Theron Cook

God, Family, Andre Wright, Johnny Nunez,Vibe Magazine,Sneaker Villa

creative, design, editorial design, branding, advertising, logos, tee shirt designs, t-shirt design, paintings, flyer design, conceptual design, mute magazine, music, mixtape design, business card designs, web design

Mute Magazine documents prevalent trends and issues occurring in music, fashion, technology, art, etc. The content communicated throughout Mute Magazine is manifested with music under the edge, meaning music is an integral ingredient of the publication's design and journalism. With undeniable creativity and concepts, Mute Magazine attempts to Mute, or silence opponents of the media and magazine industry by stressing integrity and excellence. A combination of intellect, respect, and unconventional craft lead Mute Magazine to succeed in a prosperous media market.

creative design, editorial design, branding, advertising design, logos, tee shirt designs, paintings, flyer design, conceptual design, mixtape design, Corporate ID designs, web design.

CCA 2008 GREAT Awards
Nomination Statement for Theron Cook
Submitted by:
Hussian School of Art
1118 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
info@hussianart.edu
Contact: Lynne D. Wartman
Director of Admissions
“Still waters run deep,” commented Hussian School of Art President Ronald Dove when
describing 2007 Graduate Theron Cook. “Theron has come a long way, from the
extremely quiet, introverted and unassuming freshman student " to the competent and
professional designer and publisher we proudly know today.” This thoughtful and deeply
determined individual’s story is an ideal model, and we respectfully submit Theron for
consideration in CCA’s 2008 GREAT Awards.
Theron grew up the youngest of five children in the industrial city of Reading,
Pennsylvania. Reading, with its changing population and inner-city environment, was not
necessarily an easy city to grow up in. However, Theron comments that he was lucky to
be protected by his older brother and sisters. As he moved into the struggle of high
school, his artistic abilities became apparent. He bonded with his high school art teachers,
Kate Clewell, Sandy Turner and Troy Burkhart, who recognized his talent. As Ms.
Clewell noted, “We recognized there was something great underneath Theron’s deeply
quiet cover. As inner city teachers, we see so many students with abilities who are on the
verge of making dangerous life-changing decisions, so we really began to push Theron.”
During this time he was introduced to painting, and he began to recognize his own skill.
It was also at this time, Theron notes, that his art teachers recommended Hussian School
of Art for his training. “My art teachers felt that I needed the focus that a intensive career
program like Hussian provides, in addition to the one-on-one attention given in small
classes taught strictly by professionals. I agreed " I knew I wanted to learn, and not be
just a number.”
Theron left high school with a strong portfolio and was accepted at Hussian. Due to his
finances, however, Theron was forced to commute from Reading to Philadelphia Monday
through Friday for class " a two-hour bus ride each way. The nature of such a difficult
commute, added to a long class day (classes at Hussian meet 9AM to 3PM daily), can
often discourage students from continuing their education. Theron, however, met this
challenge fiercely. It was obvious to all his instructors that to Theron, failure was
definitely not an option. He excelled in each and every class, from illustration, to fine
arts, to computer technology and design. Notes Mr. Dove, “He may be very, very quiet,
but his concepts and design is always deliberate and thoughtful.”
During sophomore year, Theron reconnected with a friend from childhood, Perry
Thompson. He began to think seriously concerning his future career, and developed an
interest in publication design. Perry shared this interest, and concepts for their own
magazine began to be discussed. According to Theron, “During our childhood and
adolescence, we were always fascinated by music, art and popular culture. This became
the direction for our magazine.” They entitled it “MUTE,” an acronym for “music-underthe-
edge.” As Theron describes, “Music is a universal language " one we all can relate to
as a part of our souls. Music can ultimately uncover our connections to each other.” It
also represents the quiet, introverted demeanors both Theron and Perry share.
As Theron’s interest in publication design grew, he began to lay plans for his Senior Year
internship. After working diligently constructing an effective resume and digital
portfolio, he approached Vibe Magazine in New York City. Hussian encourages all
seniors to participate in internship in order to gain experience in a professional setting
prior to graduation. Theron recognized how necessary this experience is. However, being
the introvert needed to be conquered as he made his way to get noticed. Working with
instructors at Hussian for advice and support, he got the interview at Vibe that resulted in
an offer to intern. As Theron noted, “I chose Vibe because I knew I would be able to learn
everything I needed.” In addition to building his skill-set, he began networking with other
co-workers and interns.
By graduation in May 2007, Theron left Hussian at the top of his class, and MUTE
Magazine began to take shape. Adding members of his new network to the project, he
shared in playing the roles of designer, writer, salesperson, stylist, marketer, editor and
general manager. This is much to ask of his introverted spirit, however again Theron did
not see failure as an option. In September, the inaugural edition of MUTE Magazine was
released, just four months after graduation.
Today, Theron and partners are wrapping up their second issue, with Philadelphia rap
artist Freeway on the cover and stories to focus on how music influences violence in
today’s world. Retailer Sneaker Village has just signed on to be one of the magazine’s
exclusive distributors " and with 17 stores currently in the tri-state area, and a total of 50
planned for the end of 2008 " it appears we may be seeing much more of MUTE.
As Ronald Dove of Hussian states, “ We are tremendously proud of Theron and his
accomplishments. We know how difficult these four years have been for him, but
recognize his commitment, his talent and his quiet determination. Still waters do run
deep.”