OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE JAN 2020

ISSN 2689-6982 (Print)
ISSN 2689-6990 (Online)
DEAN REY
SALINAS
Art Contest Winner
pg. 4
ART
CONTEST
pg. 18, 20 & 24
My name is Taylor Tom
Conley, and this is the
Free Taylor Project.
pg. 8
SETH
ANTHONY
pg. 6
WE HAVE
A DREAM
by Cecilia Conley
pg. 11
LIZZIE
KOMMES
Love after lockup
pg. 13
DOING
WHAT’S
RIGHT,
and not what’s easy
pg. 22
Second Issue January 2020
A quarterly magazine. Showcasing stories of change, supporting prison reform.

A publication by:
www.designedconviction.com
Editor in Chief: Taylor Tom
Executive Director: Cecilia Conley
Proofreader: Patti Conley
Graphic Designer: Eduardo Farias
Art Contest Winners
First Place - Dean Rey Salinas “Free on the inside”
Second Place - Dean Rey Salinas “I have time to pray”
Third Place - Dean Rey Salinas “Self portrait”
Fourth Place - Brandon Carson “Bird”
Fifth Place - Ashley Mullins “There is not enough time”
Sixth Place - Nicholas Romo “Has your world in his hand”
Seventh Place - Nate Lindell “Jail Bird”
Seventh Place - Donald Simpson “Breaking the cycle”
Seventh Place - Donald Simpson “Return to sender”
Eighth Place - Mike Northcutt “Vincent Van-Goghing to the beach”
Ninth Place - Pablo Tlatenchi “Untitled”
Tenth Place - Ashely Mullins “Death eater moth”
Tenth Place - Nate Lindell “Red Wolf”
Tenth Place - Garrick Hastings “Picasso”
Mission Statement:
Unlock the creative talent of incarcerated individuals across America.
Vision Statement:
Bridging the gap between the incarcerated and society, while providing a platform
for positivity and productivity to flourish.
Mailing address:
Designed Conviction LLC,
1001 Cooper Point Rd SW Ste 140-223, Olympia, WA 98502

CONTENTS
LETTER FROM EDITOR 2
DEAN REY SALINAS, ART CONTEST WINNER
SETH ANTHONY
4
6
FREE TAYLOR PROJECT 8
WE HAVE A DREAM - MLK EVENT 2020 11
LIZZIE KOMMES
13
ARTISTS’ PROFILES 14
OG: MANIFEST SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL LLC
ART CONTEST WINNERS: 4TH, 5TH & 6TH PLACES
WORKING FOR THE CAUSE BY SALTY CANDACE
ART CONTEST WINNERS: 7TH, 8TH, 9TH & 10TH PLACE
DOING WHAT’S RIGHT, NOT WHAT’S EASY
ART CONTEST WINNERS: 10TH PLACE
A CONNECTION WITH ART BY PAUL THORSTEINSON
16
18
19
20
22
24
25

2 | OUTSIDE DESIGNER CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE
LETTER FROM
EDITOR
Dear friends and family, If you are coming across this
magazine for the first time, I would like to welcome you
to the platform that provides an outlet for the positive
works that transform lives. We’re giving hope, inspiration,
and breathing life into those who don’t have the
opportunity.
If you’re tuning back in, I just want to welcome you
back and thank you from the bottom of my heart for
supporting what we are doing. This is not easy and
comes with great struggle through crucibles and
hardships. Many sacrifices have been made to make
this possible. I would like to thank those responsible for
making this possible.
My wife Cecilia has built this with me from the ground up,
taken my concept, believed in the dream and breathed
life into it. Along the way, we’ve built a team and I would
like to give recognition to Candace, AKA Salty Candace,
Eduardo, and Sara, who not only work hard but believe
in the concept.
We are growing and are excited for what is to come.
We’re celebrating the one year anniversary, a huge
milestone in our sister publication Inside Designed
Conviction The Magazine. I would like to give a word
of gratitude to our loyal sponsor, Jerry Logan, who has
believed in us since day one and graciously supported
the cause in a big way.
The idea of social enterprise is relatively new, but it’s such
a big concept that even global giant SAP has a belief that
social enterprises are a solution to poverty and solving the world’s problems. The most significant piece is that 50% of the
profits are reinvested into the social cause, as is our promise.
If you’re holding this in your hand and want to support a worthwhile cause, becoming a sponsor of Designed Conviction
would be a great way to do so. As you turn the pages, I encourage you to engage and reach out to us. We are creating a
community, one in which we support positive change, and I strongly believe in the motto, art changes lives.
I am living proof as I am serving life without the possibility of parole sentence. I’m able to say I didn’t just waste my life away,
rotting in prison. Through art and love, I have changed my perspective then followed that with education. The boy who was
20 years old, sentenced to die in prison has become a man to be proud of. Is there redemption?
What is Designed Conviction?
Visit our:

