Interview by: David Ray of ThrottleJunkie.com 3/2008

Once in a while and against the odds, talent alone will thrust a company to capture success above the well-funded marketing budgets of the big boys. This is one of those stories. The man and company I’m referring to is Tag Gasparian, owner of “Tagger Designs” (www.taggerdesigns.com)

Tag grew up with his parents in Laguna Beach, Ca., the Art’s and Performing Art’s capital of Orange County. If you’re a local, you’ve been there! The beaches are awesome and the culture abundant, as are the posh restaurants, shops and boutiques. Along with more fine Art galleries than I’ve had crashes.

With Tag’s parents both being artists and industry professionals it’s no wonder that Tag’s natural talent was nurtured and drawn forth to became part of his personal and professional life. As a hobby for self-expression, Tag’s surfboards began receiving his talented painting and designs. This was a perfect host for his work to be exposed and envied by many! The surfboards of Tag’s team-mates were the first recipients of the handy work, and a catalyst to his present profession.

You see, Tag has been a professional surfer. And a very accomplished one at that. The man has shredded the best waves and tanned on some of the most exotic beaches around the world. Pictures of Tag and his crew ripping up waves on surfboards that sport his paint, have been seen in every major surfing magazine world wide, and many times over.

I was about 10 when Danny, my big brother gave my childhood best buddy Chris Turley and I a crash course on surfing. Danny also pointed out a fringe benefit, “chicks dig surfers little bro” he explained. This was true!, Chris and I were having a blast.

We soon forgot about the “benefit” as we transformed into real surfers. Surfing became more important to us then girls, or school. It’s not just a sport we found out. In short, it’s an attitude, a perspective and a way of life. Surfing was in my blood. If I wasn’t in the water, I was reading the likes of Surfer, Surfing and other related magazines. – hold this thought.

A step back … the prelude

Mauler calls and asks if Id like to interview his buddy Tag, owner of “Tagger Designs”, located in Lake Elsinore near Langston Racing. As I accept the assignment, Mauler clues me in on what Tagger Design’s is all about. Mauler notes that Tag is a great guy, soft spoken, humble even and may require some prodding to open up about his success, and he rides ~ ( all traits I like! )

As I arrive at Tagger’s Designs, I am pleasantly surprised to be greeted by my buddy Bruce Mirada. Bruce, an AMA licensed Pro rider is a close friend of ThrottleJunkie.com and a heck of a great guy. Tag has good judgment in people I see.

Along with working at Tagger Designs and racing, Bruce runs his MX riding school. In which I will soon be a student. This is in my quest to go faster (and safer), and my beautiful wife Diane’ quest for fewer doctor bills. Sure, I have “some” riding talent for Bruce to work with, but even more bad (riding) habits for Mirada to work out. – Stay tuned for this story!

As I wait a few moments for Tag’s attention, I make good with the time. Typically, I will use any wait time to look around and take mental notes for later use in the interview or story. I was intrigued as I came to a picture on the office wall. It was “Tag, James Stewart and Stewarts sic painted street bike! I quickly scan the room to see what else may capture my interest. Didn’t take long as I saw a beautifully custom painted helmet, ready to be picked up with number 338 and the name Lawrence. J-Law’s lid no doubt. Hmmm.

My interest (and fun factor) was accelerating fast as my eyes locked onto a picture of a famous and well-exposed helmet paint scheme. (see Tags web page gallery) I instantly knew who’s brain basket this belonged to. The number #4 making it perfectly clear that I was correct – it’s RC’s. Yup, Ricky Carmichael’s. Hmmm, Tag paints for RC ! - Ok then, …this is getting good!

So the questions I had planned were pretty much out the window at this point. I was not prepared, and Tag may remember seeing (after reading this) the chicken scratched questions I abruptly produced. I was at a loss, a good loss however. But how could I have not heard of this company Tagger Designs? Well, as Mauler said Tag was soft spoken and humble, but his work and customers sure weren’t. No worries, all the more to work with, turn on the tape recorder and see what transpires. Tag was a little shy, non boastful and a real pleasure to talk with.

