When I started SLifestyles, the plan was to gather up some interesting people and display them for all to see. I wanted to display their work in SL, but also get inside their lives and learn what makes them SL "stars". Well today, I talk to the brightest of them all, Nik Arlington. She's more of a supernova and comet in one. The shiniest of stars blazing her trail through your SL world. If you heard the name, you probably think of her innovative videos, but once you get to know her, you appreciate what makes her a superstar. It's her heart and mind that makes her stand out. Her genuine personality has made her my friend ever since.
However, this is SLifestyles.......
SLifestyles: Tell us about your first day in SL and what made you decide you were going to keep logging on here?
Nik: (winks at her sexy interviewer) Uhm, the first time I logged into SL I spent like 4 hours trying to make my own shape and hair off the base characters or whatever, and I am sure I looked absolutely horrible. I couldn't figure anything out, especially the pie menu, (I am not a computer genius whatsoever and I don't really play video games) I got really frustrated really fast and said 'no way'.(laughs) I left and didn't come back for a long long time. Then one of my friends and I saw this thing on TV about SL, something to do with TnT sex, real estate, and clothing designers, and how these people were making a fortune. I decided to give it another shot, and in round two, I found clothes and fashion, and skins, and shoes, and accessories, and amagad, I was hooked. I spent a small fortune when I first got here. (laughs) One of my very close friends still to this day was one of my first in SL, we opened our own club within a month of me being here, opened a sorority after that, and then did several other things together. I kept coming back because of those human connections I was making, and its still the biggest draw for me today.
SLifestyles: I come because of the thousands of daily requests to Lindens to keep me on here 24/7. Unfortunately, for the fans, they can't afford me. What was the first thing that really creeped you out and made you realize SL was full of crazies (all of different levels of course)
Nik: This Tegann girl kept following me around and she like was totes crushing on me and stalked me for days, to this date she's sadly my only stalker (laughs). No, but in all seriousness, I got sorta jaded on SL and left for about a full year. Yes, this is my ONLY avi, so that makes up like 33 percent of my time on the grid. It was a not so wonderful experience that involved me making a lot of mistakes in regards to being a little too trusting here and suffering from paranoia. I'm far from perfect, but I'm here for good now.
SLifestyles: Whats that word? Mis...mistak..ugh not in my vocabulary. Perfection is near impossible to obtain. I could possibly be the only one. You're looking at your avi who isn't much better than the one they stuck on when you join. You're thinking "I'm fucking hot. I paid for these clothes after a hard day camping and gave a private dance to pay for this hair. Nobody in SL has got shoes with this much bling." Buuut then a guy asks you to go to "his place"....a club with blue and pink pose balls everywhere. Tell us what Nik Arlington does next.
Nik: Nik would run and grab a couple of the pink balls, run to the back of the court, and yell "Dodgebaaallll!!"
SLifestyles: I've seen places you hang out and the balls are usually black. When you took your first picture in SL (probably of a sexy friend), was there something that clicked on, thinking this was something you'd want to get into?
Nik: No absolutely not, there was no clicking. But I enjoyed 'messing' around with pictures, clothes, etc. I've completely re-invented myself IRL and I'm in a digital arts program at my University now. Learning every day. Dunno if I would have discovered how much I really enjoy it (digital art) had SL not played its part in that. This is a wonderful place to practice for 'out there', SL is a real gift if you are open to looking at it that way.
SLifestyles: Well me and my readers aren't computer geek so that all gibberish. They probably stopped reading after the first sentence. No offense. Ok so the day comes when you decide you want to make a video. Describe going into your first video right through the final product.
Nik: Oh it's simple really, just turn on the camcorder, make silly faces, and then post it on youtube. (smirks) It's a long process, for me, anyways, and I choose not to pump out a movie every day for a reason. I go about it traditionally: concept, script, cast, direction of the photography, shoot, post, some more post, and then some more post..
SLifestyles: I'm guessing "post" is your pet name for shafts...possibly at the sims with the black balls..... You shot that for a fin domme. Did she lock you in a cage until you paid her to make the video?
