Falling In Love With the Movies With a True Cinephile: Deiva Motley | By /CW Guest Writer Jolee Mallmann

The first time I met Deiva was during my first or second shift at the Oriental Theatre on North Farwell. I had successfully avoided getting into a conversation with a coworker thus far until Deiva walked up to me at the box office and asked me how my day was. Immediately I felt more welcomed in that theatre than I ever had the dozens of times I had walked through the doors before. Deiva is the welcoming feeling you get when you walk into a historic theatre like the Downer or the OT. She is an incredibly clever person with a devout connection to her love for film. The list of movies Deiva hasn’t seen is much shorter than the list of what she has. Her knack for movie trivia isn’t something to be tested. 

Deiva has a background in film festivals, film programming, working on local film sets and she dedicates a generous amount of her time to Milwaukee’s local cinema community. There is something inherently important in supporting independent filmmaking, local cinemas and community-building through a shared love of movies; Deiva is one of a kind in the way she exists in all corners of the unique Milwaukee cinema community. For someone who grew up with a family featured in award-winning documentary films, as well as a deeply talented and well curated film programmer with a deeply impressive watchlist, Deiva remains humble and approachable, the kind of face you look for in the crowd. 

Talking with Deiva is always my favorite part of any given day and discussing films with her reminds me exactly why community and film go hand in hand. I had the pleasure of having her on the set for my own short film and the main thing I learned was I should have had her on my crew sooner. In every way Deiva Motley embodies her love for film whether it be in the love she shows for her local theatres, the support she shows on film sets or her own personal passion for movies.

Introduce yourself a bit! Where are you from and where are you living now? Do you feel like your experience growing up and your background with Milwaukee have an impact on the kind of movies you watch or the kind of projects you choose to be a part of? 

I grew up in Milwaukee, and then for a while, I lived in North Carolina, moved around a bit in North Carolina, and came back in the fall of 2021. My experience growing up here, I feel like it really had an impact on a lot of my movie watching. My parents were in college when they had me, and my dad was a huge cinephile. We lived probably a couple of blocks away from the Blockbuster that used to be in the plaza on Farwell, not far from the Oriental Theatre. Since the Blockbuster was within walking distance, I utilized the Blockbuster with my dad and watched a lot of movies there. And I think as a kid, I saw Milwaukee as more of my whole world and wasn't really fully aware that there was more world out there other than Milwaukee.

Anytime I watched a movie, I always thought that the movie was based on something that happened in Milwaukee, or at least in Wisconsin, since I didn't really travel much. These experiences impacted the way that I watched movies in terms of reaching my imagination and letting it fly a bit. Milwaukee impacted the projects that I chose to be a part of growing up. As an adult, I really reflect on those experiences and those feelings. Now being a part of the film community in Milwaukee, I'll say that it made me who I am. I want to be a part of projects that mirror those same experiences that made me appreciate Milwaukee for what it had to offer my childhood. It's almost like I'm paying it back for giving me a very fun childhood and allowing me to be more imaginative. 

What’s your favorite movie and why do you love it?
My favorite movie is The Truman Show. I feel like that was a culmination of a lot of things for me growing up. On some Sundays, my mom would just throw it on to wrap up the weekend and we would watch it together. It was a great movie to watch, and I remember cuddling with her while watching it. The subject being a reality show following a man around, I grew up watching a lot of reality shows, so it reflected a lot of the typical content I would watch with my family. 

Personally, the reason I love it is that it’s heartfelt. I feel that Jim Carrey’s character, Truman, is very relatable in the sense that he’s a nice guy who has done all the right things in life, but there is just something still missing for him. A lot of us feel that way; I know I’ve felt that way a few times in my life growing up and well into adulthood. Seeing Truman and being able to relate to that, and seeing him get out of it, is something anyone can look up to. Not knowing if it works out for him or not but at least he wants to try to see where it takes him really resonates with me.

What role do you feel local cinemas play in Milwaukee? Do you feel like the art of movie watching can have an impact on a community? 

