Jimmy Kakanis, skateboard maker, Cottage Skateboards
Trying to turn a weekend hobby into something that can pay the bills is pretty bad-ass ...
Local lad Jimmy Kakanis, former web designer, always knew the standard 9:00 am to 5:00 pm wasn’t for him. After a short hiatus from employment, he and a buddy began toying with an idea that has grown to become somewhat of a dream for Jimmy. He spends his days surfing and making skateboards from sustainable and salvaged timber from his home and shed in Palm Beach.
What inspires you?
The big questions straight off the bat! I think my main inspiration comes from a pretty decent urge to spend time doing the things I love doing. I think I get on a bit of a roll when I’m able to work (and skate) as I please. I also get a good froth going when I hear stories about people throwing themselves in the deep end and quitting their job to pursue a passion, committing themselves wholeheartedly to their craft or just giving something new a crack. I reckon that takes a lot of courage.
We’ve heard stories of a mistaken pair of pyjamas, can you tell us how it all began for Cottage Skateboards?
It was about 18 months ago, I had just quit my job and was making the first batch of boards to sell at the markets. I had about ten or 12 boards on the go and I was in the ‘fabric-ing’ stage. I had all of my boards and fabrics laid out and was trying to match the prints with the shapes so each board had a good feeling about it. I had this little retro fish-shaped board, and there were these paisley pyjama pants hanging on the side of the couch. I couldn’t remember where I got them from, all I knew was they were in my workspace and they were perfect for the board. About a week later, I was showing the finished decks to my roommate Claire, and she was immediately drawn to that deck. She was like, “Yep, Jimmy this is the one. This is sick!” There was probably about a five-second delay until she realised why she liked it so much. “JIMMY! These are my pyjama pants!” Oops! I named it the ‘Sore Eclaire’ (Sorry Claire!) and gave her a commission when the board sold. I think we’re cool now.
Rewind a bit, do you remember your first ever skateboard?
The first board I rode was a yellow plastic banana board when I was about eight or nine. I learnt how to ‘tic tac’ on it but sadly it got run over on the very same day. My second board came along the following Christmas, an aqua double-kick Powell Peralta. I skated that one until there was nothing left of it. After it snapped, I had it up on display in my room as a little trophy.
Did your parents ever tell you to cut your hair and get a real job?
I know Mum would love me to get a haircut but I reckon that would be the case no matter what job I had! That said, I think they realise it’s the first job I’ve had that I truly get a good stoke from. I’m definitely working harder than ever before (sorry to all of my past employers!) and they can see it is starting to pay off. I wouldn’t say I’m eating salmon dinners every night, but I think my soul is getting a good feed. So I think they’re actually more proud of me than ever!
How much time each week do you spend sourcing these epic retro and psychedelic fabrics, and do you have any tips on the best op shops on the coast?
Well I’d say I’ve always got my eye out. If I walk past an op shop, I’ll check out what’s there and if anything catches my attention, I’ll just grab it and figure out how I can use it later. Burleigh has a couple of good ones and Palmy also does pretty well … but I’d say the ones in the little country towns are the best (not as many crew pick up all the crazy party shirts). Lately it’s been getting harder to find stuff I like, I don’t know if it’s because all the good stuff is already taken or if I’m getting more picky. Because of that I’ve actually started to make my own patterns and artwork, which has been really rad.
What are your thoughts on scooters at the skate park?
Oh man, I guess it’s probably better than sitting on a PlayStation all day. That said, there will definitely be a day when the scooter-ers wake up and realise they’ve been living a lie … and when that day comes I’ll be here to make them something they can start a new life on!
You have been known to collaborate with local artists and customers to create one-off boards, was there ever one that really hurt to let go of?
I’ve worked with some ridiculously talented artists through our Plank Canvas events. The boards have always turned out way, way better than I could have hoped! But those aren’t really mine to hang on to, so it’s quite easy seeing them go to loving homes. I used to get that feeling a lot with my own boards. Anytime I changed my working process, or if something unexpected (and rad) happened, I would want to hang on to that board as a sort of historical reminder … But I got over myself after the first ten or so milestones! If I ever start to get a bit clucky with the boards (can dudes use that term?), I’ll cut up one of my favourite shirts, put it on a deck and sell it. That usually sets me straight. And it helps keep my personal collection to a somewhat reasonable number.
What is your personal definition of success?
There’s that Bob Dylan quote that’s been going around lately that I like, “A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.” I like that quote because it reminds you to be happy in the present moment and doesn’t pin you down to doing one thing or practising one way of being. But I think as long as I’m able to do the things I like doing I’ll be happy.
Do you have any advice for someone who might want to pursue their passion as a career?
I’d say, be prepared to work for it. But, going out and trying to turn a weekend hobby into something that can pay the bills is pretty bad-ass. You’ll learn a lot!
How do you like to start your weekend?
I love the slow morning routine. Go for a paddle, eat a big brekkie, get a little coffee buzz going, have some chats or read a book. Then I’ll get busy preparing for the Sunday markets – wherever they are that weekend.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
You can’t beat a Sunday barbecue with friends. Having said that, I don’t really count the weekends as my time off anymore. I take breaks when I can get them and when I do, I’ll normally head south for a little surf trip.
You’ve also flirted with skateboard-making workshops, is there a new career on the horizon?
I’ve hosted a couple of the workshops now and the crew that come in have been so stoked, and their boards have come out way better than we all would have expected! So who knows?
What has been your greatest achievement?
That’s a tricky one. I’d say building up the guts to leave the comfort of my air-conditioned office and pursue Cottage, and then sticking with it through all the ups and downs has probably been my biggest achievement. I guess I’m still making my own trophies.
Only a Gold Coast local would know that … the best free entertainment is watching a pumping point while a thunderstorm rages off the coast.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Feather & Docks in Palm Beach. Bloody good coffee, food and crew.
Relax … Curling up at Burleigh Point with the missus.
Dine … Pablo Pablo for some of that sweet, sweet paella.
Indulge … Nutella plus spoon plus glass of milk.
Be inspired … Seeing all of the different stalls at the markets is pretty inspiring – there are so many creative people giving it a nudge on the coast.