Nik: Hahaha no, McKenzie Alex is just an incredible person who's insanely good at what she does. Not to mention she's a great friend. I left SL and when I came back, she was the one who encouraged me to do video here. I was bitching that I didn't have a 'thing' in SL- and I wanted to do something here. "You should make videos!" and it all snowballed from there
SLifestyles: I bet she cattle prod you until you agreed to endorse her. What kind of feedback did you get from that video and did the positives build up an ego?
Nik: The feedback was sketchy, to be honest. The 'costume', content, and premise of the video we chose was edgy, and some people like to look at things and simplify them, or call them wrong. The outfit actually featured on a very popular blog and was designed by one of the creators here that most everyone wears, and we loved it so we used it, but I'm sure they didn't call her a racist or suprematist. (rolls her eyes) I sure was though. People see what they want to see. Either people loved it or they hated it, but regardless, I wasn't taken seriously as a machinimator for it, even though compositionally it was pretty good for my first real attempt, I'm not blind. (gives a cocky little half grin). It's ok, I'm not here to please people, I'm here to share with them.
SLifestyles: So you won't be autographing my copy of Mein Kompf... Did you read my last interview? Harlee's pleased many by sharing herself with them. Sooo many of them. You then switch from a dark themed, hide your eyes style to a music video. Did you not want to be "typecast" as a freaky, devil worshipper who eats kitties for breakfast like people such as Rob Zombie, George Romero, and Betty White?
Nik: (laughs) Betty White eats kittens? Amazing. No, Gucci Gucci was more of a 'response' than anything else. People weren't very 'accepting' of me on the scene when I first got here, and in fact I saved a lot of the interesting responses I received to remind me what people can be like. It's funny too, I think SLians have short term memory loss. Some of them even approached me afterwards and told me how much they loved my work as if they didn't remember telling me 'how much I needed to improve' to be taken seriously here. Yes, I have opinions, and yes I struggle with people who have entitlement issues. You're not any better than anyone else, and neither am I. I think humility is critical to the artistic process, always. Gucci Gucci was just a little statement, people can interpret that statement any way they like.
SLifestyles: "You're not any better than anyone else"...?????? Ohh wait...ahahaha. I love your jokes. So, as these fresh new face starts taking the SL movie world by storm, how many new "friends" came along out of nowhere?
Nik: (begins to speak like a Valley Girl)"Like O.Em.Gee Tegann, like so many, I'm suuuu populaarrr now...." (Smiles). No really, I don't really know, I definitely have a MUCH larger friends 'list' than I had ever had before, but I believe people enjoy the work, and that's why they friend me, not because I'm 'sooo speciallll'. I look at it as a sign of support for the art, and its really appreciated.
SLifestyles: Did you meet these "MUCH larger friends" in the interracial ghetto sims you frequent... How did you handle the haters that came knocking?
Nik: Didn't you read my profile before this interview? I thought i had several picks dedicated to my haters, copycats, popularity, and originality. They're not in there you say? Oh.. I'll get right on that.. (smirks)
SLifestyles: It's just a given that a blonde has the hater picks. And then it was time to really get people's attention. You wanted to blow people away with "Sketched", but did you expect such attention?
Nik: Not at all, it still humbles me when people bring it to my attention they enjoyed it. Deedee was integral in the process, and SO encouraging, she deserves as much credit as I do, if not more. I should mention there were several people in the community that were supportive in the beginning and loved on me, but out of all of them she really took it to the next level. That girl inspired me to do the project, was a rock the whole way through, and I am so blessed to call her my friend. Special thanks to Rysan Fall, Mercedes, McKenzie Alex, Colleen Criss, Jasmine Skyward, Serenity Juneberry, WarmAnimations Lisa, Redmint, and god so many others who really supported the project the whole way through. Just amazing people in this community.
Slifestyles: Ok ok. No need for names. Fluffers don't get the credit they deserve but this isn't the place. In the video you get pounded by a nerd. Did you experience this off camera to ready yourself for the movie, like the best actors do?
Nik: Nerds are hot, what can I say, but no, I was rejected. He said I was short, fat, and poorly dressed so he would rather just wait for when we 'have' to do it on camera. (laughs) I'm a total prude when it comes to that kinda thing, and not always by choice, I dunno.. I'll do anything in the name of art, but you wont catch me personally screwing random people, or in public, or to advance my notoriety, you just wont, unless it's on a set for a purpose. More power to those who do, its not my style. Just picky is all, (laughs) maybe too picky.