I feel like the art of movie-watching is definitely important for a community. It's generic, but it does bring a community together because, again, a lot of people have different interests and backgrounds that an individual could resonate with in any movie. I feel like movie watching tends to bring people together in the understanding of different identities, backgrounds, and nuances of interests. A movie, just like books, can really expose people to backgrounds they aren’t usually used to seeing every day. With that, coming to local cinemas brings communities even closer, especially in Milwaukee. Milwaukee is such a tight-knit community, specifically for a city of the size that it is. 

It’s like bumping into someone random on the street, apologizing, and realizing five minutes later they play chess with your aunt every Sunday. I’ve met so many people through chit-chatting with strangers and getting to know them through different families, and they end up telling me the last movie they saw at the Oriental Theatre. Milwaukee is rich in history, and so many people in our communities have ties to our local cinemas.

You’ve had a lot of experience as a film programmer, what is your philosophy when you approach programming films? 

My philosophy is that I am motivated for people to watch movies - that they feel seen, or heard or that they can relate to. Movies that pique people’s interests or touch on subject matter a person wouldn’t come across on their daily basis. 

For example, years ago, when I was in college and I was the student body general film programmer, I programmed a week long retrospective on: why is it that it’s always women in horror movies that are demonically possessed? It was college, so a smaller audience than I had hoped for, but I did have one of our film professors that had a course on horror movies come out for a screening. It definitely helped me look at those tropes in horror movies differently. Topics like that I like to touch on and allow other people to be able to dive in and think about themselves. 

Anyone who knows you, knows you’re a major cinephile. What are your favorite kinds of films to watch and why?

I would prefer to watch films that think outside the box or that are kind of their own genre, which people have a hard time describing or figuring out where to place them. Those are the kinds of films that I like to watch and always gravitate towards. For example, In the Mouth of Madness is a horror movie, but I think it can also be argued that it's a fantasy movie. It plays with themes of what happens when someone's writing or someone's art starts coming true and how that affects other people or reality. As I watch it, I honestly question, "Okay, is this real or is this fake? Are we in the character's head and experiencing what he experiences, or is this just something that's actually happening?" I love those movies. I love films that make you question whether or not something is happening.

How did your involvement in the world of documentary film from such a young age shape your understanding of the world of film?

Being in high school while my mom was being filmed in a documentary about her work and then having that bleed into my college years when my father was filmed about an unfortunate incident that happened in his life at that time, it thrust me into the world of film a little bit too fast, especially for that age. I was always a movie lover; you would see me watching more movies than TV shows. I had never thought I would be part of a story like that, let alone be filmed myself. It showed me how many moving parts go into a film, especially a documentary. When it came to the world of film, the general thing it taught me was about timing. You really have to be there at the right time, or you’ll miss the shot, or worse, miss the story.

I couldn’t grasp that a lot of the things that I was doing at home were being filmed, especially in high school. Cameras would be in my home, in the living room, and I had to act like I wasn’t nervous to share about my day, and I was a little self-conscious to be on camera. My parents were very mindful, even though my siblings and I were excited to be in a movie. My parents were thoughtful to keep our childhoods in mind with school and sports; too much of it would cause us to start avoiding things.

The directors of both documentaries were very respectful to us as children, and as an adult, I am thankful now for some things being filmed not making the cut. I’m glad I can have some of those touching moments more to myself than being in a hard copy for anyone to see at any time.

You’ve worked for film festivals, iconic theatres, been a documentary subject and now you’ve taken the leap into working on local film sets. What is it like working in local film and what have you learned from your time on set?

My experience working in local film has been honestly really great. I’ve met a lot of different people. Not only have I met a lot of people, but I’ve learned little things from each of them—what their little thing is, their expertise, and being able to ask everyone questions. Working in local film, I’ve felt like a novice, but everyone I have worked with has been so welcoming. What I’ve learned from my time on set is mainly just different aspects of filmmaking that, combined with my background, I could expand on to hone different skills while continuing my path to becoming a part of making more films around Milwaukee.

What are you looking forward to next in your career in film? Do you have any projects in the works or things you’re excited to try next?

I’m still trying to get my footing as far as filmmaking with larger crews but what I am looking forward to in the next year is more opportunities to learn and expand. Whether that’s through filmmaking or film programming. Whether that’s locally or with new festivals. 

