Declaration Against Self-Dependence

The Apollonian IV: 1-Month Anniversary

Respect has one master—Power. Without it, hopes, dreams, and wishes are doomed to wither away with winter’s wind.

The Apollonian 4 is the first sponsored post. Whether you enjoy edibles or not, clicking the ad at the bottom really helps. Each click generates $1.60 and gives The Apollonian higher ranking for future ads.

Even if you don’t read, please click the ad.

I live to tell stories and I need capital to tell richer, more intricate stories. I have no problem working for the time.

I will never quit.

Writing is an foundational, evergreen skill for all qualitative, psychological, and artistic mediums and sciences. After demonstrated expertise, I’ll make courses to help people with their writing.

Men In Mirrors

Growing up, my father often told me the black community lacks leaders.

I always agreed, yet I found the pressure to be a black leader daunting. I felt guilty for my access to education and “talking white”. Growing up, most black icons were “self-made” celebs.

Dr. Cornel West’s Race Matters and Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad revolutionized my perspective on race.

Borrowing from Gil-Scott Heron, I realized I was on the right page, but on the wrong note. Change starts in the mind and ends with action.

I never cared for leadership, due to ego-based self-dependence disguised as the pursuit of independence. [wordy dkm, but be patient. it’s fundamental. not fun for your mental]

Now, I care.

Do you pursue independence or self-dependence?

This is the American question.

Back-to-back beats a back against the wall.

I choose to be back-to-back with integrity, courage, confidence, curiosity, and empathy.

I may be a leader to others, but I am a leader of one—me. As others elect to follow, I will lead them.

Narcissus

Reflections are different on every body; the mirror’s job changes every day.

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
Heraclitus

The phrase, “never change” is a compliment best declined. Stillness in the river of growth means death.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Reflections

For years, the idea of starting a brand made me feel naked and weak. Each time I built momentum, I shuddered at setbacks—allowing them to define me and my life. I’m 4+ failed businesses/pursuits deep.

I refuse to give up.

I spent so much time focusing on my past and future, only noticing my failures and how reality evaded my dreams.

…but my dreams were never far off all along.

Expecting perfection is insanity; the concept of perfect must die to exist.

Perfection is non-newtonian, as it must be destroyed to be created.

Black Mirrors

I want to use my studies to understand how culture got here.

How are we facing the decline of all American institutions after the vibrant optimism of the 80’s, the swanky style of the 90’s, or the shiny wonder of the 00’s?

Before broadcasting one’s particular and time-based racial, gender, ethnic, and sexuality studies, one must recognize a paramount force in shaping human imagination and history—the Internet.

Watch out! Here’s a haiku.

Quick Maths

I am only one,

but I am mighty because

…I can make us two.

…especially with the Internet.

I desire the prestige of a graduate degree, but I prefer saving money while developing systems for making people’s lives more humane, efficient, and beautiful.

If you would like to support my research, send a book, continue reading, or even my favorite—give feedback!

What’s This For Again?

The Apollonian is a direct line of communication for the brand Eye of Apollo. The first physical good sold from the Eye of Apollo canon will be hoodies, because they are useful, comforting, and stylish.

Cutting and sewing garments isn’t my forte; I’m a storytelling artist who bends attention using available tools. Clothing is an under-explored medium for novel stories for a few reasons.

Most “high-end” fashion brands are European
Brand stories don’t include non-celebrity characters to propel their story forward. What if Bruce Wayne wore non-costume outfits you desired?
People are searching for multi-media stories wherein they can interact with the story in multiple ways.

DGIFU

I will be nasty behind a sewing machine, but I need time. I am a maker, crafter, and tinkerer of physical goods at heart.

…but I still give crazy work.

Writing is an underrated evergreen skill.

Collaborative artworks could be more advanced, deeper, and more timeless with improved communication through the writing-based frameworks of scripted video + photography.

TLDR: If people were better writers, collaborative art would be better.

At narrative center, Eye of Apollo is a unique comic book written by the EoA team. Clothing, cultural commentary, and other brand assets work alongside the comic to create groundbreaking work.

For now, the focus is circulating $$$ and ideas.

Starting a clothing brand an iceberg of a team adventure. Countless hours of effort steers the ship.

Analysis paralysis and the desire for perfection are twins, but our feet are 10 toes on their necks.

Execute Perfection.

What’s Your Cut?

Pricing creative work makes artists cry. Empathy makes less business-savvy artists hesitate to boast a hefty price tags.

More importantly, you need to live.

Cash is the lifeblood of business.

Upon release, you may be taken aback by the price tag. Out of respect for the team’s time, I will not undervalue our work.

This clothing capsule has been guided by >7 sets of hands invested in success.

“I appreciate you,” isn’t strong enough, and I will show you how thankful I am for your support. The brand wouldn’t have gotten this far without you.

I do not miss payments, especially internal ones.

…so I need to recoup.

+++ prepare for a stronger Spring 2025.

I am deeply grateful for all 70 of you for subscribing. You make this journey worthwhile.

Until Next Time, Wolves.

Kindness Always Wins,

Apollo