FORSNOWBOARDING.COM » Features

Forsnowboarding x Grafik Armor Snowboard Graphic Design Contest Winners

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:01:47 +0000

Congratulations!
We had a tough time coming up with a winner for the Forsnowboarding x Grafik Armor Snowboard Graphic Design Contest. There were a lot of great entries submitted over the course of the contest from many talented people, but at the end of the day it was Zsolt Varga AKA Sekond who took home the grand prize. Zsolt will get his design turned into a custom one of a kind Grafik Armor decal wrap. Second place goes to Matt Fisher of Provoke Creative, with a great sketch design. Matt will get a Grafik Armor decal wrap of his choice from current lineup. Thanks again to everyone for participating! Better images of the board designs after the jump.

Image source: Forsnowboarding x Grafik Armor Snowboard Graphic Design Contest

Forsnowboarding x Grafik Armor Snowboard Graphic Design Contest is now closed

admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:00:33 +0000

Thanks for Participating!
The Forsnowboarding x Grafik Armor Snowboard Graphic Design Contest is now closed. We’ve received over 300 submissions to the contest which can be viewed at the official contest website. Now Forsnowboarding, Grafik Armor, and guest judge Mike Orduña (Fatoe) will look through the entries and officially announce the winners on Friday, March 5th. Check back soon and thanks again for taking part! Good Luck!

Image source: Forsnowboarding x Grafik Armor Snowboard Graphic Design Contest Website

Forsnowboarding X Grafik Armor Snowboard Graphic Design Contest

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:26:15 +0000

Get your design on!
Forsnowboarding and Grafik Armor are proud to announce their first collaborative project together: Snowboard Graphic Design Contest. Beginning February 15th, 2010, we invite all snowboarders and designers to create their best original snowboard topsheet graphics using our supplied templates and submit them to our official gallery to be judged by a panel of artists, designers and industry professionals. Guest judge for this competition is none other than Mike Orduña AKA Fatoe.

Grand prize is a custom one-of-a-kind Grafik Armor Snowboard Decal Wrap with the winners graphic. Second place gets a Grafik Armor Snowboard Decal of their choice from Grafik Armors current line-up.

More information on our contest page.

Image source: Forsnowboarding

Feature: Matt W. Moore Interview

admin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:33:40 +0000

Get Vectorfunked
Matt W. Moore is an artist, designer and Illustrator from Portland, Maine. You may recognize his signature style from the countless projects he’s produced over the years for clients such as Burton, Mountain Dew, Nike and Google. We had the opportunity to talk with him about his style, influences, action sports and what’s next on his list of big things to do for 2010.

Matt W. Moore / Artist : Designer : Illustrator

MWM Graphics
http://mwmgraphics.com
http://mwmgraphics.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/mwm_graphics
http://glyphcue.com

Matt W. Moore is the founder of MWM Graphics, a Design and Illustration studio based in Portland, Maine. Matt works across disciplines, from colorful digital illustrations in his signature “Vectorfunk” style, to freeform watercolor paintings, and massive aerosol murals. MWM exhibits his artwork in galleries all around the world, and collaborates with clients in all sectors. Matt is also Co-Founder & Designer for Glyph Cue Clothing.

To start things off for those that might not know who you are, what’s your background and how did you get started in the design world?
I’ve always known design and art were my path in life. After high school I traveled for a few years and then attended college classes at RISD, SCAD, and MECA. My schooling was well rounded in Traditional Art and Illustration, Graphic Design and New Media, and I even took some classes in Marketing and Copy Writing. After college I worked as a Designer/Art Director at VIA, and then moved to Vermont to work for Burton Syndicate (Burton’s in-house Creative Department). Two years ago I took the plunge into running MWM Graphics full time, but I’ve been freelancing all along since I was a teen.

Do you have a creative method or process?
I am very process oriented. Each project requires a new perspective and approach, but there are a few underlying principles that remain constant regardless of the desired end result. I strive to be original, unique, progressive, and always deliver the appropriate visual solution. Sometimes a project requires more of an artistic flare, while other times a thoughtful and simple graphic approach is best. I am a strong believer in “Practice Makes Perfect.” and “Range Is Conducive To Growth.”

You got to work with K2 to design a limited edition Astar snowboard, how did this come about and what was the overall concept for this project?
About 2 years ago Cory at K2 hit me up to design a line of 4 graphics that celebrated the 4 seasons. We went for a cohesive nature inspired series, lots of trees, icicles, zig-zag flow, constellations, mountains, and other abstracted environments. Each design had a different color palette, but they remained super cohesive as a series. In the end, some things changed and only one of the graphics made it into the 2010 Line. I have my fingers crossed that the other 3 will be actualized next year. Everyone who has seen the tech-pack is hyped on them!