The thing I’m most excited about in film is just to watch more movies! Especially Werwulf Robert Eggers 

Find Deiva’s insane watch list over on letterboxd:

letterboxd.com/deivadeivs/

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Into independent film? Want to learn more?

JOIN US FOR AN ARTIST PORTRAIT “PARTY” | FUNDRAISER EFFORT FOR COPYWRITE

ARTIST PORTRAIT “PARTY” | FUNDRAISER EFFORT FOR COPYWRITE  

A COMMUNITY EFFORT CURATED BY /CW GUEST WRITE JOLEE MALLMANN 

W/ AN AFTERNOON OF PORTRAITS, MUSIC & MORE

Milwaukee, WI — CopyWrite [Magazine], Media, & Design LLC invites our Milwaukee community to join us for a vibrant afternoon of creativity and connection at our Artist Portrait “Party” | Sunday Fundraiser, taking place Sunday, November 9th from 1–3 PM at /CW Creative Studios _ Shop  2201 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212 [entry on Garfield Ave]. This special fundraising event will feature DJ’d music, photo experiences, and community engagement — all in support of CopyWrite’s mission to uplift and amplify Milwaukee’s creative culture.

Recently, CopyWrite’s Owner/Active Editor-in-Chief, Lexi S. Brunson,  released a series of video reels [& a written statement] announcing that the Milwaukee-based media company's decade-old publication, “CopyWrite Magazine,” would end its “quarterly” publication production with Issue 22 | The Vision. Where this came as a shock to many creatives, organizations, and community stakeholders, Lexi has noted that a decade of mostly unpaid labor, a change in community value of the written word, the operational budget funding disinfranchisement of Black & Brown business owners, and personal health capacity all added to the decision. With the economic climate for the creative economy taking a forecasted decline, CopyWrite must also decide if its creative media hub in the heart of Bronzeville can sustain staying open. 

However, some community members see this as an opportunity to actively support /CW’s efforts by volunteering their own talents to curate the Sunday Fundraiser event. Jolee Mallmann, a guest writer for copywritemag.com, focusing on up-and-coming local filmmakers and film projects, reached out with the idea to create a fundraising effort to support /CW’s work and contribution to the community.

“It’s heart-warming to know that there are still creatives, like Jolee, who care and see the value of the work we do. CopyWrite has always been a vehicle to serve our community, whether that be through the Magazine, the website, events, or the studio. I’m not sure if people really understand how many doors we banged on, rooms we shook up, and dialogues we have been in about supporting Milwaukee’s creative economy. We can’t survive on social media likes, we can’t always count on philanthropy, we can’t do everything for free, and still stay around for years to come. We want to continue to support our community, and donating to fundraisers like these will help us continue to do that. But more importantly, we would love our community to actually pay us for the services we offer. We have never strayed away from hard work, and never will.” - said, Lexi S. Brunson

Guests will enjoy portrait sessions from an incredible lineup of local photographers, including SPTMBRBORN, Natalya Cook, Krystyna Nicole, and Jolee.jpg. The energy will be curated by DJ Chad, who will be spinning throughout the afternoon.

A $10[+] donation is required for entry, with all proceeds going directly toward sustaining CopyWrite Magazine’s community-driven media and creative programming. Anyone can donate via our online portal:  https://checkout.square.site/buy/K6BCGCPIXN6TCQYHE4QV4EN4 

All other interest in supporting CopyWrite, media inquiries, and more  can be emailed to copywrite.mke@gmail.com | Attn: LexI

We look forward to hosting the community at /CW Creative Studios & discussing how we can collectively keep moving the needle forward. 

A Win Not Only For Neighborhood House of Milwaukee, But For The Entire City!

Program Director, Norm McGee and ECP Manger, Phanomsavanh accepting their award

For over the last 80 years, the non-profit organization Neighborhood House of Milwaukee has brought a new meaning to the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.” From creating health initiatives, international learning programs, early childhood and teen programs, and even a year-round food pantry, they have exceeded communal expectations. Neighborhood House of Milwaukee’s mission to become a cornerstone in a safe and nurturing community is constantly being executed and carried out in a number of ways, making their mission statement more than warm words that will comfort families, children, and new explorers throughout the community. Educating, inspiring, and strengthening each and every one throughout surrounding neighborhoods plays a pivotal role in how the NH team approaches all who walk through their doors needing support and guidance.

