The late 80s and early 90s were heady times for Australian surfwear. Brands like Quiksilver, Billabong and Rip Curl were household names and a host of other companies, now relegated to the archives of history, were enjoying their time in the sun. All up, Australian surfwear labels were pumping out t-shirts in their millions with artworks ranging from pure logo designs to detailed cartoon masterpieces. Mambo had become famous for its investment in contemporary artists and applying their designs to fashion and many of the other surf brands were doing the same.

I fancied myself as a commercial artist and wanted in on the surf fashion scene, but after a failed attempt to get into design school, I was working long hours for a small salary, and I was bored out of my mind. I started drawing again and after practising for several months I was ready to begin sending off designs to the big surf brands in the hope that somebody, anybody, would take me on as a graphic designer or artist.

My opportunity came with an unexpected phone call from the owner of Hot Tuna, whose offices were located on the NSW, Mid North Coast. He liked some drawings I had sent him and wanted someone to come up and organise his art room. I’d grown up in the Sydney suburbs, mostly dreaming about riding waves, binging on surf time in summer holidays, but never matching the coastal kid who was honing his snap before and after school. This job was my big chance at not only doing something creatively satisfying but pursuing a lifestyle I’d fantasised about.

I arrived for my first interview and immediately joined the long list of male employees with a crush on the receptionist. She smiled politely and called down the brand owner ...