Desert Grip

Desert Grip

‍

Design Focus

Illustration, Skateboard Deck Design,

Art Direction

‍

Client

Toy Machine (Spec Project)

‍

My Role

Illustration, ArtDirection, Visual Design

‍

Tools

Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

‍

The Missing Piece at a Glance

‍

Toy Machine is a rebellious, artistic skateboard brand that thrives on bold, eccentric graphics. Known for its edgy, surreal, and eye-catching artwork, Toy Machine constantly pushes creative boundaries in skateboard design.

For this project, the goal was to create a new deck series that aligns with the brand’s playful yet rebellious identity while introducing a fresh artistic direction. Inspired by the resilience of cacti, these designs reflect the gritty, tough, and independent spirit of skateboarders.

The challenge was to infuse plant imagery into the brand’s signature aesthetic without losing its raw and energetic visual language.

‍

‍

The Completed Puzzle

This skateboard deck series features a cacti-themed illustration style, blending bold outlines, playful compositions, and sharp color contrasts that align with Toy Machine’s alternative culture and graphic-heavy identity. Inspired by the resilience and rebellion of cacti, the designs reflect the toughness of skateboarders, capturing their independent and fearless spirit. The artwork strikes a balance between playful and edgy aesthetics, staying true to Toy Machine’s bold visual storytelling while introducing a fresh perspective. A sharp, high-contrast color palette enhances the striking, unconventional look, reinforcing the brand’s signature vibrant style. This project explores illustration within skateboard culture, demonstrating how concept-driven graphics can shape brand identity and create a deeper connection with its audience.

‍