Bridging the gap between innovating communities is more than providing childcare and after-school programs to parents who seek additional help. The creative murals, block parties, and fundraisers are only the aftermath and results of the planning, hard work, and dedication all happening behind the curtains that nobody sees. These are all beautiful depictions of communal connection and unity; however, Neighborhood House, just as many other impactful non-profit organizations, cannot achieve their mission alone. Ideas, programs, and resources that will transform the future of children, families, and international learners cost a pretty penny to come to life. Fortunately, help was recently granted to this cutting-edge communal hub.

On Monday, October 13th, 2025, it was publicly announced that philanthropic and women-owned organization, Impact100MKE, selected Neighborhood House of Milwaukee as one of the 2025 grantees for their continuous and inspiring impact. The neighborhood unicorn was granted $100,000 by Impact100MKE in support of their next creative and bold move, NH would like to implement in the city.

“Our $100,000 Impact100 grant will support their Children’s Playground Project (CPP) to transform their outdated and unsafe outdoor play and garden area, making it more engaging and inclusive for children ages 2-12 in their Early Childhood and School-Age Youth Programs. This will fill a gap for many program participants who live in under-resourced neighborhoods and lack access to safe outdoor spaces, ensuring that they have abundant opportunities to explore, play, and learn in a secure, interactive outdoor area at NH.”

— Impact100MKE

Every child, family, and even adult is not afforded the same access to necessities, let alone recreational experiences. Neighborhood House of Milwaukee does not only want to teach the fundamentals of life, but also to open the door to living life and not just simply existing. The highly anticipated implementation of the Children’s Playground Project (CPP), has all the confidence, support, and engagement behind it since NH has had much success in the past with their other outdoor resources. For example, their nature center, located on W2650 County Road MM, Ashippun, WI 53059, has been serving as an innovative educational resource as well as a physical building that represents exploration and the benefits the outdoors has to offer for decades. Many who have experienced the nature center have found motivation, passion, and intense intrigue in the outdoors that has led to lifelong careers and hobbies.

The Children’s Playground Project (CPP) is expected to be utilized by over 1,000 children located near the west side communities in Milwaukee that surround Neighborhood House. It is more than a playground for a 30-minute to 1-hour time slot allocated for recreational time for children. CPP will take on the role of becoming a foundation and symbol between outdoor and interpersonal connectivity. Neighborhood House, a community center serving Milwaukee’s near west side since 1945, strives to inspire discovery in children and families of all backgrounds, so they become lifelong learners and confident leaders. With this latest project, along with their impressive resume of other thought-provoking initiatives, strengthening the community one member at a time, /CW sees no signs of them slowing down anytime soon.

I am honored to have attended this special place throughout the majority of my childhood. It’s amazing to have thousands of memories and lessons learned that I now apply in my adulthood. Neighborhood House of Milwaukee’s impact is immeasurable and is being traced all throughout the city of Milwaukee. I am proud of the consistent and unique work the non-profit organization carries out year after year. NH is more than field trips, photo-ops, and programs- it’s the heart of Milwaukee’s strength and growth! To learn more about them or experience the long-lasting impact they pour onto others, visit their website at https://neighborhoodhousemke.org/. I also challenge each of you to pass through their space with a smile, located at 2819 West Richardson Place, Milwaukee, WI 53208. Follow Milwaukee’s unicorn @neighbormke on all social media platforms.

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

#SUPPORTTHELOCAL | OUTLET APP + COPYWRITE MAG

A word from our partners:

The Outlet App is proud to partner with Copywrite Magazine to continue our mission of connecting and empowering creatives. While The Outlet App gives artists a digital space to showcase and sell their work, Copywrite offers a physical hub for collaboration, expression, and growth. Together, we’re creating a bridge between online opportunity and real-world engagement — building a creative network where artists can thrive, connect, and profit from their passions.