Tag comes into the front office, says hello and offers a warm handshake. His face and blue eyes seem very familiar. I have seen this man before, and not just once. However I cant place it. I also know, “I never forget a face”. The bells continue ringing in my head, confirming a connection of some sort. But again, I cant place it for the life of me

With in a few minutes of our talking as Tag shows me around a bit, he speaks of his surfing career in relation my question of how he got started in painting , that was it! It all came together.

This was the same guy I use to read about, wanted to be even. I had seen his pictures in all my favorite Surfing mags. Fact is, pictures of Tag tearing up waves had graced my bedroom walls. At that time in my life, he had the best job the world had to offer. These memories all came from my surfing days of the 80’s. Like I said, I never forget a face. Especially of someone who’s job I wanted.

In today’s world, that “Best job on Earth” title goes to none other than Donn Maeda, Chief Editor of Transworld Motocross magazine. Sorry Tag. But hey, … your in the top ten

Today, Tag is 47. Just a few years my senior – Tag is happily married and the proud father of two boys. The boys (Tag included) all ride. Id asked if he still surfs? He replied, not too much these days. We both agreed that after riding, surfing doesn’t have the same appeal, and cannot compete with the “full time” pleasure that riding produces.

Surfing requires patience and waiting. Unlike riding, every second on the bike is a thrill. I too, rarely surf anymore. Riding has spoiled me. I want that instant gratification and adrenaline that only riding seems to bring. Ok, there’s one “other pleasure” that competes with riding, if your married that is…. and for most, riding lasts “allot” longer!

Twenty minutes in the water will get ya “some” ride time and a pretty good work out. Twenty minutes on the track gets you twenty minutes of ride time, and a workout like no other. Well, ok maybe Soccer, … I did say maybe. Once on the track, there’s zero time wasted “waiting” for the ride. If the throttles twisted, so is your brain. Many others that have spent a good amount of time surfing, and ride as well are all pretty much in accord with Tag and I … no contest, riding rules!

I will say this in defense of surfing; it’s a clean energy, feels good, all natural and calming. Diane (my smoking hot wife) in reading over this story says: “Babe, I gotta say that in many years of surfing, you never broke a single bone, or needed a ride to the hospital or doctors”. This is true, I reply. Babe, … riding is sooo worth it! - Note: If ya don’t throw-down (ride), this will make no sense.

Diane agrees that “nothing” and I do mean nothing relieves my stress like riding for a few hours.

Heck, my woman has more than once told me: “please, please go riding babe” … (top that).

Ok then. So, Tag and I sat down in his shop, and while he was working on helmet we talked a bit, here’s the skinny of that conversation. ….

David: Hey bro, its good to meet ya. Before we sat down, you clued me in a bit, but lets start at beginning – So, I understand you’re an accomplished surfer, tell us about this

Tag: Ya, I was professional surfer in the 80’and for eleven years I traveled all over the world. I first started painting my own surfboards, then my teammates boards. That led to painting the customers boards, of my sponsors board-shop, in Oceanside.

David: Tell us your age bro?

Tag: (after a short pause) Uhh, forty …seven, forty-seven!

David: I got it! I remember you bro. I knew it. When I came in, I knew I recognized you, and not just in passing. But wasn’t able to place it. I do now boy. You’ve been in many surf magazines, yes ? Yes, you have … Ive seen ‘em time and again! Had a few on my walls as a kid.

Tag: Ya, a few … (Tag looks down at the helmet he’s working on, while grinning)

David: You have graced the pages of Surfer, Surfing, and other magazines… and many times, Yes. I remember you and your piercing blue eyes. Surfing was my thing for many years.

Tag: Yes, (laughs a bit) Ya, I got a couple pictures around. So you surf?

David: Yup, was my wasted youth. Do ya still surf Tag ? (I’m a little off track now, taken back)

Tag: Well, ya, when I go on vacation with the family or something, if the waves are good and the waters warm. Otherwise, no not too much really.