Free Taylor Project
My name is Taylor Tom Conley, I am founder of Designed Conviction, and this is the
Free Taylor Project.
You may be asking yourself, why free Taylor? So I would like to give you some insight
into who I really am, where I’ve been, and where I’m going. My life has been a journey
full of many struggles. I don’t make excuses or deny that there are a lot of demons in
my past, so I will be fully transparent with all of you.
In 2006 I was arrested and charged with aggravated murder in the first degree, or
the alternative, felony murder in the first degree. I was subsenquently convicted of
both charges. My lifestyle to that point was filled with drugs and a life of crime, which
clouded my mind and distorted my vision. I became trapped in a world where I wasn’t
taking responsibility.
Visit us on
freetaylorpoject.com
Life of a Lifer, the podcast
The concept of it is to give the world a look into the life of a lifer sharing the story of the
founder of Designed Conviction, but more than that, sharing the stories of many lifers across
America. Showing the human perspective, the other side of the coin, looking into how many
have been doing so many good things with their time and nobody ever hears about it.
Should there be redemption? Can people change? Well, we are also interviewing people that
have gone out and offered their perspectives on life sentences.
If this sounds interesting to you, write to us for more details. If you’re curious as to what it’s
like, ask someone to check it out. It is available on SoundCloud, Google Play, iTunes, Spotify,
www.lifeofalifer.com and many other platforms.
The Convicted Entrepreneur: Success is a State of Mind
(The Convicted Series) by Taylor Tom
The must-have step by step guide for the entrepreneur that is behind bars.
Furthermore this book will give anybody all that they need to go into business. But,
more than that, have success! Jam-packed with the pathway to success for anybody
who wants it. It’s yours for the taking. You’ll find it all here along with a list of some
very useful resources, as well as examples of a real business plan and my actual
resume.
Prison Lingo 101: Sharing a unique world of intrigue
with those who are curious by Will Malicoat
If this book leaves you hungry for more, then prepare for an interesting read. My
journey to the Washington State Penitentiary as a young boy. This book is called “The
Other Side of The Game” which is a reflection upon my past and being prison-bound
because of my choices. You’ll walk in the shoes of a boy stepping on board the prison
hound and learn drastic changes and experiences prison has offered. Written by
firsthand experience by Will Malicoat and published by Designed Conviction.

4
| OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE
Dean Rey Salinas,
Art Contest Winner
“I am not a bad person, I’ve made so many bad choices in life, addiction. I’ve hurt many people in my life, and now at 51 years old I’m doing a life
sentence, 20-75. I have no way to give something back to someone I have hurt in my past. Apologies are not enough, art heals me slowly.”
Hello,
My name is Dean Rey Salinas, some call me Deano,
some call me collect. I was born, raised in Lansing
Michigan. I am 51 years of age. I’ve had more lives
than a cat. What I mean by that is I’ve dodged death
several times. My last close call was in 2016. I was
assaulted, beat down till my brain swelled out. I had
emergency brain surgery. My neuro brain surgeon
told my family I needed the surgery, if not I will die
and also that there was a real chance I would not
survive the surgery. Well here I am, I beat death again.
Dean Rey Salinas # 568063, 8585 N. Croswell Rd, Saint Louis, Michigan 48880
The reason I shared that with you is connected to
the reason I enjoy drawing pictures or sketches.
I never drew a picture before my brain surgery,
except in grade school. Before prison I picked up art
in the county jail. Because I’m brand new to the art
world, I’ve only started out with pencils, pens and
now colored pencils and a few colored markers
now too!
When I first saw the happy, joyful expression on
another inmate’s face, he was so happy, because
I made him a birthday card for his mother. That
was my first challenge, when he asked me to make
him a birthday card. Well, the birthday card was a
success. I’m so serious, when I seen this person
yell and scream “ Yes, Yes, That’s What I’m Talking
About!”, well that gave me goosebumps. From
that moment on, I have great pleasure in making
a difference. To me 70% of prison life is down and
grey, depressing, so if I can make a fellow inmate
smile, laugh and one time, cry in joy, then I made a
difference, and I am all for that.
Art Contest 1st Place
Free on the Inside
SUPPORT THE CAUSE, GET NOW!

OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE |
5
Making a difference in a picture, a little color and with a little skill, and
with my Father God and his guidance, I strive higher and better each
piece I do. I’ve prayed for pencils, got them, I’ve prayed for color pencils,
got them, I’ve prayed for color markers, got them. Every day I pray for
new ideas and I pray for strength to keep pushing my art forward. What
I mean by that is I am backed up on orders for Birthday cards, Thinking
of You cards, In Loving Memory cards, I Love You and I Miss You cards. At
the moment, Happy Holiday cards, Christmas cards, Get Well Soon cards,
Congratulations it’s a Boy/Girl Cards.
Every single card that I have the privilege and pleasure to create for
someone has an occasion and that occasion comes with a picture or
event. That event has a very creative piece of scenery that is created in
my mind.
I pat myself on my shoulder and I give thanks to my Father God every
single time I finish a project! It is so exciting to me. It is exciting because at
the time I am creating this portrait for someone, I know in the back of my
mind that at the end of the day, when my card, posters, flyers, etc reaches
its destination, that the person receiving the card will smile, because their
loved one in prison that sent my card to them, took the time to research
an artist, select an artist, and send my card, awesome. It is all connected to
me, the way I love art, if I can give something happy to someone (my art),
and make a difference, sweet, then I scored, and the crowd roars.
SUPPORT THE CAUSE,
GET NOW!
Art Contest 2nd Place
I have time to pray
Art gets me through every day, and I mean every day. My art is
basically a type of meditation for me. I get high on art because I
know I at least can give a smile or a laugh or even a happy tear
drop back to someone. I am so limited to how, where, and when
and even who I can apologize to, but through the healingness
of art, I am able to reach out to those that do not even expect it.
By reaching out, I mean actually comforting, bringing peace to,
giving forgiveness that needs forgiving to one of weary. So with
the blessings of art, it allows me to reach out and heal someone,
help someone lift up someone, cheer up someone, and in a
way apologise to someone.
Self-Portrait
Art Contest 3rd Place
SUPPORT THE CAUSE,
GET NOW!

