Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Saturday, December 22, 2012

OG Retro Air Jordan 1 High





The original J's set to release on January 4, 2013. I usually don't pay big money for J's but I'm a big fan of the classic high top. We'll see. #Realness

Monday, December 17, 2012

Batman intro (1966) IN LEGO



This is very tough and creative!!!!

Blackberry 10 smart phone. Blackberry's last chance for survival?


So it looks like Blackberry is tired of getting lost in the shuffle and is now throwing themselves into the "war of the smart phones" against Apple, Samsung, HTC etc. This new blackberry looks very similar to the shape of the iPhone 5. Most smart phones are going with bigger screens while other phones are going taller and slimmer. It all depends on the reason you use your smart phone, for business, personal, tablet/tech, etc. The Blackberry name will be enough for some loyal customers to return to the brand while it may take others to be convinced that Blackberry has what it takes to measure up. This phone may be Blackberry's last chance for survival.

Air Jordan XI "Bred" colorway

How do you keep people buying Jordan's?????? Keep re-releasing them in Chicago Bulls color ways. You can't go wrong with that formula. These J's are set to release December 21st, only four days away from Christmas. It's going to be nuts. Hopefully people will be safe because stick up kids will be watching closely smh.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figure Fanfic Coming Soon



This is the first promotional poster/art work for a new project that I am working on produced by Starforce Productions. I will be doing an action figure fanfic short film about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The concept and name will be revealed at a later date. I did the promotional poster/artwork from scratch, including the graphics for the names. I did them from scratch in Adobe Illustrator and then put everything together in Adobe Photoshop. The pictures of the action figures are the factory images of the 2002-2003 TMNT action figure toy line from Playmates that will be used in the short film. The NYC sewer photo was a random picture I found of a new york city manhole cover on Google. I also got the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1980'-90's logo from Google as well. I made the picture frame/bracket myself on Photoshop and then put it all together to make this promotional poster for the upcoming project. More artwork and promotional poster will be released coming soon. For more up to announcements and news on the project, follow Starforce Productions on Twitter @Starforceprod. All trademarks, images and rights reserved are owned by Nickeldeon, Viacom.

Vu Skateboard Shop



Here is a few things I grabbed on my latest visit to Vu Skateboard shop the other day. I grabbed a "Down 4(10) Life Vu Skateboard shop raglan tee, a black and orange Vu Skateboard shop snapback. I also grabbed the new Vu Skateboard shop "Baltimore Ravens" inspired 8.5 skateboard deck with Jessup grip tape and a couple of stickers. Once I get some other things situated, I'll be going back for more including to finish up putting my new board together. If you're in Baltimore, check out Vu Skateboard shop. If you don't think the shop is legit, just go to the berries.com and see what they have to say about it. #VuSkateboardShop #TRDABrand #TheRealness

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

DSLR Tutorial: How to get the Filmlook & what you're doing wrong!



For all you film makers and videographers out there, here's a tip on how to get the film look for your DSLR footage. These tutorials have helped me and hopefully you can take something from it. Enjoy.

