I. THE DINNER
Nobody complains about wow-provoking views. Views standing from life-threatening cliffs, skyscrapers, or snow-capped mountains.
This wonderful, absurdly peaceful ride over Medellin's shanty neighborhood gave me time to marinate in the city's wonder. Medellin's cloud covered peaks can be seen from any corner, but the best views you'll find descending into the city via cable car. Thousands of commuters make this trip daily.
I don't use the word lucky. I don't believe in luck, i'll say, I felt fortunate to come from a country with a mighty passport. In the States, I work hard. I earn. I save. I punch my ticket outta here with haste.
Hours after snapping this shot I met with a Paisa friend named Luis over fried Snapper and flank steak. Rice, beans, ice cold Coca Cola sprinkled in rum accompanied heart-happy vittles. Luis missed it, because i'm sly like an alley cat as I fed nasty fried plantains to some stray barrio pup.
Luis "How do you like Medellin"
Americans who travel frequently know this question well. From Brazil to Kenya, Australia to Germany, every local wants to know what you think about their home, food, women or men.
Alex "I love Medellin"
Alex "You been to the States?"
Luis"No never"
Alex "You ever left Colombia?"
Luis "Never. Colombians aren't like Americans. We don't dream about far away places like you. It's not reality, we don't focus on unrealistic fantasy. There's no ring traveling to Mt Doom."
Sometimes I forget my great privilege... I'm a explorer by identity – I'm built to honor Indiana Jones, Francis Drake, Edmund Hillary, Nemo and Lara Croft.
You'll find me buying Tchotchkes from Babushkas in Europe or area rugs from highly professional salesman in Istanbul.
You'll find me sharing cloudy liquor with toothless Greek fisherman or wandering hallowed Museum halls in Medellin like I did the day after this dinner.
I'm insatiably curious to my detriment, and frankly, I don't understand people who aren't.
II. THE ENEMY
Conformity doesn't storm into creative peoples lives with a dramatic keyboard Stormtrooper note.
No Darth Vader theme here — conformity is too sneaky for that jazz. It tiptoes into our bones like tiny gremlins wearing Sketchers, whispering sweet sexy overtures with ulterior motives.
"Heyyyy Papi... Don't worry. I'll save you from the pain of being different"
Conformity dangles promises of safety, a cozy escape from rejection, and a break from the exhausting art of humanity.
"Hop in the water's warm" Conformity winks
Sure, conformity has it's perks. A few shiny complements hurled with care "You smell great is that Creed Aventus?"
A pat on the back "I love your Represent Hoodie"
A side of silent judgement "Oh... you're still wearing Yeezy?"
Conformity exists as your best friend, celebrating every safe win like overhyped cheerleaders.
Creative spark – gone. Edges sanded down. Your unique voice repainted in beige. Your bold ideas swapped for algorithm head-nods.
"Why stand out?" Conformity coos. "Just blend in, everyone's doing it."
III. RESPONSE
Uniqueness isn't selfishness – it's life support. For real, it's our lifeline.
Anthony Bourdain didn't just cook, cig hanging from his bottom lip. He served up opinions, culture, soul, difference. He brought conversation to meal prep.
When we all look, talk, build and think the same, what's left to explore? No bridges, no discoveries just a sad funhouse of mirrors reflecting the same polished, perfect mask.
IV. WHAT WE STAND FOR
Soul
Participating in lives of people who might not look like you, speak, dress, act or create like you.
Made of Soul. Living with Soul. That's my philosophy.
Multi-Faceted Living. Forget "pick a lane." You'r not scattered – you're whole.
V. WHAT WE'RE BUILDING
Shapeshyfter isn’t just another media gig—it’s a home. A safe space for those done with performative perfection, algorithmic checklists, and being told to cram into a Amazon box. Here’s the vision:
- A magazine, Monocle-style, spotlighting creatives with grit, soul, and stories that stick—craftspeople, culture-shapers, underdogs we root for.
- A creative practice (Soulkraft) that builds brands by means of storytelling
- A community of Shapeshyfters – folks who refuse to be carbon copies.
VI. THE INVITATION
This isn’t for everyone. If sameness and one-size-fits-all vibes feel right, click away—no judgment!
But if you’ve felt the squeeze of forcing yourself into someone else’s blueprint… if you’ve looked around and thought, “Wait, are we all wearing the same outfit?”… if you’re exhausted by algorithm-approved world building… welcome. You’re not unfocused or “too much.” You’re a Shapeshyfter.
VII. THE FIGHT
Sameness is winning the popularity contest right now—check your feed. But every creative who dares to live and create with soul chips away at that monolith.
*Bane Voice "Let the games begin"
Pick your side