- Outlet App

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As we continue to support the local we will now be vocal in our partnerships to further connections in our community and to bring light to the real bonds that have elevated the Urban creative scene in MKE. We #SupportTheLocal!

/CW

Discover the Human Experience at the Charles Allis Art Museum During Gallery Night & Day

*info from Charles Allis Art Museum

Step inside one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful historic mansions for an unforgettable Gallery Night experience at the Charles Allis Art Museum. Located at 1801 N. Prospect Avenue, the museum invites guests to explore art, music, and culture in an intimate, welcoming setting that bridges history and creativity.

On Friday, October 17, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, visitors will enjoy an evening filled with ambiance, artistry, and live music. Pianist Neal Bardele will perform from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, blending smooth jazz, Great American Songbook favorites, and timeless classics that set the perfect mood for exploring the museum’s latest community exhibition — Human Condition: A Study of the Body.

Curated from local and regional artists, Human Condition examines resilience, vulnerability, memory, and transformation. Through evocative paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works, the exhibition offers a powerful, personal reflection on what it means to be human. It’s an experience that resonates deeply — whether you’re an art enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for an inspiring night out in the city.

The museum’s galleries and permanent collection will also be open on Saturday, October 18, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM for those wishing to explore at a slower pace. Admission is free and open to all both days.

Event Details

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What: Gallery Night & Day at the Charles Allis Art Museum

Exhibition: Human Condition: A Study of the Body

Live Music: Neal Bardele, Friday 6:00–7:30 PM

When:Friday, October 17 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM and Saturday, October 18 | 12:00 – 4:00 PM

Where: Charles Allis Art Museum, 1801 N. Prospect Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Admission: Free and open to the public

Website: www.charlesallis.org/exhibitions

Gallery Night Info: gallerynightmke.com/participants/east-town/charles-allis

Whether it’s your first time at the Allis or your tenth, this is your chance to reconnect with the city’s creative pulse — surrounded by art, live music, and community.

Press Contact: For media inquiries, interview requests, or images, please contact:

Meet Mitchelle Lyle: The Tech CEO Whose App Will Make You Stand On Business When Moving Abroad

Good Morning /CW Fam. I have a question for you all. What’s the one thing everyone highly anticipates every year, no matter their age, gender, or state they reside in? Correct! You guessed it right: A vacation to another place they do not live in, specifically out of the country. Stem advocate, engineer, and CEO of ITA (International Travel Advisor), Mitchelle Lyle, is no exception to this unspoken and worldwide commonality. For millions around the world and even a few thousand right here in Milwaukee, traveling abroad is viewed as an escape, a chance to be a new person in a different environment where little to nobody knows you, or simply a chance to discover yourself in a unique way. A different story was written for the motivation and dying love Lyle has for destinations abroad. It goes beyond loving the surface-level perks of traveling, which has not only inspired her business but also Lyel’s personal life journey.

Her first taste of living abroad started with a leadership and empathy group Lyle was involved in throughout College. She traveled alongside nine other students and lived in Cape Town, South Africa for a month. The tech advocate and engineer’s journey throughout Cape Town was far from what anyone; including Lyle expected. She noticed several similarities between it’s history compared to America but also the interpersonal communication between its people, whether in churches singing the solace and soulful hymns she grew up on or young girls playing hand games on the sidewalk. This was the first place she learned the true difference between traveling and living abroad.

"Immersing yourself in a culture and what your significance is throughout that culture is the value of living abroad. It’s different than staying at a resort and chilling on beaches all day”-CEO, Mitchelle Lyle

Although living in South Africa was the spark that encouraged Lyle to living in three other abroad countries including France,Brazil, and Martinique, she quickly learned it’s not always a movie once you get off the plane and begin living in a completely different country. [Those 16 hour plus plane rides are also no fairytale] Some eye-opening challenges Mitchelle faced were sustainability, money management, but most importantly limited job opportunities. Since being 18 years old, the CEO knew her life was meant to be experienced beyond the borders. This is why the hardships and lessons she learned over the years did not discourage Lyle rather they became the foundation for one of her greatest ideas yet (with the help of a call from her best friend): launching her own business, ITA (International Travel Advisor).

