Michael Leon Interview
Art Director - Nike
Co Owner - Stacks
For leftfieldproject.com featured designer / artist series.
www.nike.com
www.commonwealthstacks.com

Good morning Michael – it’s almost been a year since I ran into you in Park City. A lot has probably happened since then… How did 2007 treat you?

It was great. So much happened it's hard to remember it all.

You were up in Park City to accompany a film STUNTWOOD which was showing during Sundance at the X-dance film festival. How did you like producing a movie? Did you find that working in the film realm was similar to that of the design realm?

It's sorta similar. Jeff Roe, the director, is easy to work with and was instrumental in guiding the whole process. Filmmaking is not something I was very familiar with. To be honest it was a bit overwhelming with my regular schedule and working on the movie at the same time. In the end I'm pretty stoked on the small part I had to play and I hope it's something that kids will see and realize how important skateboarding is and how it impacts culture, business, and the environment.

Left Field Project was stoked when you became an Art Director at Nike – Have you enjoyed it? Was it difficult learning how to work within their processes, or was it a smooth transition? What have you learned along the way?

It took a few months to wrap my head around it, but once it starts to make sense it's amazing what you can accomplish with the talented people and resources that Nike has. My first couple years was like going back to school. Art directing a business that is in the billions is a lot different than running a small skate brand.

What’s been your greatest accomplishment at Nike?

The Tech Pack collection which I worked on with my friend Jarrett Reynolds and a small team of developers and merchandisers. We worked on that for two years straight. Some of it has just hit retail and it seems to be getting a good response. The marketing teams did a great job on that project as well. I'm also quite proud of the Air-U-Breathe and Running Man Collections, Dunk High Destroyers, the Art Direction for Nothing But the Truth with Michael Hernandez and Gert Kerkstoel, and the products that were created for the Olympics this year with Mark Thede and Al Baik designing. Now I'm working on Art Direction for SB, 6.0, and snow for Fall 09 and beyond. Sorta back to my roots after a little vacation.

Actually, what’s been your greatest accomplishment ever?

I don't know I guess I've been lucky to be able to do what I enjoy doing every day. I appreciate every minute of it and I'm glad that some people have enjoyed my work.

When was the last time you were able to take your board out for a spin?

A couple days ago. SB has a private skatepark that is pretty insane. The SB team gets together on weeknights and rolls around.

What kind of set up do you ride?

I try to support the Deluxe brands Anti-Hero, Krooked or Real boards, Spitfire, and Thunder or Indy. They are the real deal, good people and the best products.

I can’t believe it’s 2008. What do you have planned this year?

My focus right now is working with the Action Sports team at Nike to create the most mindblowing stuff ever. I'm really into design it's always something I'm thinking about. Not just making cool stuff but the strategy, branding, etc. Besides that I hope to ride my bike a bit, take my dog on walks, and possibly have an art exhibition in the Fall if I have time.

I’m just moving along through your projects here…
I love “Stacks”. On your site it reads:

"Stacks began in January 2000 on Commonwealth Ave. in Los Angeles. Headquarters was the second bedroom of our apartment. We loved the idea that t-shirts could be used as conversation pieces and even valued as precious souvenirs. We believed we could use the t-shirt as a platform for simple, thoughtful design.

Today, we continue to produce pieces that reflect our personalities and sensibilities; drawing from our own unique experience and the common understanding of those in love with music, film, art, and design.
I love it."

How did Stacks come about?

It was an outlet for a certain design sensibility I had been cooking up and didn't have a client to unload it on, so my wife and I did it ourselves.

Last “good advice” you came across?

Chill Out

I know you are a busy guy, so I will keep this short.
Thanks for finding the time to chat!

No problem Duane. Anytime..