The Times Project.

One day, I was at work listening to "RIP Bergdorf," a song that often comes up in my WSG/GRISELDA rotation. But this time was different. As soon as Mach-Hommy started verse 3, I thought, "What if this situation (Kenneth Cole shooting Gucci up) happened in real life?" And that's how the project started, with many scrapped drafts, notes on paper plates, and many hours of replaying the song repeatedly until I got a headache. Perky's Mag finally brings you the "Times Project."

Peace and Love, I hope you enjoy.

This is a Renaissance. Act like you know.

This is a Renaissance. Act like you know.

Handwritten notes on a white paper plate discussing topics related to music, video, and cultural references, with some phrases mentioning 'Solar Last Super,' 'church,' and 'universe.'
Handwritten notes and a sketch on a paper plate, describing a recipe or instructions with times, temperature, and a diagram of a phone with arrows pointing to it.
A handwritten poem with small illustrations on a paper plate. The poem mentions a palette, a person named Peg, and some characters like Kenny Cole and Peery Ellis. The poem is about a story involving a gold miner and a black figure, with a note about professors liking the author and a mouse.

PLATE

NOTES

My Brainstorming Process that took place during multiple shifts.


Since I only had time after work and on weekends to work on this project, I had to manage my time wisely. I challenged myself to have a mental draft somewhat completed after each shift so that when I clocked out of work, I wouldn't need to waste time on ideas that were going to be discarded. I still ended up going through many brainstorming sessions after work, but the final project was not refined in the studio; instead, it took shape in a food service warehouse on paper plates that were taken from various break rooms.

DRAFTS

Magazine cover featuring a man with dark hair wearing a gray sweater and white shirt, resting his chin on his hand, with text about Kenneth Cole. The cover includes the words 'The Times,' 'Perky's Mag,' and a date of August 2024, along with a QR code in the lower left corner.
Front page of a fictional newspaper titled 'The Times', featuring a story about a person named Kuznetsov escaping, with a large photo of a young man wearing a tan jacket, raised arms, and a watch. There are cartoon-style icons, star patterns, and advertisements for a product called 'Gem Gawn' along the top.

Originally, this was going to be the headliner for a Mega-issue and was just going to be used as a prop magazine for the issue cover photo shoot. The "Times Project" by itself was never going to be released, but I decided to explore this idea more and see what would come from it. A whole lot came from it, especially other project ideas that you will be seeing later.

A magazine cover-style poster featuring a man in a gray sweater, with text about Kenneth Cole, Lucifer, Tory Burch, and a promotional shoe featuring the phrase 'Fly to Neptune or don't, we won't care.' The background shows a textured gray concrete wall.

Part 1:

Where Were You?

Where Were You?

Part 1: Where Were You? Where Were You?

1 of 2.

Published: 8/2/2024

Perky's Mag Neptune edition Concept

Final Approved: 7/31/2024

A magazine cover glued to a concrete wall, partially obscured by green leaves. The cover features a man smiling, wearing a sweater, sitting with a finger on his cheek, and includes headlines about musicians and other topics.
Looking up between brick buildings with string lights and green leafy plants overhead.
Entrance to a parking garage labeled 'Main Street Garage' with signs indicating its name and height restrictions, located in an urban area next to a brick and glass building and a red wooden building, with a trash bin on the street.
Concrete stairs painted with a blue and green peacock feather design, with some paint chipping, next to bricks and surrounded by green foliage, with a person partially visible holding a magazine on the left.
A weathered poster behind glass shows a man and bold text about General Yach-Ty and Viktor Kuznetsov, with rain droplets on the glass.

Part 2:

Kuznetsov Free!

Part 2: Kuznetsov Free!

2 of 2.

Final Approved: 7/31/2024

Published: 8/18/2024

A quiet street scene with a sidewalk, trees, and a street sign that reads 'State Law Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalk.' A mural on a building wall says 'Welcome to Bridget.'
Empty bus shelter in Greater Bridgeport Transit area with a poster of a man and a newspaper cover on the back panel.
A sidewalk with trees on the left side and street lamps, with a grassy park area in the background, wet pavement, and overcast sky.
Street view of a residential apartment building with a sign that reads '1450 Main Street, Clifford House Apartments.' There are trees, a parking lot with cars, and a wet road in the foreground.
A poster covered with plastic is displayed on a glass case. The poster features a man with crossed arms, wearing a beige jacket and watch, against a background of colorful pills. The headline mentions "THE TIMES" and
A park entrance with a sign that reads 'Park Closed at Dusk.' A sidewalk curves into a grassy area shaded by trees. There is a sign that says 'Majestic Garden' with a logo and the words 'Field of Hope, Healing & Renewal,' and a quote 'You Are Not Alo
Empty bus shelter with a bench, posters, and a sign that reads 'gbt Greater Bridgeport Transit' in a park setting with trees and grass in the background.

"End How You Start"

  • Nighttime city street with string lights overhead, a building with large windows displaying words 'LIVE', 'WORK', 'PLAY,' parked cars, and a metal railing in the foreground.

    There's no such thing as beginnings.

  • A poster with a man crossing his arms, wearing a beige jacket and a watch, standing in front of a background featuring bottles and a website address, containing text about military insurgents, intelligence, and political events.

    There's only the end that counts.

  • Empty street with a sidewalk, trees, and street signs, including a 'YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS IN CROSSWALK' sign, wet pavement, and a mural that says 'WELCOME TO BRIDGEPORT.'

    You end how you start.

  • A magazine cover titled 'The Times' attached to a graffiti-covered wall, partially obscured by green leaves. The cover features a photo of a man in a light sweater, and includes various headlines and ads, including one for 'Fly to Neptune or don't care' with a graphic of blue shoes.

    Remember that.

!WARNING!

Perky's Mag may damage your retinas and hurt your soul.

!WARNING!

!WARNING! Perky's Mag may damage your retinas and hurt your soul. !WARNING!