So then Fos, Tell me a little about yourself.
I was born in Bury and grew up in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, went to art College in Burnley, then ended up moving to London when I was 20, I went to Goldsmiths college down there and ended up staying down after I graduated. I got a job at the Slam Warehouse in 1997, I started a Skateboard company called Heroin in 1998, then another called Landscape in 2003. Iâm the art director for Altamont apparel and Baker skateboards, I moved to Los Angeles in 2011.
What are your strengths?
Drawing. Getting the job done, having a good work ethic.
What are your weaknesses?
Not knowing when to quit. Organization, paperwork.
Which would you pick up first a scooter or a pair of blades?
Ugh, a scooter cos I can throw the thing away, blades would be attached to you.
Why did you choose this industry?
My old man wanted me to be a plumber or an electrician or something, I was only ever interested in art and skateboarding, so it was natural that Iâd end up in this industry. My first skateboard graphics were for Toy Machine in 1997.
What do you know about this industry?
That its very small, its run by about 8 people in the UK and 20 people in the USA. Its similar to those other industries like if you start a record shop or book shop, thereâs no money in it really. Everyone wants to open a skate shop or run a board company, but its very difficult to make money that way. If you sell septic tanks or washing machines, or something completely unglamorous that nobody wants to do youâll totally clear up.
If you could bring something to the table what would it be?
I like to think that I have. When I was at Slam most of the UK skaters were on flow deals from US companies, there were very few UK companies at the time, and I definitely didnât fit into what most of them were doing, so I started Heroin, and it gave people a platform to make a name for themselves.Â
And whatever era of Heroin you look at, be it the graphics or the riders, Snowyâs first part in Good Shit, a Chris Pulman part, a full Howard Cooke part in LFA, Colin Fiske, Rogie, Gou Miyagi, Deer Man of Dark Woods, its always tried to bring something new to the table rather than copy anyone else.
If you were at a business lunch and you ordered a steak and they brought you a quorn slab, what would you do?
Throw it out the window.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What fucking spare time? Geez, I donât have too much of that anymore. I got married a couple of years ago, so I kick it with my missus. We like to go and shoot guns at the gun range. Just trying to keep busy and find time to skate still really though.
What kind of car do you drive?
A 1974 Camaro. Thing is a Beast! I didn't move to LA to drive a ford Fiesta.
If you were to wear high heels or Heelyâs for the rest of your life which would you choose?
Heelys I guess. You can keep it undercover.
What is your greatest achievement outside of work?
Having my mum be proud of me.
Art or Skateboarding?
Skateboarding, always. Iâve drawn since I can remember, and love art, but skateboarding has sent me all around the world and when I go abroad Iâm always on a mission to skate spots, I never go to galleries or anything.Â
What irritates you about people?
When theyâre from Stockport. ha ha. Just kidding. Shitty drivers in LA usually in White Priusâs.Â
Mullet or Mohican?
Mohawk for days. Iâve rocked em in the past. I even got upgraded to first class on a flight cos the bird thought I was the bloke from Travis.
Do you have any questions for me?
Nah, ha ha.
We would like to thank Fos for making some spare time to put up with Stannerz. We hope LA is treating you well dude. Catch Fos killing it below amongst others in Heroin Skateboards 'Magic Sticky Hands' which was released in 2006.....