ITA is designed for young professionals, digital nomads and retirees who are seeking to move abroad but don’t know where to start and need hands-on guidance to turn their dreams into reality! Granting a smooth transition but also setting up one for long-term success while living abroad is the company’s top priority. From supporting services such as visa assistance, job placement, and tax consulting, Lyle wants to emphasize this is not an extended vacation; this will become your new home so preparation, comprehension and honesty are key. Just as there will be key elements of the culture you move to; there will be things that are different or will take time adjusting. With the concierge service of ITA, their team provides a financial health review, 3-day itinerary tailored for you, travel logistics and identifying counties that best suit you!

“Yes, it may be fearful but I truly want to help others break free from traditional living and thinking. I want everyone to get a taste of and embrace the transformative power of global experiences” -CEO, Mitchelle Lyle

After launching this innovative and life-changing business in 2022, Lyle always had a roadmap to buildout an app for ITA. The unique vision and landscape never came into fruition until this past August at a NSBE conference (National Society of Black Engineers). It was the CEO herself who built the app while taking a workshop. She explained to me how exciting yet surprising it was how her vision came to life in a one day workshop after hiring professionals for years to get to the job done. This is when Mitchelle knew she had exactly what she needed to take her business to the next level. What better time than to launch her latest creation during this year’s Wisconsin Tech Month?

Introducing ITA ACE. It is a groundbreaking app that serves as a digital companion for the modern traveler. It provides a unique blend of personalized travel advice and powerful, intuitive planning tools, allowing users to obtain answers for nearly 70 countries from vaccines to visa. The app is designed to transform the way travelers discover, plan, and book their global adventures. ITA ACE offers a nomadic buffet of resources such as summaries of vaccines, experts of countries, budgeting and a direct chat line.

“As a digital nomad myself, it was a time and energy intensive task to find the info I needed. With my expertise in Systems Engineering, I created the app and platform to help people like me travel. We've combined our human expertise with seamless digital experience, giving users the power to plan their dream their dream trips from the palm of their hand. This app will separate the dreamers and the doers ” -CEO, MITCHELLE LYLE

Are you ready to become confident enough to take the leap into living abroad? Do you want access to resources such as language learning, job placement and financial health? There are a few ways to get the ball rolling:

• Thursday October 9th, 2025 CEO of ITA app will be hosting a launch event right here at CopyWrite Magazine [2201 N Dr Martin Luther King Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin] from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Come enjoy mimosas, light pastries and a live experience of the app!

• Test the ITA app yourself: Web App

• Explore the ITA website: visit www.internationaltraveladvisor.com.

• Follow ITA on all social media platforms @intltraveladvisor

Mitchelle is committed to helping others live their "yes" and realize the transformative power of international living, whether they are seeking personal growth, career advancement, or a renewed sense of purpose. Through International Travel Advisor, Mitchelle shares her expertise and passion, guiding her clients every step of the way toward a life of freedom and adventure.

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

#ListenUpWithLexi | Our Editor-in-Chief, Lexi S. Brunson, Announces the Last Ever Issue of CopyWrite Magazine

Instagram got it first! Here is the full video of the “5 Part” Reel/Video montage of “WHY” Issue 22, The Vision is the LAST EVER issue of CopyWrite Mag.

[Plus the sneak peek from Issue 22’s Letter From the Editor, describing THE SAME THING!]

CAN I GO CRY NOW?

/Lexi S. Brunson | Editor-in-Chief /CW

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INTRODUCING: THEY CREATE, WE RELATE [W/ DESRIANA GILBERT] | EPISODE 1 [RIA]

The city of Milwaukee has recently been experiencing a complete shift when it comes to the representation and advocacy for being a creative. No matter the form of creativity being pursued, our neighborhoods as well as Milwaukee’s social media presence, are becoming the main stage for the success and recognition of the next wave of creatives and those who have been in the game for a minute. After much research and observation, there’s an imbalance of how much the success stories and end results are shown compared to how little the journeys and preparation is displayed to the supporters and intrigued public to see. CopWrite Magazine presents, THEY CREATE, WE RELATE. Every month, the spotlight will be placed on a creative showing a different perspective of why they create the way they do and how they create the way they do. 