What are your proudest achievements as a designer?
Tough question. I guess for me it is more about the sum of the parts than any single project. Each project informs the next, and I’m always thinking a few moves ahead. 2010 and 2011 will be epic. Every time I board an airplane on my way to an exhibition, lecture, or client meeting I get a huge smile thinking back to when it was all just a dream.

Who are your biggest influences?
I get asked this a lot, and it is tough to give a answer that doesn’t have huge gaps in it. I’m tuned into a lot of different stuff, past and present. The people who I find most inspirational are the ones who were and are truly ahead of their time. The creative people who need no introduction, and don’t need to sign their work. Folks who own their signature style. The Visionaries and Innovators.

How is your workspace looking?
Have you ever seen Beautiful Mind? You know that scene when he’s in his room with all sorts of random stuff taped and glued to the walls with strings connecting one thing to the next… Yeah, that’s what my studio looks like. Haha.

Can you talk us through a typical day?
Wake. Coffee. Emails. More Coffee. More Emails. Lunch. Long bike ride around The Bay (or gym session in the Winter). Client Projects all afternoon (and often evening). Dinner and chill time with my girl. Latenight Studio (Personal Work, Art, Painting, Etc.) Deep Sleep. Repeat.

What’s next on your list of things to do?
Off to Paris on Thursday for a month preparing for my Solo-Exhibition at SINCE.upian. Hyped for this! A whole lot more stuff I can’t speak on right now, but tune into the MWM NEWS BLOG : http://mwmgraphics.blogspot.com and I’ll keep you updated as all MWM stuff happen and new product collabos drop.

Any plans to work on other snowboarding or action sport projects in the future?
Yes. For sure. I have lists upon lists of ideas for Skate/Snow/Surf. I absolutely love working in this sector. It is my playground as an Artist/Designer/Illustrator. Get at me!

Any last words or shout outs?
Big UP to my family, friends, supporters, collaborators, and wonderful girlfriend Rhi. I’ve never been so excited for the future as I am now. Daps to The KDU, ROJO Global, PSFK, FormatMag, WUT Graffiti Crew, and everyone else I hang and work with. 2010 will be fresh!

Thanks Matt!

Interview: Stefan Dukaczewski
Image source: Matt W. Moore

Forsnowboarding x Drop Giveaway

admin — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:21:14 +0000

Forsnowboarding x Drop Giveaway
We’re giving away a pair of limited edition Drop x Bigfoot DPI Series Pipe Gloves to one of our lucky readers, courtesy of Drop MFG. The contest will be conducted through our Twitter account @Forsnowboarding.

Here’s how enter:
1. You must be following @DropMFG and @Forsnowboarding on Twitter.
2. You must post a message containing the following: I want the @DropMFG x Bigfoot Gloves via @Forsnowboarding.
3. You may enter as many times as you wish; a winner will be selected
randomly on Monday, December 28th, at Noon EST and notified thereafter.

Contest deadline is Sunday, December 27th, at Midnight EST.
Rules and Regulations after the jump.

Legal Information
Participation: Open globally.
Prize: One pair (1) of LTD Drop x Bigfoot DPI Series Pipe Gloves (size: Men’s Large).
Opening and Closing Times: CContest is open between Monday, December 21st,
until Sunday, December 27th, at Midnight EST.
Selection: Winner will be announced via Twitter on Monday, December 28th, at Noon EST, and contacted directly through Twitter for their shipping information (that’s why you need to be following us).
General Conditions: We will ship globally, but are not responsible for any duties or custom fees that may be incurred because of winner’s location, this is the responsibility of the winner. Prize may not be exchanged or redeemed for cash value.

Win a Ride Qi Alpha Mask Contest

admin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:06:13 +0000

Forsnowboarding x Ride Qi Givewaway
We’re giving away a free Ride Qi Alpha Mask in the blue colorway to one of our lucky readers, courtesy of Ride Qi. The contest will be conducted through our Twitter account at @Forsnowboarding.

Here’s how enter:
1. You must be following Forsnowboarding’s Twitter account at @Forsnowboarding
2. You must post a message containing the following: I want the Ride Qi Alpha Mask. Via @Forsnowboarding
3. You may enter as many times as you wish, a winner will be selected randomly on Friday December 4th at noon EST and notified thereafter.

Contest deadline is Thursday December 3rd at 10PM EST.
Rules and Regulations after the jump.

Legal Information
Participation: Open globally.
Prize: One (1) Ride Qi Alpha Mask in the blue colorway.
Opening and Closing Times: Contest is open between Monday November 30th until Thursday December 3rd at 10PM EST.
Selection: Winner will be announced via Twitter on Friday December 4th at noon, and contacted directly through Twitter for their shipping information.
General Conditions: We will ship globally, but are not responsible for any duties or custom fees that may be incurred because of winner’s location, this is the responsibility of the winner. Prize may not be exchanged or redeemed for cash value.

