Graphics for Pantheon Longboards
Pantheon has become one of the most successful brand in the long-distance and downhill skate fields. We got in touch on social media and explored the creation of a few new graphics. Having amazing art on their boards has always been one of the brand´s main features, so as an artist AND longboarder myself , it was a dream gig to develop some concepts for some of their existing lineup and new releases. Here are the first three graphics we have developed together and how the illustration concepts evolved from sketch until the final commercial product.
THE PRANAYAMA
Our first collaboration was a new graphic for their signature Long Distance Pushing (LDP) board model, the iconic
Pranayama. I wanted to use my comic-book line approach with a strong concept and respecting the brand visuals.
This "Gas Guzzler" graphic was created with a two-color screen print (no linework !!! ) taking advantage of the amazing dark wood veneer that this board model was created with. The drawing is a still life depicting the greedy elements of the fossil fuel industry as ruins, once they have been overtaken by nature in a distant future. It made sense since this is a commuter board, encouraging you to use your legs instead of your car :-)
Gas Guzzler Graphic for Pantheon Longboards, from original doodles to final colour tests.
"LOS OSOS" - KENNY NAPP PRO MODEL
This one was created in collaboration with Kenny Nappolitano, a downhill rider for Pantheon, who wanted a touch of humor on his pro-model freeride board graphic. He actually crashed agains a bear during a downhill run, so we explored different ways to tell that story. After some brainstorming , we settled that the funniest way would be to show the aftermath of the accident from the bear´s perspective. Again, there is no black linework but the illustration is created by the wood veneer and the screen printing of the other 4 colours.
The ULTRASKATE limited edition
This board was designed as a limited edition prize for the Long Distance Riders who could achieve +250 miles in 24 hours at the Ultraskate endurance event, which takes place once a year at the Homestead Miami Speedway.
We toyed with the idea of having a ghost pushing for eternity but the winner was a concept that included a Möbius strip, one of my favourite geometric figures that literally goes on an on for eternity. I mixed human skateboarders with animals of all sizes, weights and speeds , as a metaphor for this event : regardless of your physical abilities what matters the most is to participate with the community and push your own limits.
Stay tuned for more new graphics in the future!!