THEY CREATE, WE RELATE is a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the talented creatives in Milwaukee and their process to create in real-time. The /CW journalist team will be following them around for an event, performance, conversation, or creative time. Everyone loves feeling a sense of relatability and authenticity with who they follow and support. This will provide not only viewers with an inside look at their favorite creatives and how they tap into their process, but also maintaining /CW’s rep of staying in the know of who and what is driving creativity and putting MKE on the map. This will give exposure to community activists, musicians, artists, performers, and any other form of creative that be. It will be either long-form YouTube content, a featured article on the /CW blog page, or a one-on-one interview with the creative and the /CW journalism team as they recap the footage captured. The beauty about being a creative is that everything starts as an idea and manifests into a physical creation. THEY CREATE, WE RELATE gives a platform and space for the entire process before a party, pop-up shop, poetry slam, or music videos exist. 

“People love learning a person’s come-up story and how they got started, which leads to more exposure for the creative as well as /CW for showing a more personable and in-depth perspective of both the face and work instead of just their work. This is a project dedicated to showing the multidimensional sides to artists, musicians, poets, performers, entrepreneurs, and all other creatives who are putting Milwaukee on the map.” -/CW Entertainment & Social Journalist Desriana Gilbert 

CopyWrite Magazine focuses on five pillars: culture, music, fashion, art, and community. THEY CREATE, WE RELATE is an artistic and bold collage of everyone who makes up the creative space that is now transforming the way our city is viewed. The /CW team stands for all things Urban. As an unapologetic group of creatives, we are in business to change the community. We will tell the stories that need to be told and always showcase the unrealized artistic potential throughout our community while doing the things we love. With our expertise in media and journalism, combined with the untapped talent and hunger many artists have in Milwaukee, a space is now going to be given more attention as well as benefits such as networking, financial leverage, and expansion. 

Do you want your journey to be shared? Please contact copywrite.mke@gmail.com | ATTN: Desriana, THEY CREATE, WE RELATE FEATURE.

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CHECK OUT THEY CREATE, WE RELATE | EPISODE 1 [RIA]

THEY CREATE, WE RELATE is a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the talented creatives in Milwaukee and their process to create in real-time. The very first creative our /CW journalist team took a deep dive into was none other than Vault of Ria. You may know her from the nostalgic and outlandish photography she brings to life on Instagram or the mark she’s making in L.A as a fashion photographer. Our team quickly learned she is more than a photographer; rather, a visionary and a jack of all trades. We saw her talent and creativity in real-time during her NightFlea Market, Godspeed. Watch the very first episode of THEY CREATE, WE RELATE for an inside look at why she creates, the role she’s playing in putting MKE on the map, and how you relate to Vault of Ria.     

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

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/CW INTERN SKY ABNER | 21 Things I Learned at Milwaukee Fashion Week from a Fashion Perspective

A WORD FROM OUR INTERN SKY:

@mkefashionweek was such a fun experience to be apart of! I enjoyed seeing all the shows and doing interviews for @copywritemag

To all the wonderful people that I interviewed thank you so much for being apart of my short film. I wanted to add everybody but it would have been a movie.

Interviewees:
@jmacjr03
@hopemarieusa
@silversarkofficial
@shantiofficiall
@222iluvme_
@cielo.marisa
@pop_that_pooley
@_arturovelasco
@jvrvmyy.joelll
@pakou._.222
@gigiwagener
@julieannmaday

My love for fashion started when I was a kid. It was something passed down to me from both of my parents. My mom had a closet I would raid any chance I could get, which I still like to do to  this day. My dad collected ties, more than 500 of them, and he loved nothing more than putting on a sharp suit. Between the two of them, I grew up surrounded by style. 

I spent hours playing dress-up games, imagining the kind of spaces where fashion was not just  personal but celebrated. Living in Milwaukee, I always wished for a place where people like me, people who loved fashion in all its forms, had a community where that love could be shared  freely. 

