“To be inspired in your work is probably the most important thing. To be surrounded by people and places that make you want to work creatively and do your best is really the essence of what everyone is searching for in their jobs and their careers.”
“We can look at the financial rewards of building boards which are limited. The real wealth comes in the people that you work with.”
“I get to meet people from all over the world. This business has brought me friendships that I’ve developed with people from all over the world. I feel like my purpose here, in my life is to touch other people. I can’t think of any other career where I’d be in contact with the broad spectrum of people that I get to call my friends. They’re all surfers but they come from all walks of life and nationalities.”
Eric Arakawa and Chris Burkard are both experts in their crafts and make beautiful product. Though shaping and photography are somewhat distant disciplines the keys to living a creative life are the same whether you’re producing surfboards or photographs. Surrounding yourself with inspirational, hard working, interesting, people that you enjoy spending time with is the best way to stay inspired, get good feedback, and generally have fun and be satisfied in your work.
The Business of Fun 