Top 8 Skateboard Deck Art Styles Every Skater Should Know

A List of 8 Types of Skateboard Deck Art: Ranked and Explored

When it comes to skateboarding, the deck art is more than just a design on the underside of your board—it’s a reflection of your style, personality, and sometimes even your skating philosophy. From the classic designs to the more avant-garde creations, skateboard deck art has evolved into a significant aspect of skate culture. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a newcomer to the scene, understanding the different types of skateboard deck art can help you pick the one that resonates most with your vibe.

In this article, we’ll dive into the eight main types of skateboard deck art, ranking them from the most popular to the more niche, and sharing insights on how each type can elevate your skateboarding experience.

Key Takeaways

• Deck art is a crucial aspect of skateboard culture and can significantly influence the vibe and style of your skating.
• Standard popsicle skateboard deck art is the most popular and versatile, dominating the skate parks.
• Shaped skateboard decks bring a retro flair, while cruiser decks combine aesthetics with function.
• Art prints and paintings add a sophisticated touch, making your deck a rolling piece of art.
• Photography and poster-style decks offer a snapshot of culture, ideal for collectors and visual enthusiasts.

1. Standard Popsicle Skateboard Deck Art

Why It’s Popular

The standard popsicle skateboard deck is the bread and butter of the skateboarding world. It’s the deck you see at skate parks, in street skating videos, and under the feet of almost every skater, from beginners to pros. The symmetrical design of the popsicle deck provides skaters with the perfect balance for tricks, and the art on these decks often reflects the core of skate culture—bold, dynamic, and full of attitude.

Personal Experience

I remember my first popsicle deck; it had a screaming hand graphic that caught everyone’s attention at the park. It wasn’t just a board—it was a statement. That deck carried me through countless sessions, and the art became more worn with every grind, making it even more personal over time.

Common Themes

• Logos and Brand Graphics: Many skaters love to rep their favourite skate brands.
• Bold Colors and Characters: From cartoonish designs to graffiti-style art.
• Abstract Patterns: Perfect for those who want something unique and non-traditional.

Example

2. Shaped Skateboard Deck Art

Why It’s Popular

Shaped skateboard decks are a nod to the roots of skateboarding. These decks often feature wider noses and tails, and sometimes even asymmetrical designs that harken back to the 80s and 90s. The art on these decks is usually as bold and unique as the shapes themselves, making them a favourite for skaters who want to stand out.

Personal Experience

Riding a shaped deck is like a time warp. I had one with a retro alien graphic that looked straight out of an old sci-fi comic book. It was a blast from the past, and every time I took it to the bowl, I felt like I was skating in the golden era of skateboarding.

Common Themes

• Retro Graphics: Think flames, skulls, and neon colours.
• Comic Book Art: Perfect for those who love vintage vibes.
• Surf-Inspired: Waves, palm trees, and beach scenes.

Example

3. Cruiser Skateboard Deck Art

Why It’s Popular

Cruiser decks are all about that laid-back, easy-going style. These boards are often a bit wider, with softer wheels for smoother rides on rougher streets. The art on cruiser decks usually reflects this chill vibe, with designs that range from simple and clean to intricate and artistic.

Personal Experience

I’ve always loved cruising around the city, especially during sunset. My cruiser deck has a beautiful landscape design that perfectly captures the essence of those golden hour rides. It’s not just a skateboard; it’s an escape.

Common Themes

• Nature and Landscapes: Mountains, forests, and oceans.
• Minimalist Designs: Clean lines and simple color schemes.
• Vintage Vibes: Old-school logos and retro colors.

Example

4. Art Prints Skateboard Decks

Why It’s Popular

Art print skateboard decks bring a gallery-worthy aesthetic to the streets. These decks often feature high-quality reproductions of famous artworks or original pieces by renowned artists. They’re perfect for those who appreciate fine art and want to carry that inspiration with them while they skate.

Personal Experience

As a lover of both skateboarding and art, my art print deck is a prized possession. The intricate design by a contemporary artist makes me feel like I’m not just skating—I’m showcasing art in motion.

Common Themes

• Classic Artworks: Reproductions of famous paintings.
• Contemporary Art: Unique designs from modern artists.
• Abstract Patterns: Artistic interpretations of colors and shapes.

Example

5. Paintings Skateboard Deck Art

Why It’s Popular

Painted skateboard decks are truly one-of-a-kind. These decks are often hand-painted, making each one unique. Whether it’s a commissioned piece or a DIY project Cruiser decks, these decks are more than just functional—they’re personal artworks.

Personal Experience

I once commissioned a local artist to paint my deck with a mural of my favorite skate spot. Every time I ride that board, I’m reminded of the countless hours spent perfecting tricks at that spot, making the board deeply personal and meaningful.

Common Themes

• Custom Portraits: Skaters, musicians, or personal icons.
• Landscapes: Scenes from nature or urban environments.
• Abstract Expressionism: Bold, emotional brushstrokes.

Example

6. Canvas Wall Art Skateboard Deck

Why It’s Popular

Canvas wall art skateboard decks are typically not meant for riding but for displaying. These decks are often used in home decor, combining the culture of skateboarding with high-end interior design. They’re perfect for skaters who want to bring their passion into their living space.

Personal Experience

I’ve got a canvas wall art deck hanging in my living room. It’s a triptych featuring a graffiti-style mural, and it’s always a conversation starter when friends come over. It adds a touch of skate culture to my home that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Common Themes

• Graffiti Art: Urban art styles that bring the street into your home.
• Abstract Art: Bold, non-representational designs.
• Iconic Imagery: Famous skaters, logos, or symbols of skate culture.