Forsnowboarding Cedar Camouflage Wallpapers

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:44:52 +0000

For Desktop & iPhone
Introducing the Forsnowboarding™ Cedar Camouflage pattern for your desktop and iPhone. Our signature pattern for the 2010 season. Keep your eyes out for more of this soon!

Download now: Forsnowboarding™ Cedar Camouflage Wallpapers

First Look: Nike Snowboarding Zoom Air Kaiju Boot

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:13:02 +0000

Nike Zoom Air Kaiju
Japanese for “strange beast”, it’s no surprise that the Nike Snowboarding Zoom Air Kaiju snowboard boot is a monster of a release for Nike’s snow division this season. We had originally posted a glimpse of the boot when it surfaced after the SIA trade show, but now we have all the info on the features and tech that make this boot a must-have for riding this season.

The Zoom Force One could be considered the flagship model for Nike Snowboarding’s boot lineup, but its tech-ed out cousin the Zoom Air Kaiju is the new contender, crammed with enough features that would make you think twice that it was only meant for snowboarding.

The Kaiju uses some of Nike’s newer proprietary technology in order to give an overall comfort and supportive experience when out riding. More technical looking than the ZF1, there are many hidden features and cues of sneakers past embedded into the boot.

Features
The boot upper features a webbing lace system with a neoprene eye-stay that allows for easy tightening with the provided Nike snow lace locks at the fourth hoop, for zonal tightening. No need for re-tightening the entire boot, you can save time and still stay supported. No-weld stitching is in the toe area to protect against edge abrasion when you’re out of your bindings. The elephant pattern on the toe brings it back to the Air Jordan days too, a nice touch on the style side.

The Kaiju’s cuff is partly made out of neoprene to allow for freedom of movement and comfort, and there are support trusses with reinforced stitching in the upper quarter for maximum support with minimal material.

There is an articulating Flywire cuff integrated on the inside of the boot for increased heel-hold while decreasing the bulk around your ankle, keeping everything light weight, yet still supportive. A full length one-piece TPU backstay rounds things off in the back of the boot for better flex and rear protection against binding wear.

The Kaiju rocks a low profile Free sole, technology commonly found in Nike’s running shoes, but brought over to their snowboarding platform for the first time in order to get the benefits of comfort, flexibility, and increased board feel. A Zoom air unit is embedded in phylon for some more cushion for those hard impact landings.

All in all, the Zoom Air Kaiju is the boot to look out for this winter, great style and packed with features to keep you feet happy. A solid release from Nike Snowboarding

Image source: Nike Snowboarding

Kaiju poster artwork, 1 in a series of 5 for the 2010 season, by Jeff Proctor

Spaces: Skullcandy

admin — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:05:15 +0000

Skate at Work
Spaces is a behind the scenes look into the creative environments of the snowboard industry. This month we’re checking out the newly renovated office of Skullcandy, one of the world’s leading headphone and audio accessories companies. Skullcandy collaborates with elite core sports brands and celebrities to integrate its audio technology into products like snow helmets, outerwear, apparel, packs and bags.

Image source: Skullcandy

Location: Park City, Utah.
Number of Employees: More than 50.

At the footsteps of the Park City mountain, Skullcandy’s office doesn’t stray far from all the action, both inside and out. With glass walls thoughout their spaces and a skateboard ramp for employees to use, it’s definitely a more laid back atmosphere to boost the creative juices and pump out the great audio product designs.

The History of Oakley Frogskins – Part 2

admin — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:59:06 +0000

Collaborations and Special Editions
A follow-up to the first part of our History of Oakley Frogskins series, this time the focus is on how these iconic sunglasses came back into fashion and the special collaborations that have been created along the way.

The best way to describe the current state of our culture is one that is made up of the best elements from our past put into a new perspective to fit into our future.

With that said, it’s no surprise that the Oakley Frogskins have returned for a new generation to embrace. Joining the likes of the Nike Dunk, the snapback hat, and a handful of other iconic fashion pieces from the 80’s and early 90’s, it’s no wonder that these sunglasses have re-emerged into the current state of fashion.

The Oakley Frogskins possess a timeless quality to them. Clean lines and a clean silhouette allow them to be used as a perfect platform for the expression of creativity and design.

Frogskins could easily be seen as one of the most sought out products to collaborate on this year. From athletes to boutiques to brands, 2009 had all kinds of influential people put their unique spin on the classic sunglass design, with many more to come in the future.

How did all these collaborations come to be? and who was responsible for bringing the Oakley Frogskins back into the limelight?

Resurgence is Supreme
Over the course of their product run, the Oakley Frogskins were made available in over 50 different color-way and lens combinations, while finally being discontinued in the mid 90’s.

SoHo New York, known to be at the forefront of street fashion and culture, is also the home of Supreme NYC, skateboard boutique and key influencer in the streetwear scene. A core skateshop in nature, but better known for their collaborations on limited edition products with a multitude of companies, Supreme calls the shots as far as tastemaking is concerned and has the line-up of people waiting outside their doors to prove it.

