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SuspiciousFishThe new Devastator Graphics look like they were inspired by the old 2009 VCTs.
@4FRNT Was this intentional or coincidence?
The HOJI looks savage as well. Could be one of my favorite of all time aside from some of Pollards stuff:
**This post was edited on Aug 5th 2020 at 3:52:18pm
cydwhitReally bummed on the new J line. Jimbo and Schmies graphics deliver just as well as you'd hope, and the Slacker with the skinny ski graphic is clever, but otherwise I'm not really that blown away by any of the others. Fight me?
SuspiciousFishThe new Devastator Graphics look like they were inspired by the old 2009 VCTs.
J_skisHa, can't win 'em all Cy!
Would love to get some more concrete feedback on what you're digging / not digging aside from just being really bummed. Obviously can't please everyone and we've actually been kinda surprised with which skis are selling well so far, but as an industry/art guy your perspective is always valued.
**This post was edited on Aug 5th 2020 at 4:34:55pm
cydwhitSomebody I follow had a SUPER similar style to this, or maybe it's the same artist. I'm driving myself crazy right now because I can't remember where I've seen it before, might be on an old DMB or Black Keys poster. It's that textural, limited palette Kraken imagery that I love and can't remember where I've seen it before.....
But yeah, nice catch on the throwback. I'll agree to disagree with ya on the Hoji, I can't articulate why I don't like it, so I can't really argue it haha!
bradwaltersAlways love seeing feedback on the graphics. Speaking for K2's graphic team, I'm kinda into your feedback of Almost Cool? Almost Retro? Im going to take that as a compliment!
It's all good in my book. The industry as a whole really delivered this year in my opinion! Each brand has their own place, each should look different (as much as we can besides our Inthayne/Poacher dilemma) and keep us all moving forward.
Not trying to stoke everyone out too much but we already have 21/22 graphics in the bag. We took some feedback, we kept having fun, and we are proud of where we are moving K2 in the future. Just don't try to come and hack my computer to see them :)
If anyone has any more questions on K2's graphic story for this coming year please let me know! It was my first season working for them and we had some fun with the line while getting our gears moving. I'll never be able to live up to the magic that Schmies created but I'm going to do my damn best to try and make something new over here at K2 in the years to come! Cheers everyone!
HamezKind of related to ski graphics, but the only thing I'm disappointing thing about the Moment ski graphics is the bases. With the bibbys they continued the artwork onto the bases but now they just have Moment on the tip and tail, it would be sick if they brought this back with the wildcats. They might have already mentioned why they stopped this i haven't check just my thoughts though.
cydwhitHa, yeah, I should have been more clear, totally a compliment. Seems like you have to walk a tight line given how many skis you're selling, so I'm pretty stoked on 'em. Also, Reconners are way cleaner in person than on the internet, so I'm pretty stoked on that!
bradwaltersAlways love seeing feedback on the graphics. Speaking for K2's graphic team, I'm kinda into your feedback of Almost Cool? Almost Retro? Im going to take that as a compliment!
It's all good in my book. The industry as a whole really delivered this year in my opinion! Each brand has their own place, each should look different (as much as we can besides our Inthayne/Poacher dilemma) and keep us all moving forward.
Not trying to stoke everyone out too much but we already have 21/22 graphics in the bag. We took some feedback, we kept having fun, and we are proud of where we are moving K2 in the future. Just don't try to come and hack my computer to see them :)
If anyone has any more questions on K2's graphic story for this coming year please let me know! It was my first season working for them and we had some fun with the line while getting our gears moving. I'll never be able to live up to the magic that Schmies created but I'm going to do my damn best to try and make something new over here at K2 in the years to come! Cheers everyone!
BiffbarfON3P's jeffrey. Bomber ass graphics for the most bomber skis in the game. Shit's amazing. really makes me wanna spend way more than I can afford on a pair of sticks.
But then there's the hackel pro model. Kinda looks like the in-school-suspension desk in a middle school. Not sure which mark this one hit.