6 | OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE
Seth Anthony
2020 Vision
Hard work and persistence have gotten Seth Anthony
to where he is now. A rising star, just like the Phoenix
rising out of the ashes, Seth just dropped his debut
album, 2020 vision. Although he served a good
portion of his adolescence through his adult years
locked up, he has turned that around and found his
calling.
A true artist in all senses, this man speaks the truth
and isn't shy about telling his story. In the interview
Seth did on the Life of a Lifer, he owns his past
and is working hard on a bright future. This dream
is possible, and through art, whether drawing or
musically, Seth Anthony is living proof, art changes
lives!
We are big supporters of Seth here
at Design Conviction. This man is
real, down to earth, been through it,
and is a role model of success and
impactful change. He is an example
of what a person who is dedicated
and works hard can successfully
achieve along the way.
We believe that he is somebody who
is going to make it big time. Showing
that, not only is this something
that people can strive for, but it
is possible. If you reach for your
dreams, you reach for the stars,
don’t give up and you work hard, you
can do it. Seth Anthony’s living proof
of that.
Let’s hear from Seth himself in a Q and A with Seth Anthony:
Q) How did you first get into trouble? How did it progress from there?
A) In a nutshell, I was young, in and out of trouble, juvenile detention halls, boot camps, county jail bids to prison bids.
It’s kind of all I knew. Before my main prison bids, my father died and I had lost my mind for a little bit. I got really deep
into selling drugs and using them also. My “partner” got busted so he set me up on an undercover bust which led
to sale charges. While on the run I caught an armed robbery. Things were a mess. It’s funny to say, but the day I was
arrested there was a weight lifted off my shoulders to face my charges. So I was no longer on the run.
Q) When were you released?
A) November 11th 2014, then I went back to prison November 11th 2015
Q) What has been your biggest struggle?
A) My biggest struggle until this day is dealing with stress and my anger.
Q) How did you overcome that?
A) It is still a battle every day but surrounding myself with positive uplifting people and meeting my fiance who is my
rock/ my backbone. No matter how hard it is I had to keep myself away from people that will influence me to go back
to the streets. One bad decision can change my entire life.
Q) Anything else you would like to add?
A) I have found that the law of attraction is extremely powerful and focusing on all things positive will lead to positive
things, and staying away from negative things, people, energy.

We are so excited to have made it to this milestone. Our sister publication Inside
Designed Conviction, the Magazine has made it to see its first anniversary.
The inside magazine serves the incarcerated across America. We host the contest in
which we invite all to participate and be seen. The winners are published here in the
Outside Magazine. If you have a need or want to market or speak to the incarcerated
and have your message be heard, Inside is the way to do it.
Respected and widely spread, our publication touches from the East to the West coast,
giving hope, encouragement, and opening up a platform to showcase and promote the
positive works of the incarcerated and those who have gotten out of prison and strive
for a better life. We’re looking for sponsors who share in our vision and want to help to
continue the growth working towards decreasing recidivism and creating opportunities
for those who want them and work for them. Subscriptions are only $8 for the year or $3
for an individual issue, and this is a quarterly published magazine. For more information
on how to support the project, please contact outside@designedconviction.com.

8 | OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE

OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE |
9
The music program was about to lose its funding and
be shut down across the Washington state prison
system. There were approximately nine months
until the program was to be shut down, and I had
an idea which was sparked by a very special woman.
I talked to a couple of friends I knew who were musicians
and participated in this music program. The song
called “My Heart is on the Line” came to life. I wanted
to do something to really put myself out there, as this
woman was not your ordinary average lady. So I put my
heart out there on the line, and the rest is history. We
have been married for nearly four years. Cecilia is my
partner, who believes in me enough to dedicate her
life to me and has supported bringing dreams to life.
My name is Taylor Conley. I am the founder of Designed
Conviction LLC, editor in chief of Inside and Outside
Designed Conviction the Magazine, author of the Convicted
Entrepreneur, and the host of the podcast Life of a Lifer.
My true passion is to write songs, and I am most proud
of accomplishing my first project inside the walls and
fences of Clallam Bay. I finished my first song with the
help of friends, one in particular, Caleb Twidwell, who
is a very gifted and talented singer/songwriter. At the
time, he was learning to play guitar. So I teamed up
with him and decided to write and produce a demo
tape. We were able to get 10 songs put together and
down on tape in those nine months amongst the daily
stresses of life in prison; this beautiful music was born.
After the completion of “My Heart is on the Line” (which
I have decided to add the original version recorded
inside prison, sung by me onto the album for some
bonus listening and authenticity), I wrote the song “So
Cold” with Caleb. The concept is about my life and the
struggle and coldness of doing life in prison. How you
see so many people come and go, yet here I remain,
with Caleb reaching deep down to really captivate
the true meaning and express the emotion of this.
We released this as a single on the Designed
Conviction Entertainment label along with
“Walk the Line”, a country mixed with hip hop
flavored song, which my cousin Annie added in
the recording on the intro to the song. Some
five years later, after Caleb’s release, we
were finally able to bring this project to life.
The bond created through this process and through
the music has transcended the walls and fences of the
prison yard. My wife organized and made contact with
Josh at Greenlight Studios, where the Free Taylor Project

