The Berrics - Clinical Research

Well, that makes a lot of sense. I've seen that happen too. On another note, I was quite surprised when Heath Kirchart told me years ago how artistic you were. And then a few years after that, Jim Greco said the same thing to me, both in a very admirable way. Now, after getting to know you a little better, I really see it and admire it myself. Can you explain this to those who may not know this about you? Like, what kind of role you take in the development of everything Erik Ellington. Shoes, boards, clothing, every day life?

Being a pro skateboarder and having the ability to design and create things is what I've always wanted to do, so when it comes to the things that go along with being pro, I take pride in it. I'm pretty critical about the things I put out and sometimes me being like that can get pretty frustrating. Things get tangled up; deadlines for videos and interviews, family life, trying to think of board graphics, shoe and clothing designs, trade show booth arrangements, dealing with factories etc., but then I take a step back and realize that there's nothing in the world I would rather be doing and I wouldn't have it any other way.

But just because you're doing what you want doesn't mean there isn't a lot of commitment involved, right?

Right? I kind of shrugged it off when I was younger, but there's been a lot of commitment and a lot of sacrifice.

I've seen it and lived it, but have always had a hard time being understood for it. Is it hard for you to get others, especially those who don't skate, to fully grasp what it takes to go out and do the things you or any top professional does on a daily basis.

I don't think anyone on the outside can fully grasp it unless you take them on a day-to-day life tour for a couple of years, then maybe. But until then, after I tell them I'm a professional skateboarder and they ask, "like Tony Hawk?" I just reply, "yes". It saves me a lot of trouble.