David: You made a pretty big jump from water to dirt, what brought this on?

Tag: After traveling for so many years and surfing good waves, I got spoiled and just started riding Motocross for fun. I have two young boys, and I got them into riding. We all started riding. Its just fun, and ya get a real work out quick. I just really got into motocross. I then thought, hey … maybe I should start painting helmets instead of surfboards.

David: Nice, and good move. Ya, after I started riding, surfing actually became a bit boring. Too much waiting for that rush, the thrill I desire. And on dirt bikes… (Tag jumps in)

Tag: Ya, you can go riding for like twenty minutes, … and your sweaty, and get that adrenaline rush going. Like when surfing “good” waves, which we don’t get here. So, ya … that’s why I ride over surfing.

David: After riding a for a while, and ya got back in the water, did the whole “order” of surfing get to ya. I mean, the rules of the waves gets old real quick after riding. On the track, I am sure not gonna give you my line because of where you started off. It’s more like, ya … please, try taking it, if ya can! That competition is welcomed and most desired.

Tag: Ya, not at first, but as ya get out of surfing it gets like that. Because ya gotta surf all the time to stay in it, and ya get outta shape for it too. It’s a different kind of “in shape” for surfing.

David: Ok then, so as we established you do ride?

Tag: Yes, well I “was” riding. I had an accident on a street bike not so long ago. Uhh, ya, it was bad, it was real bad. A close friend of mine died. He was riding with me, on his street bike. My bike got totaled, I am lucky to be here. I broke a couple of bones, and spent a week in the hospital. I had to sell my dirt bike for a little while.

David: I am very sorry to hear such, I assume this happened on street, and locally?

Tag: Yes, coming down Palomar Mountain.

David: I see in your eyes this is a painful thought. Umm, still very painful.

Tag: Yes, … I miss my buddy. –

This is a personal tragedy, and simply none of my business. I respectively change subjects.

David: So what got you started into painting?

Tag: Well, ya know, I grew up in Laguna Beach, which is a full art town. My dad was one of the main artists in Laguna Beach, and in all the art festivals. We were all in the pageant of the masters, my whole family was in the pageant of the masters. My mom was an artist too, so I just have it in my blood. I have always drawn, and have always been artistic, and it just developed. Then, I just went from surfboards to this.

David: Well I see its working out for you bro. I look around and see you have painted for the likes of RC, Stewart, and J-Law, to mention just a few. I assume others fly your colors on the tracks of the AMA. Will ya give the readers some who’s who?

Tag: Oh, well, ya … Factory Connection, MDK, KTM, Yamaha of Troy. Those are the helmets over there I designed. Ah, ya, that’s Billy Laninovich’s sitting over there, ready to go … ya, a few more.

David: Nick Wey?

Tag: No, Nick has a signature helmet.

David: As do you, I understand … – we’ll get back to that.

Tag: Ya, its pretty cool … (smiles big, still working on that helmet)

David: Wow, so you have quite the clientele, yes? Tell us about this

Tag: Ya, I had Ryan Villopoto when he was in the amateur ranks. I used to paint all his helmets through out his amateur career pretty much. And then, ya, … lost him when he went to Pro Circuit, cause Troy Lee always does the team. Ya, … but hopefully when he gets on a four-fifty he’ll come back by. (laughs a little).

David: Tell us, how did it come to pass that you acquired such clientele and success ? (note: Tag’s reply formulated my intro to this piece)

Tag: Uhmm, I don’t know, …I just always try to do the best work I can, and people really like it.

David: So what then, you just picked up a helmet and painted it. People saw your work, said “sweet” who did this … found your name and it took off ? - clue me in from the start

Tag: No, not at all. I worked for a few various other paint companies, as I painted helmets for them. But what got my business moving, was going out to many amateur races. I would scout out top kids and paint their helmets. That’s how I started getting amateur riders and really got it going on. People loved what they saw. As word spread, this led to pros and more.

David: Your success did not simply fall into your lap. You worked for it, earned it. You went out and hustled for it?