Example

7. Poster Style Skateboard Deck Art

Why It’s Popular

Poster-style skateboard decks are like billboards for your personality. These decks often feature designs reminiscent of movie posters, album covers, or vintage advertisements. They’re bold, eye-catching, and perfect for making a statement.

Personal Experience

One of my favourite decks is a poster-style design that mimics an old punk rock gig flyer. It’s loud, aggressive, and totally captures the rebellious spirit that drew me to skateboarding in the first place.

Common Themes

• Music and Concert Posters: Bands, album art, and gig flyers.
• Movie Posters: Iconic films and characters.
• Vintage Ads: Retro advertising art.

Example

8. Photography Skateboard Deck Art

Why It’s Popular

Photography skateboard decks bring realism to your ride. These decks feature high-quality photographic prints, often showcasing landscapes, cityscapes, or iconic skate spots. They’re perfect for skaters who appreciate the art of photography and want to see it under their feet.

Personal Experience

I own a photography deck that features a black-and-white shot of my city’s skyline. Every time I ride it, I feel connected to the streets in a deeper way, as if the board itself is a tribute to the urban environment I love to skate in.

Common Themes

• Skate Spots: Famous or local skateboarding locations.
• Urban Landscapes: City streets, buildings, and graffiti.
• Nature Photography: Mountains, forests, and oceans.

Example

Skateboard deck art is a dynamic and ever-evolving part of skate culture, with trends that shift as quickly as the tricks performed on the streets. While the underside of the deck often gets the most attention, there are other aspects of skateboard deck art that deserve recognition.

Let’s discuss some of these, including current trends, the importance of grip tape art, and the challenges faced when incorporating design with functionality, especially in the era of electric skateboards.

Trends in Skateboard Deck Art

The world of skateboard deck art is continuously influenced by cultural shifts, technological advancements, and the individual creativity of skaters and artists. Here are some trends that are shaping the landscape:

• Collaboration with Artists: More skateboard brands are teaming up with renowned artists, illustrators, and even fashion designers to create limited-edition decks. These collaborations often bring fresh perspectives to deck art, blending street culture with fine art.
• Eco-Friendly Designs: With growing environmental consciousness, some brands are focusing on sustainable materials and eco-friendly inks for their deck art. These designs often feature nature-inspired themes and earthy color palettes.
• Digital and NFT-Inspired Art: The rise of digital art and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) has also made its way into skateboard decks. Some companies are experimenting with digital designs that can be purchased as NFTs, giving skaters a virtual piece of art along with their physical deck.

“Top of the Skateboard” Deck Art: Grip Tape Designs

While the underside of the skateboard is typically where the main art is displayed, the top of the skateboard has its own form of art—through grip tape designs. Grip tape is essential for providing traction, helping skaters maintain control during tricks. However, it doesn’t have to be just functional; it can be a canvas for creativity too.

• Custom Grip Tape Art: Skaters often cut, paint, or stencil their grip tape to create unique designs. Whether it’s a simple pattern, a logo, or an intricate piece of art, grip tape customization adds a personal touch to a skater’s board.
• Printed Grip Tape: Some brands offer pre-printed grip tape with designs ranging from bold graphics to subtle patterns. These designs can complement the underside art or stand alone as a statement piece.

However, it’s crucial that the grip tape still fulfils its primary purpose—providing a non-slip surface. Skaters must balance the aesthetic with the functional, ensuring that any customizations don’t compromise their safety.

The Skateboard Underside and Electric Skateboard Challenges

The underside of the skateboard is where most of the artistic expression happens, but with the rise of electric skateboards, this space is being increasingly occupied by battery packs and other components. This can be a significant challenge for skaters who value the aesthetic appeal of their deck art.

• Obscured Art: Battery packs on electric skateboards often cover large portions of the deck’s underside, obscuring the artwork. This can be disappointing for skaters who choose their deck based on its design.
• Integrated Design Solutions: Some electric skateboard manufacturers are starting to consider this issue, working with designers to create artwork that complements or incorporates the battery pack into the overall design. This might include creating graphics that flow around the components or using transparent covers to showcase both the art and the technology beneath it.
• Functional Art: Another trend is the move toward making the battery packs themselves more visually appealing, treating them as part of the deck art rather than just a functional necessity. This approach ensures that even when components cover the deck, the overall aesthetic is maintained.

Skateboard Deck Art – A Conclusion

Skateboard deck art is more than just a design on the bottom of a board; it’s a reflection of the skater’s personality, style, and even the era in which they skate. From the trends shaping the art world to the practical considerations of grip tape design and the challenges posed by electric skateboards, there’s a lot more to consider than just what looks cool.

Whether you’re customizing your grip tape or navigating the integration of art with technology, the art of the skateboard deck is as diverse and dynamic as the skaters themselves.

FAQs About Skateboard Deck Art

1. What is the most popular type of skateboard deck art?

The most popular type is the Standard Popsicle Skateboard Deck Art due to its widespread use in street and park skating. The designs are often bold and representative of core skate culture.

2. Can you ride all types of skateboard deck art?

While most skateboard deck art is rideable, some types, like Canvas Wall Art Skateboard Decks, are primarily designed for display rather than for skating.

3. How do I choose the right skateboard deck art for me?

Choose the deck art that resonates with your style and personality. If you’re a traditional skater, you might lean towards standard popsicle deck art. If you enjoy art and design, you might prefer art prints or custom-painted decks.

4. Are art prints or paintings on skateboard decks durable?

Art prints and paintings can be durable, but the wear and tear from skating will affect them over time. If you’re concerned about preserving the art, consider using these decks for display rather than regular skating.

5. Can I create my own skateboard deck art?

Absolutely! Many skaters enjoy customizing their decks with their own artwork, whether through painting, decals, or even commissioning a design from an artist.