CIRCUITBOARD
SKATEBRAND
BFA thesis project
Circuitboard is an illustration based skate brand rooted in community, self-expression, and pushing personal limits. Inspired by the diversity and camaraderie of the skatepark, it embraces the flaws and idiosyncrasies that make each skater unique. Through surreal depictions of anatomy and experimental board shapes, Circuitbox reimagines the skateboard as an extension of the body—blurring the line between art and function. It’s about being proud of where you’ve been, where you’re going, and never backing down from what scares you.
THE SCULPTURAL DECKS
The vertebrae in my deck designs are my way of expressing the skateboard as an extension of the body. I think of vertebrae as the body's circuitry: pieces that fit together, linking different parts of yourself. On a larger scale, this circuitry speaks not just to the internal workings of a person, but to the idea of community, especially within art and skate culture. Each of us is a circuit, and together we make up something greater.
Making them
The process started by taking 3 blank decks and laser cutting them using an illustrator file. The laser cutter didn’t go all the way through because of both the curvature and the thickness of the boards, so I had to finish them off with a handsaw. Once all the pieces were sawed off, I used a dremel to get into all the crevices and curves and sand off the charcoal, I sanded down the top for a smooth finish and finished them with a couple coats of polyurethane rub on lacquer. Lastly, I spray painted the grip tape with my brand colors and attached all the pieces.
THE GRAPHICS
The graphics themselves were formulated around the poster. I needed a way to tie each deck together, so they could exist as individual objects yet be a part of a bigger whole. This poster is a map of the human person, all layers and gross innards spilling out, it’s vulnerable. Of course the person in the image is me, but the map of you is meant to symbolize the viewer and inspire introspection.
THE IDEATION
In formulating this project, I found it incredibly helpful to have a visual map of my progress. I dedicated a full wall of my studio to what came to be known as my ‘murder board’ because all the sketches, images, notes and string made it look like I was attempting to solve a murder mystery.