SLifestyles: Umm hello. Once you find heaven, why look for more? For that video, I am proud to present you with the SLifestyles' Breakout Artist of the Year award. You got 15 seconds to give your acceptance speech so probably skip God and family and the crap everybody starts with.
Nik: Where to start, I think it was a learning process, we wanted to do something different visually, conceptually, and creatively. Inspired by Deedee's comic series she's done in the past, we're proud of Sketched and for us, it was a massive success. We really are going above and beyond to make part 2 and 3 completely different visually from part 1. It will be interesting to see how everyone responds, hopefully they like it! We don't want to simply re-invent the wheel, rather give the viewer (Lalala lalalala) a fresh look that is obviously more complex than before, and definitely (Lalala lala lalalala) pay attention to detail. The story is far more developed, and I think it's (lala lalala dum dum dum) a lot more humorous because I got to spend a little more time on refining the comedy of the piece. I want it to be fun, thoughtful, and visually fantastic. (Lalalala dum dum dum clang clang clang) So there ya go.
Slifestyles: Oh wow. Those 15 seconds pass fast. What benefits does being a famous SL movie maker bring?
Nik: Famous, another one of my favorite words. Let's call it 'known' instead? Benefits, lets see, Oh! I really have enjoyed getting to interact with some of the more proclaimed and developed artists out there, they inspire me. People like Rysan, Deedee, Serenity, Tutsy and Pixie for example. That's a real humbling experience here to get to know them a little bit better. It's also great to get to know the 'movie' community at large. There are some really great characters out there, and it's fun to be a part of. It is a lot of work, I can't lie about that, I really want to give everyone the respect and appreciation they deserve, but it's hard, I wasn't prepared for the feedback I've been getting because of the work, so if I don't answer your IM's please don't think I'm ignoring you, and like I said before, I'm totally grateful for the support.
SLifestyles: I forward fan IM's to my assistant, Mercedes Styles. She keeps my fans happy somehow. I don't ask but they aren't bugging me so it's all good. You see directors like Clint Eastwood and Steven Spielberg working as seniors but not slowing down. Is this you in 50 years?
Nik: Hahaha, I wish I could say I was that gifted or lucky. I will keep doing the work as long as it's enjoyable and beneficial for me as a person, or as long as I have something to say that might be worth listening to. Every artist has their shelf-life in regards to the public eye and the spotlight, some are longer than others, and others are timeless. I'm not that arrogant as to assume I'll be around forever. I hope to stop making movies on a high note, and not beat a dead horse by trying to 'top' something that's already been done out of fear I might 'lose' my notoriety. I've had more success than I could have ever dreamed as far as I'm concerned, when my time is up, I'll politely say thank you and make room for the next awesome generation of creators. Sometimes ya just gotta let it go. Game over dude.
SLifestyles: Hello!! You are being featured by SLifestyles. You're legacy will live on forever. Kinda like all those dumb Egyptian drawings in the Pyramids except this is historic. What advice do you have for anybody just breaking into the SL video world?
Nik: If you're doing it for money, fame, fortune, whatever, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Do it because you enjoy it, do it for yourself first, everyone else second. Take your time, and try to communicate more than a surface message. Not that everyone will 'get' what you're trying to say, but it will mean more to you that way, and that leaves you open for better results. Just my personal experience.
SLifestyles: Words of wisdom. Only the greats like Nik and I get to experience fame and fortune. Chances are, you aren't great. You've recently branched into the world of photography and had a pic featured in a popular blog. (it will be unnamed since I was denied membership...fuckers!!). Do you think you have a natural talent for visual sexiness or are the majority of others just lame and make you look good?
Nik: Wow, that's a loaded question. I think my appreciation for art and what is 'sexy' is as personal as everyone else's, what appeals to me may not to the next person. In that respect I think we all have an avenue here that the work can be appreciated no matter who you are or what you do. But I am really grateful for Serenity and The Pornstars blog for featuring some of my work there, I love her work, absolutely, and it's really an awesome feeling to be validated on her site.
