↑ Skateboard Deck Mock-up.
Last summer, I was commissioned to design a Zoo York skateboard deck for pro skater Chaz Ortiz. The art directors provided strict parameters: a bear smashing a car in front of the Chicago Theater with Ortiz's name on the marquee. Of course, the graphic also had to fit within the strange shape of a modern skateboard, remain legible with trucks and wheels installed, and incorporate a limited, silkscreen-friendly pallet.
↑ Production model. The manufacturer ultimately chose a dark grey wood treatment.
This humble project marked a career milestone for me. I've now designed a skateboard deck, drawn a Marvel comic book, and published comics starring my own characters. All three of the big dreams I had as a ten year old have come true. Now on to those pesky dreams of a thirty year-old...
↑ Production model #2. A second deck with just the bears head was also produced.
I had fun aping my childhood heroes, Jim Phillips and Steve Nazar on this project. Phillip's solid draftsmanship, color, and text design hold up remarkably well almost thirty years later.
↑ Unused T-shirt design.
Zoo York eventually asked me to rework the deck graphic for a T-shirt. Unfortunately, this shirt probably won't see production. However, the "bear head" graphic was printed in a variety of styles and colors as part of Zoo York's 2013 Summer and Fall lines.
↑ One example of apparel produced with the bear graphic.
Art Direction: Craig Hein, Robert Lim