Hailing from Ravenna, Italy, Mattia Milandri is a down-to-earth creator who’s been carving his own path in the fingerboarding world. Born and raised in this historic city, he spends his days working at his family’s 65-year-old body shop, surrounded by cars. But when the workday ends, Mattia’s true passions come alive—building boards, playing music, and diving deep into the fingerboarding scene.

Fingerboarding first hooked Mattia when he was 15. Now at 30, it’s been a constant in his life—except for a short break around 18 when the scene in his hometown fizzled out. “There were only two of us in the city, and it got boring,” he admits. But in 2019, Mattia made his return, reigniting his love for the craft.

One of his most unforgettable moments in the scene was his first trip to Black River’s legendary event, Fast Fingers. “I’d watched it on YouTube for years, thinking it was out of reach,” he recalls. “When I finally got there, it hit me in the bones—a surreal feeling.” The experience of meeting people from around the world, many of whom he admired on YouTube as a teenager, left a lasting impression. The sense of community in Germany was unlike anything he’d felt before.

These days, Mattia balances his full-time job with growing his fingerboard company, Living Wood, and taking on new challenges like organizing tours. His next big goal? Turning his passion for fingerboarding into a full-time gig. “I’d love to quit my job and survive off this little object,” he says with a grin. With his easygoing vibe and relentless dedication, Mattia is living proof that fingerboarding isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life.

Living Wood is the brainchild of Mattia Milandri, a dedicated fingerboarder from Ravenna, Italy. The brand’s name came from a playful moment with his girlfriend, who suggested it while practicing English. What started as a hobby has grown into a full-fledged operation, blending craftsmanship and creativity in every board.

Mattia’s journey into fingerboard manufacturing began simply—building decks for himself and close friends. He found peace and joy in the process, transforming his rented garage into a personal workshop. What began with a single deck has evolved into a daily routine of crafting up to 10 boards, each designed with an artistic flair. His goal? To create more than just fingerboards—he’s shaping pieces of art that players and collectors alike can cherish.

One of Living Wood’s proudest achievements is hosting Finger, Trick Master, a standout event in Cesena, Italy. Organized alongside Bena of BrokenFingerSk8, the event drew over 40 participants and garnered support from 35 sponsors, making it one of the best-organized fingerboard gatherings in the country. “It’s probably the best thing I’ve ever done,” Mattia reflects, thrilled by the community’s response.

Living Wood’s team includes talented riders like Michael (@brokenfingersk8), Leo (@finfer.fb), DJ (@djp____), and Mattia himself (@mtfingerboard). Beyond crafting decks, Mattia is constantly innovating, aiming to elevate fingerboards into true works of art. With a background in sculpting, he’s always experimenting, ensuring each design is unique and meaningful.