In the 1980's skateboard graphics lasted a lot longer than the quarterly cycles that permeate today's market. Maybe that's what made them so much more timeless... The only things that seemed to change back then were a slight alteration in the shape, or maybe the concave would get updated. In some instances the graphic would get slightly expanded or contracted in order to cover the board more effectively. Featured here are three different artists on three different brands. Rodney Mullen's 1985 freestyle model on Powell-Peralta done by Vernon Courtlandt Johnson (VCJ), Jeff Grosso and his 1986 Schmitt Stix rig with the John Lucero treatment. (I had one in a blue stain!), and the 1988 Santa Cruz Claus Grabke done by none other than Jim Phillips. (I really wanted this deck but when I finally saved up enough money to get it, it was gone so I settled for a Lucero Street Thing, which was still a good shape!)
Definitely a huge resource!
Definitely a Jim Phillips fan... He's created some of the better known long standing iconic skateboard art, and has been in the game a long time, too. The Independent logo, Screaming Hand, and just tons of graphics for the Santa Cruz camp has pretty much put him at the top of the list for all time greatest skateboard graphics artist. With some nudges from Matt French his newest artwork has been showing up on Pocket Pistols Skates. He's the man, and he's got a couple books out if you're looking to see and learn more about the incredible works he's done.