Tag: Ya, I did. Ya, I went out, I promoted myself. I showed what I could do, I proved it and started painting for them!

David: Drop names, and who’s being painted now ? You mentioned Teams YoT, MDK. Factory Connection, give us more…

Tag: I do Volcom helmets for Nicco Izzy and Jason Anderson, I hook up James (Stewart), I did all Carmichael’s before he retired. I just painted a street bike for James Stewart, as ya saw. Im pretty stoked. Its fun too, cause I love to paint. Its awesome to see them really love there helmets and stuff.

David: I understand some really good things are coming to fruition, yes ? Tell us little about this, if you can.

Tag: Ya, I have some really good stuff going on in regards to signature helmets and deals like that. Ya, I’m working with Shoei and Bell. Six-Six-One called yesterday, we’re working a deal for my designs and paint also. Ya know, signature stuff. With my Tagger Designs work on their helmets, they promote and produce ‘em. Ya, that’s pretty cool.

David: Nice, very sweet gig bro. It shows that you love what you do. I saw the picture of James and you. Very nice bike. James looks very pleased by the way. He has that big ol’ smile going. I must say, I find it funny that I am looking at a good number of TLD’s getting Tagged, any comments ?

Tag: Ya, really … it’s all-good, TLD is great. Ya, James is fun to work for. That was allot of fun.

David: I was pleased to interview James Stewart at Lake Elsinore Motocross Park. It was James first ride back in the saddle after his knee surgery last year. I was covering the Moto X kids race. I simply approached Stewart, and with respect to his time requested an interview. James smiled, then said “Great, lets do it now”. James was in no rush and was very easy to talk with. (Thanks James!) – FYI: my past postings can be found on throttlejunkie.com –on left, click on david ray.

Tag: Ya, for sure, James is fun to work with. You get around David. I saw your Mitch Payton interview… good questions.

David: Ya, I owe that to my buddy Jim Conquest, of “Imagine-It Motorsports” Mitch and many other industry staples are Jim’s long time friends. Jim’s company does a good deal of the custom graphics for many high profile teams, and their big rigs. (stickerman@verizon.net)

David: Ok, so in wanna point out. You’re not just about helmets. This shop is well-equipped to say the least. I see you have a professional and full sized spray booth, plus all the goods. I also see what I am guessing is a hundred plus items, helmets, frames, car hoods, and many fiberglass panels for who knows what …

Tag: Oh ya, no, not just helmets. Custom choppers, Harleys, Street bikes, rails, rhinos, and helmets. I love to paint and design. If paint will stick, I can make it sic!

David: Last off, how does one get “Tagged” and get that “oh so sweet” pro look you provide?

Tag: Just call, stop by or look at my web page. Some guys simply call and give their idea. I run with it, and send em out the helmet. No worries, stop in and say hello. We’ll take it from there.

David: Ok, Tag, I got it down, and thanks bro … Its been a pleasure. This was fun.

Tag: Thanks David … and bring me your helmet.

So there you go. If you desire a sic look for your brain basket, see no other than Tag at Tagger Designs. And note, Tag does all the painting and designs himself - unlike others that hire painters and designers. I was impressed with Tag and what I saw today. I look forward to “taking” his line soon.

Not just helmets, I remind you … Just about anything paint can be applied to can be hit-up by Tag. I saw many items in this very well-equipped shop in process of getting the Tagger beautification. I tell no lie, seriously sweet stuff. I’m not sure there’s anything Tag cant make better with his colors! I look forward to showing off my Shoei, after Tagger Design’s has jeweled it for me… better use the scratch (crash) resistant paint bro!

Hook it up, get Tagged!

Tagger Designs: www.taggerdesigns.com
31879 Corydon St. Ste. 110
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
951.674.8000

Be sure to tell him you read about him on ThrottleJunkie.com … Your source for what’s hot! Gotta a question, want some info, have a story? … hit me up at david@throttlejunkie.com. Or stop and say hello at the tracks.

 

David Ray #220 - Ride Fast, Pray Hard, Give it all you got!

 

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