My name is Scott Richards and I’ve lived in and around Newport Beach for over 30 years. As an artist and creative director, I’ve been lucky enough to be inspired by our local area and to surf and travel the world for inspiration. My roots in surfing has led me to work in the surf industry for over 20 years and lately has led me to starting and running my own business called Slightly Choppy, founded and based here in Newport Beach, CA. My art studio is a short bike ride from home and I’m an active board member for the Newport Beach Historical Society.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Jill and I have been married for 25 years and have 2 boys, Jax and Evan. We live in one of Newport’s last beach cottages on the peninsula and have lived a modest, very inspiring life in and around the ocean. We have a kindergarten teacher, artist, lifeguard and opera singer in the house, so it keeps it very interesting.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As an artist and creative director, I’ve been lucky to work for companies and brands that align with my interests whether it be surfing, painting, music or fashion. My work with Quiksilver for 12+ years allowed me to work for a global brand that made surf trunks for the world’s greatest and most colorful surfers. My latest role was working for Stance Socks where I was able to lead the creative vision for retail stores and the brand all over the world. The experience I gained from working for these and other companies allowed me to launch my own company Slightly Choppy, which I have been running for the past 7 years. Every morning I get to wake up and do what I love to do… making hand-made flags of our local and far distant surf spots… these are keepsakes that connect my customers and fans to the places that connect them to their favorite places. My goal is to slowly grow my business, in an art factory setting, and surround myself with passionate, creative craftsmen who make beautiful products.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I live and work on the Balboa Peninsula, so it’s too easy for me to pick TK Burger and Alta Coffee as my go-tos.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived, worked and surfed in Newport Beach for over 30 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Tim Burnham… Wedge bodysurfer, waterman, filmmaker, aqua instructor, friend
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is Big Wednesday… directed by John Milius in 1978 and is my favorite surf movie Hollywood was scared to make.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Find your passion and figure out how to make a living at it.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My idea of traveling is resetting your mind, so hopping in my van and driving around the USA for a month, totally unplugged, would be ideal.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Although he has passed on, Joe Beek… Newport’s original creative, DIYer, and renaissance man who founded the Balboa Ferry, started the Holiday Boat Parade and was Newport’s first harbormaster… We’d definitely have lunch sitting on a dock on Balboa Island or head over to the Crab Cooker.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about our community is the rich history of surfing, fishing, and sailing here in Newport Beach. As an active board member for the Newport Beach Historical Society, I love to study and research our past in an effort to inform the future.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
My hope is that my career and business continue to help and inspire people in their own creative endeavors.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I have been a Newport Harbor High School mentor for over 7 years. It is so rewarding to spend time with kids that are so curious and have their unknown worlds just ahead of them. It’s a no-brainer to pass along some knowledge that they can easily build upon or for me to be someone there for them to share their challenges.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The weather here in Newport Beach is a 10 out of 10.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My two sons inspire me everyday to push myself creatively and remind me to be a better person for our community and planet.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
warmth, love, peace
