Matt Andrews 2007 Reel: One Issue #9 Folio
You know how when you watch a skate video you tend to memorize the whole thing? The tricks, the order of the sections, the audio from the DVD menu, even the commercials? Well, those commercials are often just as much work as what you see in the video itself. A long drawn out process of importing clips and arranging pieces on a timeline that, in the end, lasts only 30 seconds or so onscreen…
I bet you didn’t know that for a long time most of the commercials — and animation in general, for that matter — in those videos was all done by one person. I bet you’d be surprised to find out that that one person is a pro rollerblader of whom you’ve already heard.
Matt Andrews is that rollerblader. While he doesn’t skate nearly as much as he used to, he’s still right there in your latest skate video, but behind the scenes. Those trees in “Barely Dead” growing out of Franky Morales’ hands? The little animations in both “We Are Valo” videos, and online before Valo’s clips of the week? Those are Matt Andrews. He’s created a very secure business for himself in the inline industry by providing all things motion graphics for all the companies you know and love. Nearly every major inline skate, clothing and accessory company has worked with Matt on some level at one point in time. From the IMYTA (where I first met him and got to work with him) to Rollerblade, Xsjado, USD and Esoteric.
As visible as he is in the inline world, it has now become just a small corner of the Matt Andrews universe. Since moving to New York City in late 2006, Black Mandrews has spread out his network considerably, working freelance with such illustrious firms as Imaginary Forces, BUCK and Liflelong Friendship Society. You might’ve seen some of this work on the MTV Video Music Awards last summer. In more recent news, he just wrapped up 11 straight days of 10-plus hours each working on a piece for Kobe Bryant and Nike Basketball. Big Time.
As with just about every artist I’ve gotten to know, Matt has that commitment to his craft that creates marathon battles of productivity vs. the desire to sleep. I’ve watched him at work at 5 in the morning, after being up for most of the previous day, only to sleep for a few hours in the early morning and then get up and do it all over again. He’s relentless. But that shows. In that natural, water-like skating style of his and in the work he produces. You know it’s Matt when you can’t look away from the screen.
If you’re into his work and want to see more, check out his Web site at silkyblackgold.com. Or, you can just sit tight until the next big skate video is released, because undoubtedly, Matt will be a part of it in one way or another.
— Mike Rios
Download: no.9_folio.mov / Believeinone.com.
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Tags: matt andrews, one mag
April 26th, 2008 at 9:03 am
that reel was so frsh.
That’s so tight he worked with imaginary forces too, such a dope firm.
April 26th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Yo man, i love Matt Andrews, it was his work that inspired me to get into motion graphics, and now i work for a sports channel trying to learn what he’s done, Cheers man
April 26th, 2008 at 10:21 am
my tattos are from esoteric. matt was sick when he skated tons… more so with the fro
April 26th, 2008 at 11:41 am
respect to this man
April 26th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Loads of respect. The sections on salomon st-9 are memorable :)
April 26th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Mann Am I happy to read this or what?? This is sooo much what we need, people with professional work to amp our industry and make us look good.
Matt is the man, soo much style and design in his work, I also work with CG for 5 years, have been skating for 16, and also made a shitload of things for the rolling comunity specially here in Brasil.
BIG BIG BIG UPS to matt, and keep doing your thing man! You are a great inspiration for all of us!
best regards,
FRED
April 27th, 2008 at 1:26 am
Matt Andrews work is seriously unbelievable. I just watched a reel of the work he’s done on his website and I was totally blown away. One of my favorites to watch was the one he did for Xsjado, it looked killer!
I ran into Matt back in like 98` and he was a way cool guy.
April 27th, 2008 at 2:25 am
Matt Andrew, Hoax 5 = Sick
April 28th, 2008 at 5:30 am
amazing work
April 28th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
This is the kind of guy we need more of, or at least more exposure to, in rollerblading.
Barely a handful of skaters today are ever going to get to Haffey or Aragon-type levels of skill, but in people like Black Mandrews (hah!) we have someone that’s done just as much for rollerblading but doesn’t get the limelight. And I think that’s a shame.
Kids skating today need to know that it’s possible to have a fulfilling and succesful life in rollerblading - personally and professionally - that doesn’t have to centre around being some kind of wheeled god. You can skate to the best of your ability and develop other skills both inside and outside of the industry.
It takes more than just slick feet to take rollerblading forward; the industry needs dedicated people in all areas, from writing, design and photography to business skills, scientific knowledge, marketing and more that I haven’t even considered.
I for one would like to see more focus on people behind the scenes that keep the industry going, to serve as inspiration for those coming up through the ranks.
May 3rd, 2008 at 2:22 am
Thanks everyone for all the kind words, and to the guy with Esoteric tattoos(?!) I’d love to see a picture of that.