore is

swim back to me and you can see

i'll show you why i tie a rope around my waist as i go out to see where you been all day

i'm turning silver as i wait for you like the moon on dancin waves that man up on our rocky moon eerie grin above my grave

i want to tell you things he's been makin me not say

won't you float on back to me you hear me on the wind callin your name

then the night goes the most horrifying white he leans in close, face to face like a clock who's had his hands all over my favorite shapes

where my silver hands are supposed to dance on waves

Preservation Society

Poem by Alex Langston

smoke follows the train round the mountains of durango where the yeti spoke last mid night

was he the one with a pipe and powder gun that taught you to run for you life

i don't think i had this comin what did i do to deserve bein dropped like a hot rock

into a cool mud puddle where life began just a day ago where woman and man and man and man and woman and woman enjoy drinkin what they like

at the end of the club the back of the bar at the bottom of my glass the curtains draw

you can't see what goes on in here fizzy lifting violet gowns

my hair on fire who let in these clowns

it's a party at the end of the club the back of the bar at the bottom of my glass the curtains draw

Young Artists Win Congressional Contest

By Jeffrey Darah

Each year, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur collaborates with the Arts Commission to promote the arts in Ohio. Hundreds of local students submit their artwork to be featured, and winners even receive cash prizes! As part of a government initiative called Artistic Discovery, state representatives engage in a nationwide high school visual art competition, recognize and encourage young people's artistic creativity. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol, and the two runner-up winners have their artwork displayed in Congresswoman Kaptur's offices.

Pictured on the right is Marcy Kaptur and First Place Winner Killeen French-Hill. The two runner-up winners this year were Bailee Cape and Alexander Ni.

Photograph courtesy of Bob Lubell

'Word on Da Streets' Podcast

By Dylan Sarieh

'Word on Da Streets' is a new podcast created by Strike It Rich Entertainment, a label based in Toledo. With its first episode published on its Youtube Channel (Strike It Rich ENT) on February 14th of this year, 'Word on Da Streets' provides viewers with an insight into Toledo artists and what they have gone through.

Presented by hosts The Game God, Miss Joyaveli, and Clyd Green, we are taken through both the good and bad of the Toledo music scene, as well as the insights found within.

From the first episode, viewers hear from King Veno, CEO of Hush Music, who describes how artists can best promote themselves, based on his own experience promoting other artists. On the following episode, artist TDiamond shares his love for Toledo, as well as the pain and loss he has personally experienced, reflected in some of his recent music.

Similar to King Veno, TDiamond also cites working at his craft as a child, reflecting the degree of experience both men share.

In the latter half of March, 'Word on Da Streets' covered music couple 'FAB', followed by RnB Hughes. Viewers of these episodes experienced the empathy, spirituality, and friendliness displayed by FAB, as well as the commitment to practice exemplified by RnB Hughes. The conversations in both episodes also touched on the romantic relationships that artists can find themselves in, including the tests of loyalty and fidelity from that path.

Each episode treats viewers to about 30 minutes of content, filled with laughter and jokes, but also serious questions concerning the history and development of the featured artists. The 3 hosts engage with their guests an inquisitive, but also supportive manner, creating a positive environment.

The Game God himself has starred in his own music videos, feature within the same channel, and this prior experience is shown in his interview style and ability to relate with the interviewee.

Please check out their podcast on Youtube, or their Facebook page, which is under the same name of Strike it Rich ENT.

Social B. Creative's New Arts Magazine

Continued from pg. 2 with a marketing request, I can either accommodate or find them the right person to get the work done.

What unique perspective does Social B. bring to marketing/communications compared to other firms? The folks in the SBC network are outside-the-box thinkers who understand and listen to each client that comes our way. Clients are paired with a freelancer or freelancing team/pod that fits their needs, goals, and budgets. Because of our reputation and the fact that we have each been practicing our crafts anywhere from 3-20 years, we often attract those who are familiar with our work and efforts to make our communities more collaborative and inclusive.

How do you vet and recruit the adaptable and innovative thinkers in your network? I've either worked in day jobs with them or met them in another freelance setting where I've personally witnessed their creativity, people skills, and problem-solving skills. Newer freelancers are typically referred to me by a trusted person or fellow SBC member.