Friday, December 7, 2012

New "Hottest Backpack in the Streets": A Backpack Love Affair


For anybody who's close to me knows that I used to have a Nike SB All-Access Lair backpack that I nicknamed "The Hottest Backpack in the Streets". I loved that backpack..........maybe a little too much. I used it so much and it wasn't that big but I ended up breaking the zipper glider smh. I was devastated. I did what I could to repair it, including taking it to a shoe repair shop where they repair zippers. I ended up losing it and was out of an "all-purpose" backpack. Let me begin with what I use it for. I'm always on the go and I'm a tech guy so I'm always carrying a series of gadgets in order to function. I'm a videographer, fashion designer, editor, street skater, multimedia journalist, entrepreneur, and many more things. I wear a lot of "hats", but anyways. One day I'll do a gadget bag photo to give you guys an illustration of what I'm talking about. Back to the story though............ so I need an all purpose  backpack that can house everything I need to work comfortably. I need my backpack to carry a 15" MacBook Pro (Aluminum), MacBook pro charger, iPad 2, iHome Headphones, iPod Video 30G, two external hard drives, iPhone charger, Pens, Skate tool, SD cards, drawing pad, USB drives, Sunglasses, video production book, video directing book, card reader, and maybe a folder or two with illustrations and notes etc. As you can see, its a rack of stuff that I usually travel with on a day to day basis. With all that being said, I needed a backpack that could house all these items. So once I had my grieving period of my broken Nike SB bag, I began to look around for a new backpack that would fit me and still carry all the stuff I use. So one day my brother Brian tells me that he could me one like he has for pretty cheap. I was down fareal and figured, "why not". He had a Targus backpack that carried the same stuff I carried everyday. So I go online to check it out and in my search I see this one Targus backpack and was like "yo, I gotta have that joint" lol. I clicked the picture and it was the Targus Voyager Backpack. This back pack has all the room, compartments, and gadget carrying space that I need and it's the only backpack that can make me forgot about my previous one. It had everything I could want and need and as much as I'm a Nike SB guy.......this bag is a better fit for me. The only thing that it doesn't do that my other bag could do is hold my board (skateboard for those who don't know). So I go online and figure it's time to grab me this bag until I saw that it's rarely sold in the U.S. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH SMH. So I'm looking all online and I'm only seeing it sold in Australia and Canada. Just like the Nike SB bag I had, its rare because it's older and not in production any longer. So of course it cost than it usually would cost but I figure hey......It's what i want and it's going to benefit me so I'll pay what they're asking for. So now in a little while I'll have a "New Hottest Backpack in the Streets" - The Real Dwayne Allen #REALNESS

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Messing Around on Photoshop



Just messin around on Photoshop. Trying some new things here and there.

The Decision: Samsung Galaxy Note II vs iPhone 4/4S


Ok so as you probably can already tell, I need to make a decision about whether I want the iPhone 4/4S or the Galaxy Note II. Spare me the obvious differences and technical specs. TRUST ME......its all been broken down for me (thanks to J. Gladden) smh lol. The decision comes within the use of the phone. I've had all the previous iPhones and honestly I'm comfortable with using this phone and its many incarnations. But after seeing the Galaxy note II in person and seeing what it can do in person? I must say that it has me thinking is it time for a change? Is it time to leave team iPhone? I don't want the iPhone 5 just yet because I'm not a fan of it quite yet so I was just going to grab an iPhone 4/4S strictly for phone use and nothing fancy. I'll be getting a new iPad in a few weeks so I don't need to run my life from my phone anymore because I'll have an iPad to organize everything. On the other hand, I do run two businesses and I'm working on a third and it would be good to have tablet capabilities on the go with a Galaxy Note II. Do I need it? Not really, but it would prove beneficial for myself. I plan to have my iPad with me as much as possible but there are times where I may not have it with me. Most people would say, "grab an ipad mini" but I'm going to pass on the mini for now. So with that being said.....a decision must be made. Decisions, decisions.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!!!!


Ok, not really but I am announcing that starting in January 2013 I plan to bring some consistency back to The Real Dwayne Allen.com!!!! Starting in January there will be a series segments that will be posted daily and weekly. I'll be bringing back, Word of the Day. Word of the Day was started back in 2010 when The Real Dwayne Allen first started. It's a segment with a biblical scripture and encouraging words to inspire people and give them hope and wisdom in there rough situations. I will also be starting The Wrestling Wrealm University: Wrestling term of the week. This will be a weekly segment with a wrestling term to educate those who may not understand the world of professional wrestling, so I have taken it upon myself to help educate the.....YOUR WELCOME. Another segment that will be showing up on The Real Dwayne Allen.com in 2013 will be Video Production/Video Directing: Tips and Tricks. This segment will be based off the books Television Production 15th ed. by Jim Owens and Gerald Millerson and Film Directing: Shot by Shot Visualization from the concept to screen by Steven D. Katz. Many people have ventured into video and film production but are often misguided or don't have the resources. So I have decided to share my knowledge about these various areas of video/film production for others. They may be others including some projects from Starforce Productions as well as updated news and information on TRDA Brand Clothing, but for now this is what you can expect for The Real Dwayne Allen.com in 2013.

Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR camera


This bad boy is the Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR camera. Clearly this is the upgrade from the Canon EOS Rebel T3i 600D. I haven't heard that there is much of a difference expect an upgrade in the HD video quality. I'm slowly but surely drifting into the world of photography. My grandmother was a photographer and I'm the closest grandson that is evolving into the male version of her. The real kicker is in the different lenses that you can use when taking photos or recording video. So If anybody wants to grab me one, feel free to. The price is very reasonable in regards to quality DSLR cameras and the HD video quality. Two thumbs up from me. I need this in my life. #STARFORCEPRODUCTIONS

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Workers prepare for Monument Lighting in Baltimore



My first video with The Baltimore Sun's Multimedia Department

Starforce Productions intro



New Starforce Productions video production intro.

