About the author
The world can be divided in people that are easily satisfied and generally accept the status quo, and people that never settle for less and always want more. People that are always active, fast-paced, underground and trendsetting in their respective areas. And that’s exactly what local heroes Max Abysmal and Toto Blaauw are. They took us on a day in their lives, to show us their Amsterdam, what drives them and how they maintain that creative and energetic lifestyle. Allow us to introduce:
Max Abysmal’s passion
Max Abysmal is a DJ and producer who works in a skate shop and loves skating. He hosts a monthly radio show as well, which helps him to share his passion for music with everyone he can: “I’m not trying to send a message or anything like that, I just do it for my own satisfaction and to put smiles on people’s faces.” Born in Australia, Max moved here a while ago, but he already played at festivals like Welcome to the Future and Lowlands, as well as many clubs in Amsterdam. Being a true vinyl freak it’s hard to label his style, as his SoundCloud proves.
Max Abysmal
Toto Blaauw’s versatility
Toto Blaauw is an art academy student, graphic artist, photographer, filmmaker, skateboarder and he loves to play basketball. “Creativity has no borders. I skateboard, make art and do graphic design, photography and film. Though at the moment my main focus is exposing my work and reaching a broader audience.” It’s safe to say he’s doing well, since he already had his own exposition before hitting 25!
Toto Blaauw
Ready For More
Both of them have a unique personality and they’re totally different people, but with one thing in common: an urge for creative self-expression. Last year, Converse launched an improved version of their classic Chuck Taylor: the Chuck Taylor All Star II, a shoe that reflects exactly that vibe. From art to sport, and style to music, the Chuck II is a celebration of energy and creativity – designed to support the fast-paced, creative lifestyle of those who are always Ready For More.
Innovative features like the padded non-slip tongue, soft and smooth lining and comfy Lunarlon inner sole make the Chuck II more than just a sneaker. Who better to review the shoe than creative, outspoken, stylish, young and active people with a profound love for sneakers? So, we put some Chuck II’s on their feet and followed Max and Toto on a day in their life.
Max Abysmal
Max: “My taste in music and taste in general is extremely broad, leaving a massive amount of space for interest and discovery. I get driven by creating or hearing sounds I’ve never heard before, or music that was made with creativity or passion. A song that strikes an emotion, is fueled with expression and anything out of the ordinary is what gets me out of bed in the morning.”
Toto Blaauw
Toto: “Curiosity on a creative level means that I’m creating new things and ideas every day. I’m surrounded by creative people of all sorts, which in turn inspires and drives me. My goal is to achieve something that truly inspires others.”
Max Abysmal
Max: “I skate as much as I can, and when I do I’ll most likely be wearing Converse. Though All Stars are the most sexy of all.”
Toto Blaauw
Toto: “All Stars are cool, timeless and they fit with everything, regardless if they’re old or new, clean or dirty: that’s what makes it your shoe.”
Max Abysmal
Max: “This one feels different, the shoe cups around your foot like a glove. I like the Lunarlon sole and elastic attachments on the tongue, it feels safe and secure and I would wear them in any occasion depending on the color. Ideal for skating and they feel great to walk or run in!”
Toto Blaauw
Toto: “The Chuck II is more comfortable; maybe it’s a different material? They feel good when walking, the damping for your feet is better. The colors are a bit risky, but they would really add something extra to your black, grey or white outfit.”
Max Abysmal
Max: “I move around a lot when digging for records, playing gigs or just being out and about on a random adventure. These I can wear anywhere and in any situation, which is great.”
Toto Blaauw
Toto: “You can wear them the whole day, they’re suitable for different occasions, whether it’s basketball, a photo shoot, making art or a party.”
Max Abysmal
Max: “They feel really nice to be walking in, on the bike or down on your knees digging throughout the back piles in the record store – I usually don’t wear shoes in the studio.”
Toto Blaauw
Toto: “Skateboarding gives a feeling of freedom, it can help everyone to unload a bit. It calms me down, makes me at ease. I can express myself without any borders or rules, in a different way with every idea or each feeling I have.”
Max Abysmal
Max: “Being in the studio for hours can dim your creative light in the end, and I find skateboarding the best way to clear my thoughts and focus on an entirely different creative space.”
Toto Blaauw
Toto: “I always like to combine things. Take the shirt that I designed recently, the idea is to put it on some models, shoot some great photos, style them and sell them. That’s how I recently started experimenting with making video as well. Curiosity and trying out new thing make me grow on a creative level. I was born ready for more!”
Max Abysmal
Max: “Whatever it is, I’m never satisfied with one thing and I always need to hear, see or do more.”
Toto Blaauw
Toto: “My goal is to become successful as designer/artist, as long as I can make people feel good or inspire them.”
Do you think you are just as Ready For More as Max and Toto are? Visit the Converse website and check for the nearest sales point!
Max Abysmal
Toto Blaauw
Photography by Catharina Gerritsen.
Sharing is caring!
Tweet