In early 2007 Supreme took the initiative and released four models of Oakley Frogskins that were based on an updated version of the original Frogskins mold from the 80’s. The sunglasses came with a custom branded microbag and “croakies” style strap to complete the package.

Trevor Andrew
Trevor Andrew, best known for being a professional snowboarder and musician with a style all his own, could very well be the unofficial leader for the initiative to bring back the Oakley Frogskins into today’s current street culture.

Being a sponsored Oakley rider for a number of years, and more recently, having transitioned into an equally impressive musician has given him the opportunity to bring back this eyewear style and have it projected to the masses. He was awarded a signature “glow in the dark” model to coincide with his first album, Trouble Andrew. With his album cover art and general persona never without a pair of Frogskins, it’s no wonder people were starting to take notice.

Other Collaborations
With the nostalgia bug hitting hard and the potential that these sunglasses gave for creative color and design combinations, it was no surprise that everyone from shops to brands to athletes were interested in working on their own version of this true classic. Given the fact that the regular Frogskins were released in limited number, a whole other level of desire was created with these special editions. Here are some other notable collaborations on Oakley Frogskins:

Boutiques
Other than Supreme, a handful of other well known boutiques in the streetwear & skate industry have been fortunate enough to collaborate with Oakley on special edition Frogskins. FICE, Collette, Commonwealth, Shop Gentei, Primitive and DQM are among the few that have really pushed the design and creativity for signature models, with different frame and lens combinations that have never been seen before. These were generally offered in very limited quantities and available as an exclusive product for each respective boutique.

Brands
Ranging from the core snowboard brands to fashion labels, some of the more renowned (and rarest) models were released as private labels through company collaborations . Paul Smith from England released four models in pastel colorways, along with a creative camouflage version in the same hues.

Snowboarder Danny Kass and the Dingo, both obsessed and never seen without Frogskins, had the opportunity to release a pair for their company, Grenade Gloves, which had the Grenade company logo etched into the lens.

Athletes
Other than Trevor Andrews, several Oakley sponsored athletes have received their own signature model Frogskins. Snowboarder Shaun White, skateboarders Greg Lutzka and more recently Eric Koston with a unique woodgrain themed model. The athlete series Frogskins are usually part of a bigger package and are branded according to each riders specifications.

Andrew Petterson Artist Series
Artist Andrew Petterson collaborated with Oakley to create a limited run of hand painted Frogskins. Fifty models were produced, each being a one-of-a-kind design, and sealed in undisclosed bags to make it a truly random experience.

The Future
Given the current state of the Oakley Frogskins, and the desire to keep this model at the forefront of street fashion, there appears to be no end in sight for creative releases in the coming future. 2009 alone had some of the more expressive and exceptional models released, let’s see what 2010 brings ….

Image sources: All Frogskins imagery courtesy of their respectful owners / Oakley / Hypebeast / Highsnobiety / Supreme NYC / Trouble Andrew / Trevor Andrew artwork by Mel Marcelo and Paul Schulte of Oakley.

Forsnowboarding™ Range iPhone & Desktop Wallpapers

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:24:50 +0000

Introducing the Range Graphic
We’re back for the 2010 season and as a thank you to all our devoted readers and Twitter followers, we decided to hit you up with some new wallpapers for your desktops and iPhones.

Download: Forsnowboarding™ Range Wallpapers

We’re Back For The 2010 Season

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:22:33 +0000

Fall is nearing so it’s on!
We’ve taken the time to develop some new content to make Forsnowboarding™ better for all of our readers. Expect some great interviews with artists and designers, new features to the website, and as always, coverage on all the best designed gear for the upcoming 2010 season.

If there are any brands out there that have something they’d like for us to profile, get in touch.

And if there is anything out there that you, our readers, would like us to cover, drop us a line or hit us on Twitter and we’ll try our best to do so.

Contact Us: Here

Four For 4 With Joshua M. Smith / Hydro74

admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:11:34 +0000

We go Four for 4® with illustrator Joshua M. Smith, better known as Hydro74.

Joshua M. Smith / Illustrator / Hydro74
www.hydro74.com
www.legacyofdefeat.com

I am a very visual person. I look at things around me, from different design generations, to different sub cultures and find common ground with elements or ideas that inspire me as a designer to create something that I hope will be extremely useful at moving product as well as being something that years down the road, will find a spot in the timeless concepts of designers. From Obey to Wes Humpston to Julie West to Greg Irons, each has put a mark on their spot in what they have done, or have created something that has captured my heart as a illustrator. So the things I bring forward are a handful of the things that make me push my own limits and to serve as reminders of what can be done or developed or inspired from, no matter now tiny or massive the detail is. It is also the reason why I focus a lot more attention in the snowboard market than I do with the skateboard market because unlike skateboards, which is a disposable piece of art, easy to break or scrape off, the snowboard can take the test of time of that season. Much like a skateboard, the graphics define that individual with a sense of individual pride that you start to accessorize with boots, bindings, jackets, and so forth. This, I have always respected and hope that I have designed something that the core boarder who buys this expensive board will find that relationship with it that boosts his sense of pride on the slopes, hills or backyards around any snow covered part of the world.