I legitimately feel on3p released one of the raddest and one of the wackest topsheets this szn.
cydwhitHa. I was worried somebody actually in the industry would read this!
Disclaimer, I think you've released some of the prettiest skis on the market too, and I've really enjoyed riding a bunch of 'em, but here's how this current lineup makes me feel. And it's not related to what I think would sell or whatever, just on aesthetics.
Obviously this is subjective and different stokes for different folks, but here's a more articulated take, and I guess I won't pull any punches, 'cause it's the internet haha:
1) I get it that part of J is not having a cohesive look for the brand, there's a zillion different graphics with something for almost everyone, and all they have in common is who is making the skis. But I would almost argue that there is starting to be a cohesive look for "J Skis" and it's hastily done, low-quality graphics. Yes, there are a bunch of exceptions, but my friend group, and myself have all seen J's in the wild, not known who made them, but gone "that looks like somebody photoshopped some random crap on a ski, it's probably a J." Does that make sense? If I see a bunch of random crap on a ski, that doesn't necessarily look "crafted", I can assume pretty accurately who made it.
2) So many of these graphics don't look like they were made by skiers for skiers. I LOVE that you're doing artist collabs. But a bunch of those artists don't seem to have much experience working at the weird aspect ratio that skis have. So it looks like you're just taking their art and figuring out a crop that works on skis. Which adds to the "photoshopped" vibe. Again, stoked you're working with a bunch of artists, and I think they do great work. But much of it doesn't look like it's meant to go on a topsheet or a base. And that's a bummer. And yes, pot calling the kettle black, I'm not claiming to be a better artist or designer, just speaking from my seat as a critic/customer.
3) c And if you've got somebody out there who just wants a washed-out tie-die graphic with some peace signs, cool for them. But I don't think I'm alone in saying that great ski graphics are more than just art on a topsheet. They carry the legacy of a ski and a time in skiing on them. And yes, maybe skiing is moving away from that, maybe cool topsheets are going the way of full-length ski films. But man, every time I see a Pollard tree graphic out in the wild, it makes me nostalgic for a special time in skiing. I see a Hellbent at a yardsale and I remember the Pettit poster on my wall growing up. Hell, even old Salomo Czars, or Afterbangs, or whatever, they carry more weight than just the ski or just the graphic? Make sense?
And, harking back to point #1, good graphics tell me what brand made the ski. I don't have an encyclopedic knowledge of every Moment graphic out there, but I instantly recognize old Moments on the hill. Same goes for ON3P and Line, and a bunch of other brands. It's not because of the branding, it's because it's a ski that obviously came from the same visual family.
It feels like so many of the graphics I see on your site right now were designed to sell a few skis fast, and then not really be thought about ever again. Which is fine. But also makes me sad.
So yeah, stoked the brand exists, keep doing what you're doing. I love to talk ski graphics, and hear what other people like, and discuss why we don't like some stuff. So there ya go.
CatdickBojanglesGotta agree to disagree on this one. I like the the hacker cause it’s simple and clean. The Jeffery is a little too busy this year. Although the Mango sunrise is straight fucking fire, I love it and I’ve heard it looks even better in person.
bradwaltersThat's great to hear! I'm stoked you liked what you saw in person. Give 'em a ski if you get a chance. The engineers made a damn good ski, my job was the easy part.
JLevReally Cy? I should be doing the same as every other ski company? Never have, never will.
Coming from an artist, I would think you would be pointing out the insane amount of time and effort that is put into these graphics because you would know better than anyone, that creating as you say the prettiest graphics on the weirdest aspect ratio is not easy, not quick, and takes a ton of effort by lots of very talented skiers, artists, engineers and more throughout the entire 7 month process from concept to what you clicked a link on to see today.
skiP.E.I.Moment went in on the Wildcat graphics 100%
ON3P is really keeping things interesting I appreciate that!
Volkl went reaaalllly goofy with the cubist looking animals. Good for them for changing things up I guess.
Vishnu again coming through with the food photography.
