I knew I wanted to be a designer when I fell in love with the designs on the skateboards. I remember buying my first Birdhouse skateboard when I was 13. Besides the rhythmic sound of my wheels rolling against the pavement, I noticed that each skateboard brand had its own look and feel, expressed through the designs. Some had skulls, stencils, and even intricate geometric designs. For me, I saw endless opportunities for design on these unique canvases. My friends and I would compete—not just to see who could pull off the coolest tricks, but also for bragging rights for the best designed board. This was my first taste of graphic design.
