SKATE INDUSTRY CAREERS ft. CURTIS HAY
With millions of people skating worldwide, the chance of turning pro and getting a pay cheque from your skating is limited. So, for those of us not talented enough to have their name emblazoned on a deck or win a few SLS contests, what other options are out there and how can you make a living from skateboarding?
In this series we publish interviews with some of Australia’s big dogs of the industry to give you a glimpse of the jobs that exist and what it may take to get your foot in the door of the 2.7-billion-dollar skateboard industry that includes jobs in shops, distribution, brand development, team management, photography, and filming to name just a few.
Photo Credit: Jessica Kane
The skate industry is an intricate web of people with a vast array of skills and creative ideas that are all brought together by one thing… the love of skateboarding!
At the end of the day no matter fame and accolades of it all, skateboardings heart beat is the love and friendships created by those in it, it’s where ideas and concepts are born and in an industry that feeds off our most creatives it’s these characters who give it its lifeblood.
One man that embodies this more than any is the next guest in our look into Industry Careers. The man behind the raddest cover shot of 2021 and one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, Old Curty himself Mr. Curtis Hay!
“Ultimately - and I know it sounds corny - the biggest achievement in this job is authentic relationships. ”
Interview
Thanks for your time Curtis, I know you’re a super busy man so let’s dive right in.
Who is Old Curty and what is his role in skateboarding?
Skate nerd? But I guess my titles are photographer & team manager at Trinity Distribrution. Writing, video, concept design, social media account manager, talent scout and spot finder, fixer and cleaner are all part of that job.
Most of the time this all just feels like the same thing I’ve been doing since I was a kid, just hanging out with my friends and skating. I mean, I didn’t have the flashy gear, office space or deadlines back then but ultimately my job is to go skateboarding and create content for skateboarders.
So are you just working for Trinity Distribution?
Full time for Trinity Distribrution and freelance for whoever is keen for the excessive amount of content I end up with each week. For example; I’m doing a shoot for a brand at work and one of the homies is skating too. I’ll do my best to find a home for their tricks, which might mean sending it to their sponsors or a magazine.
I love Trinity for all the stability they provide me and really everything the company stands for but ultimately I like to think I work for skateboarding as a culture.
Curtis Hay at work, shooting groms for Trinity Distribution. Photo Credit: Jonathon Barnes
Curtis "Old Curty" Hay - THE FACTS
Title: Photographer & team manager at Trinity Distribrution
Home town: Brisbane, Queensland
Age: 34
Skated since: 2000
Check out his work on insta: @old_curty
How old were you when you got into the skate industry?
My first Skateshop job was 13 years ago and I’ve been around this industry ever since. I’ve done my fair share of “whatever jobs” to fill in the gaps though.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the industry?
Obsession maybe? I mostly grew up in rural areas with limited access to skateboarding. I’d find ways to commute to be closer to “the scene” on the Sunshine Coast. In the hotter summer months I’d spend more time lurking in the skate shop than actually skating… $1 drinks and air conditioning!
I guess after a while I knew the shop back to front and was already gripping boards, fitting shoes and cleaning up for free. When I announced I could do graphic design too I started getting a few paid shifts and helped the boss get his ideas onto his shop brand products. That lead to me starting a board brand and slinging it through his shop before leaving to push the brand for 8 wild years!
Was there any study or qualifications that helped you get paid in the industry?
I can’t remember ever being asked for qualifications before landing a job in this industry, it’s felt more like hanging around until someone decides they’d probably better pay a buck or two for your time or creating something of value with the industry in mind and hoping it pays off.
That said, if it wasn’t for the short course in graphic design, I don’t know if I’d of got that first job. And if I didn’t spend 3 years mooching camera equipment and studio time from RMIT’s photography department, I doubt we’d be talking right now.
I think a skateboarder’s down to earth nature, persistence and adaptability are the best qualifications for any job in this industry but the deadline experience and financial knowledge that came with qualifications helped for sure.
Your favourite moment of your career thus far?
Trent Riley’s Natas spin on the cover of Slam Issue 229 is a stand out. From joking about the idea of the trick to the many battles we went through before I took the photo and he rolled away. The connection everyone shared just being on those sessions. The tease of whether it would be a cover or not (and for which magazine?), the months of keeping it all secret before surprising Trent.
That cover meant a lot to us and the fact that it got the skateboarding community so hyped is a type of job satisfaction I can’t put into words.
Ultimately and I know it sounds corny… the biggest achievement in this job is authentic relationships.
How long has the obsession with skateboarding been going for?
I had an older neighbour who would sit me on his board and push me down a hill when I was one year old and I can remember being a fan of skating since then… but I don’t think I got my first board or learned to ollie until I was 11 or 12. I’m 34 now so it’s safe to say over 20 years.
Curtis Hay ripping the mini. Photo Credit: Duncan Ewington
Did you have dreams of going pro yourself and how close do you think you got?
I mean of course! But more in the way you dream of dating a celebrity crush as a kid.
It never felt real or achievable to me and I was generally around other people with far more talent on a board than myself. I think I decided early that I’d be better suited behind a lens than in front of one, Haha.
I’ve filmed a couple of tricks this year for a homie’s video which has some big names in it, so watch this space, when that drops I’ll let you know how close I really get ;) hahaha!
“Pay respect to the ones who paved the way and make time to give back to the groms. ”
Parting words of wisdom for all the aspiring content creators out there?
Find as many skaters, filmers, photographers, designers, artists and industry dudes (who’s work) you like. Look into what it is you like about them and their work… try to emulate them all until you find your own style. Pay respect to the ones who paved the way and make time to give back to the groms.
Be real without talking trash or taking more than you need, that’ll come back to bite you sooner or later.
Find interests outside of skating too, that’ll help remind you why you love skating without smothering your passion.
Skate more, film more, shoot more, build more, be there for your homies, put in work for the love of it but always know your worth.
Absolute legend Curtis, thank you so much again for your time!
Stay tuned for more interviews with industry legends working in various jobs all essential to supporting and shaping the skateboarding world and community.
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