Dustin Koop is likely the most excitable person that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Every time I talk with him, he’s got a new project on the go, or is giving me ideas for something that I should do. He’ll pull out books, photos, DVDs, anything to spark the stoke in you. He’s made two of Calgary’s most notorious skateboard videos, is a graduate of ACAD, and currently works in Southern California as the Art Director for Transworld Snowboarding Magazine. He has made a ton of friends in Calgary and elsewhere, and it seems as though everyone always has something good to say about Koop. He deserves it.

What do you miss the most about Calgary?

The thing I miss the most about Calgary is all of the great friendships that I have created in the skateboard community and the great experiences from the size years that I spent at ACAD. Without all of that I would probably still be living in the bush on Vancouver Island with six kids from six different baby’s momma’s.

Why did you move away from Calgary?

I actually moved away twice. The first move was in 2005. I had just finished my second year at art school and was approached by Aaron Meza to see if I would be interested in being the Art Director for Skateboarder Magazine. So I did that for a year and then decided that I hated living in Orange County and decided to move back to Calgary to finish the last few years on my degree.

One week after graduation I moved down to San Diego to be the Art Director for Transworld Snowboarding Magazine. I had originally declined the offer, since I am a skateboarder and wasn’t all that interested in snowboarding. But, after I made a visit there and met the crew at Transworld, I was sold on moving back to California.

Where is your favourite place in Calgary?

It is quite likely that I am the most boring person ever. I do however have a few key spots that get me hyped; spots that we don’t have out here. I love my candy and meat, so I’ll have to say Crave Cupcakes and Tubby Dog. Movies are also a huge part of my life, so The Globe and Uptown Cinema’s as well.

Describe a perfect Calgary day:

Perfect Calgary day? Are you serious? Since it’s always colder than a witch’s tit, and I almost die from frostbite every winter, it is a rather difficult question to answer.(Editor’s note: It’s not that cold. He’s gone soft being in San Diego for so long.) Hmmm, I would go skate with all my friends, then at about noon hit the Elbow River with the homies, then get the grill going and have a BBQ with music and a little mini-ramp session.

Favourite Calgarian of all time?

I’m not sure I know any legit Calgarian’s, oh wait… I have a good one. I would choose Geoff Mcfetridge, that guy is one of my favourite all time artists. I first saw his work at the Alumni Show at ACAD and it blew mind away. It showed me that Canada can produce talented people.

What’s the most awesome restaurant in Calgary?

I am a huge fan of going out for breakfast, so I would The Galaxie Diner or this spot by my old house called Dairy Lane.

What’s your fondest memory of Calgary?

One of my favourite memories was the first four years of meeting, skating, and filming for Botched, as well as the notorious Norbeece film “Our Shit Dope Volume #3″. We didn’t have a volume #1 or #2, it was pure shits and giggles.

What makes Calgary so awesome?

Calgary has the best skateboard community. Everyone is friends and just down to hangout and shred.