ONE 4 LA, a Creative Los Angeles Community
After scoring on a surf trip to Nicaragua in 2012, pro surfer Matt Pagan and his brother Mike wanted a place where they could showcase highlights of their trip. With the norm of surf professionalism including a self-indulgent “pump-up” site, the Pagan’s felt there was more to a simple collection of clips and sponsor thank you’s.
“We thought about it and realized we didn’t want to just be another brand or self promoting website,” Matt said. “We wanted to start a movement.”
What came to light, a concept called ONE4LA and One4LA.com.
“ONE 4 LA and One4LA.com is a youthful perspective on Los Angeles surf, skate, art, and music culture through the eyes of my brother Mike Pagan and myself,” he said.
The goal of the Pagan brothers’ efforts is an outlet for the creative minds of LA.
“If you’re a part time musician, a dedicated graffiti artist, a person who owns a camera, a professional skateboarder/surfer or anything in between, One4LA wants to showcase your talents,” Matt said. “We want people to know that One4LA stands as a place where people can share their passions, support one another, and get exposure.”
To encourage the LA community, One4LA has created an area in the website called “The Club” where anyone can join and share their work.
“If you haven’t signed up already, it’s easy and a great way to get connected with fellow creative individuals,” he said. “Your profile serves as a biography, a show-real and a platform for social media.”
Besides documenting the local happenings, One4LA will cover travels abroad through film (webisodes), photos and stories. Charitable work will be a constant ideal throughout the site.
“Our mission is a dedication to giving back to the roots of LA as well as setting up donations and other ways to give to people in need,” Matt said.
The Pagans’ vision with the One4LA logo insignia is to be a true representation of love for LA’s creative community and not a money-making marketing tool.