Giant Vs. Giant Signed Print
A few years back I was visiting Tribal Gear and Brisk (Graf Artist and works there as well) was showing the back room with pretty much the full entire history of Tribal Gear. He pulled this print out, which I believe there were only maybe 10 left and asked if I wanted one. Of course I wanted one. Since I’ve been designing, there have only been a few iconic designers who work seems to become timeless, which has always been a basis for what my goals are as a illustrator. I know this piece isn’t directly related to the snowboard market, however these two iconic masterminds have been among the inspiration that helped me to learn to create, define and develop a sense of fluid complexity. Granted they only take a small spot in my true inspirational, however I have yet to find a signed Greg Irons, Ed Roth, Wes Humpston or Jim Phillips that I can afford.

Brian Morris Signed Toy
I’ve had the pleasure of becoming ‘internet’ friend with Brian Morris via the Black in Black Apparel Gallery show that I masterminded with major assistance from a friend who ran the gallery side. His line work and themes are utterly impressive and has encouraged me to focus more on actual sketches than what I normally do, straight to digital. Each season during SIA or online before I became friends with Brian Morris, I thought I would see this amazing snowboard from him or some insane line he helped developed. I don’t believe he has yet, it’s in his future (Take this as a hint all you snowboard companies out there…). His work is too hard to ignore. So yeah, this toy, was in a box he sent to and it was seriously a meaningful gift that I cherish. To the point where I don’t want to take it out of the box. If only I could get enough together for a high end custom bust he builds…. Yeah, you got to check out his work if you don’t know what I’m talking about.

Obey Guitars
Not sure exactly when I saw this, but it was in Vegas during a SIA random after party. Some band was playing and of course, pretty drunk at the time, but I thought that was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. Not only was it a Obey Guitar, which was pretty rad to begin with, but it was a artist series. So of course, I became obsessive and searched high and low for it till I found a couple on Ebay for a decent price. I will admit, as you can tell already, I’m a sucker for Obey, but the idea of doing artist series guitars was something I envy and have as a special goal for myself. I do have something in the works with Suhr Guitars, but nothing I can show or talk too much about at the moment…

Endeavor Snowboards
This is actually one of the recent boards I did up for Endeavor for the Board of Directors. Not only was I stoked to do this for Max Jenke, but flattered to hear from him again. Back in early 2000 – 2002, Endeavor gave me this young designer a chance to work on a artist series, which was me. It was my first snowboard project and honestly, the project that all of a sudden made things just click together in my mind for illustration. Before that I was doing small projects for a few action sports clothing labels and minor web and print work. Nothing overly exciting, but enough to scrape together extra freelance cash to support my low paying job at Best Buy when I was between actual full time design positions. Endeavor, and that project with Mecha animals was really the core beginning for me in the snowboard market. Shortly after Fran Stoll who was over at K2 contacted me, then Ride, then Burton, and the list began to grow with LTD, Lamar, Never Summer, Rossignol and many others. So Max and Endeavor, and the fact they have me assist on other things from time to time has a special place in my career and have nothing but my utmost respect.

Feature: Max Jenke Interview

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 01:06:52 +0000

Max Jenke / Managing Director, Endeavor Design Inc. / endeavorsnowboards.com
One half of the driving force behind snowboard brand Endeavor, Max Jenke has grown from professional snowboarder to becoming brand owner and design connoisseur. We find out more about his background, how Endeavor came about, and how design plays a role in this snowboard powerhouse.

To start things off for those that might not know who you are, what’s your background and how did you get started in the sport?
Max Jenke – I was a professional snowboarder from 1997 till 2002, sponsored by World Industries, Dub Outerwear, IS Goggles, Drop Gloves, Northwave Boots, Drake Bindings, The Boardroom. I started snowboarding when I was twelve and all my friends at school were up on the local mountains or in Whistler on the weekends. My friend took me up one day shredding at Seymour on a Blacksnow board (plastic with metal edges) and I was hooked from then on. My first real board was a Gnu Kaos that my grandpa got me for my 13th birthday…that was 17 years ago!

How did Endeavor come about?
In the fall of 2000, World Industries canceled their adult series of snowboards to focus on their kids program. I had the opportunity to ride a lot of decks in the 00/01 season, even did the Transworld Good Wood board test that year as a tester. With a year of trying other brands boards, I found there were some key ingredients to making a good deck. I also found that none of the brands rep’d what I was feeling – I felt like there wasn’t one that I really fit with. In the summer of 2001, I had the opportunity to make some boards at a factory in Oregon. After a bunch of testing in Europe and New Zealand, I came home and grabbed a crew of friends to help me start Endeavor: Scott Serfas (staff photographer for Transworld Snowboarding), Paavo Tikkanen, Randy Ross, Rob Dow, and Chris Martin. We launched the first Endeavor line at SIA in March 2002.