TRDA Brand "Seattle Mariners" OG logo Fitted/Snapback


Obviously inspired by The Seattle Mariners, this is a basic TRDA OG logo fitted/snapback set to be released at a later date. I was scrolling through a few websites and I noticed that I didn't have a fitted or snapback in this color so i decided why not. #TRDA #THEREALNESS

TRDA Baseball Patch Emblem


This is just a new TRDA Brand baseball patch that will probably go a number of places. More colors to come but for right now, here goes this one. Enjoy. #TAKERESPECTDEFYADVERSITY

Sunday, December 2, 2012

The Real Dwayne Allen new logo!!!!



Inspired by the 1966 Batmobile of the Batman TV series starring Adam West. My first words as a kid were "Batman". Batman has always had some sort of influence in my life so I decided to design my new logo around it.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Stone Cold E.T. Goes Through Drive Thru



Probably the funniest thing I've seen today!!!!! And that's the bottom line cause Stone Cold ET says so!!!!!!!!!! LOL

Friday, September 28, 2012

TRDA Brand Exclusive *Sneek Peek* "One More For The Home Team" Black/Orange Snapback


Another TRDA Brand Exclusive *Sneek Peek* "One More For The Home Team" Black/Orange Snapback. In celebration of the Baltimore Orioles 90-win season game winner against the Boston Red Sox, I decided to add this to the collection to commemorate the occasion. Prototype coming soon.

Charles Collet, Frontside Bluntside


Saw this on Transworld in the September sightings and thought it was pretty sick. This is Charles Collet in France doing a frontside bluntside. I wish I was a better skater, I feel like I'm missing out lol.

Street Skating in the Big Apple - Skaters in NY 2012 USA



Good to see Torey Pudwill re-emerge successfully after a long string of injuries. Skate on.

The Interview



A project I recently worked on. Enjoy.

The Interview



A project I recently worked on. Enjoy.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Shook - "Lullaby"



Heard this group "Shook", from Baltimore, MD perform this past Saturday at a community festival singing this song. This is the best (I believe unsigned) group I've heard in a long long time. This is the song that really caught my attention and I been listening to it ever since. I'm looking forward to seeing what else this band has to offer. As you can tell, I usually don't follow bands but this one was definitely worth me actually checking out. Enjoy.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Jerry "the king" Lawler is ok!!!!!!!

WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler is recovering from a heart attack he suffered during last week Monday Night Raw show. Thanks for all this who prayed him to his recovery.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

I need this in my life - Sandisk SDAD109A11 Digital Media Memory Card to Express Slot Adapter


For those of us who have "aluminum" mac book pros. They don't have card readers on them like the newer ones so this adapter piece will fit right in the remote area of the Mac book and act as a functioning card reader slot. They have these on amazon.com for just under ten bucks. I def suggest this to anyone who has one.

Ravens Stomp All Over the Bengals!!!!!!!!! 44-13

Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens proved that they are not playing this year!!!!!!! The new Ravens offense looked fluid and consistent. WHAT TIME IS IT.....GAME TIME!!!!!!!

Saturday, September 8, 2012

iPod fixed my 30g iPod Video

So check this out. A while ago, I realized that I'm listening to my 30g iPod video and I realized I could only hear out of one headphone. Now my iPod barely has anything on it and it has about 300 plus songs and a few movies and barely takes up 7g's. With the headphone jack broke I started thinking about getting a new one but I was like.......mmmmmm naw. I got a mean deal on ebay for this iPod for a hundred bucks back in 08'. With that being said, I didn't want to buy another one so I figured I would look into how much this would cost to be repaired. Services offered to fix this type of problem would cost around $60 or so. So I looked at that and figured ok, thats not too bad, its better than buying a new iPod when this one was barely used and in really good condition. Then I thought to myself.........wait, can I repair this myself??? So of course I went to youtube and checked out a tutorial and realized it wasn't all that hard to do. So I ordered a refurbished headphone jack and hold button on ebay for $6.75 and then rapaired it today with no problems. So I saved some money and got my iPod back. Next on my agenda is to replace a my old PSP casing with a new one. Yessir. #Realness

Thursday, September 6, 2012

The TV Studio

Just got back from this place. This is the tv studio where I get most of my work done. Great training for what I'm trying to get done.

