Skateboarding is an exhilarating sport that embodies art, culture, and lifestyle. Skateboards come in various types, each tailored for different riding styles and terrains. Whether a skater prefers street skateboards, cruisers, longboards, or old school skateboards, their choice depends on their thrill-seeking activity and style.
Designing graphics for a skate deck requires understanding both the technical aspects of skateboarding and the cultural elements that resonate with skaters.
Here are some key points to consider:
By considering these factors, you can create graphics that not only look great but also resonate with the skateboarding community.
Anatomy of a skateboard
Here are the common skateboard sizes:
| Micro deck: | Mini deck: | Mid-size deck: | Full-size deck: | |
| Width: | 16.5 – 17.1 cm | 17.8 cm | 18.5 cm | 19.1 – 21 cm |
| Lenght: | 69.1 – 70.1 cm | 71.1 cm | 73.7 cm | 81.3 cm |
| Suitable for: | Ideal for kids under 5 years old. | Suitable for kids aged 6-8. | Best for kids aged 9-12. | Perfect for teens and adults. |
For specific styles:
| Street skating | Park/ramp skating | Cruising/longboarding: | |
| Width: | 19.1 – 20.3 cm | 20.3 – 21.6 cm | 21.6 cm and wider |
| Best for: | For better flip tricks. | For more stability. | For comfort and stability. |
The history of skate deck graphics: Influences and innovations
The surfing movement of the late 1950s led to the creation of the first homemade skateboards. Surfing enthusiasts who wanted to “surf” on land attached roller skate wheels to the bottom of milk boxes and simple wooden boards.
By the 1960s, the first commercial models entered the market. Early commercial skateboard decks were often left with a natural wood grain, some were decorated with pinstripes, and others were painted in solid red, aqua blue, or green. These decks featured screen-printed graphics on top, which were limited in color and typically included logos, slogans, and simple, fun illustrations.
The 1970s saw the emergence of skateboards made from molded materials with textured surfaces for better grip. Any graphic design was typically relegated to the bottom of the board, often as an embossed logo or a sticker.
The 1980s saw a resurgence in skateboard graphics, largely due to the widespread use of grip tape, which moved most graphics to the bottom of the deck. With pro skateboard stores being scarce, many sales were conducted through catalog orders, making the graphic design a crucial factor in purchasing decisions. Early in the decade, graphics were mostly monochromatic and influenced by punk rock culture. As the decade progressed, designs became more diverse, featuring abstract patterns, geometric shapes, detailed illustrations, bold typography, and elements from movies, music, and pop culture, making them relatable and trendy. The 1980s also introduced the first skateboard artists, with many professional skaters collaborating with artists to create signature decks.
The 1990s experienced a skateboarding boom, with skateboards being produced by the hundreds each month. Brands began churning out signature graphics for their pro teams to meet the growing demand. The 1990s saw an explosion of creativity in skate deck art, introducing bold, colorful, and often controversial graphics. This era featured graffiti and street art, over the top cartoon and comic book characters, dark and macabre imagery, pop culture references, political and social commentary and and even satirical takes on skate culture itself.
Today, skate deck art ranges from minimalist designs to complex illustrations, often reflecting current trends in art, music, and pop culture.
Designing art for a skateboard
Designing art for a skateboard is a fantastic way to express creativity and individuality.
Here are some steps to help you get started:
- Inspiration and concept: Begin by gathering inspiration. Look at existing skateboard designs, street art, graffiti, comic books, and pop culture references. Think about the themes and styles that resonate with you.
- Sketching ideas: Start with rough sketches. Don’t worry about perfection at this stage. Experiment with different concepts, characters, and layouts.
- Choosing colors: Decide on a color palette. Bold and vibrant colors often work well on skateboards, but monochrome designs can also be striking.
- Digital design: If you’re comfortable with digital tools, transfer your sketches to a digital format using software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. This allows for more precise and scalable designs.
- Typography: If your design includes text, choose fonts that complement your artwork. Hand-drawn typography can add a unique touch.
- Feedback and refinement: Show your design to friends or fellow skaters for feedback. Refine your design based on their input.
Skateboard deck printing options
Printing skateboards involves several methods, each with its own advantages. Here are the most common techniques:
Screen printing
Screen printing is a traditional method where ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto the skateboard deck. Each color in the design requires a separate screen, making this method ideal for bold, vibrant graphics. It’s known for its durability and is often used for high-volume production.
Heat transfer printing
Heat transfer printing involves printing the design onto a carrier sheet, which is then applied to the skateboard deck using heat and pressure. This method allows for intricate details and gradients that are difficult to achieve with screen printing. It’s popular for custom designs and smaller production runs.
Digital printing
Digital printing is a newer method that uses digital technology to print directly onto the skateboard deck. It offers high-resolution prints and is ideal for complex designs with multiple colors. This method is efficient for small batches and one-off designs.
Each method has its own strengths, and the choice depends on the desired outcome, production volume, and budget.
Mock-ups: The secret tool in a graphic designer’s arsenal
In graphic design, a mock-up is like a sneak peek of your final product. It’s a realistic representation that helps you see how your design will look in the real world. Whether it’s packaging, printed materials, or clothing, mock-ups let you visualize the end result, gather feedback, and make any necessary tweaks before going into full production. They’re super handy for ensuring everything looks just right and for impressing clients with a polished preview.
Create a mock-up with our ready-to-use collection of images.
See Your Design in Action
Helpful Links
Who invented the skateboard and skateboarding?
The underappreciated influence of skateboard art
Very brief history of skateboard art
The cool history of vintage skateboards
The timeline of skateboarding history
Screen Printed vs Heat Transferred Skateboard Decks