SLifestyles: Welllll... "lucky" you. You should be grateful that they didn't let me in. Hence, You are now the hottest, most talented person in the group. Any other "businesses" in SL you'd like to get involved in?
Nik: This place is trouble for me, I want to do it all (laughs), but I also think its important to appreciate what other people do here. I think I've found my outlet, and for the most part I'll be here to enjoy other people's as well.
SLifestyles: Try keeping enjoying other people's outlets to a minimum please.... In your recent blog entry, you take a shot at avatars who aren't so "original". What makes Nik Arlington original?
Nik: Oh my, I was hoping that wouldn't come up. (laughs) I was more making a statement than anything else. We're all people here, and we are, for all intensive purposes, equal. I feel as though the majority of the individuals in SL who have really defined themselves in one way or another did so with integrity and respectability. That development is based on what they do, not what they say. There are some exceptions to the rule fur sure, but for the most part I see some misinterpreted examples of that giving off the impression in order to 'be something' here you have to proclaim certain things that really have nothing to do with your originality. What really just drives me insane is the narcissism I see sometimes. You didn't 'create' that identity, you manipulated it using other peoples creations, and we all influence one another here. You weren't here first, you aren't the 'original original', and if you were it certainly wouldn't stem from simply looking a certain way or saying certain things, just like someone else did. Haters, yes, there are people who are annoying in SL, and there are stalkers, and people that obsess over others, but I think if we look at it as we have 'haters' like we own a smart phone, it validates a really horrible ideology that I just refuse to participate in. I think all things in SL that can be considered 'original' are a pastiche to what's already been done before. My work included.
SLifestyles: Yuck. Arrogant, vain people who can't see reality piss me off more than people's prim tit lag. What have you seen lately in SL that you are taken by because of the originality?
Nik: Tutsy's Metasex. And people that don't have a section dedicated to copycats in their profile.
SLifestyles: Ohhhh. Well I really expected SLifestyles to be your answer but umm that's just fine. (sniffles)I know pretty girls aren't supposed to cry but it's hard being this icon sometimes. Moving on.....if you watched this new video that everybody is talking about and you see they totally copy your style, what would you do?
Nik: I'd hope they did it better than I did, and I'd congratulate them if they did. That's the right answer, right? (laughs) Inside I'd be furious for a while, because I'm no fucking angel and I'm not perfect, and I'd probably bitch about it for a minute to my close friends, get caddy and say things I don't mean, but eventually I'd hope I'd have the emotional maturity to take myself out of the equation and realize that art is art, and its always a replication of a different perspective. Original thought really doesn't exist to me, so in a way it would be like I contributed on a different level to building on something that is potentially great.
SLifestyles: Didn't you ask me to take out Harlee Fallen after her video blew your mind? Your profile picks are pretty much a billboard for big SL companies like Vista Animations and LumiPro. Have you "sold out" to the SL corporate world?
Nik: Let's be honest here, I know very few, and I do mean very few, people who are 'getting rich' on movies or fame and fortune in SL. That to me is an illusion. But I do think that creativity in SL gets appreciated, and it's a back and forth. There are a few wonderful creators that help make my work possible, and I work with them because I have an absolute affinity for what they do here. It's an honor that they are willing to help make my little pictures possible, so I will do whatever I can for them.
SLifestyles: Lets play a game. Fill in the blanks: S_CK _P (clue: brown noser) What are your favorite stores for clothes, poses, hair, etc that you aren't getting paid to endorse?
Nik: Haha. Those are my little secrets, plus I don't think its fair to those who do put themselves on the line for me to endorse their competitions work. If you want to know where I got my shape, you can IM me, I'll let you know.... maybe... better try a demo first... to be sure... (winks).
SLifestyles: Round 2. P_SSY (a chicken. Often a sell who choses not to give props because she's scared of the people who give her stuff) You're schedule must be pretty hectic since you are now in high demand. How do you balance work and fun time?
Nik: I struggle with that, I do the best I can. (laughs) Fortunately I really enjoy the work so it's sort of one and the same. I could probably get laid more.
