JOE CASTRUCCI

Joe Castrucci has been a huge part of the skateboard creative puzzle for over fifteen years.

However, not much is known about Habitat's multitasking artist/ brand manager. Joe's story started on the streets of Cincinnati, Ohio, driven by creative passion and a perfectionist work ethic, which took him around the world on a skateboard with open eyes, a quiver of cameras, and an amazing group of skateboarders and friends. This constantly changing experience has made him truly aware of his, and our, place in our everchanging Habitat.

Words by John McGuire

When was the moment that you realized you wanted a life in art and skateboarding?

I loved skateboarding. It provided a sub-society of friends with a shared interest and daily adventure. I hated sports, so as soon as I discovered skating I was sold. Art and being creative in general has been a part of my personality for as long as I can remember. Looking back now I can see how different I thought about shit compared to most of the kids I hung out with. I guess skate videos were my first way to express full creative direction and attention to detail.

Who and what are some of your film and design influences?

Paul Rand is my favorite designer. I like Saul Bass titles and all of the old Alexander Girard stuff as well. Really, all of the classics. People nowadays are insanely good too. I don't pay attention to that stuff anymore really. Skateboard films are funny 'cause people just want to see tricks. I try to slip artsy title sequences and shit in, and those are all inspired by pre- '90s animation.

At what age did you know what you wanted to do when you grew up?

At sixteen I knew I wasn't good enough to be a pro skater. I always had some small board or tee brand goin' in Ohio, so I knew what I wanted to do. I got hired at twenty to be a filmer/editor at Alien Workshop. I sacrificed everything to make it a career. This next generation of kids is lazy and distracted. Before all the distractions with computers and bullshit, all people had was hard work and reputation.

If you leave the readers with a thought or idea to spark their interest into a creative pursuit, what would that be?

If you're into the creative side of things, I suggest doing your homework. Watch documentaries and listen to wise veterans from the past 100 years. Going to the Apple store doesn't make you a designer. We all have to embrace the Internet and social networking side of modern life, but knowing technology and understanding design principles are two different things. I think if the Gen Y-ers and younger can master both design and technology, my generation is out of a job, but so far the young bucks are too distracted stealing work, commenting, and blogging.

For more from Joe Castrucci, go to skateboarding.com.