Deck Information
Lists
- my-boards by mallen707 (1 items)
- uk-skateboard-companies by PudNewbury (2 items)
- urban-decay-series by PudNewbury (2 items)
- its-all-shit by PudNewbury (4 items)
- chocolate-city-series by PudNewbury (11 items)
- uk-companies by RustyBadRobot (1 items)
Contributors
**Andy Howell**
**Born:** December 4, 1971
**Hometown:** Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
**History:**
Andy Howell is a pivotal figure in skateboarding history, renowned not just for his technical skills but also for his innovative contributions to skate culture. He first became prominent in the early 1990s and quickly gained recognition for his unique style and creativity on a skateboard.
**Notable Achievements:**
– Howell was one of the first skaters to do a varial flip on a vert ramp, showcasing his early innovation in trick development.
– He was a key rider for the influential **Blind Skateboards** team in the 1990s, contributing to their iconic skate videos and imagery.
– Howell was featured in the seminal skate video **”Questionable”** (1992), which helped define the era’s skate aesthetic and tricks.
**Contributions to Skateboarding:**
– Howell played an integral role in skateboarding’s transition from purely street skating to a more well-rounded approach, blending street, vert, and freestyle.
– Beyond riding, he is also credited with developing some of the first skate footwear designs, contributing to the growth of technical skate shoes.
– In 1998, Howell co-founded **Apex Skateboards**, a brand that aimed to elevate the standard of skateboard graphics and production while emphasizing environmental responsibility.
**Relevant Connections:**
– **Sponsorships:** Over the years, Howell has had sponsorships with notable brands such as **Blind Skateboards**, **Toy Machine**, and **Vans**. These partnerships helped solidify his status within the industry.
– **Collaborations:** His work in skateboarding also includes collaborations with artists and other brands, contributing to graphic design and organizational efforts that have influenced skateboard culture and design aesthetics.
**Legacy:**
Andy Howell is not only admired for his technical prowess but also for his visionary approach in bridging skateboarding with lifestyle, art, and culture. His efforts have left an indelible mark on the sport and its community, making him a respected and influential figure in the evolution of skateboarding.
**Andy Howell: Skateboard Artist & Designer**
**Biography:**
Andy Howell, born in 1970 in New Jersey, is a prominent skateboard artist, designer, and entrepreneur known for his significant contributions to skateboard culture. He gained recognition in the 1980s during the rise of street skateboarding.
**Notable Achievements:**
– **Pioneering Skate Art**: Howell helped to elevate skateboard graphics by merging fine art with skate culture, becoming an influential figure in the design aesthetics of skateboards.
– **Skateboard Companies**: He was a key member of the influential company, World Industries, known for its radical graphics and marketing strategies. He later co-founded **Twelve Skateboards**, which was one of the first companies to feature artists and designers heavily in their branding.
– **Professional Skateboarding**: Howell was not only a talented artist but also an accomplished skateboarder who competed in various contests during the late ’80s and early ’90s, contributing to the progression of street skating.
**Contributions to Skateboarding:**
– **Artistic Influence**: Howell’s artwork has graced numerous skateboard decks, and he has played a vital role in shaping skateboard culture through graphic design. His ability to infuse pop culture and personal experiences into his art resonated with skaters and helped define a generation.
– **Advocacy for Art in Skateboarding**: As an advocate for artistic expression within the skateboarding community, Howell has pushed for the integration of art into the industry, encouraging other artists to explore collaborations with skateboard companies.
**Relevant Connections:**
– **Sponsorships**: Throughout his career, Howell has been sponsored by major companies in the skateboarding industry, including **Blind Skateboards** and **Vision Skateboards**.
– **Collaborations**: His collaborations extend beyond skateboards; he has worked with brands such as **Adidas** and has produced graphic art for various skateboard-related events and initiatives.
– **Educational Contributions**: Howell has been involved in mentoring young artists and skaters, participating in workshops and speaking engagements that bridge the gap between art and skateboarding.
**Legacy:**
Andy Howell is recognized not just for his skating skills but also for his revolutionary impact on skateboard art and culture. He has inspired countless skaters and designers through his innovative designs and passion for the sport. His dedication to blending art with skateboarding continues to influence new generations of skateboarders and artists alike.
