BMX rider KC Badger made the move from Phoenix, Arizona to Southern California this summer to work alongside Jim Bauer at Odyssey. Vital BMX asked KC to tell us a little bit about what's been going on. This is what he had to say:
"I’m currently a fine arts major at Arizona State University and I should (if everything goes right and I don’t slack too hard) graduate in May with a bachelor's degree. A couple of months ago, Jim (Bauer) asked me what I was going to do when I was done with school. I told him that I didn’t know because, well, I have no idea. I have no clue how a fine arts degree is going to help me in the real world and I know that some time I am going to have to enter the workforce like every other average American. Jim helped my confidence out a lot; saying it doesn’t really matter what degree you get, as long as you get one. It just shows employers that you can be taught. If anything, a fine arts degree could only benefit me by proving that I can think creatively. A few weeks later Jim hinted that he was looking for an intern at Odyssey for the summer and asked if I was interested. Of course i said yes. I figure that since I can’t get school credit (fine artists don’t need internships i guess?) it would be a good experience and something substantial to put on a resume."
"I moved in with Jim and his girlfriend for the summer and now work 9-5 every day of the week. This is the first 'real job' experience I’ve ever had. Sure, I’ve had jobs before, but working at a pizza place, a skatepark, and a skate shop hardly qualify as 'real jobs.' When I came into Odyssey, I had no idea what to expect, I just knew I was going to help Jim out. Jim is an amazing artist, with or without a computer. I, on the other hand, am admittedly horrible at using computers, let alone trying to create art with one. I later learned that my main job at Odyssey would be helping with next year’s catalog and I wouldn’t even need to use a computer. So, without giving much away with what we’re doing, I’ve been working in the back of the warehouse doing all sorts of art -related stuff for the catalog. I’ve also been helping Jim do some team stuff, some ideas for future softgoods, and basically anything else art -related that I can bring to the table. I’m done August first, which is when the catalog deadline is, letting me finish up so i can get back to the burning pits of hell... aka Arizona."
"It’s been awesome to be behind the scenes and actually be a part of Odyssey. Everyone that is involved is completely dedicated and passionate about their work and I think it shows. It’s amazing to see exactly how much thought, work, and testing actually goes into every little thing this company puts out."
"That’s pretty much what I’ve been working on all summer. I’d like to say thanks to everyone here at Odyssey, especially Jim for giving me the opportunity."
 | |
| KC with an invert in Arizona before his temporary move to California. |