10 | OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE
was recorded after the recording was completed. It was a long process of perfection that I am so thankful to my wife Cecilia
for helping make it possible. All the back and forth — and being my ears to work with Josh, who added in drums, bass, and
some lead guitar on the songs. Through it all. Then I had a falling out with Caleb.
Difficulties faced upon release from prison are very real, especially when a person was expelled from all the Washington state
schools at the age of 14 and cast away from society, in and out of juvenile, on his way through the adult system. Old habits die
hard, but the differences have been set aside, and we haven’t given up. We have reconciled our differences and are launching
this project, the Free Taylor Project, with everything that I have accomplished.
This is just the beginning. I am determined to make a difference in this life, whether it’s behind bars or if they do
#FreeTaylor. With all the things I’ve done wrong in life, will the good ever outweigh the bad? Is there redemption in the
end? I was arrested at the age of 20 and then sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Find out more. Check
out lifeofalifer.com and follow on Instagram at @alifeofalifer.
This is not a one time deal. We are already working on the next project, which will be the soundtrack to Life of a Lifer. Check
out freetaylorproject.com to learn more and support positive change in progress. The Free Taylor Project documentary is on
the way, and any support for this project will go towards supporting Taylor’s freedom and help you make a positive impact on
others in the community. Visit designedconviction.com and change a life.
Visit our Online Store and look for
our Free Taylor products!

We Have a Dream
By Cecilia Conley
OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE |
Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr
11
We are happy to be part of this movement that will go down in history as the movement that
recognized incarcerated individuals as people and broke through paradigms and old traditions. The
movement that is pushing and will continue to push legislation and initiatives for ones that make more sense
from both financial and humanitarian perspective.
Many communities and families have been affected by policies that were enacted to be “Tough on crime” but not
“Smart on crime.” Some 30 years ago, many states across the country got rid of the Parole system and
implemented actions that resulted in longer sentences across all types of offenses.
Thirty years later, crime has not declined. Thirty years later, the cycle has not been broken. Our prisons
are overpopulated, and the average age of an incarcerated individual is 43. The prison population
is aging as we speak. Soon those prisons will have to become retirement homes, and the
question that we ask is, are we being “tough on crime” or more “punishment oriented”?
When the architects of this republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of
Independence, there was a promise that all Americans would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness. Our prison systems have become the opposite. They have reclassified
these incarcerated individuals as second class citizens and denied them the right
to proper care, rehabilitation, and sentencing guidelines that are supported by
science and facts rather than just gut and feelings.
But we refuse to believe that nothing can be done. We refuse to define all of them as
monsters that cannot rehabilitate. We choose to believe society should be accountable as
part of the problem. Many of them were victims before the crime even happened. Mental
illness, broken homes, poverty, and drug addiction are on the rise, and we cannot
deny that these factors have a direct relationship to the mass incarceration of this
country.
OG “Manifest Something Beautiful”
IIt would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of this moment. That is why we
need to take action now. This past Monday, 20th of January, in commemoration
of Martin Luther King, we had the opportunity to be part of “Day of Action in
Olympia to End Mass Incarceration in Washington”. It was the first time that such a
peaceful candlelight demonstration was held in which we lit a candle in the Capitol for the
1300 men and women who will die in Washington prisons because their sentences are so
long they can’t possibly outlive them.
“We need to find a different way for accountability. Throwing them in a cage is not the answer”, Annie Williams, advocate and victim proclaimed. We
cannot trust the future in politics, we reaffirmed, as JJ Bourgeois pointed out that we need Parole because Clemency is full of politics. It has to be signed
by the Governor, he said. It doesn’t matter if you have merit. In politics, no one wants to take a risk. He spoke based on experience; he served 25+ years for
a crime he committed before his 18th birthday. It was a change in law related to juvenile offenders, the one which allowed him to be paroled.
“If we restore the voting rights to the individual as soon as he/she is released, legislators may start paying attention to their future constituents
instead of ignoring their needs”, Tarra
Simmons, formerly incarcerated and
who is currently running for State
Representative in Washington State,
suggested.
And all of us were very moved by Sen.
Jeannie Darneille‘s story. She spoke
about her first experience dealing with the
injustices of the system. It was she who after
the realization that felons could not vote,
decided to fight for a change. After several
tries she was finally successful, but that
did not stop her. She is still fighting at the
Capitol and constantly pushing bills related
to prison reform.
We want to thank Carol Estes and
her organization Prison Voice WA for
making this happen, bringing such a
powerful team of organizations and
speakers who are fighters of the cause.
Their passionate speeches empowered
the audience who is hungry for change.
Change that is based on facts, not feelings.
Sen. Jeannie Darneille addressing the public

12 | OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE
So today, even though we face some resistance and misconceptions,
we have a dream. A dream that one day this nation will live up to the true
meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men
are created equal”.
We have a dream that this land of Martin Luther King Jr. will recognize
that a person is not its worst mistake. We have a dream that everyone
will recognize incarcerated individuals as people and will understand that
rehabilitation is possible if the individual is provided with the right tools and
programs.
We have a dream that this country will be able to heal its victims,
starting with the ones who are often ignored and forgotten, rotting
in cells. We have a dream that one day we will drop the “tough on crime” and
will start to be “smart on crime” following models already proven in different
countries such as Norway.
This is our hope; this is what keeps us moving and fighting. With this hope, we
will be able to transform this country. Until that day comes, we will not stop.
Special thanks to Caleb Twidwell and OG
#MANIFESTSOMETHINGBEAUTIFUL for representing Designed
Conviction at the event.
Caleb Twidwell singing “So Cold”

OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE |
13
Lizzie Kommes
You may know Lizzie Kommes from the hit reality TV series, Love after Lockup.
The show brought her a lot of attention, not necessarily good attention, as she
struggled with addiction, like so many who come through the system. Well, Lizzy
served nine and a half years in prison for what started out as a DUI in California
and was just released a little over a year ago.
During our interview with her on “The Life of a Lifer” the podcast she recounted
the compelling story in which while in solitary confinement, roughly two years
ago, God came and relieved her of the addiction. To hear more about it, look for
the interview. We have wrapped up season one of “The Life of a Lifer”.
Premier episode for season two. Lizzie is living proof that change is possible. She
went from being a stripper to suffering from addiction, to prison, still fighting
the addiction. Now she holds down a legitimate job and is going to school to
become a drug and alcohol counselor, as she said in the interview.
If I can do it, anybody can. A profound statement she made. How about it wasn’t
her who overcame addiction, it was God who took it away. Those are such
powerful words.
She was also excited to announce the launch of her new website:
www.lizziekommes.com/.
Thank you to our sponsor
Jerry Logan
who will soon be lauching his new website Jerry’s Rides.
www.jerrysrides.com

14
| OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE
ARTISTS’ PROFILES
Brandon Carson
Ashley Mullins
Art Contest 4th Place
Art Contest 5th and 10th Place
Contact info
Brandon Carson #15765614
2500 Westgate
Pendleton, OR 97801
Contact Info
Ashley Mullins #1301588
Pulaski State Prison
P.O. Box 839
Hawkinsville, GA 31036
Greetings to all who visit my profile. My name is Brandon and I
currently reside at EOCI of Pendleton, Oregon. It’s a men’s only gated
community with access to a gym, yoga classes, on-site store, music
instruction, and much more. The HOA fees are quite reasonable. My
lease though will eventually expire no later than October 2027.
Other than work on an art-piece, I kill time by walking the track,
watching movies, reading a good book, listening to music, and
eventually, get back into gaming. So, at this time where I’m on the
downhill side of my sentence, I’m looking to make new friends who
can keep me in touch with the real world. If you ‘d like to be one of
those new friends, you can address a letter in the direction above.
My name is Ashley Mullins. I’m 31 years old and hail from middle
Georgia. I’ve been down for going on 4 years. I love art and have
been tattooing for a couple of years now. It’s become my passion!
I spend my days in school expanding my education and my free
time perfecting my art and skill. I live on Lake Sinclair and love the
water. I’m also obsessed with cats. I’m a proud mother of an amazing
daughter, and I’m madly in love with my wife!
I look forward to being back with them again. In the meantime I’m
going to keep doing all I can to become a better me.
Nicholas Romo
Art Contest 6th Place
Nate A. Lindell
Art Contest 7th and 10th Place
Contact info
Nicholas Romo #115850
Institution: IMSI
P.O. Box 51
Boise, ID 83707
Contact Info
Nate A. Lindell #303724
Columbia Correctional Institution
2925 Columbia Drive
P.O Box 900
Portage, WI 53901-0900
Hello out there,
Thank you for taking your time to view my profile. My name is Nick.
I’m 31 years old, Hispanic who has been incarcerated for the past 5
years.
Luckily for me, the idea of drawing has always had me fascinated. So
as an individual the thoughts of learning and perfecting this hobby/
skill but with my own touch/style has always had me draw to it!
I’m able to do portraits, realism, surrealism (my favorite), cartoon
characters, different types of fonts, team & personal logos, etc.
As you are already aware of, there are many types of artists, so I’m
not cheto portray my self to be better nor less artistic than the next
man/woman!
I plainly see 21 as all artists are equal, but we all have our own style/
technique, and as you can see from my profile drawing, I am currently
fascinated by the image of black and grey mixed with color.
So to sum it all up, if you’re feeling my style and ways of drawing,
you’re welcome to jump on my Jpay account and slide me a message
and we can go from there. My info is Nicholas Romo, IDOC# 115850
I’m currently in the state of Idaho! Ok well, you all have a great day!
Hometown: La Crosse, WI
Place Lived: Seattle, WA; Duluth, MN; Kansas City, Helena, MT
Religion: Secular Buddhist
Education: Some College- I.Q of 144 using WAIS-III test
Political Affilliation: Industrial Workers of the World
Sexual Orientation: straight
Seeking: Friendship, Romance
So, in this shallow, fast moving, selfish world, I’m looking to make
meaningful, real connections. Thus, like a peacock flashing his
feathers, I tell you about my accomplishments, my struggles, hoping
you’ll love me or pity me or be curious enough to “find out more”.
An essay about my childhood was published in Parental Incarceration,
Routledge 2016. Poems of mine have been published in Lit mags.
Drawings of mine have been published in magazines and tattooed
on bodies. I have four books, written not published plus three poetry
song/art books. But I have no soul mate so…
I’m an expert or wise when it comes to neuroscience civil-rights
litigation, literature, art and much more…but I have no one to share
these interests with, other than the imprisoned readers of Prisoner
Express whom I have much compassion for. Any well-intending
correspondence is welcomed. Use touchnote.com if it’s easier. Thank
You for any positivity you choose to share with me. I will cherish it.

