There’s a clear synergy between art and skateboarding. Every skateboard exhibits art that represents the brand or the skater. To a skater, a skatepark is an empty canvas and their board is a paintbrush that allows them to creatively create lines across the canvas.
Skateboarding is all about creativity. From graffiti, board art and clothing to skate films, photography, video games and music, visual art isn’t just connected with skateboarding, it’s embedded into the fabric of the culture.
Art is perceived by many people in different ways, however; the artist usually has a specific meaning or story to tell.
What is your story? Take a few minutes to brainstorm some ideas for art on your own custom board.
Watch the video below to learn a little about how skate decks are created from Professor Schmitt.
What makes good skateboard art?
Great artwork tells a story, makes people look twice, and creates a unique experience that can't be matched. Art and illustrations communicate all of that through color, shape and other design elements.
Learn how to make your skateboard artwork stand out from the crowd.
Watch these videos for some ideas:
Ideas for Making Your Own Skateboard Art
You can use permanent markers, paint pens, spray paint or acrylic paint. But if you want to get creative, here are some more ideas. You can also head to Pinterest and look up DIY skateboard art.
Hydro Dipping
Hydro dipping is the process of transferring an image or color or design to a product with water. Essentially you create a design on top of water then dip in a blank and the image transfers from the surface of the water to the blank. Pretty straight forward.
WHAT YOU NEED:
Large container for water. This will become stained with paint so make sure it’s something you do not mind getting paint on. Make sure the container is big enough to fit your board (like an under bed style bin and allows you to slowly dip it in and pull it out.
Spray paint. Any type of paint will work.
Your sanded Create-a-Skate board
Well ventilated outdoor area & mask. Always set up outside or in a well ventilated area. You don’t want to be in an enclosed space with paint fumes.
Old newspaper or plastic. Protect your floor
Latex gloves. Wear gloves to keep everything clean.
A paint stick. To swirl the paint.
HOW TO:
Work outdoors or in a well ventilated area. Protect your hands with gloves and cover the floor or surface with paper.
Fill a plastic bin with water. It should be large enough to fit your skateboard. This bin will get stained paint.
Shake all the spray paint colors well, remove the caps and set them next to the bin.
Spray a shot of paint into the center of the bin (on top of the water), repeat with each color, always spraying in the center.
Repeat until you have 3-4 shots of every color.
Swirl the paint with a stick.
Dip the bottom of the skateboard into the water, straight down and straight up. The paint swirl will transfer from the water to the surface. Do not worry if you get a little paint on the top. The top will be covered with grip tape/
Set aside and blot with paper towel to remove excess water. Let it dry completely. Do not touch it while it is wet!
Add a high gloss sealer to give your piece a nice shine or bring it to the next skate class so we can do this for you.
Image Transfer
Image transferring lets you transfer any image you like on your skateboard. After the image is transfers, you can use it as a guideline and then paint the image or keep it in black and white. Add spray paint around your image to help it pop!
WHAT YOU NEED:
Transfer Paper. You can buy inkjet transfer paper here.
Spray paint. Any type of paint will work.
Your sanded Create-a-Skate board
Well ventilated outdoor area & mask. Always set up outside or in a well ventilated area. You don’t want to be in an enclosed space with paint fumes.
Old newspaper or plastic. Protect your floor
Latex gloves. Wear gloves to keep everything clean.
A printer. To print your design
Paper cutter, exact knife/razor blade and a ruler. Have a parent help with this.
Clear Coat. To seal the image.
Fineline Tape & Painters Tape. To make sure you keep crisp lines. You can buy finalize tape here.
Posca Paint Pens
We love these paint pens. They make doing art fun, not so messy and precise.
WHAT YOU NEED:
Your sanded Create-a-Skate board
Posca Paint pens. Go to your local art store or grab some on Amazon.
Old newspaper or plastic. Protect your table
Pencil. To do your draft drawing first.
HOW TO:
Simple. Create your design in pencil then start painting. Push down your pen on the newspaper or table covering to get the paint flowing. Then, use them just like markers.
Skateboarding is all about creativity. A skateboarder is a paintbrush and the park is a canvas. Similarly, the art on your deck should also display your unique personality. Have fun, take risks and be creative!
We'd love to you your art! Tag us on social media at @surfskatescience