Ari Marcopoulos at Mast Books

Hey Carlisle, tell me about yourself, what you do? Who are you?

I am a 26-year-old and trying my best haha. Ok, serious now. Originally from Chicago, raised in LA. Reside in New York. I’ve been skating for what, 10 years now, turned pro bout 3 years ago. But yeah, full-time skater, I guess and I do some modeling sometimes.

Where are you rn, what are you doing?

Right now I'm in Paris, after our 10-day trip. I'm doing absolutely nothing, which is such a pleasure. Think when we do something so physically demanding, we never take advantage of the rest phases.

What was going on in Milan? How long were you there?

I’m starting a skate series, and the first stop is Milan, It’s pretty much a Euro-based series and to have my friends and favorite skaters in one place to film for a video. Whereas usually this group would probably never be on a trip together, due to different sponsors. Oh, and 10 days in Milan.

Why Milan? Who did you bring on this trip?

Milan, cause why not haha. It really just was like where do I want to go? And I knew and saw the skate culture, among how beautiful Italy is. I brought mad mfs lol. we got Marcello Campanello, Tre Williams, Ronnie Kessner, Steven Sklena, Tristan Martinez, Cody Grant, Olli Lilja, Dougie George, Dan Fisher-man, Jeff Cecere, Ritt Pong, Ram Pong, Leonardo Bodelazzi, and Sam Ashley. Shit I think that's everyone.

What was the local scene like? Skate-wise/nightlife-wise?

The local scene was like being a part of the family. Milan is pretty small once you get familiar with the city. All the skaters know each other and respect each other, it was nice. It was a lot of our first times in Milan, seeing it through youtube videos and then seeing famous spots is always a trip. Night life was cool we found this bar we went do damn near every night lol. and a couple clubs. Not really into clubbing, but when in Milan, you must try everything, right? But we definitely have the most fun when we are all together, chilling doesn’t matter where.

Shoutout Chinese box, tell me about that place

Crazy name haha. They love us there. it was like the first bar we went to when everyone was arriving. We spent a lot of money there haha or I know I did lol.

It’s not usual to have a bunch of people on a trip with all different sponsors, or even people who aren’t fully sponsored. Why did you want to do that for this trip?

Yeah, not typical. I’ve been fortunate enough to have so much support from friends and family to get me where I am today, and I want to give that back. Whether your on already, or just starting. This is a foundation to give something you strive for. I’m also paying for everything lol so there really are no rules. It’s not dedicated to a specific brand so we are free to do as we please.

Who was your favorite person on this trip?

Haha Ritt always.

What were the sleeping arrangements like?

Chaotic lol. First, Airbnb I had to buy these twin-size air mattresses that we put in the kitchen/dining area. Steve and I slept on the couch. Ritt and Cello shared the main bedroom. Haha, the kid's room (I call it the media room haha) had a bunk bed and a twin bed in it. Tristan and Jeff had the bunk beds and Sam had the twin. We made it work, I mean, we are skater,s so we are easy. We would sleep on the beach if that were an option.

What does rooming and traveling with 15 people teach you about one another?

Man, I think it's one of the most important things. I’ve been on so many skate trips like most of us on the trip. But for those who haven’t, it can be tough. Like I said, we are skaters and by that like a big family. It was Cody's first real skate trip, and leaving the country. So naturally I picked on him the most haha, but we’ve known each other since we were kids. You gotta be able to hang, man, it is a big thing. You don’t gotta drink and smoke, but don’t be fucking weird and quiet. Like, talk to one of the 15 dudes on the trip, haha. Everyone was chillin' though, we had our party boys and reserved boys. Teaches you a lot though not only how to act but how to feel. I think we have to put our personal feelings aside for the bigger picture. Which was a big new thing for me like being a team manager of some sort haha. Seeing who wants to skate what & make sure it stays productive and not stagnant.

Why the name Sincerely? What is Sincerely?

Initially, the full name was Sincerely by Carlisle, but I felt a big narcissist to name a skate series after that lol. But that will still be the Name of the photo book I am doing with the help of my lovely friend Tristan Martinez. But Sincerely, because it’s genuine and it’s real, and if you know me, I love my people. Who packed the most? Haha I think Tre did. Mf pulled up debo haha. Usually i would but im trying to be better cause i dont even wear half the shit i bring lol.

What is your favorite part of the trip / least favorite part of the trip?

Haha, I don’t have a least favorite part. shit was ten out of ten. Favorite part was just being in Milan, honestly. We all have such a special circumstance where we can travel the world through skateboarding. It’s a very special thing.

What’s one thing that’s in your suitcase no matter where you travel?

haha I’ll go with a shower cap. cause i always have braids in and I can’t fully immerse myself in the shower if I don’t have it, haha. Oh and a toothbrush.

Best/worst thing you ate in Italy?

First night man ahah we ate this shitty ramen spot. yes give me shit for eating ramen in italy lol on the first day. Best? I don't know, we ate so much good pasta I can’t choose one specifically. This onigiri spot that Ritt found was sooo good though. Will go back to milan just to eat that again.

Tell me about something funny on the trip.

There is this photo of me drunk as shit laying on the train tracks at like 5 AM haha. But like I’m just smiling, looking at the sky haha. it’s hilarious shout out Leo and Steve for takinf care of my ass haha.

Who is putting this trip on?

I am. As well as everyone that comes along, thus it wouldn't be possible. But yes, I booked flights for filmers and handled the living situation.

What is the purpose of Sincerely?

The purpose of Sincerely is to create a place where we can have an outlet with the right creative minds to make sure it hits all audiences. I want Sincerely to be a creative group that doesn’t just focus on skating, but everything that we want to do. I guess like a creative agency but a bit different haha.

Are we going back to Milan ?

Where’s the next stop?

Shit maybe we are feening to go back after this trip. The food, spots, accessibility, the beauty. Honestly, next episode is looking like a tour trip this time. Think start off in Milan then Portugal, and maybe Paris after.