Meet Austin Lane | Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Austin Lane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Austin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risks are very important. Take the famous Charles A. Lindbergh quote, “Life without risks is not worth living.” That pretty much sums it up in my opinion. However, while I can say that I’ve taken many risks in my life I can also look back on many and argue that they were calculated risks. It’s all perspective though. From the outside some of those risks may seem huge to others, and internally they don’t feel as scary…. I’ve been very fortunate to have amazing friends who have supported me along the way and a loving wife who definitely takes more risks than me. So, she is an incredible inspiration in that way.

When it comes to my career, it’s not just about taking the risks to put yourself in new positions, roles, cities, etc… it’s about the risks that happen every day with the work. The risk or risks are those beautiful points of tension that actually make the work cut through the noise. Without them, the outcome is usually just middle of the road executions that don’t fulfill that passion inside. And failure is ok too. You have to except it and learn from it. You have to believe in the cycle.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art… honestly, I’m still struggling to find my true path as an artist. It’s probably where I get in my head the most, but that’s the struggle of an artist. I’m not afraid to admit it. if I were to break it down though, I would say that my inspiration comes from the outdoors and my passions which are very organic and loose. Take that and mix it with a designer mindset and that’s the intersection at where my work lives. When I actually have the time and apply myself to the craft of my art I do feel like I can accomplish any goals our outcomes that I’m expecting to reach. And do to my career, I’m able to “campaign” my work in a sense and create larger experiences around the art, not just a singular piece.

As a Creative Director, I think about how I got to my role quite a bit. And today, a lot of people try to flex the title of “Creative Director” along with “I have Photoshop, I’m a designer…” I totally get that the landscape has changed, but I feel lucky that I started my career during a time where there was still the “old school” mentality that came with the territory. Long, long hours, sleepless nights, battling through all the ups and downs, having to be on-point every time you walk into a room, challenging the brief, and just having that drive to bust your ass to create killer work. And everyone around me was the same, so there was healthy competition that provided an energy that everyone feeded off of. To wrap this up, I busted my ass to get where I am today and because of it I’ve learned and experienced things that I never would have if it weren’t for choosing the career path of a creative.

Some of my biggest lessons that I’ve learned along the way:
1. Be a sponge (Soak it all up. Listen. Build your bank of inspiration and allow it to be a part of you)
2. Embrace the uncomfortable (When you get too comfortable it’s time to move on)
3. Surround yourself with talented individuals
4. Work hard. Fail Harder.
5. Smile

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, we’re kinda stuck in our little bubble in Encinitas, and if we were to stay around here, then:

1. Hangs at our place
2. Multiple surfs in Cardiff
3. Cappuccinos at Lofty Encinitas
4. Donuts at VG’s
5. Prager Brothers for pastries and bread
6. Campfire or Jeune et Jolie for drinks & dinner
7. Hit multiple spots in San Diego

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Damn…. I could have a very long shoutout list. Gotta give a lot of love to my core group of friends who are all creative in their own way. They have all inspired me and been by my side in so many ways since I was young. My parents have always supported my path and that’s been so important to me. My wife and kids and are everything… I could write for hours on that, but they’re my true inspirations and my greatest critics as well.

Diving into my career shoutouts… John Marquis for hiring me as an intern and then hiring me 5+ years later as an Art Director on one of the strongest teams I’ve ever worked with. (note: bust your ass as an intern, show what your made of. Check the ego at the door. You never know what it can lead to) The Transworld family! Literally, I could never believe that I was actually working there the entire time I was there. My crew at Integer, everyone at ViTRO, 62Above, and the team at BLVR. All the work and friendships created and made during my time at those spots are still with me today, and have shaped my career path.

My biggest work shoutout goes out to Scojo. My creative partner and brother for over 10 years. A true legend. He passed away from cancer in 2020 and as I write this right now, I just wish I could hug him and tell him how much he did for me as a person and as a creative. He had the biggest heart and he was always there for you no matter what. He rocked his way, never conformed to anything, and he was always the best creative in the room. Love you man.

Instagram: @austinmlane

Image Credits
Chris Straley, Peter Tarka, Paul Kooiman