Max Palmer
Graduation Year: 2006
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Type of Creative: Fabricator, Sculptor, and Skateboarder
What They Do: Max is a professional skateboarder and active visual artist. Max is also part of a skate crew that has started a successful skateboard company, Limosine. Max balances his skateboarding career with his artistic pursuits, finding inspiration in both fields. While formally trained as a photographer, Max makes art through a host of different modes and has had his work displayed in galleries and art shows around New York. His ability to integrate his artistic skills with his skateboarding career highlights the interdisciplinary approach emblematic of many Wellington graduates. Max notes, "It's good to have something else to work on other than just skating to kind of give yourself a break."
Their Journey: Palmer discovered skateboarding at a young age and has been dedicated to the sport since age 9, building skate ramps in his backyard - learning how to take risks and land on his feet. Max’s passion for “creating” began early, significantly influenced by his older brother, a sculptor. This exposure to creative environments sparked his interest in building and creating from a young age. After graduating from Wellington, Max went on to further his studies at Pratt Institute, where he focused on photography but later expanded his artistic repertoire to include sculpture and fabrication. He worked as an assistant to artist Sara Vanderbeek, where he honed his skills in creating sculptures that were later photographed and exhibited. While working as an artist in New York, his skateboarding career gained recognition through the production of skate videos with friends, leading to sponsorships (with Nike, Carhartt, and Spitfire, to name a few) and eventually turning professional. He and his skate crew followed up on the success by starting a skateboard company, Limosine, where he focuses on the design and production of skateboard decks, which has been growing steadily. Max looks forward to continuing his travels, making skate videos, and expanding Limosine. He is excited about upcoming projects, including a collaboration with Nike on a special edition of the Dunk shoe. He remains committed to his artistic endeavors, continually seeking new opportunities to create and inspire.
The Wellington Impact: Wellington's emphasis on individualized learning and encouragement from teachers helped Max cultivate his creative talents. The school's supportive environment allowed him to explore his interests freely and develop his unique path. Max reflects, "I was never pressured to do any specific thing." Max's artistic talents were nurtured through various opportunities, including jazz band and creating a literary magazine during his high school years. A pivotal moment was his black-and-white photography class, which ignited his deep interest in photography. Max recalls, "I was so obsessed with it and the process and the chemicals. And just the magic of it." Wellington supported this passion for the arts by helping him enroll in a half-day arts program at Fort Hayes during his junior and senior years, providing additional artistic exposure while still pursuing his diploma from Wellington. Max credits Wellington for fostering a sense of leadership and motivation to pursue his passions, which Max carries into his professional life. The school's support in allowing students to explore their interests and develop their unique paths was instrumental in his growth as an artist and professional.