Customer Reviews

Boards: The Art and Design of the Skateboard (MTV Overground)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

A great idea for a book, but this one suffers from being too trendy and not comprehensive enough. Maybe being published by MTV has something to do with it. But as a result, a lot of the skateboard graphics shown in here already look a bit played out.

There are only a few companies represented, Girl being the best of them. I have a suspicion that the author only displayed decks from companies that he could get image sources from. All the boards are only from the last couple of years, some of it good, some of it rather insignificant.

There is another book out there with the same theme that I would rather recommend, it's called "Board: Surf/Skate/Snow Graphics". It's a bit more comprehensive and well rounded, featuring pics from different eras of skateboarding.

31 year old skater(skating for 17 years)/graphic designer/illustrator here and I have to say this is a cool book. I was reluctant to purchase it since I am very anti-MTV, but I am glad I did. Although I will agree with other reviews that it is not very comprehensive (how could they forget Mark Gonzalez one of the greatest skaters and artists ever?) Makes a nice "coffee table" book, and it really is pretty cheap in the grand scheme of things

I bought this book not because I am a huge fan of skateboarding but because I find the art interesting. This is defintely a good overview of skateboard art. The book includes a large number of skateboard designs, including a number of series by notable companies like Zoo York and Birdhouse. Even curious non-skateboarders will enjoy just paging through. The book authors also worked very hard on the graphic design; the pages have a sleek, embellished look that adds to the book's style but does not detract from the featured artwork. A few comments from a select few skateboard artists are also included, but they add little to the book; the book's strength is definitely in its artwork.

Overall, the book is a good introduction to skateboard art. However, I did notice that some skateboard companies (Zoo York, for example) were featured much more prominently than others, and it seemed as though some companies' artwork were missing. While this is a good book for casual fans, it may disappoint some skateboard enthusiasts a little.

As some one who knows as a fact, Spike Jonze is and always has been a co-owner of Girl Skateboards. This book is great. Great little interviews with some of the best deck designer's out there. Jenkins, Cliver, Larson, Abeyta, Johnson, on and on. Great images too!

Good coverage of the art of skateboard decks with most of the major designers included. Excellent interviews with the designers themselves and their approach to their work.Recommended reading to any collector of this art form.

There are tons of the most recent skateboard designs in this book. It looks fresh. Also, they have a huge spectrum of designers, from very clean design to the older style throw back designs of the 80s. Spike Jonze did co-found Girl with howard...this is the kind of book that I hope they continue to put out and with all of the skateboard designs out there that shouldn't be too hard to do.

a book that gives due to deck design. a mix of series and solo decks, boards moves fluidly through the work of some of the coolest graphic artists working... evan hecox (chocolate), the art dump (girl), marc johnson (enjoi), andy mueller (girl)... many of the artists discuss their thoughts on this somewhat disposable medium including sean cliver, the Jackass producer who wrote the hilarious companion book to the Jackass movie last year, who offers this nugget on his racy designs for hook-ups: "The Latvians are really going out on a limb and doing pronounced camel toes now, but I really feel you gotta draw the line somewhere." the incredible graphics, the pacing, nicely inspersed skate photos from the likes of michael blabac make this a great viewing and reading experience and reminds you that the true spirit of skating is alive in today's deck designers.

Anything else on the subject is far better. This is a poor slap-together that has no relevance to boards or board art. Looks like some first year asian art student's last minute hodge-podge before semester end. If you want the best, buy Sean Cliver's book "Disposable" instead.

i only have one question for the skateboarders," do you guys wax up your boards before you paddle out? wow, what an incredible compilation of the history of the skateboard. not only is marc johnson a legend in skateboard riding, but now in skateboard artwork. he no longer rides for enjoi however. too bad- and for the your info, girl is owned by rick howard and mike carrol.

keep this little guy right on the coffee table, and all the people are really enjoying this. A very nice book indeed. Love the fact that it's a coffee table book, only smaller. Good work.