Donald Simpson
ARTISTS’ PROFILES
Mike Northcutt
Art Contest 7th Place
Art Contest 8th Place
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15
Contact info
Donald Simpson #AZ7590
Ironwood State Prison 4’3’137 low
P.O. Box 2199
Blythe, CA 92226
Contact Info
Mike Northcutt #06104
U.S. Penitentiary Atlanta (SDP-SMU)
P.O. Box 150160
Atlanta, GA 30315
Hello, my name is Donald Simpson. I’m half black and Mexican, five
foot eight, and yes, I’m incarcerated. I was born on Jan 22, 1977
and enjoy: reading, drawing, working out, making people laugh,
and recently the prison here, allowed a painter from the California
Arts Council, of the Muckenthaler Cultural Center to come in here
and to teach us prisoners how to paint, and now I love painting
too! Painting is such a stress relieving activity, and I’m feeling so
blessed to have gotten the chance to be able to have discovered
this. Other than that I’m just trying to enjoy life the best way that
I can under the circumstances that I’m currently under, while
taking it one day at a time and getting that rehabilitation and
being of service to others. It’s really a beautiful thing for me to be
able to help the youth not to walk down the same paths that I did
showing them that this life isn’t as glamorous as it looks.
There are more downs than ups, and truly it’s just not worth it!
But besides that I hope people see my paintings, and try to look
at them from my point of view, and also from a thinking outside
of the boy perspective as well, I have a comedic side so I hope
you laugh as well as think when you see the painting that I’ve
submitted.
I also hope that don’t offend anyone. Well, I thank you for your
time and I hope you’ll contact me if I’ve intrigued you, and we can
discuss whatever pops up!
My name is Mike Northcutt and I’ve been in prison 25 years for
counts of armed bank robber and related gun charges.
I’m a divorced father and grandfather so a lot of my art goes to my
children and grandchildren.
I’m an artist, writer, jailhouse lawyer and an “Idea guy”. I was born a
VIP: Very ingenious person; but didn’t realize it ‘till I hit my mid-thirty’s.
This has led me to be strongly opposed to mandatory minimums
and injustice in sentence practice.
My main genre of art is my own style kinda “Surrealist” pen and ink
that´s time consuming and labor intensive but worth the effort. I try
to hide something humorous in these pieces.
However, I’m eclectic. I work in pencil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic; from
realism to impressionism to abstract, I do a little of it all. In all medias.
I also write poetry but rarely as I’ve ventured into writing song lyrics
and a substantial project.
I’ve progressed in my artwork to a point that I love to break the rules
and don’t care for art “snobs”, I do what I love; what makes me and
others happy and try to enjoy life. If you have a good sense of humor,
would like to share ideas or have a “lyrically challenged band” or just
want to write, contact me.

16 | OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE
ARTISTS’ PROFILES
Pablo Tlatenchi
Art Contest 9th Place
Garrick Hastings
Art Contest 10th Place
Contact info
Pablo Tlatenchi #R-52286
Pontiac C.C.
P.O. Box 99
Pontiac, IL, 61764
Contact Info
Garrick Hastings #1895128-McConnell
3001 S. Emily Dr.
Beeville, TX 78102
Greetings,
I’m Pablo, I’ve been locked up since 2003. As you can see, i’m an artist.
I’ve been interested in art all my life, though I never really gave it much
time as far as learning techniques, and developing my skills until I got
locked up. It’s unfortunate that it took me being here to get serious
about art, but the way I see it, at least something good is coming out
of me being stuck in a cell all day. I try to experiment with all type of
designs, but I’m mostly into realism. I like the end results, though it is
extremely challenging.
Truly:
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then I’ll let my heart speak in
my behalf.
Different, Genuine, Positive and Strong.
Try me.
Garrick.
I would like to meet someone who enjoys, not only art, but a good
conversation, preferably a woman, which I think is understandable. I’m
not looking to waste anyone’s time or vice versa. I genuinely am just
looking for a friend. Write and tell me about yourself, if possible please.
OG
Manifest
Something
Beautiful
LLC
Greetings,
ManifestSomethingBeautifulLLC is an independent entertainment company that consists of Ogaudio_
Omyth, Skunk [SK]Oner, Kaream [K_Most], Fif Element [Producer], Rambo Alkada, Amry Blaq.
Our Goal is to Manifest the mind’s beauty thru many different artists with an array of talent that will
captivate the mind, body, and souls of the people who get the opportunity to experience our artistic
expressions thru song or visual presentations. So we would like to take this opportunity to invite you all;
join us on our never ending Journey to ManifestSomethingBeautiful LLC.

