Seth Travis has a myriad of experience within the creative industry, working with names such as Ralph Lauren NBC and Bloomingdale’s to name but a few. Previous experience aside, Seth somehow found the time to create MAN of METROPOLIS Magazine, a publication centred around fashion, grooming, travel and all things of interest to the modern man. Now in their third year of publication, we caught up with Seth to discuss his career, motivations and meet the man behind MAN of METROPOLIS.

 

You’ve been in this industry for over 15 years, for you what’s been the most positive change within the fashion industry for you?

I think a lot of people think Fashion is supposed to be this cool elite group that very few get access to. But I would say technology with the use of social media and other web platforms has empowered entrepreneurs like myself to combat that notion head on; not a great change for rule makers but an awesome change for the rule breakers like me. You don’t need an ivy league education, or need to know somebody at a massive brand or publishing house to break into this industry anymore. It’s all about talent again. The will to succeed is the ultimate equalizer.

 

When and why did you decide to set up Man of Metropolis Magazine?

I was working on the Ralph Lauren brand in New York in 2010, it was a dream company; but not a dream job. So I started blogging under the name MAN of METROPOLIS, a few years later we turned it into a MAG and now we are 8 issues in ending the year with 3 huge celebrity covers; Edgar Ramirez, Gregg Sulkin, and Brittany Snow.

 

Where do you go to find inspiration?

Growing up it was music videos and films. I think those formative years were really critical in how I develop my taste. I know everyone thinks their generation was the best for one reason or another, but man the 1980’s and 1990’s were the golden age of music video making. And the movies! Top Gun, Indiana Jones, Red Dawn, The Karate Kid, Footloose, etc. Those characters really meant something and were iconic. So I think movies and music will always be the first places I go for inspiration.

 

What makes a person a Man of Metropolis?

We do a lot of fashion editorials. So the MAN of METROPOLIS has to have a strong sense of style while being open to taking a fashion risk or two. That said he’s also one of the good guys. He is relentless in the pursuit of the best version of himself, always. He wants to look great, free great, be great. So this should permeate in the way he treats others, his impact should be positively felt throughout his daily interactions from work to his personal life. He is MAN ELEVATED.

 

What do you look for in the editorials you feature and the talents you interview?

I am always going to look for a well-produced project from start to finish; this starts with great communication and ends with impeccable execution. In terms of the look and feel of the story that varies we produce with a lot of talented people and there is no reason to ask them to all shoot like Mario Testino or whoever; we want their point of view because our reader isn’t always in New York, he may be in Nashville, or Chicago, or Miami. So the stories have to be interesting and applicable to several kinds of guys. For interviews, it really is about the timing of our issues. We try really hard at building content around a theme for any given issue. Our NEW Hollywood Issue is a wonderful way to close 2017 for us. It comes out December 4th. I am very proud of it and very grateful to the incredible team of people who helped on it.

 

You wear many hats within the creative industry, what keeps you motivated to stay active with Man of Metropolis when you already have an established career?

Ya know the American Dream is to be your own boss, right? Or at least that is what my American Dream is. I am motivated by the freedom to create. Every issue we have challenges me, but ultimately I think overcoming these challenges and bringing life to new ideas with other talented people is extremely rewarding.

What’s next for the magazine?

2018 looks really big for us, especially now that HQ is in New York. MAN of METROPOLIS has really hit it’s stride back in New York and we continue to get the right attention from all sides.

 

What is your FAULT?

At my core, I’m an artist, but I also have a very strong entrepreneurial side. That said I am super sensitive. The great part of that is I connect really well with creatives and the talent we feature; the other side of that coin is if you don’t come through on a commitment it can really take a toll for a few days. I think our words should hold more weight more value. The kinds of promises people break in this industry can be remarkable. So I sift through that group quickly as possible, dust myself off and move on; but yeah I am a sensitive guy. It hurts my feelings when people don’t come through.