Graphic design and sports are inextricably linked, especially when it comes to skiing and snowboarding. From big-scale branding of major professionals to individual manufacturer designs, there is always a creative professional behind the scenes of every sports equipment product. These designers dictate what we see on the mountain. From your boots to the board to your jacket to the helmet, every piece of your snowboarding ensemble was crafted specifically for the sport.
As with many design industries, snowboarding designs change with the season. Each year, companies release new lines of boards, sometimes rereleasing fan favorites with new graphic options. If you’re looking to stay on top of this year’s trends, watch out for these style choices.
Collage—Collaging isn’t an unfamiliar practice in snowboard and skiing graphics, but it appears to be coming back in full-force for the 2018/2019 season. Look out for frayed edges, pops of color, and throwbacks to the roots of snowboarding itself.
Totems—Snowboards have a very strange, specific shape, and designers need to choose concepts to fit the medium. Over the years, people have found limitless ways to fill the space. Right now, the trend of a long, unified graphic down the middle of a fairly simple board is having a moment. It might be an actual totem pole or simply reminiscent of the figure, but its popular.
Space—Space has always captured the spirit of snowboarding—the thrill, the freedom, and the lack of boundaries. Plus, space is cold, right? This year, be on the lookout for stars, planets, and other space-themed designs on snowboard topsheets.
Tattoo—Classic tattoo styles are timeless, and most designers have experimented with incorporating this trend into their work. This year, we’re seeing a lot of designers sampling an old school look.