Are there other projects like Swell that you'd consider in the future, assuming you had unlimited funding? I'd love SBC to be a multimedia publishing company that produces magazines, films, books, plays, and one-of-a-kind events and installations. If anyone would like to invest in my pipe dream, please reach out!

If you could say anything to a young, aspiring, person wanting to walk down a similar path, what would you say to them? Follow your instincts and don't be afraid to carve out your own plans and strategies. You will fail often and hard but if you stay true to yourself and your craft, you will find a community of other creators who share it. There's a beauty in finding your people, and that's the greatest success of all.

We thank Emily for her time and answering our questions. Social B. Creative needs your help and donations to succeed in creating Swell! Please visit the links below to donate to their fundraiser, and be sure to keep an eye out for Swell in the future.

April's Notable Event Calendar

April 1st

Monday Morning Painters

*Social Painting for All, 9:00-11:30AM, Toledo Artists' Club

Make a Sled Kite!

*Kids' Sled Kite Crafting, 1:00-2:30PM, Toledo Library

April 3rd

The Importance of Edges in Painting

• $20 Edge Painting for All, 2:00-4:00PM. w/ Paul at Toledo Artists' Club

Solar Eclipse Crafts

• Kids' Solar Eclipse Art, 4:00-5:00PM, King Road Library

April 6th

A Mountain of Marbles

• Kids' Crafts and Marble Blowing, 2:30-4:00PM, Main Toledo Library

Sketch Party

• Teens' Sketching Event, 3:00-5:00PM, Maumee Library

April 8th

Digital Nature Presentation

• Photo Presentation, 7:00PM, Toledo Camera Club @ Ohio Living Swan Creek Apartments

Teen Central

• Teens' Crafts and Games, 4:30-5:30PM, Kent Library

April 10th

Coffee Filter Flowers

• Kids' Crafts, 3:00-4:00PM, Mott Library

Monochrome Painting

• $20 Monochrome Painting for All, 2:00-4:00PM. w/ Paul at Toledo Artists' Club

April 11th

Last Look and Wine Tasting: Brilliance of Caravaggio

• $35-50 Adult Art Viewing, 6:00-8:00PM, Toledo Museum of Art's Green Building

Painted Flowers

• Kids' Flower Art, 3:00-4:00PM, Locke Library

April 14th

TWAL Show Reception

• Toledo Women's Art League Reception, 2:00-4:00PM at Toledo Artist's Club

April 15th

Bird Feeders

• Teens' Macramé Bird Feeder Crafting, 5:00-6:00PM, Toledo Heights Library

April 18th

Figure Drawing Group

• $10 Group Drawing of Nude Model, 6:30-9:00PM Toledo Artists' Club

Custom Perler Bead Earrings

• Teens' Earring Crafting, 3:30-5:00PM, Sylvania Library

April 20th

Mary Jane Erard All Media Class

• $45 Painting and Drawing Instruction for All Skill Levels, 12:00-3:00PM, Toledo Artists' Club

Ode to the ZIP Code Awards Ceremony

• Winners of the Poetry Contest Announced, 2:00-4:00PM, Toledo Library

April 22nd

Kids Music Jam Session

• Kids' Instrument Familiarization and Play, 4:30-5:30PM, Toledo Heights Library

Color me Calm

• Adults' Relaxing Coloring Session, 6:30-7:30PM, Sanger Library

April 24th

Elaine Scarvelis' Arty Party

• $25 Paint Art Party, Bring Snacks and Contact Elaine, 6:00-9:00PM, Toledo Artists' Club

Spring Painting with Acrylics

• Adults' Painting Class by Molly Miller, 6:00-7:30PM, Main Toledo Library

April 27th

Instrument Petting Zoo with Tapa

• Kids' Instrument Familiarization Event, 11:00AM-12:00PM, Sanger Library

Elaine's Little Picassos

• $8 Kids' Art Class, Contact Elaine, 10:00-11:00AM, Toledo Artists' Club

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Photo of the Month

Image taken by Cathy Holewinski

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The Scribe freely promotes artists and creators, giving recognition and encouragement where sometimes little may be found. Currently the creators, Dylan and Jeffrey, pay the costs on printing, delivery, and labor so that the community does not have to, but this cannot be done forever.

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Get involved with The Scribe! Having your work showcased in this newspaper is easy! Submission is completely free, and there are no costs involved. Read below to see what categories are open for submission.

Open Categories for submission:

• Any artwork (physical or digital)
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• and more!

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