Skevik always has some pretty cool art on their skis. I like the Van Loon graphic.
I really love looking at graphics but it's honestly the last thing I consider when purchasing skis.
**This post was edited on Aug 5th 2020 at 4:00:08pm
BiffbarfON3P's jeffrey. Bomber ass graphics for the most bomber skis in the game. Shit's amazing. really makes me wanna spend way more than I can afford on a pair of sticks.
But then there's the hackel pro model. Kinda looks like the in-school-suspension desk in a middle school. Not sure which mark this one hit.
I legitimately feel on3p released one of the raddest and one of the wackest topsheets this szn.
clindblomskier
Such a big fan of the new poachers. The storm cloud graphic combined with the lightning yellow bases is so sick.
BigPurpleSkiSuitI believe these are the inthaynes
cydwhitReally bummed on the new J line. Jimbo and Schmies graphics deliver just as well as you'd hope, and the Slacker with the skinny ski graphic is clever, but otherwise I'm not really that blown away by any of the others. Fight me?
pinkcamo1000one thing I think more ski companies need to consider is how a ski looks from far away. I need people on the chair to think my skis look sick
skiP.E.I.Moment went in on the Wildcat graphics 100%
ON3P is really keeping things interesting I appreciate that!
Volkl went reaaalllly goofy with the cubist looking animals. Good for them for changing things up I guess.
Vishnu again coming through with the food photography.
Skevik always has some pretty cool art on their skis. I like the Van Loon graphic.
I really love looking at graphics but it's honestly the last thing I consider when purchasing skis.
**This post was edited on Aug 5th 2020 at 4:00:08pm
r00kieGlad to see ON3P taking risks again with graphics this year. Last years looked good but where also somewhat generic/safe. Jeffery with the satellite street grid in the background looks sick.
BiffbarfON3P's jeffrey. Bomber ass graphics for the most bomber skis in the game. Shit's amazing. really makes me wanna spend way more than I can afford on a pair of sticks.
But then there's the hackel pro model. Kinda looks like the in-school-suspension desk in a middle school. Not sure which mark this one hit.
I legitimately feel on3p released one of the raddest and one of the wackest topsheets this szn.
highpeak
Not a big fan of Armada's signature series this year, kinda too realistic and zoomed in for me. That being said, I think the Whitewalkers look fantastic
4FRNTwho wore it better?
**This post was edited on Aug 6th 2020 at 12:30:43pm
4FRNTwho wore it better?
**This post was edited on Aug 6th 2020 at 12:30:43pm
bradwaltersY'all should be stoked because the good people at 4FRNT and K2 basically tag teamed the best looking skis of the season and gave you an all mtn/pow ripper and a park ripper :)
We all win on this one
highpeak
Not a big fan of Armada's signature series this year, kinda too realistic and zoomed in for me. That being said, I think the Whitewalkers look fantastic
highpeakSome of my fav graphics this year that haven't been mentioned already. New prodigy line is simple, clean, yet still pops. Bentchetlers are a work of art per usual. Sakanas and Pescados give off the timeless vibe of Pollard's old Sir Francis Bacon and Magnum Opus.
bradwaltersY'all should be stoked because the good people at 4FRNT and K2 basically tag teamed the best looking skis of the season and gave you an all mtn/pow ripper and a park ripper :)
We all win on this one
cydwhitHa. I was worried somebody actually in the industry would read this!
Disclaimer, I think you've released some of the prettiest skis on the market too, and I've really enjoyed riding a bunch of 'em, but here's how this current lineup makes me feel. And it's not related to what I think would sell or whatever, just on aesthetics.
Obviously this is subjective and different stokes for different folks, but here's a more articulated take, and I guess I won't pull any punches, 'cause it's the internet haha:
1) I get it that part of J is not having a cohesive look for the brand, there's a zillion different graphics with something for almost everyone, and all they have in common is who is making the skis. But I would almost argue that there is starting to be a cohesive look for "J Skis" and it's hastily done, low-quality graphics. Yes, there are a bunch of exceptions, but my friend group, and myself have all seen J's in the wild, not known who made them, but gone "that looks like somebody photoshopped some random crap on a ski, it's probably a J." Does that make sense? If I see a bunch of random crap on a ski, that doesn't necessarily look "crafted", I can assume pretty accurately who made it.