Behind The Design: "The Realness" by Dwayne Allen

This is a design that I created that says a lot about who I am and what TRDA represents. "The Realness" is a name that I go by in the wrestling world on The Wrestling Wrealm that exemplifies my obsession for "realness" and authenticity in everything I'm involved in. The design has my name and a set of falling steel mirrors that follow it. The color is a reflective steel to represent the strength and stand still nature of what I represent. The mirrors purposely reflect the name to show that I constantly focus on myself and what I'm doing to improve or move forward. I try to not get too caught up in what others are doing or how they're doing it, but rather constantly looking to improve or advance in whatever I'm doing. Of course it has my signature brand name TAKE RESPECT DEFY ADVERSITY. TRDA is the life lesson that I live by and I always want to reflect in everything that I do (i.e the falling steel mirrors). As a designer, art is life for me. Most artists don't fit in to society's idea of whats acceptable because we live in a "dollar" (or Euro, Pound, Peso, etc) society that tells you if it doesn't generate money than its not acceptable. Thats why they call them "starving artists". Art is freedom. Its an escape that we share with the world through whatever artistic channel we choose. That's why I'm in to video production, photography, graphic design, apparel design, and street skating. They all represent my freedom from an unstable world.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Thinking Bout A New Camera!!!!!

With the Rebel T4i coming out not too long ago, it seems that its time to finally get my hands on a really good DSLR camera. Now word on the street is that it really doesn't matter all that much of what camera you have but the real money is in the lens. I've got a little experience in photography but I plan to get more. A good DSLR camera will play an intricate role in the building of Starforce Productions from the ground up. With all that being said, I think I'm comfortable in investing in a Canon 600D Rebel T3i. I've seen a few tips on how to produce photos and videos in a way that I feel is industry. So it sounds like thats what next along with the Panasonic HMC 150. Starforce Productions, TRDA Brand, The Wrestling Wrealm.

Where Has The Real Dwayne Allen Been?

Where has The Real Dwayne Allen been???? I was down and out for a while but I'm back and the website is back up and running. Its been a struggle but ADVERSITY is my middle name and life's burdens can never keep a guy like myself down. So whats to come? Well..........first more exclusive sneak peeks and coverage for TRDA, TAKE RESPECT DEFY ADVERSITY. There are a number of new and fresh designs that will debut for public viewing and ultimately the official TRDA Brand official launch. I will definitely be moving into the next phase of continuing to build Starforce Productions from the ground up. And of course I will continue to bring more wrestling intelligence to the masses with The Wrestling Wrealm. And another thing.........A WHOLE LOT MORE SKATEBOARDING!!!!! I NEED A NEW SKATEBOARD AND I WANT TO GET SKATING AGAIN. Its been a rough couple of months but I'm back and stronger than ever. Lets get this show on the road. Stay tuned.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Jordan Air Jordan 1 Phat

These are one of the few Jordan brand sneaks that are not part of the retro series. Hopefully I can get my hands on these. Size 15?

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The Real Dwayne Allen's "Keys to Success"

Most people look at me and wonder what it is about me that makes me stand out amongst everybody else. So I've decided to reveal the truth to the world. Fact is, outside of my faith in Jesus Christ and divine intervention, there is a just a few simple principles I usually live by that allows me to so. So here it goes.......my keys to success.

1.) Thinking ahead of everyone else - I usually take the time to think about the things that most people are not thinking of. I take notice to what other people are doing and then focus of what they are not doing that I could be doing. I call it "progressive thinking".

Which brings me to the next one...............

2.) Paying Attention - Sounds redundant but it's really not. It's important to pay close attention to your surroundings. Think about it. You never know where inspiration may come from. It's also important to pay attention those who are successful in the position you are trying to reach. My coach told me back in the day, "if you wanna be successful then watch the successful".

Moving on to the next one, number 3....

3.) Most importantly......DON'T BELIEVE YOUR OWN HYPE SMH!!!!!!!! - It is important to never believe you've arrived. Despite all the compliments I receive, I never get complacent in my work and continue to push myself to improve on every level.

