Tell Me More (and Giveaway!): Chris Avantaggio from LiveME

Today’s interview is with Chris Avantaggio, founder of LiveME. If you’ve been to Maine, chances are you have heard of this brand, but in case you haven’t, “It’s a celebration of all things Maine—the places, the adventures, the people, even the beer.”

Chris and his lovely wife, Elizabeth

Chris and I went to high school together, and although he was a few years behind me in school and we ran with different crowds, I definitely am proud to tell people I know him and I might probably kind of act like we were total BFFs way back when because I think he’s really damn cool. (Is this getting weird?) He’s also a legitimately nice guy from a good family (“Why don’t you get together with one of those nice Avantaggio boys??”) and he has created a successful brand around something I adore: Maine. You’ll read more about what he does below, but be sure to check out his portfolio if you are at all into kickass graphic design.

I am wicked excited to offer you all a giveaway from LiveME today! Check out the details and rules at the end of the post.

NAME: Chris Avantaggio

AGE: 28

HAILS FROM: Damariscotta, ME

CALLS HOME: South Portland, ME

SMARTS: University of Colorado, Boulder – BA Creative Advertising

WEBSITE: www.livememaine.com

CLAIM TO FAME: 5th Place at the 1993 Pack 213 Pinewood Derby

What did you study in college? Do you feel that you are directly utilizing your college degree?

I studied creative advertising and mass communications at The University of Colorado, Boulder. I work as an associate creative director/art director at The VIA Agency in Portland, ME and I’m also the designer and founder of Maine lifestyle brand LiveME. So yes, I would definitely say I am utilizing my degree—which is crazy when I think about it because I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to study until my junior year of college.

What are the top 5 most essential things you need to do your work?

I like to be surrounded by other creative people, I’m always inspired by what others are creating/doing. Then I need music, coffee, Field Notes and CS5.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? How did you quit?

When I was 16 I worked for a hardwood floor refinishing company. My job was to go around hand sanding all the nooks and crannies that the machines couldn’t get into to. It was hot, dusty work and I spent most of the day in a respirator on my hands and knees. I quit about halfway through the summer and took a job as a dish washer at a local restaurant. The ironic thing is that my boss used the be the chef there. He took it pretty well.

If your 15 year old self could talk to you now, what would they tell you?

Don’t worry, they always fail you the first time on your driver’s test.

If you were in a band, what would your band name be?

“AD/HD”

Now for the bonus round! One of you lovely people will win a LoveME tote bag by doing the following:
- Visit the LiveME website to see all of their awesome products, and the head over to their Facebook page and like it
- Come back here and leave a comment on this post about your favorite LiveME product

For an extra entry:
- Follow LiveME on Instagram @livemaine

For yet another entry:
- Post a photo of you or someone you know rocking their LiveME gear and tag #livemaine AND #tlactellmemore (check out their “Friends” page for inspiration)

This giveaway will close at 9pm next Tuesday, February 5th and we’ll announce the winner that Thursday!