Skateboard Art and Design

This is the most flexible and expandable part of using skateboard deck building in a curriculum. From simply designing and painting a finished and sanded deck, to an in-depth exploration of its history, skateboard art provides a rich resource for learning and discussion.

Art sessions can start even before the decks are built, and carry on past when they are finished and ready to hang in an art exhibition!

Points of Learning:

Designing Skateboard Graphics

  • Elements and Principles of Design

  • Brand creation - personal, the school brand or perhaps a fundraising effort

  • Logo design - engage a local design firm to nurture ideas

  • Copyright and intellectual property rights of art

  • Social Messaging - local and world street art

Skateboard Art Culture

  • Stencil / Street art

  • Skate Park art (perhaps a field trip?)

  • Pop culture relating to skateboards

  • History of skateboard art

  • Graffiti and street art, current and historical

Design Concepts

  • Stages of design, from thumbnail sketches to final layouts

  • Color theory, terms and definitions

  • Type fonts, hand lettering

  • Using symbols to represent other things

What method to use?

  • Spray paint (solvent) or acrylic paint (water-based)

  • Using wood stains

  • Pyrography (wood burning)

  • Felt Markers

Application Methods of Graphic Designs

  • Sponge, brush, spray, airbrush, roller, layering

  • Masking tape stenciling for one-off designs

  • Hand cut stencils for repeat elements, intricate patterns and design elements

Beyond the Classroom

  • Design a board for a customer, meet their approval and delivery deadline

  • Host an Art Show, plan the event, include marketing with media advertising - posters, buttons, stickers, flyers, etc.

  • Set up the Art Show, engage a location and have students learn how to hang a show

  • Displaying skateboard final art decks with backdrops and support material

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