Choq is a fun guy to hang out with. Always ready for a good time which is good to see in this world of complainers and "cool" people. A few years ago Mike decided to go to the United States to see if he could make it work for himself. He now lives a block away from the beach (HB), drives an A4, has a beautiful babe and is one of the creative madmen at Globe. His secret to success?
Yo Mike, what have you been up to lately?
Choq: A lot actually, living life to the fullest, trying to get as much out
of it as possible. Doing some personal projects besides work, which include Team Neighbor, art, furniture design...
Give us a short rundown of who you have worked for once you started living in the USA?
Choq:It has been a wild ride, but projects from the past and present have included names like: Globe, Dwindle(Blind, Almost, etc), Fox Racing, Sole Technology (Etnies, etc.), Billabong. So the majority of it was the Action Sport Industry, but I try to venture otherwise every once in a while.
How have you conquered the greencard/visa situation?
Choq: I definitely got lucky on this one, since my mom was already married to an American, I pretty much tagged along on that. It still took me almost two years and waiting in line at the L.A. INS office. But nevertheless thankful for being here..
What is your position now at Globe?
Choq: Anything that has to do with graphics, t-shirts, label packages,
apparel, will pretty much come across my desk...I hate titles, since it
still takes a team to get the job done...most people wear multiple hats
anyway...
What's your goal to reach at Globe?
Choq: To help revamp the brand and actually have the brand do the shocking in the industry for once, like having it come from that invisible left corner, you know? We are approaching an exciting era in the company and maybe one day it could be a part of the BMX industry.
Does riding BMX help you stay creative?
Choq: Well it doesn¹t keep me healthy...hehe...yes it does, riding because I love it, has made me able to think in different ways. That means it clears my mind, like all good sports...I wish sometimes I could ride more then I have the time for.
What other outlets do you use to get inspiration?
Choq: Mainly books, they reveal the rest of the world. Magazines, music, movies and we¹re in a time where websites give us a great source of inspiration as well, like a big free library, you know. Not to forget great friends as well, you hang with the right people, it can make you go places you¹ve never dreamed off.
Here's the word game. I give you one word, you answer with one (or two):
Ale Blie: Fat Jam
Kroket: Mustard.
Minerva: Bad start.
Caddy: Not finished.
HB: Aaaaiikkk!
Hollywood: Neighbor Tim
Globe: Everywhere.
Press from Holland: Got fax?
Life: Priceless.
Computer: Useful.
BMX: First love.
Thanks Mike!
Photo credits:
-Riding shots by Neighbor Tim (www.teamneighbor.com)
-Other pics: BdJ
Choq is a fun guy to hang out with. Always ready for a good time which is good to see in this world of complainers and "cool" people. A few years ago Mike decided to go to the United States to see if he could make it work for himself. He now lives a block away from the beach (HB), drives an A4, has a beautiful babe and is one of the creative madmen at Globe. His secret to success?
Yo Mike, what have you been up to lately?
Choq: A lot actually, living life to the fullest, trying to get as much out
of it as possible. Doing some personal projects besides work, which include Team Neighbor, art, furniture design...
Give us a short rundown of who you have worked for once you started living in the USA?
Choq:It has been a wild ride, but projects from the past and present have included names like: Globe, Dwindle(Blind, Almost, etc), Fox Racing, Sole Technology (Etnies, etc.), Billabong. So the majority of it was the Action Sport Industry, but I try to venture otherwise every once in a while.
How have you conquered the greencard/visa situation?
Choq: I definitely got lucky on this one, since my mom was already married to an American, I pretty much tagged along on that. It still took me almost two years and waiting in line at the L.A. INS office. But nevertheless thankful for being here..
What is your position now at Globe?
Choq: Anything that has to do with graphics, t-shirts, label packages,
apparel, will pretty much come across my desk...I hate titles, since it
still takes a team to get the job done...most people wear multiple hats
anyway...
What's your goal to reach at Globe?
Choq: To help revamp the brand and actually have the brand do the shocking in the industry for once, like having it come from that invisible left corner, you know? We are approaching an exciting era in the company and maybe one day it could be a part of the BMX industry.
Does riding BMX help you stay creative?
Choq: Well it doesn¹t keep me healthy...hehe...yes it does, riding because I love it, has made me able to think in different ways. That means it clears my mind, like all good sports...I wish sometimes I could ride more then I have the time for.
What other outlets do you use to get inspiration?
Choq: Mainly books, they reveal the rest of the world. Magazines, music, movies and we¹re in a time where websites give us a great source of inspiration as well, like a big free library, you know. Not to forget great friends as well, you hang with the right people, it can make you go places you¹ve never dreamed off.
Here's the word game. I give you one word, you answer with one (or two):
Ale Blie: Fat Jam
Kroket: Mustard.
Minerva: Bad start.
Caddy: Not finished.
HB: Aaaaiikkk!
Hollywood: Neighbor Tim
Globe: Everywhere.
Press from Holland: Got fax?
Life: Priceless.
Computer: Useful.
BMX: First love.
Thanks Mike!
Photo credits:
-Riding shots by Neighbor Tim (www.teamneighbor.com)
-Other pics: BdJ
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.