The name Endeavor was perfect for what we were doing: an earnest effort to achieve a goal. Our goal was and still is to make the best snowboards in the world.

I once saw a video a while back about a tour of the Endeavor office, and the thing that struck me the most was the fact that you guys had Barcelona chairs. Not exactly something you would typically find at a snowboard company. What’s your background in design and how does it play into the development of things at Endeavor?
Yeah, that video was shot four years ago…time flies. Other than doing art in high school, I don’t formely have any design training. I guess it’s more of a passion. Since I got into the industry when I was 16 riding for Option Snowboards in Vancouver, I was interested in the the behind the scenes stuff – one aspect was design. Whether it was board graphics, clothing designs, or ad layouts, I wanted to have a stab at it. That’s transcended into things like furniture, etc. hence using barcelona chairs for our company video.

Design is a huge part of our company and I’m proud that we’ve always had it as a priority. Most snowboard companies focus on team to market their products – I feel that design is the most important, after all it is what you look at when you’re on the chairlift. We put a lot of time into working with innovative artists on making the best graphics. I spend a lot of time at our factory making sure the artwork we create has the best processes used to make the aesthetic perfect. By doing all of this, we also have the best quality boards because of the raw materials used. The function comes from my experience and ideas from our crew and has been proven true, as we won several board test awards with Transworld, Future Snowboarding, and some overseas publications (the UK Times ranked our Colour Board as the best snowboard to buy recently).

How’s the office looking now?
It’s actually a mess right now. We just moved a bunch of stock in to organize and ship out, so its hectic. Otherwise it’s usually a really nice space to work out of. The high ceilings and lots of natural light are essentials. Gastown, where our office is located, has turned into the SoHo of Vancouver. We had our office there seven years ago because it was the cheapest rent…now people are lined up for lofts like ours.

You have a lot of talent behind your board design, It seems like a big portion of the line is designed by established and up-and-coming artists. Was this a decision from the start to base the company around? How did you go about selecting the designers?
From the start we wanted to design graphics that represented us and what we were stoked on. Randy Ross did the majority of graphics for the first three years but he did have some help. Joshua Smith who did the BOD for 09/10 did the RCP Series in 02/03. Whether the artists were in our network or we found them online, we wanted our decks to have the best graphics on them. I suppose that’s why our artist network is so big. We also wanted to feature their names on the decks and have done so since day one – I’m confident that we were the first to pioneer the artist collabo on snowboards.

Designer selection is pretty open. A lot of times it is artist referrals within our own community – whether it is from friends, other artists, etc. I spend a fair amount of time online getting lost on sites where artists put up portfolios. There is so much amazing work out there.

You guys have also done collaborations in the past with some big names in the streetwear game, namely the Addict Clothing board with SheOne and the Ransom Kemper-style throwback board. How did these come about? And speaking of streetwear, what brands are you feeling at the moment?
Collabos are always fun projects. Working with other inspiring brands is a lot of fun. All of our collabos come about through friends in the industry doing like-minded things. The Addict Series was especially exciting because the different camos looked amazing as different topsheets. The whole Addict crew rides so it fit really well.

The Ransom deck came about because of my friendship with Matt George (runs United Front) who actually used to shred with our Wildcat crew in 1999 and 2000 when he lived in Vancouver, and Fraser Avey (brand manager of Ransom) who used to be a Whistler pro rider for Stepchild and Nomis.

Streetwear brands I’m feeling at the moment…hmmm. Acne, Visvim, Nice Collective, Ksbui, Wings + Horns, Ransom.

Can you talk us through a typical day?
Ha, it really depends on the time of year. We have a tight crew at the office and we all put on different hats throughout the year. Right now we’re finishing up design on the Fall 09 marketing programs (websites, ads, online campaigns, etc.) and working on Fall 2010 design deadlines. It’s pretty hectic because its not just Endeavor now – Airhole masks has started to take up a lot of time as we grow it towards its potential.

Office starts at 8:30 after a busy morning at home (up at 6am with 11 month old baby). Emails for at least an hour, then into the work day. On top of the design stuff, I’m working through fiscal year end figures tightening that up for the accountant, entering budgets into our system to track the performance for the coming months, and working through strategies and opportunities to maximize our year. Lunch around 1230 or 1, either at my desk or at one of the amazing restaurants in our hood – Momo Sushi, Nuba, Salty Tongue, Social. Leave the office by 615pm. Sometimes some late night emails if I’m doing production stuff with China but that’s handled from the couch and my iPhone.

