Our new segment entitled ‘Artist’s Journey’ explores the life and work of Adam McEvoy. We have seen Adam’s work throughout the years through events at the studio such as Open Houses and Christmas Markets. We are thrilled to share Adam’s journey as a skateboard designer to children’s book creator.
How would you describe what you do?
“Well my main thing is designing skateboards, which I have been doing for the past 17 years somehow through Drawing Boards which is a Roots Skateboard Brand. I also do loads of other stuff to make Drawing Boards run smoothly but I guess that’s the “Glamorous bit” haha”
Photo Courtesy of Adam McEvoy
What is your relationship to Copperdollar Studios? How do you know Kt?
“So Copperdollar has been super good to me over the past few years allowing me to display and sell some of my artwork during a number of Open Houses and Christmas Markets. It was great to display my wares along with other artists with different styles in such a rad space. I met KT through my daughter’s mum who was involved in Copperdollar at Glastonbury and round about. The first time I met KT was about 6 years ago when I was skating along the seafront with my tiny (at the time) daughter between my legs. Awesome lady, awesome vision.”
Congratulations on your book being released today! Can you tell us what this children’s book is about?
“So this is the Big thing for me right now: I am over the moon to have my book “101 Uses for a Skateboard” being published on Red Fez Books. It’s basically a Rhyming story book documenting what else a skateboard can be used for (all very tongue in cheek). I really enjoyed drawing and writing it because there were no real rules to it. Good to get lost in my sketch pad and watch it evolve as I went along. It ended up being 104 illustrations and 64 pages in total so it was a real undertaking. Feels good to have a hard copy of work. I’m a big advocate of kids having books as opposed to sitting in front of screens and I’m stoked that Josh from Red Fez took a gamble on me and published it.”
Photo Courtesy of Adam McEvoy
Tell us about your project with Rob painting the youth centre?
“So I sell Drawing Boards all over the place and Kimber Skatepark has a shop and they also have a large youth area. I went to drop some decks off there and saw the communal area had potential to be painted. They were well up for the idea so I suggested it being linked in with nature as it’s situated in the middle of a park and Rob instantly sprung to mind as he had mentioned collaborating before and I felt this was a perfect opportunity. We worked well together and cracked jokes into the wee hours of the morning while getting it done.”
Photo Courtesy of Adam McEvoy
What are you most excited for in the future?
“So many things. I am really looking forward to seeing how the ‘book’ is received. I have been working on a movie featuring the members of the Drawing Boards for a number of years now and I’m currently finishing animations to bring the whole thing together. It’s an honour to be able to showcase some of the best skaters in the UK so I really want to do them justice. Also once that’s done I have many ideas for new board graphics and having just secured distribution I can now concentrate on the “art” side of things more. I’ve also been offered some commission work for a couple of Skate Shops which is something I need to get onto. I’m really enjoying skating with my daughter so it excites me watching her progress and sharing experiences with her.”
Photo Courtesy of Adam McEvoy
Thank you so much Adam McEvoy for taking the time to show us your work. Check out his website or instagram to see his incredible range of art. Are you looking for a photography studio or exhibition space? If you’re an artist, photographer or small business owner be sure to contact us to hire out our studio for your next project. On our website you can see our availability and rates card.