18 | OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE
Art Contest
Brandon Carson
Art Contest 4th Place
Ashley Mullins
Art Contest 5th Place
“BIRD”
“THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TIME”
Nicholas Romo
Art Contest 6th Place
Visit our online store to
see these art pieces in
our products and help
us contribute with the
artists by getting some
nice stuff!
“HAS YOUR WORLD IN HIS HANDS”
www.designedconviction.com/online-store

OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE |
19
Working for the cause
By Salty Candace
I was reaching out to all types of organizations for inspiration
and information on how to take Designed Conviction to
the next level so that we could help more incarcerated
individuals. As an independent company in our infancy,
I wanted to establish contacts that would help propel
Designed Conviction into becoming a valuable resource for
the incarcerated.
I contacted Manny Cawaling with Inspire Washington. Inspire
Washington increases public access to arts, heritage, and
science activities through advocacy, resource development,
education, and coalition building. They champion the positive
impact of people and organizations that provide cultural
programs, activities, and experiences.
https://www.culturalaccesswa.org/inspire-washington
Mr. Cawaling invited me to attend the Inspire Washington’s
Cultural Congress in Toppenish WA. There I would be able
to network with the most influential art organizations in
Washington State. I applied for a scholarship to help pay for
the congress and was accepted.
I can not say enough about Inspire Washington and what
they are accomplishing! Being able to attend gave voice and
a face to Designed Conviction that would otherwise not have
been possible. I was met with so much positive support that
it brought me to tears. Every person I made contact with saw
the value of what we are trying to accomplish, each had their
own experiences with the American Prison System.
They agreed that ART has the ability to transform and
change lives and that more reform programs should
be made available.
Since attending the Cultural Congress I have been able
to meet and collaborate with other individuals and
organizations that have helped Designed Conviction
thrive.
I met Adrienne LaFaye, a painter, author, filmmaker,
and Community Social Art Educator in Washington
State. Ms. LaFaye is working on a project called
Portraits of Forgotten Women, where she visits
women’s prisons and paints portraits of the women
she meets. She takes a film crew with her and gets to
know the women. She takes what she learns about
each individual and uses their personal stories to
paint them a portrait of themselves. Each participant
receives their own portrait made by Adrienne as a
message of encouragement.
“I believe in giving back to my community,” says
Adrienne, whether it be at large or individually. I am
civically inspired to make the world around me a better
place by rolling up my sleeves and work to make a
difference. Adrienne was quick to agree to an interview
for our Life of a Lifer podcast, it aired November 25,
2019, and can be heard on www.lifeofalifer.com
Did you know?
Designed Conviction’s founder is serving a Life without parole sentence at Washington State.
Convicted at the age of 20. Designed Conviction, a social enterprise, was born out of his need to
live outside the prison walls to do something positive and productive. Designed Conviction is about
breaking the stigma put on incarcerated individuals.
#DesignedConviction #SocialEnterprise #SocialShift #SecondChances #IncarceratedLivesMatterToo.

20 | OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE
Art Contest
Nate Lindell
Art Contest 7th Place
Donald Simpson
Art Contest 7th Place
“JAIL BIRD”
“BREAKING THE CYCLE”
Donald Simpson
Art Contest 7th Place
Visit our online store to see these
art pieces in our products and
help us contribute with the artists
by getting some nice stuff!
“RETURN TO SENDER”
www.designedconviction.com/online-store

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21
Art Contest
Mike Northcutt
Art Contest 8th Place
“VINCENT VAN-GOGHING TO THE BEACH”
Pablo T latenchi
Art Contest 9th Place
Ashley Mullins
Art Contest 10th Place
“UNTITLED”
“DEATH EATER MOTH”

22 | OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE
Doing what's right,
not what's easy
C.S. Lewis says, “One never knows how bad he really is until
he tries very hard to be good.”
A friend of mine said to me some years ago, “You’re going soft, bro.” He said this after I outlined some of the positive things I’m involved with,
such as helping other inmates prepare for release, pursuing positive people to surround myself with, and devoting myself to a Christian moral
accountability. This comment was very disheartening and difficult to hear, only not for the reasons you might think.
I was not offended but disappointed, saddened. I too used to think the same way: a man who was not edgy and ready for violence at the
slightest perceived insult must be soft. I was disappointed because I know how far my friend still has to travel on the arduous road to maturity
before his eyes would be opened.
The truth of the matter is the opposite of what my friend thinks. Ask any of our loved ones in the free world. They will tell you that being a good
man, being a good father, husband, hardworking provider, productive member of society, and a morally upright citizen is extremely difficult.
(Even in prison we are citizens of the human struggle.) It is hard to get up and go to work each day, easy to take something from someone else.
It is hard to be a man of honesty and integrity, easy to lie and to manipulate. It is hard to keep all commitments that we make, easy to come
up with excuses to get out of responsibility.
Doing the wrong thing is easy. Reacting, flashing anger, violence--that is easy. It doesn’t take any thought. We simply react on emotions that
we don’t fully understand and then deal with the consequences of our actions later. It’s not until the cell door slams shut behind us that we
realize what we’ve lost.
Doing the right thing on the other hand is hard. We have to think! There are things to consider. We have to weigh the pros and cons--and
not just to ourselves, but to those whom you might be responsible for. You have to consider future goals and responsibilities--for yourselves
and your loved ones. Who’s going to drive your kids to school in the morning if you’re in jail for starting a fight (or worse) because you were