What kind of board/equipment are you riding this season?
I always struggle with what deck I should be on…I’m running a Live 156 right now but tried a Guerrilla 154 and a Next 157 throughout the season. I find the Live is the best suited board for messing around on the whole mountain. I’m running some outerwear samples we’re playing around with, Oakley crowbars, Drop spring gloves, DC boots, Endeavor 1st layer merino, and of course an Airhole.

Plans for the summer and what’s looking good for Endeavor in 2009/2010?
Summer is going to be busy. Already booked my flight to China for July 5th, so I’ll be doing pre-delivery inspections, reviewing 2010 designs for samples, and looking for new opportunities. Until then, it’s all prep. Everything is looking good for 2009/2010. Product is tight as ever, deliveries are on schedule and earliest to date, and we’re launching all of the new websites in May. Very exciting.

Any last words?
Always Endeavor.

Thanks Max!

Image source: Endeavor Snowboards

Four For 4 With Jeff Staple

admin — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:07:03 +0000

Jeff Staple, founder and creative director of Staple Design, takes time out of his busy schedule to let us know about four things that he’s down with at the moment.

Jeff Staple / Staple Design
www.stapledesign.com
www.todarrinhudson.com

Miniot Pure Mahogany iPhone 3G case
……customized for Staple Design. This is the perfect execution on how you make a great product better. The level of quality on this case is only rivaled by the iPhone itself. But it’s not obtuse at the same time. It compliments the device perfectly.

Honda Ruckus
This is the best form of transportation in NYC. It is the cheapest, fastest and most efficient. Hands down. If you’re traveling between Wall Street and Harlem, I can beat you there using this. It doesn’t matter if you take the subway, bus, taxi, your car, whatever…I will beat you there. And time is money, son.

Burton iDiom 2009 Board
One of the favorite things I have ever designed. iDiom is the capsule collection we design for Burton Snowboards in connection with Hiroshi Fujiwara and Fragment. This is what people must mean by “dream client”.

Peppermint Tea from the local cafe, 88 Orchard
I always feel a little guilty paying $2.00 for this. I can get 10 tea bags for like five bucks. But there is just something about the way they make it. Every morning: “Large Peppermint Tea with Honey to go.” It’s like clockwork.

Forsnowboarding™ 1990’s iPhone Wallpapers

admin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 02:25:18 +0000

Rampage your iPhone
We hit 200 followers on our Twitter account, and to thank everyone for all the continuing support, decided to drop some 1990’s themed Forsnowboarding™ branded iPhone wallpapers for you to download. All the old-schoolers could probably make the connection, but for you new kids on the block, it’s a homage to the graphic styling of some of the more famous boards of the early 90’s.

Download: Forsnowboarding™ 1990’s iPhone Wallpapers

Four For 4 With Marcus Troy

admin — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:52:44 +0000

Tastemaker and blog luminary Marcus Troy let’s us know about four things that he’s feeling right now.

Marcus Troy / Passion Hunter, Culture agitator & Participant
www.marcustroy.com
www.twitter.com/marcustroy
www.vimeo/marcustroy
fatlace.com/stayfresh/marcustroy/
ctothejl.com/blogs/marcustroy

Gadgets – Canon 500D
I’m truly passionate about photography and capturing great moments in time. The fact that I am not a photographer I have the huge misconception that the better the camera the better the pictures so I am always out looking for the newest and baddest camera. The new Canon 500D turns me on and I think I could capture better moments in time with this by my side.

Leisure – World Monopoly
Over the holidays I picked up this dirty little habit of playing board games and I have to admit that it monopolizes most of my time when I am not working, blogging, traveling, writing, consulting, blogging,creating,contributing and participating and did I mention blogging. My friends and I try to get in as much monopoly as we can, we gather at my house with Vodka and Wine and play World Monopoly which is very intense and fun. This game is only credit cards , no paper money and you start off with 15 million dollars! Montreal is on the map and it is the most expensive spot on the board. If ever you want to play my famous game of world Monopoly come holla!

Fashion – Levis x 686 Collaboration Snowboard Pants
I decided that this year I was going to go snowboarding at least 10 times and being the fashion guy that I think I am, I have to do it in style and show off my limited edition sensibilities. I was blessed with a pair of the Levis x 686 snowboard pants and I think they are super dope and fresh because they look like denim and fit like my favorite pair of jeans. The box itself is made of selvage denim which makes the collabo even more impressive.

Travel – Gucci La Pelle Guccissima Duffle bag
There is something very luxurious and stylish about this La pelle guccissima duffel bag. I can’t help but think about the song “duffel bag boy” when I see a luxury duffel bag, I always think its full of cash but it is usually filled with my undergarments and macbook. I like traveling in style and this duffel bag does the trick just fine.

