Artist Feature: National Forest

National Forest is a 'creative think tank', a collection of designers, art directors photographers and more that come together to produce breathtaking and original work for a wide variety of clients. Two of their biggest and most important (to us anyway) are Burton and Element.




They're a personal favorite of mine, and forgetting boards for a brief second, their variety of styles and the craft of what they produce makes waves in the design industries too. One project might involve a kind of cut and paste, intricate, photo-montage approach, while the next is a slick, vector-based illustration accompanied by bespoke type. This diverse set of styles and abilities reinforces the think tank approach.

They're currently working with Burton on a new line, so we can't wait to see that. Also, be sure to check out what they came up for possibly the coolest barbershop.




Enjoy the eye-candy and for more, check out their site.

We'll be looking closer at Justin Krietemeyer and Steven Harrington a little later on, so look out for them.

Artist Feature: Mike Anderson

When we got a shout from Mike, we didn't realise that he was responsible for some of the wake industry's most memorable, rockin' board graphics. Stuff like the '05 and '06 Premier series from Hyperlite, the '09 Mana from Ronix or the really fresh '09 JStar lines along with product promotional material. It's all so varied and rich. Distinctive illustration, strong type and excellent use of colour through all his work really sets his work apart.



Living in Gig Harbour, WA, Mike Anderson has almost 16 years design experience in the action sports industry he's now heading up Blacksmith, a boutique brand design firm. Looking to take on more than product design he works on anything from creating a company trademark to showcasing the final product through point of purchase presentation. His work combines digital assets, illustration and photography to create stunning work. We all think his boards rock more than anything though.

Take a look at more from Mike and Blacksmith here.

He's also got some work up on Coroflot here.

Poll: What's Your Boardsport?

We've just wrapped up the first poll and results are, a little skewed. Mainly wakeboarders and snowboarders. Take a look:

73% Wake
41% Snow
20% Skate
5% Surf
5& Kite
5% Other
2% Land

Keep spreading the word. We'll continue to try and post articles catering for artwork and design for all boardsports. Thanks to all who participated.

Our new poll is now up and running so get voting on how much the look of your board plays in your eventual choice.

Artist Feature: Kaib Knight

Ricky Gonzalez is one of the legends of wakeboarding, and along with his riding, his tattoos are just as prolific. Other great riders such as Scott Byerly and Randall 'The Vandall' Harris rock out great ink but Ricky's artist Kaib Knight has also contributed artwork to his Gator pro model boards.

He's been tattooing for the last 12 years and runs Tattoo Six, he draws much inspiration and drive from his faith in Jesus. His work for Gator incorporates sublime and traditional tattoo styles, with heavy shading and contrasts between rich and muted colour. Skulls, scrolls, birds of prey, swallows, oriental flowers and characters and other iconic tattoo elements are prevalent on the boards.



His sketching, paintings, carvings and tattoo work all share this style and he's also made the chopper a canvas.

Take a look through his work here and on his MySpace. We wish him all the best in his new move to Hawaii.

Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009

The scale of this disaster is shocking and every little will help. Please pass on the word. To donate securely with the Australian Red Cross please click here.

Image from Lucas Dawson/Getty Images via The Boston Globe.

Coffee Table: Disposable

There are a few skateboard art books, skateboard sticker art book, but Disposable - A History of Skateboard Art is arguably the most revered. It's coming from an actual designer/artist, Sean Cliver, rather than a subculture analyst so instantly it gets more kudos. Even the preview gives you a deeper insight than most skate books out there. It's well worth the $20 asking price and a space on the coffee table.

Here are just a couple of the gushing comments made by skate industry legends...

"The book is really, really good—the whole thing just craps quality. Very all inclusive, a lot of it made me feel real small." — Todd Francis, artist for Element Skateboards

“Skateboarding has always been much more than the progression of stunts performed on a skateboard. There is a whole creative mentality behind it all that has influenced our culture. Art being one of them. This book has the most complete look at skateboarding history through the art on decks and the artists behind it all.” — Lance Mountain, pro skater and artist



More about the book here.

Thanks to menos of QBN for this one.

Artist Feature: Emil Kozak

Emil Kozak is from a small town in Denmark, and was inspired to take on graphic design as a result of his life long passion for skateboarding.

He began at an early age to develop his skills, inspired by skateboard-art and the result today is a unique artist with brilliant ideas. The style is fresh and positive, but often with a message that digs deeper. He is a master of composition and has an eye for detail, that is not seen very often. Typographic, clean lines and few colors is often how Emil Kozak`s artwork is described. Yet, there is always an unexpected surprise: obscure references, playing with words, codes and hints.

Kozak is motivated by a simple goal that resonates throughout his work. ”I hope that my work can remind us that imagination can defy gravity and bend time. It is our own responsibility to enjoy every second of the day. Nobody else can do that for us. Have fun, eat candy, do what you love, love what you do… We might get thrown off this spinning ball of iron and mantle tomorrow.”

As a result his work has been exhibited widely all over the world and appeared in numerous magazines and books. He has produced design and artwork for clients such as Vans, Element, Graniph, Eastpak, Burton, Channel Islands, Nike, Lab Skateboards & Uniqlo.

More from Emil here.

The Deck Dealer

This collection of boards must be seen to be believed. It's a comprehensive archive, with artist details, dates and some original artwork shots for skateboard brands like Chocolate, Girl and Birdhouse dating back as far as 1991. What's more is they're all available for trade.

Visit the gallery here.

Thanks to Horton (QBN) for this one.

Submissions: QBN Member Decks

I recently posted on QBN (a design portal) looking for submissions for Deckxhibit and got a good few responses from designers who've had work produced, created concepts and others who've just posted what the ride (or at least used to). I've put together a little compilation of some of the boards they designed (concept and production). Some sick work I think you'll agree. Next up will be some of the boards they ride.

Enjoy.

Shapeaspect's Grow boards.


Andy_ssw's skate decks for the No Comply exhibition in Melbourne.


Bliznutty's Never Summer skate and Salomon Prospect 157 snowboard concepts.


Horton's snowboard design (produced) - see more of his work including a few skimboards here.


Svenreed's snowboard concept.


Mr_Gardiner's skate prototyping.


Thizzbobby's skate decks.


Keep the submissions rolling in!

Event: Art Show & Auction, Push!

A fellow QBN'er, Tim Parsons, got in touch to let me know about a board fundraiser auction he's involved with. Site looks great, but the boards look freaking amazing. Reading on about the project, it's a great idea and will be a great contribution to the local community in Bend, Oregon. If you can, take yourself down there between February 13th-15th 2009. I think I may just make a little purchase via telephone.

They'll be exhibiting work from:

- 'Calli' Callister at Oxygen Tattoo
- Dana Mackenzie of Danamac Design
- ADOBO CHICKEN by Tim Parsons
- Jesse Lockwood
- Adam Haynes
- Dirk Spece of Black Rabbit Tattoo
- Horisuzu of Black Rabbit Tattoo

See their site for more details.