The Sightless Socialite

Jamie Thomas 'LAST WORDS' in the new TWS Buyers Guide 2010

FALLEN BRAND MANAGER, RUSS POPE, INTERVIEWS JAMIE ABOUT RIDING FOR INSIGHT

What is your inspiration behind riding for Insight and was it tough to leave your own brand?

Well first off, I think the clothing and the creative direction of the brand is really cool and inspiring. Also, since I've gotten more involved with the brand through the distribution relationship, I've been able to get to know everyone and see the potential of the brand, so riding for it came about rather naturally. It was kind of hard to imagine not riding for Fallen Apparel, but since I'll obviously still be working with the team and the designers for Fallen, it still feels good. I've also needed a change for a while and this gives me the opportunity to start a new chapter of my career/life.

Who's on the team now and can we expect any skate team changes?

Daniel Shimizu, Paul Shier, Brian Brown and Tyler Mumma from the US and since they're an Australian based company, they have a crew of dudes from there; Nick Boserio, Rhys Grogan, Bernie Foo and Dane Burman. Then there's Sam Partaix from France. The plan is to let any team changes that may come up happen naturally, so we'll see how that goes.

Insight's a pretty fashion forward brand, will your signature pieces with them be as well?

I think everything will have an Insight twist, but the goal is to make stuff that skateshops can get behind; price wise and style wise.

Are you looking forward to being a team rider first and foremost responsible for photos and video of yourself, not having to be as concerned about big picture/company owner issues?

I'm so psyched to just be a team rider, it's exhausting being responsible for everything.

What's the story with all the crazy ad campaigns, where do those come from?

They just want to do their own thing and they're incredibly creative, so they just dream it up and make it happen.

What's the meaning behind, 'Repeat after me; I am free?'

I think it's just to remind you that you're free to get loose, in case you forgot. I can appreciate it, cause sometimes I get stuck in the rules that the industry/world puts on us.

So Insight is an Australian brand, how does that effect what you do and or don't do with the brand?

Well minus the time difference and the fact that they're so far away, not much. I guess it does mean that I'll be going to Australia more often and I can't complain about that.

Heard you starting surfing... has hooking up with Insight changed your outlook on activities or styles?

I guess I've just become more open minded, because I now know you can do stuff other than skate without being a kook.

When can we expect to see you in an Insight ad campaign? Have you started working on ads and apparel pieces?

I filmed a skit for their web campaign and I think my ad will come out in the next few months, it's going to kick off the new print campaign. We've also already designed some apparel for next year, some of which will be released around march.

Where can a skateboarder go to buy Insight?

It may be expensive and a little hard to find now, but we're working on changing both of those things as fast as possible. Hopefully, it will soon be in your local skateshop.