DOPE. - Volume I
- May 1
- 4 min read
Welcome to DOPE.
Why did I start this zine? Honestly, because I have too much creative energy and nothing better to do with it.
Will I use profanity? Yes.
Will it happen in future openings? Absolutely.
So, what exactly is "DOPE"? It isn’t just a title; it’s a vibe. It’s a broad, positive, and constantly evolving energy. To get us started, here is the breakdown of what you need to know:
The Lowdown
What topics will DOPE cover? Expect a deep dive into Philosophy, Art, Fashion, Music, Culture, Food, Lifestyle, Photography, Travel, Film, and more.
How long is each volume? Each issue is designed for a 30-minute read, typically spanning three core topics.
Is it free? Always.
Will there be contributors? That’s the goal. I’m looking to build a collective.
How often do volumes drop? Expect a new release every 2 to 3 months.
That’s all for now.
As Mariah Carey said: "I'm doing the best with what I got."
Philosophy: Brunch, Sex, Herb
Let’s be real: the world is wound up. Between the endless scroll and the general chaos of existing, "low vibrational energy" has become a collective mood. But if we look at the people who aren't constantly crashing out on others, a pattern emerges. It usually boils down to three pillars of sanity: intimacy, brunch, and a little herb (legality permitting). It’s basic biology—healthy intimacy isn’t just a romance novel trope; it’s a massive stress-release valve. When your physical connection is "trash," that frustration has to go somewhere, and unfortunately, it usually lands on the person in the next car over or the poor soul in your mentions. Finding someone who speaks your "intimacy language" isn't just about fun; it's essential emotional maintenance.
If physical connection isn't the current vibe, there’s always the luxury of the mid-morning meal. Brunch is more than eggs and overpriced toast; it’s about the community and the literal grounding effect of good food. It calms the spirit and fills the belly, providing a social reset that few other things can match. And for those who partake where it's legal, kush serves as the ultimate "chill indulgent," stripping away the sharp edges of a long week.
Not a partaker? No problem. The goal is the release, not just the method. If the Big Three aren't on your menu, the dopamine hit from a run club, the flow state of a dance class, or the stillness of meditation serves as a high-tier substitute. Whether you’re switching up the game with a partner or hitting the pavement with a local crew, the mission is simple: find your outlet before you crash out. Stay relaxed, stay grounded, and keep the energy high.
Behind the Test : Ethan Lollman
In an industry often defined by fleeting moments, the bond between myself and model Ethan Lollman serves as a blueprint for genuine creative evolution. Our journey began in 2019 during a two-hour test shoot where Ethan, a fresh signee from Oklahoma, was just finding his footing In front of the lens. What started as a technical exercise in posing and communication quickly transformed into a mentorship rooted in mutual respect. Ethan was not just a subject, but became a "student of the craft" who leaned into feedback to bridge the gap between the camera and the audience.
Over the years, this professional alignment shifted into a brotherhood, as I witnessed Ethan’s growth from those early tests to a global stage. Seeing Ethan transition from a newcomer to a staple for powerhouse brands like Hermès, Balenciaga, and Bergdorf Goodman highlights a powerful narrative of manifestation in real-time. It’s a testament to what happens when talent meets a relentless drive to bring ambitions into reality.
For fashion and photography lovers, our story is a reminder that the best work is often born from consistent, grounded collaboration. You can see the visual results of our years-long partnership across our platforms, where my technical mastery has evolved along with Ethan's presence as a model who has truly mastered his movement. From his small-town raring to the runways of New York and Europe, it's a testament that with patience and the energy to show up an Individual can manifest a DOPE life.
Morocco with Love
Sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to completely detach from the digital noise we’ve grown so used to. On a recent birthday trip to Morocco for a close friend’s wedding, the experience became a lesson in presence over performance. While the initial instinct was to capture the vibrant energy through street photography, a beautiful realization took hold: the local culture deeply values privacy and consent in public spaces. In a world where we often document first and live second, honoring that social boundary meant putting the camera down and simply soaking in the atmosphere—realizing that some memories are meant for the soul, not just the feed.
The shift in perspective revealed a lifestyle that feels like a needed antidote to our high-speed hustle. In Morocco, time moves differently; people aren't in a constant rush to be everywhere at once, allowing for a genuine sense of relaxation. From the healthier, intentional food to the unhurried pace of daily life, the environment offered a rare chance to reset. This journey intensified a hunger to travel deeper and engage more authentically with other cultures, reminding us that there is so much to learn when we step outside our own bubbles.
Ultimately, this trip was a wake-up call to stop taking stateside relationships and everyday experiences for granted. No society is perfect, but there is an incredible power in leaning into the positives and truly enjoying what is right in front of us. Whether you're halfway across the globe or in your own neighborhood, the mission stays the same: honor the moment, respect the community, and lean into the beauty of the here and now. For a deeper look at the visual inspiration behind this journey, you can explore the archives at www.instagram.com/thomas_massaquoi.
Love it!!!
This is so good Thomas! I’ll have overpriced toast with you anytime!