New Brand for Overload — WAR SAW
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New Brand for Overload — WAR SAW *
It’s cool that in the U.S, compared to Australia, the local pro-skateboarders are the biggest names in the industry. I still get a little buzzy when I think about those sorts of things. With that being said, here is some Chat GPT dribble regarding a recent set of photos that I took:
One of the more rewarding projects I've worked on recently came through Overload Skate Shop in San Diego, where I handle much of the store's photography and visual content.
When Overload introduced WAR SAW, the new brand from professional skateboarder Jamie Thomas, we needed a collection of images for social media and product promotion. As usual, I recruited one of the shop staff, Colin, to help model the collection and we headed out to create a series of lifestyle photographs showcasing the apparel and footwear.
WAR SAW immediately stood out to me. The collection feels purpose-built for skateboarders who have grown up with the culture. The silhouettes are timeless rather than trend-driven, the materials feel premium, and the overall aesthetic strikes a balance between skateboarding heritage and everyday wear. It's a thoughtful approach that reflects Jamie Thomas' long-standing influence within skateboarding.
As a photographer and creative professional with more than 30 years of involvement in skateboarding, I always enjoy working with brands that have a genuine connection to the culture. My focus was to create photography that felt authentic to both the product and the audience while providing Overload with content for Instagram, marketing campaigns, and digital promotion.
One unexpected outcome from the project was that Jamie saw the photographs. Having been heavily involved in the launch and direction of WAR SAW, he reached out with positive feedback on the imagery and subsequently offered me an opportunity to shoot content for WAR SAW's social media channels.
Receiving positive feedback from someone whose work has influenced skateboarding for decades was incredibly rewarding. Having that feedback turn into a professional opportunity made the project even more meaningful.
Projects like this are a reminder of why I continue to enjoy photography, creative direction, and visual storytelling***. Great products, great people, and the chance to create work that resonates with a community I've been part of for most of my life.
***It’s a true statement but no one really talks like that do they?
Thanks Chat GPT.