SLifestyles: Haha such a jokester. We all know you are in a relationship with a sexual goddess. Speaking of which, you're recently partnered. She must be an amazing woman. Tell us more about her..
Nik: Well she runs a fantastic blog and we all know the only reason I got this interview is because of her (smiles). I've known Tegann for a long long time, she's fantastic, and absolutely one of my closest friends here. Funny, sexy, smart (ass), and she's the second best shopper I know. She keeps me honest and laughing, I'm generally interested in what she has to say, and she's a beautiful person, inside and out. She's authentic, that would be my best way to describe her, and I appreciate that in people. (smirks) Our partnership is a very interesting story (laughs) but it's one I'll keep for meh, thank you very much. (winks)
SLifestyles: Did I hear "2nd best"? Luckily, I got that prenup. Rumors are that it was an extravagant wedding with celebrities, royalty and thousands of paparazzi. Was it really all that?
Nik: We were drunk and it happened in Vegas by a midget Elvis impersonator. Our 'engagement' was all of about five minutes, and I don't think there was or are any rings. Why, Who told you that?
SLifestyles: The CIA work for SLifestyles now. No information is private but your story is true romance. Such a perfect partnership. What has been the best and worst part of married life?
Nik: Best part is the person I'm all partnery with. Worst part is everyone assumes Im a lesbian, or don't understand what's really going on, which is fine. I probably won't be fucking any ass-umers anyway and that's all they care about anyway, so.
SLifestyles: Probably? If they like their cocks not severed at the balls and permanently lodged in their ass, the won't be fucking. Have you faced any negativity from anti-lesbian groups such as brainwashed Christians with their head up their asses like Dr. Laura Schlesinger, ignorant Republicans, or butt-hurt SL "ladies men" who are all badass until they find out they can't have you and then turn into sniffling babies?
Nik: I think anti-lesbian groups run in small circles in SL. As for the ladies men? Hey, we all know that for the most part its all a joke. There are very few men out there who don't send the same lame approach to every girl who's within earshot in an effort to score, so I think it works out in my favor.
SLifestyles: Ahh the clever ""copy and paste "You are so fine baby. Put these other girls to shame" to every girl in the sim" trick. For all those who turned you down when you were first getting into the video business....the people and groups who passed on your offers for free work.....what departing words do you have for those dickheads?
Nik: How do ya like me now? I was rejected by a good portion of the sl movie community at first, and although I forgive, I don't forget. , For instance, I wasn't 'allowed' to participate in the SL Machinima Arts Guild, that hurt a little bit at first. I can openly say I believe that guild to be wrong in their decision, that if it was truly based on the content of my movies, or because they want to remain 'pg' as they expressed, then there are several other members of that particular community that shouldn't be welcome to participate. And there definitely wouldn't be an independent portion of their website dedicated to things of a more adult nature. This is all 'hearsay' mind you... based on some information from a very reputable source, and I by no means wish to slander the guild, these are simply my opinions. We can argue semantics all we want, but there is nothing I have done that hasn't been done before who are actively involved, in regards to reasons why I wouldn't be allowed to be 'a part of'. Their suggestion was I make an 'alt' in order to participate. Forget that. I am who I am. Let me make one thing clear, I am not a porn director. I make digital art, and a lot of my work is erotic and has adult content. I'm good at it, I know that, and I'm just getting warmed up here, so be expecting more where that came from. I don't have the patience for hypocrisy or double standards. I will continue to make films in SL and the content will be whatever suits the project. I will openly express my opinion about my experiences in regards to how I was, am, and will be treated. Hopefully the reasoning for doing what 'they' do, whoever 'they' are, reflect the integrity of their cause, because if not, it might be discussed at some point. Do the right thing, for the right reason, just a rule of thumb. And be cautious how you treat people on your way up, they're the ones you'll have to deal with on your way back down.
At this point, I had to end the interview. She's too sexy when she is calling people out and we hadn't had sex in the past 3 hours. I mean, look at her pics.... you know you wanna hit that..... Watch for Cheesecake's SKETCHED 2 in the upcoming weeks. It will take eye candy to a whole new level of visual sweetness.....Later gators!!
To see Nik Arlington's incredible talents, check out these links:
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