Walking into Milwaukee Fashion Week, I realized that dream had found its home. For three days, I watched the city’s fashion community come alive. Designers, models, stylists,  photographers and volunteers all wove together into something bigger than a show. 

This year, the energy filled three different venues: the Milwaukee Public Museum, City Hall and  the Rivulet. Each space had its own story, from high-fashion archive pieces to the blueprint of streetwear and forms and figures. President Jeffrey McAlister called it “the reimagined, renewed and redefined Milwaukee Fashion Week,” and standing there in the middle of it all, I understood exactly what he meant. 

On the runway, the designs did more than turn heads; they told stories. Silversärk brought the  heat with daring, dramatic pieces that were impossible to forget, while Sam Graham Avant  Garde added sophistication, with looks so fly they made me double-take. Some pieces carried a retro flair that pulled me back to the 70s, a time I wasn’t born but still felt connected to through  his clothing. Then, during streetwear night came Arturo Velasco, whose work blended his culture  and love for Chihuahua, Mexico, transforming them into designs rooted in identity and storytelling. Fashion here was not just about fabric. It was about the designer’s voice, memory, and creativity. 

The models brought their own kind of magic. Some had known they wanted to walk the runway  since they were a kid, while others found their way here through friendship and community.  They reminded me that confidence matters as much as couture. The runway can be a family, a  place where people grow together and support one another. 

The backstage process was a world of its own, buzzing with urgency, laughter and the constant warmth of curling irons. Student and professional hair and makeup artists moved with precision, 

transforming models in minutes. Every detail, from beat faces to sculpted hair, mattered.  Watching it unfold felt like seeing another kind of art form, one that rarely comes alive in front  of the cameras. 

And speaking of cameras, the photographers were everywhere, capturing angles and moments that told their own story. Volunteers kept things running smoothly, helping people to their seats, making everyone feel welcome. 

Looking back at my great experience, I walked away with 21 notes from the past 3 nights: 

1. The city’s fashion scene is thriving and growing. 

2. Milwaukee Fashion Week has come a long way. 

3. Every venue told a story. 

4. The designer’s couture amazed me. 

5. Designers proved fashion can carry culture. 

6. Models reminded me that the runway is a family and that confidence matters.  7. Backstage is chaos and inspiration.  

8. Hairstylists push limits.  

9. Makeup turns faces into art.  

10. Photographers make moments last.  

11. Volunteers keep everything moving.  

12. The hosts feel the crowd and the room with energy. 

13. The community is inclusive and very kind. 

14. Everyone has a real love for fashion. 

15. Designers draw inspiration from everywhere.  

16. The runway is about storytelling.  

17. Every detail counts.  

18. Fashion in Milwaukee is about connection.  

19. Organizers want national recognition.  

20. Fashion shows are a celebration. 

21. And at the heart of it all, Milwaukee Fashion Week is about style, creativity and  community! 

As Julie Ann Maday, on the finance committee board, told me, “I want Milwaukee Fashion  Week on the map like Chicago, New York, or Paris. We have the designers, we have the talent,  we just need to keep building.” 

And after three nights of being in the middle of it all, I have the highest hopes for the future of  Milwaukee Fashion Week as well.

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF COPYWRITE MAGAZINE ISSUE 22 | THE VISION

“The record will not be unwritten . . . not this time.”

-FOR THE LAST TIME-

In this issue, we explore Vision. From our professional practice, we use vision as a tool to navigate the aesthetic world, playing with the complexities of that faculty. “What does it feel like to have the ability to think about the future, plan for unrealized opportunities, or see alternative ways to approach what is? For some, this appears as clairvoyant. CopyWrite itself was born from envisioning a conduit that supported the local community through creative endeavors. But the gift of vision is not an isolated ability. It manifests itself in so many others forging innovation, redefining ingenuity, and has produced hope by seeing beyond “states of matter”, taking paths less travelled [& others plunging head-first into the unknown]. 

Featuring: Briana Mcquay, Emma Daisy, Dukalion, and the 3C’s | DCD Commissioner Lafayette Crump, County Executive David Crowley, Mayor Cavalier Johnson