New Skateboard Graphics – J.Namdev Hardisty

Mark Batty Publisher, 36 West 37th Street, Suite 409, New York, NY 10018, Usa
www. markbattypublisher.com

One might ask why so much effort goes into a design of the bottom of a skateboard when it most likely will be scuffed away? The not so surprising answer is, of course – it helps selling it. And while some companys will not admit it, it is clearly expressed in the editorial from the author, it is alot about „branding“ – find a style for the company that a lot of people can identify themselves with and buy. But lets concentrate on the art and the book and put the business aside. This 140 pages hardcover/casebound book has around 400 contemporary skateboard designs, in full colour.

On top of that you get more than twenty interviews with some skateboard artists and company creators. There is a lot to see here from 5boro, Alai, Bueno, Chocolate, City, Element, Enjoi, Foundation, Girl, Heroin, Hessenmob, Hopps, Mystery, Popwar, Rasa Libre, Skate Mental, $lave, Stereo Sound Agency, Toy Machine, Zero and Zoo York. Those are the companys featured, most of them have more than one artist designing for them.

That means you get a broad variation of styles/art, some of which I like more others less – but hey, that is normal with art. So check it out by yourself, it is a great source for skaters as well as designers.Books like this help that a lot of these graphics are not forgotten, since many of them are only used for one season. 27,95 US $ for 1,2 kg book.

(dolf)

Isbn: 978-0-9799666-9-9

[Trust # 137 August 2009]