The History of Oakley Frogskins – Part 1

admin — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:20:26 +0000

Don’t call it a comeback!
Originally retailing for $40 USD and released in over 50 color-ways since their inception, Oakley Frogskins were the classic sunglasses that helped put the brand on the map and have solidified themselves as a true piece of 80’s pop culture. Now over 20 years later, the Oakley Frogskins have been re-issued for a new generation to embrace. Re-released in limited numbers through selected retailers, the Oakley Frogskins have once again gained momentum in fashion circles and have proven yet again that classic silhouettes and bold colors are still in demand. Check out how this all came to be in the first of three exclusive features covering these iconic sunglasses.

Early beginnings
Oakley began in the the mid 1970’s by founder Jim Jannard as a small scale “garage” brand that focused on producing cutting-edge motocross handgrips. The operation was small, but the dedication to quality and innovation in his products soon lead to the eventual fabrication of goggles and eyewear, something that Oakley is most known for today.

1984 marked the year that their sunglasses were introduced, with several sport-specific models slowly being adopted by the key athletes of the time. The most famous being that of cyclist Greg LeMond, who wore Oakley sunglasses during his performance in the 1984 Tour de France.

With this exposure, the appeal of Oakley as an innovative eyewear brand soon developed with the mainstream. In 1985, the Oakley Frogskins were released as all-around performance sunglasses that had a classic design and silhouette to them, yet kept with the cutting-edge technology and innovation that Oakley was known for with their iridium-finish lenses and Serilium™ based frames. These two combined aspects propelled the Oakley Frogskins into an object of desire for the 1980’s and helped pave the way for future classic eyewear releases.

Design
Although the shape and colors may look similar, there are some significant differences between the original Oakley Frogskins and their modern-day re-released counterparts. For example, the first generation Oakley Frogskins used metal hinges on their earstems, had the Oakley logos screenprinted flushly to the side of the glasses, and were made in Japan. This was followed up with a second generation of Oakley Frogskins in the 90’s, which used integrated molded hinges and had raised Oakley logos on their earstems. These newer models were made in the USA.

The current re-released Oakley Frogskins differ slightly from these early generations by using the nylon based O-Matter as well as all the technical lens geometry found on modern Oakley products. Moreover, the hinges on the re-released models are beveled rather than cylindrical in order to improve strength and flex.

Releases and re-issues
Over the course of their product run, the Oakley Frogskins were made available in over 50 different color-way and lens combinations, while finally being discontinued in the mid 90’s.

In 2007 they were re-introduced and have since been made available in limited numbers. Only 3000 editions per colorway are released at a time through key retailers as Collectors Edition glasses. Once supplies are gone, they’re gone forever.

Image source: All Frogskins imagery courtesy of Dann Thombs / O-Review.com
Oakley Frogskins advertisement Copyright © Oakley, Inc.

Four For 4 With Leslie WRG

admin — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:21:06 +0000

Leslie WRG takes a break from jetsetting to let us know about four things that he’s down with right now.

Leslie WRG / Design.Marketing.Music.Consulting.Blogger.Tastemaker.Visionary.Hustler.
www.twitter.com/lesliewrg
www.wrgmag.com
www.montrealstateofmind.com

Communication
So I’m cheating a bit but Macbook Pro (not pictured), iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth, Wifi Stick, & Gum cover just about any form of communication I need to have with the world. For calls & emails, blogging, face to face, I feel like Robocop but I’m always there when you call.

Travel
Burton all the way. They make the world’s best travel bags. I’ve been a burton fan for the past 13 years, and practically refuse anything but, with the exception of certain Oakley products. This is my day pack, the Burton Audex 21L with hidden stash pockets, perfect for easy access to hidden treasures.

Tuques
Polo, Burton, RVCA, Mike, Ezekiel, Raised by Wolves (personal favorite right now), whatever’s cleaver. I’m in a tuque winter, summer, spring or fall. And always to the side.

Addictions
Twitter. Foreign to many, it is what you make of it. I use twitter to stay in touch, to find dope local gems, to find tracks that I can’t pick up anywhere else, and to voice the occasional opinion. Follow me @lesliewrg and see what I get into.

Four For 4 With Max Jenke

admin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:22:07 +0000

Endevor Snowboards co-founder Max Jenke talks about four things that he’s feeling at the moment.

Max Jenke / Managing Director, Endeavor Design Inc.
www.endeavorsnowboards.com
www.airhole.ca

Vegemite
My wife got me into Vegemite by giving it to me when I was drunk. A couple of years ago I woke up craving it for breakfast (you put it on like jam on toast). Now it’s how I start everyday. Interestingly enough, it was invented by a Canadian for the Australian Army during WW2 and is one of the world’s richest known sources of vitamin B.

Apple
I feel like it’s totally cliched to choose Apple but these two items are essential to me. The iPhone and MacBook Pro are without a doubt my most used tools at work.

Muji Stationary
Even with all the technology, it seems like my life needs to be written down for me to remember what I need to do. The Muji day planner and multi coloured pen keep me in line.

Airhole Ninja Mask
The must have for any snowboarder. Keeps your face warm and protected while still being able to breathe.