Skate deck art is the way one expresses oneself in the skate board. Each ride showcases a bit of artwork; some telling stories and others giving style. Below is a post about what is skate deck art, how one goes about doing it, and its significance within the skate community.

What is Skate Deck Art?

Skatedeck art means the artwork put on the skateboards. Designs like this are colorful, wild, and weird sometimes. It is actually just a blank sheet waiting to be painted or sketched by an artist on the skateboard deck. Artists may have several techniques and styles for uniqueness.

Some common styles of Skate Deck Art 

There are so many ways one can create art on skate decks. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Graffiti: Bright colors and bold letters that often express street art culture.
  
• Illustrative: Drawings or paintings that tell a story or show a character.
  
• Abstract: Patterns that don’t necessarily depict anything, but are all about shapes and colors.
  
• Collage: Using stickers, photos, and other materials to create layers.
  

Why is skate deck art important?

Skate deck art is more than just pretty pictures. Here are some reasons why it matters:

1. Self-Expression

Skateboarding allows you to simply be yourself; the art can express who you are and whatever you love doing. For example, if it’s animals then you might like to paint some big tiger or whatever on that board!

2. Community Ties

It is a fact that many skaters bond over the creation. A beautiful design can start a conversation and may even develop into friendships at the skate park. You will be willing to talk to that dude when you see him with his awesome, one-of-a-kind deck!

3. Inspiration

Art may even inspire others. That person looking at your skateboard may get inspiration for their next skateboard deck. One never knows who they might inspire with their creativity!

How to Make Your Own Skate Deck Art?

Making your own skate deck art can be a lot of fun. Let’s get started working through the steps.

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need for your project:

• Skate Deck: a blank board to paint on.
  
• Acrylic Paints or Markers: great for bright colors.
  
• Paintbrushes: for different details.
  
• Stencils: This will help you make shapes or letters.
  
• Clear Sealer: This is for when you are finally done and want your artwork to be protected.
  

Step 2: Plan Your Design

What would you like to make? Some questions to decide that are:

What are the colors?

Do you want any specific characters or symbols?

How complex do you want it to be?

You can just sketch it down on paper, this way, you can visualize it before getting your paint all on your deck.

Step 3: Prepare your Deck

Ensure that the skateboard is dirt-free and set to be painted:

• Grind the Surface: Slightly grind the area which you will be painting on. It will create better adhesion between the skateboard and the paint.
  
• Wipe it Clean: Remove the grinds using a cloth. This dust is acquired by grinding your deck.
  

Step 4: Start Painting!

Time to bring it all together. Here are some things to know before you start painting:

• Layer Your Colors: First, use a base color. Then layer other colors over that.
  
• Don’t Rush: It will take time. For each layer, let it dry before adding details.
  
• Use Stencils: If you want clean lines or precise shapes, you can use stencils and they work really well.
  

Step 5: Seal Your Art

Once you are happy with your design and it is fully dry, it is also time to protect it:

• Apply a Clear Sealer: This will make sure your artwork does not get scratched and worn out. Read the instructions for the sealer.
  

Creative Ideas for Custom Skate Deck Art

If you want inspiration, here are some cool ideas for your customized skate deck art:

1. Nature Themes

• Mountains and Trees: Paint mountains with a sunset at the background.
  
• Animals: Paint your favorite animal with vibrant colors.
  

2. Pop Culture References

• Favorite Movies: Apply characters or quotes from your favorite films.
  
• Music: Design your deck with your favorite band’s logo or album cover.
  

3. Personal Symbols

• Initials or Names: Personalize your deck by adding your name or initials in a cool font.
  
• Hobbies: If you love playing video games, draw your favorite game character.
  

Taking Care of Your Skate Deck Art

Once you have created your masterpiece, you want to keep it looking great. Here are some tips:

1. Store Properly

When you are not using your skateboard, store it in a safe place to avoid damage. Do not leave it outside where it can get wet or scratched.

2. Keep it Clean

• Clean It Off: Dust or dirt with a damp cloth.
  
• No Chemicals, Please: Avoid the use of harmful chemicals to the artwork.
  

3. Fix Whenever Necessary

For those who tend to break your art pieces. Well, not to worry you can touch them up again.

Famous Skate Deck Artists

Many artists have become famous in skate deck art. Here are a few that you ought to check out:

1. Jim Phillips

Jim Phillips was famous for his very colorful and intricate designs. He created some of the most iconic skateboard graphics in the 1980s.

2. Ed Templeton

Ed Templeton is an artist and a skateboarder, bringing with him unique art styles, which often revolve around culture and society.

3. Shepard Fairey

Shepard Fairey is famous for his “Obey” campaign, but he has also designed skate decks with his striking graphic style.

Conclusion

Skate deck art is an excellent way to express yourself and enjoy your favorite sport. From painting your first deck to appreciating the creativity of others, skateboarding offers endless creativity. So get out your supplies, let your imagination run wild, and create a skate deck that represents you!

Remember, skating has much more than a trick or flips; it has community and creativity. Enjoy every ride on that uniquely designed board and inspire them with your work of art.