Studs Up

The folks at Nike are putting on a massive two day media event this week to launch all their 2010 products, innovations and World Cup gear. Dubbed the “Nike Innovation Event” they’re going to give the media first hand access to all their new shiznit plus access to players and Nike designers/executives alike to ask questions first. It’s sort of the Apple Keynote of the football gear world I suppose.

Around 300 of the world’s media have been invited and flown in and put in hotels at Nike’s expense to attend. On that list? One cartoonist. Me, to be exact. W. T. F?

As much as I’d like to play it down and act like it’s no big deal, it’s pretty pants-shattingly amazing to be on their radar. I have no one to thank but you guys for what’s been one and a half amazing years since I started doing Studs Up. All your support reading the comics, sharing them with friends, websites, message boards and even emailing me encouragement has allowed this to happen. Without you guys, I’d be just some mental in a basement drawing penguins with bad attitudes (I may or may not actually work in a basement. Trade secrets).

So I’m flying over tonight and will be doing as much live coverage of the event as I can. I’ve been a huge Nike fanboy ever since I was a boy watching those classic TV ads with the ninjas, secret tournaments etc. In fact, I decided to begin my career in advertising specifically with the goal of someday working for Nike Football marketing. That dream took a turn when I started doing comics instead, but this is good enough.

I haven’t been given any details of the event as it’s all hush hush, so I have no idea what to expect. I’m merely arming myself with as many recording devices as possible to capture it all in photos, videos, and sketching on napkins.

If I do get a chance to speak to any players, I have no doubt my time with them will be limited. So if you have any suggestions on what to say, I’d love to hear them!