Many dream of getting sponsored and paid to pursue their passions.
Imagine getting free product, traveling the world and skating some of the best parks or street spots and getting paid to do what you love. Now that is a dream come true!
There is much more to getting sponsored in skateboarding than just going out and ripping the streets. Lets not twist this up, of course you have to be able to skate on a high level, but that is just the start of it all.
In this article, you are going to learn what it really takes to get sponsored by Resurgent Skateboards.
On a daily basis I get emails and messages from skaters of all ages from around the world. Each one with the same request "Can you sponsor me?". There is not a single request that goes unanswered, but the reply is often the same "Yes, but not based off this simple request". Some of these requests come with a sponsor me edit they have thrown together, some do not. Below you will find the steps it takes for Resurgent to decide if you are a good fit for the team.
Key #1 - Making a Unique Sponsor Me Video
Make your first impression count
Video is going to play a major part in our decision. Not only do we want to see your skill set, we also want to see what quality footage we can expect from you. If your filming footage from a phone it is not going to be of the same quality from a DSLR, VX etc.
Filming and Editing a Great Sponsor Me Tape
- Skate the streets. We all skate park but when it comes time for a video part the streets are where creativity shines. I see so much dope park footage, if you can do it at the park you can do it in the streets.
- Keep your video about 2-4 min long. Only including your best tricks.
- Film in a variety of spots and be creative with your tricks, show us your style.
- Keep the transitions simple and minimal.
- Choose your music with caution, better yet don't use any at all...
When you have your Sponsor Me Tape all put together you can do a couple different things to prepare to get it to us.
- Post it online, places like YouTube are a great way to publish it for ease of access.
- Use a file transfer service like https://wetransfer.com you can send up to 2GB for free to any email address
- Place it in a .zip file and email it the old fashion way. Most email services will only allow files of about 25mb so this may not be your best option
So your all set to send in your tape now what?
Tell us who you are and where your from, as well as how old you are.
Let us know several ways you can help Resurgent if we sponsor you. Lets be honest you have to bring some value to the table. We can't just hand out free boards with little to nothing in return. Everyone has value, we want to hear about yours. Maybe your big on social media edits, you win contests often and could bring brand recognition that way.
Tell us your goals and future plans within your life. Share your vision with us of how riding for Resurgent Skateboards would go.
Key #2 - Passion for Skateboarding
Regardless of what you do in your life you must always remain passionate about it. For us at Resurgent skateboarding is our passion, this is not a time killer its a lifestyle and we love every bit of it.
When you love skateboarding you have fun while doing it, sure missing tricks is frustrating but it won't cause you to give up or quit. When your in love with skateboarding being sponsored or not will not affect the way you skate.
We want to see hungry skaters that are out enjoying themselves, not just skaters trying too hard to get sponsored. The difference is obvious and it shows in your skating.
Skateboarding was meant to be fun, if you keep it that way the rest will follow. Of course getting sponsored will be in the back of your mind here and there, don't push so hard for it to make it happen. If your talents and personality speak for themselves someone is going to notice.
Just as we want to see you passionate about skateboarding we want to know you are passionate about Resurgent as well. Now I am not saying you should buy tons of product from us and it will give you an edge. I am however saying that you want us to send you a box of boards, but have you ever rode one before? Brands all have slightly different shapes, sizes and concave. Get your feet on a Resurgent deck, make sure it is even a fit for you. If your haven't already I am pretty sure that you had a brand you would regularly ride because you loved how it felt, how long it lasted or you just wanted to support a brand you believed in. We love seeing our decks show up in sponsor me tapes, it actually means quite a bit to us.
Key#3 Style Matters in Skateboarding
When we look for new team riders to sponsor, we are looking for individuals who stand out with style and originality. We could care less how big of a stair set you can tre flip, its the way you do it and make it look good.
Since there is nobody in the world who posses your traits and personality you should always be yourself. Sure we all have role models and idols, I am not suggesting you stop looking up to them. I am suggesting you let your personality shine, and forget what the masses are doing.
Key #4 Have the Attitude of a Winner
There is so much more to sponsorship than skateboarding. The make or break for getting sponsored or being kicked off the team is attitude. Having a good attitude, being positive and motivated to skate speaks volumes about an individual.
Not only will you be representing your sponsor every time you step on a board, but you are becoming a role model for others around you and on social media. As Resurgent grows as a company so will the team, some may go pro and have their own pro models. If you cannot bring inspiration and positive vibes to both your teammates and fans, then you won't make a good fit for any brand.
Key #5 - Promote Yourself and Get Noticed
If you want to be sponsored you have to think of yourself as a product.
For anyone to buy your product they have to know about it first. It is your job to get yourself out there and display what you have to offer. Showing up to demos, contests and networking in the skate industry will put you out there more.
- Go to every local competition, event and party you can find
- Make your presence known within your local skate scene and online. (but don't be a dick)
- Get on various social media outlets and post regularly, create a following.
The more exposure you bring to yourself the better, get people talking about you. Even haters are helping to spread the word and draw attention to you, just remember you cannot please everyone all the time.
Key #6 - Networking and Making Connections
Often times having the right friends can make a difference in getting sponsored. The sad reality of sponsorship with any company is that there are going to be limited spots. Companies have to be sure they are making the right choice when it comes to sponsoring a rider. Having friends who are connected can make obtaining sponsorship easier if they can vouch for your personality.
Get in contact with the team manager and get to know them. I have had some amazing conversations with tons of people from around the world via DM or email. I do not look at myself as above anyone and I am not to good to talk to any one of you. Hit me up and send me a message, I am always down to give feedback or tips. If I don't get back to you instantly please don't take offense, I answer everyone who messages me as soon as I can.
It would do you a good service to make as many connections with people inside and out of the skate industry. Be chill and be of value. You would be amazed how responsive everyone is.
Key #7 - Constant Progression
We always want to see you improving when you skate. Its easy to loose tricks, and everyday you should set a personal goal to get better at skateboarding. If you aren't showing improvement then eventually you become irrelevant and left behind. Yes that is the cruel reality of anything that requires athletic ability.
You are going to have to push the limits to reach new levels in your skate career.
Stay relevant by constantly improving your skills in skating, social skills and marketing skills. Lets not forget filming!!!! You may not normally be the one behind the camera, but having a good working relationship with your filmer is worth its weight in gold. Knowing where they will be and why can make for a dope ass clip.
Getting fat packages full of gear is not unobtainable, but it is up to you to make all the necessary steps to get your foot in the door.
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-Jeff