2) So many of these graphics don't look like they were made by skiers for skiers. I LOVE that you're doing artist collabs. But a bunch of those artists don't seem to have much experience working at the weird aspect ratio that skis have. So it looks like you're just taking their art and figuring out a crop that works on skis. Which adds to the "photoshopped" vibe. Again, stoked you're working with a bunch of artists, and I think they do great work. But much of it doesn't look like it's meant to go on a topsheet or a base. And that's a bummer. And yes, pot calling the kettle black, I'm not claiming to be a better artist or designer, just speaking from my seat as a critic/customer.
3) Graphics don't affect how a ski rides. They don't matter. And if you've got somebody out there who just wants a washed-out tie-die graphic with some peace signs, cool for them. But I don't think I'm alone in saying that great ski graphics are more than just art on a topsheet. They carry the legacy of a ski and a time in skiing on them. And yes, maybe skiing is moving away from that, maybe cool topsheets are going the way of full-length ski films. But man, every time I see a Pollard tree graphic out in the wild, it makes me nostalgic for a special time in skiing. I see a Hellbent at a yardsale and I remember the Pettit poster on my wall growing up. Hell, even old Salomo Czars, or Afterbangs, or whatever, they carry more weight than just the ski or just the graphic? Make sense?
And, harking back to point #1, good graphics tell me what brand made the ski. I don't have an encyclopedic knowledge of every Moment graphic out there, but I instantly recognize old Moments on the hill. Same goes for ON3P and Line, and a bunch of other brands. It's not because of the branding, it's because it's a ski that obviously came from the same visual family.
It feels like so many of the graphics I see on your site right now were designed to sell a few skis fast, and then not really be thought about ever again. Which is fine. But also makes me sad.
So yeah, stoked the brand exists, keep doing what you're doing. I love to talk ski graphics, and hear what other people like, and discuss why we don't like some stuff. So there ya go.
sander_hRad thread idea Cy. While everyone may not share the same view as me because art is indeed up to the viewer and not valued based on the amount of time spent, I am a fan of Dynastar's M-Free line graphics.
KretzschmarAlways been a fan of marbling whether that's in a graphic or a steak. The touch of gold is great too.
sander_hRad thread idea Cy. While everyone may not share the same view as me because art is indeed up to the viewer and not valued based on the amount of time spent, I am a fan of Dynastar's M-Free line graphics.
Yes I am sponsored by them, but I am genuinely excited about the new graphics and this new 108. While I'm not usually wild about multiple models sharing the same graphic, imo it's a very clean graphic and helps with this bigger brands cohesive M-Free branding helping get the word out on the new sticks. It's a huge departure from the single race graphic that spanned their whole ski line just a couple years ago.
New ON3P Jeffrey is very sick especially because they are continuing the Wartime/Industrial story that was on the older Jeffreys.
I dig WNDR alpine's graphics as I think it lines up well with the brand as futuristic eco manufacturers concerned with making a good ski.
I think it's rad Volkl went with the animals on the revolts. They almost mad me think Madsteeze but not nearly enough purple to draw any sort of parallels.
Always have a soft spot for Pollard graphics. So thoughtful yet wonderfully simplistic.
Last but not least. 2021 Armada B Dogs and last years are real sick. Who doesn't love dogs, especially when they assume the alter ego of our lord and steeze savior, B-Dog.
Once again, art is in the eye of the beholder. Guaranteed a graphic that is liked by some will be hated by others. I like how much different stuff there is going on in the ski graphic world. Keep it up everyone!
Someone give Cy a shot, you won't be mad.
distantcousinWhat up Cy.
cydwhitI feel like I never love or hate Factions. They're usually clean, and just cool enough for my taste.