Joey Adamczyk Interview

Midwest skateboarder’s are definitely wired to shred and Joey Adamczyk is no exception. His Shred-O-Meter is def hot wired. When Joey shows up to skate its a about taking care of biz and then chillin with his homies. Besides being one of the most humbled skaters I know he is just a down to earth trust worthy guy. He has all the characteristics that Character looks for in a rider.

One of the greatest attributes about joey besides his lose aggro style is that he is able to find that one thing that just blow minds. And If its demo time he always picks it up a notch higher and sticks some of the sickest shit that fully makes a lasting impression.

I can’t say enough about him but what I do know is this interview is well deserved. If you ever get a chance to skate with him you will def understand what I’m talking about.

Al Butella, owner
Character Skateboards

You live in Chicago, correct? What’s the skate scene like there?

Indeed all my life, well, Northwest Suburbs to be correct, gem of the Fox Valley. The skate scene here is so chill, under-rated, and the people are great. It’s not really blown out in coverage, and that being said, it’s very difficult to connect with skate industries and companies if there not local. It just seems that if your from Chicago, they don’t want anything to do with you.

Chicago is so underrated for what the city has to offer. How do you think Chicago stacks up to cities like LA, And New York in terms of spots and skateboarders?

I believe Chicago is one of the greatest cities to skate along with LA and New York. The thing that makes Chicago stand out more than the East and West Coast, are the skateboarders. The scene here is just unreal, everyone is so hyped to be apart of it and it just builds up that energy. We have tons of spots for whatever your into, and if you like exploring to hit up some untouched ish… Chicago’s the right city for you.

How did you start skateboarding? What was your first board?

I started 13 years ago, when it wasn’t as popular. My brother Jeff had passed away 96′ and it really took a blow on me. A couple years after that, I found his old POWELL PERALTA… started carving around and from there it just took hold and rooted me to what I love.

What do you prefer skatepark or street?

I prefer both, and its a delicious combination if you mix the two… That natural “Tranny” is what I get off on, haha. But its nice to get some brews and head downtown to meet everyone at Wilson for some bowl sessions. But there’s just something about the feeling of doing work in the streets and accomplishing something you’ve been eyeing’ out forever.

Do you do anything else other than skateboard?

I’m like a Jack-of-all-trades sort of deal, I’ve worked as a Chef for nearly 6 years, so I can cook like it ain’t a thing. I go to school for film so I shoot alot Shawn Turner skate-action. I’ve been a very artistic person since a young age, I like to express my individuality and originality wheresoever I go. So my free time is spent working on art with friends, shooting photos, filming and editing skateboarding footage, and recording music. Lately, I have been getting involved with more art shows, galleries, and clubs trying to connect with new peeps and fellow artists.

Are you involved in alot of art shows?

Lately, I have been trying. I’m about to graduate school, so I have been getting more and more involved with the art scene by attending shows, and creating new artwork to send in for upcoming ones. Its great to see what other artists have been up too, and it just fuels you to create something of your own.

Lets talk about your sponsors, who are they?

I ride Amateur for Character Skateboards, and Wellborn Clothing out of Chicago. Also, I ride with SMLTWN Skateshop in Dekalb, they are my family.

Tell us a little about Character Skateboards?

Character Skateboards is a skater owned and operated Chicago company. I have heard about them for awhile, and they have been the biggest local skate company around the area for a number of years. They are all about supporting local skateshops and companies, and truly support the skate scene by throwing demos and competitions giving product out for free.

I had met Alan Butella, the owner and operator, a couple years back. I had sent in a video, and also ran into Soma Fueller, their team manager, alot at the skatepark. Soma had been seeing and hearing alot about Shawn Turner and myself, so they both decided to throw us on the team. Since then, the company just exploded… Al started throwing me boards, and Soma made sure we got the attention we deserved, they have continued to push and support our skating. I get so much support from both the team and the company, that they have become very close to me and are considered family.

Sounds like they’re trying to do something big,what about Wellborn Clothing?

Wellborn Clothing is also a skater-owned Chicago company, I had met the owner Marfa Capodanno through Shawn Turner a couple years ago and he had asked me if I wanted to join the family. At the time, he had reminded me of that one dude from Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Charlie, so I went with it. Since then, Wellborn has experienced huge growth in the last year, and we hope to do it again this year. Marfa has always supported us in big ways, by making sure we get attention, planning events and roadtrips, letting us in to help with t-shirt and logo designs, and making sure we are all a tight family bringing us out to business dinners. Tony Francesconi, Wellborn’s photographer, is one of the coolest dudes to chill and shoot with, not to mention he has got great-looking photography. Tony has been there alot to help guide us with designs and ad layouts being the main creative brain behind it all. You can expect HUGE things to happen in future with Wellborn, and I am truly PSYCHED to be apart of it all.

Sounds like you have tight sponsors. So where do you see yourself in 5yrs?

Haha, 5yrs is awhile, but I plan to just go with the flow and take it as it comes. I hope to pursue my interests in skateboarding, videography, and art to the maximum. Go explore the world while I’m young, and just express myself chu’ know. Maybe settle down somewhere nice, and get a job I enjoy doing.

Thank you for sitting down with True, is there anything else you’d like to say or anyone you’d like to thank?

I guess just keep it real, and be yourself. The world is what you make of it.

I’d like to thank Tommie from TRUE. Ariel Ries , Jason Mclemore, my dynamic duo Shawn Turner, and the rest of my skateboard family at SMLTWN Skateshop. Alan Butella, Soma Fuller, Lee Larkins, and the whole Character Fam. Marfa Capodanno, and Tony Francesconi for their support from Wellborn. Alec Ozawa, Pat Shore, and Kyle Seidler for their photography magic. The Office Skatepark. Good and Old friends, Jay Stromberg, Bryan Thompson, Mike Trnka, Ryan Walters, Kanada Karl, Ken Nowka, Paul Feinberg, and Chris Savittieri. Back to the roots, Jason Hyde and everyone from BOARDOM Skateshop. My brother Jeff, RIP. My family for always supporting me. Also to all the other homies, friends, and influences out there that I forgot and did not mention.. I wouldn’t have made it this far without any of your support. Much LOVE! - ZAM