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23
frustrated? Who’s going to go to work and earn the money to pay the rent, car payment, utility bill, etc.? What about in prison? If we
lose our job for something irresponsible or ego-related, then our families suffer when we leech money from them. If we wind up in the
“hole,” our families suffer when we can’t visit with them, our cellmates suffer when they suddenly find themselves with an open bunk to
fill, our friends suffer, our goals suffer, our education suffers, etc.
Doing the right thing gets even harder when you add a moral factor. Whatever your measuring stick (religion, philosophy, culture, family,
[MINE IS THE BIBLE]), following rules of ethics and morality are tough. Often times we come into conflict with our very own thoughts. We
must battle the anti-social forces (isolation, frustration, ego-centrism, etc.) that drive most incarcerated men--our broken belief systems
that put us on autopilot, and prevent us from growing into maturity. Doing the right thing requires us to put in the educational research
that can help us discover the tools that will help us begin the work of SELF-REPAIR.
Two types of men stand out in the melting pot that is prison:
1. The man who understands that change is a constant in life. This man will grow in any environment. In prison he may advance his
education, seek out self-repair or religion (knowing that HIS will landed him in prison in the first place), and surround himself with
positive, goal-orientated individuals.
2. The other type of “man” will say, “Why change just because I’m in prison?” He will continue to believe that he has all the answers just
as he did when he was a teenager. This man will continue to immerse himself in the stew of negativity, immaturity, ego, and the three
D’s--delusion, denial, and defensiveness. He will continue to get the results that he has always got. This is the guy that entered prison at,
say, 17, and though he is now 37, he still acts--and thinks!--like a seventeen year old boy. This is because he has done nothing to combat
the poisonous mindset that landed him here in the first place.
Doing the wrong thing is easy. Doing the right thing, on the other hand, is a daily struggle. Those of us who choose to do the right thing
will fall short often. The difference is that we don’t deny that our problems exist by blaming others. We own our mistakes and we always
get back onto our feet, focus on the next leg of the journey, and keep moving forward. Yes, the wrong thing is easy, but I, for one, can
no longer accept the easy road.
I was once asked what moral courage looks like. I answered, “Doing what’s right, not what’s easy.”
Dr. Derrick E. Steilman, Th.D. has been
incarcerated for more than 21 years
(as of 11.9.2019), despite being in
prison, Dr. Steilman has earned a
Theological Doctorate (summa cum
laude, SBCS, class of 2019). He is
also a published Author and Artist,
and a Certified Behavioral Adjustment
Training Instructor (CBATI) in the field
of Reactive Dog Training.
Visit Dr Steilman blog at:
www.drsteilman.com
Contact him at
Derrick Steilman #782010
SCCC G Unit
191 Constantine Way
Aberdeen, WA 98520

24 | OUTSIDE DESIGNED CONVICTION THE MAGAZINE
Art Contest
Nate Lindell
Art Contest 10th Place
Garrick Hastings
Art Contest 10th Place
“RED WOLF”
“PICASSO”
Visit our online store to see these art pieces in our products and help us
contribute with the artists by getting some nice stuff!
www.designedconviction.com/online-store
Support Reform Now!
Let’s bring Parole back to all states who currently lack this option.
Inmates, Prisoners, “Offenders” are people too! #incarceratedlivesmattertoo
If you are an organization, an advocate, or just someone intrigued enough, please
contact us! Everyone deserves a chance for a second chance!
reform@designedconviction.com

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25
A connection with Art
by Paul Thorsteinson
At times, prison is a confining and restrictive place. The bars and
the lockdowns are not always conducive to freedom or creativity.
However, this day was no ordinary day. Sixty artists filed into the
facility visiting room hauling paintings, drawings, leatherwork,
beadwork, ceramics, wood crafts, and sculptures. Within minutes,
the Stafford Creek family visit room was transformed to an art
exhibition center. Each artist meticulously designed his station to
illustrate and present his craft. In the center of the room, one artist
stacked chairs on top of his table in a pillar of artistic opulence. His
paintings leaned against the chairs, traveling upward in a tower of
decadent dedication to the arts.
Completely open to the community, Stafford Creek’s second
annual Art Exhibition had art curators, museum representatives,
journalists, and even some curious people that trickled in from the
surrounding community.
However, the art show wasn’t the real story of the day. The real
story was what many of the men were doing with their art. Scott
H. was one of those men. He had a table entirely dedicated to
an organization called Gold Star Moms. Their organization aids
mothers and families that have lost loved ones during their
service for our country. Scott and his associates build customized
handcrafted jewelry boxes and patriotic memorabilia. They donate
a hundred percent of what they make to commemorate the lives
of fallen soldiers and show honor to the people that loved them.
Paul W. had a fortress of wooden toys surrounding him. His area
took up the entire corner of the visiting room. He was representing
Toy Time which has donated hand made toys and art to the
surrounding community for over a decade. Much of the donated
items have gone to orphanages, charity auctions, and the children’s
advocacy center.
Billy D. had a table with hand made teddy bears for Bear From
Behind Bars. In conjunction with Good Bears of the World, the teddy
bears from Bears From Behind Bars go all over the surrounding
community and typically end up in the arms of children or others
in need. He and a number of other contributors painstakingly
sew and manufacture each bear by hand in order to be there for
people who need healing and restoration.
One outside attendee was representing a restorative justice-based
art auction called Unguarded. All of the funds raised would be
going to organizations that aid victims of domestic violence.
The complexity of Stafford Creek’s Art Exhibition extends past the
incarcerated merely sharing their art. What was truly prevalent
that day was the connection and contribution to the community
in the form of altruistic service, art auctions, and fundraisers. The
exhibition illustrated how incarcerated men are transforming
themselves through expression, and are finding dynamic ways to
restore harms and heal communities.
Paul
Thorsteinson
Paul Thorsteinson #807019
SCCC H6A-03
191 Constantine Way
Aberdeen, WA 98520