Which ironically (not really) leads me to my next key................

4.) Be careful of the company you keep - NO NEW FRIENDS!!!!!!!!! Never surround yourself with people who don't motivate you and constantly pat you on back. Surround yourself with people that will be COMPLETELY honest with you and not afraid to tell you the truth. Never focus on a small group that makes you feel like "a million bucks" because how else will you grow if you feel like you've already arrived??? Surround yourself with other people with the same drive as you to get where you're trying to go.

5.) Organize ALL your thoughts and take notes about everything!!!! I usually have pieces of paper laid out with design shapes and names of fonts and different ideas and "to do" lists to keep all my thoughts and ideas organized and ready to go when I need them.

Watch how this connects with the next one......................

6.) Always do something - There's always something to do. There's always something to work on or an idea to develop. There's always something you can focus on or give an ample amount of attention to. No excuses. #STEADYWORKIN #ALWAYSGRINDIN #YESSIR

7.) STAY FOCUSED!!!!! - I've seen so many people with potential that often fall by the wayside and often miss out on opportunities placed before them. Stay focused at all times and never get sidetracked. Keep your focus on a number of things to keep your mind fresh and always ready to work.

These are the main things that keep me my mind fresh and successful. So there you have it, my faith in Christ and my principles.................You don't like it, I DON'T CARE!!!!!!!! LOL.

The Real Dwayne Allen - @dwayneallen24 @TRDAbrand Facebook.com/therealdwayneallen

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

TRDA Brand Business Plan!!!!

So what has "The Real" Dwayne Allen been up to???? I'll yell ya. I'm in the process of re-drafting the business plan for TRDA in its full entirety. This upcoming summer I hope to have a ton of samples in the works and keep the good times rolling!!!!!! Stay tuned for more stuff this summer when I document more of the building of TRDA Brand, Starforce Productions, and The Wrestling Wrealm

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

TRDA Brand "RUN DMC" logo revision Fitted Cap/Snapback

TRDA Brand "RUN DMC" logo revision fitted cap/snapback. For current updates follow TRDA Brand designer and CEO Dwayne Allen on twitter at @dwayneallen24 and @TRDAbrand.

Friday, March 16, 2012

FIELD OPS Vu Skateshop



My local skate shop in Baltimore, MD VU Skateshop. Haven't been back in a while because I fell on some hard times but when I get  back on my feet, thats the first spot I hit up. S/O to Gary Smith and crew for keeping it authentic and staying true to Baltimore skateboarding. I'll be back soon!!!!!

Monday, March 5, 2012

TRDA Brand "logo 2 emblem" *Exclusive Sneek Peek pullover hoodies/grey


Basic TRDA pullover hoodie with the "logo 2" emblem on the front. Stay tuned for more TRDA Brand exclusive sneak peeks coming soon. For regular updates follow TRDA designer @dwayneallen24 or @TRDABrand on Twitter.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

TRDA Brand "Exclusive* Sneek Peek TRDA Cement/white/red


Need something to go with the Jordan Cement 4's that just dropped? Look no further. This is the TRDA Cement/white with red trim and the TRDA logo2 emblem set to be released in the near future. Stay tuned for more exclusive sneek peek.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

TRDA Brand *Exclusive* Sneek Peek "Stay True" paint navy/hot green/white

Another TRDA *exclusive* sneek peek from the "Stay True" collection. This will be released to start with in navy as well in black and in red. More colors to comes as the years pass. Be on the lookout for this one and always TAKE RESPECT DEFY ADVERSITY.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Glass Multi-Touch Keyboard & Mouse

This world is becoming more and more like Star Trek lol

Polaroid SC1630 Smart Camera

I like the idea of a "smart camera", a camera with smart phone capabilities. Nice. Polaroid has really put their competition on notice and has a developed a new concept in the tech world

Monday, January 16, 2012

TRDA Brand "Titan Blue 24" *Exclusive* Sneek Peek

An extension of the TRDA "Titan" t-shirt, this an exclusive look at one of the many hoodies to be released by TRDA Brand. It contains the The TRDA "Titan" image along with a laser blue rendition of the TRDA emblem with "TRDA 24" on the sleeve, which means that We TAKE RESPECT DEFY ADVERSITY 24 hours a day. For more news and updates follow TRDA Brand at @TRDABrand and dwayneallen24