Aug 31, 2015 8 Questions with: Nick Pourfard of Prisma Guitars
I found out about Nick Pourfard through the Internet. He is a self-taught woodworker who builds one-of-a-kind guitars at his shop in San Francisco, CA. The vibrant colors on his guitars intrigued me and the fact that it’s made from recycled skateboard decks makes it stand out from the rest. Here is an 8 Question Interview to get to know the Founder of Prisma Guitars a little better.
How did you get involved with building guitars?
I hurt myself skating when I was 18 and I needed to find another hobby. I started teaching myself how to woodwork. Later on, when I got better, I taught myself how to make a guitar.
How would you describe your work?
I definitely look at my work and take pride in it. These are truly one-of-a-kind handcrafted guitars. There are no gimmicks. This is a guitar. I do not want people to immediately know these are made from skateboards. I like for people to appreciate it as a beautiful instrument first and learn it’s story later on.
What are you currently working on?
I just finished building myself a chair. We build a lot of other things in my shop. As far as guitars, I am working on new patterns to keep testing the possibilities of using this material.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in the smallest things around me. For example, furniture, shapes, or even the way a space looks can inspire me to think of new ideas. I get a lot of ideas in my dreams or while I am talking to other people. Some are good, most are bad.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me is to wake up, walk the dog, eat breakfast, then work until my neighbors and roommates hate me.
What are you reading or listening to at the moment?
My girlfriend got me a book recently that explains how shelters are made. It’s pretty good so far. There is explanation anywhere from building a home to just building a hut.
As a kid, did you look up to any artists or skateboarders?
When I was younger I didn’t look up to artists much, but I definitely did with skateboarders. My first skate video was A New Day. It is a small local shop skate video. I watched it a thousand times over. I definitely looked up to those guys.
If you could give some advise to your teenage self, what would it be?
If I could give my teenage self advice, I would tell myself to stop being a baby and skate rails. ha!
Photo courtesy from: Prisma Guitars