Graphics

[skiP.E.I.]

I have noticed that the bigger ski brands (Head, Volkl, Rossi, etc.) tend to employ simple, geometric abstract graphics. My theory is it's because they want the skis to be recognizable to spectators watching from a distance and on television during comps, since they have the budget for high profile comp athletes.

Meanwhile, smaller 'grassroots' brands apply busier, more detail oriented graphics to their skis so the products will be more visually engaging on a shop floor and for viewing online.

What do people think? What do YOU have to say about graphics? What are some memorable graphics for you?

I always loved the 04 K2 Public Enemy graphic designed by Ryan Schmies. In fact, I would say K2 has fairly consistently produced great designs for their twins.

 

[Non_State_Actor]

I think more brands should follow a cohesive design theme like Black Crows, Icelantic is getting into that somewhat, but I think it's good when brands have a recognizable style instead of bouncing from one overwrought design to the next.

But honestly I buy skis based on performance and pricing. If it's a good ski and on sale because it's ugly then I stand to gain.

 

[a_burger]

I think it's less about comps and more about skis sitting on the shop wall.

The majority of skiers probably base 70% of their ski decision on graphics and large for profit companies would rather someone feel indifferent to their simple graphics then have some customers love the graphics while another portion hate them (and thus the company misses out on some sales)

Simple graphics can be great sometimes, for example the K2 Red White and Blue topsheet. Shame they only bring it out for retro anniversary skis every once in a while.

I think a better strategy for companies is building association by closely styling all their topsheets between seasons, for example the Afterbang 2009-2012.

**This post was edited on Sep 1st 2018 at 9:58:30pm

 

[skiP.E.I.]

I think it's less about comps and more about skis sitting on the shop wall.

large for profit companies would rather someone feel indifferent to their simple graphics then have some customers love the graphics while another portion hate them (and thus the company misses out on some sales)

Simple graphics can be great sometimes, for example the K2 Red White and Blue topsheet. Shame they only bring it out for retro anniversary skis every once in a while.

I think a better strategy for companies is building association by closely styling all their topsheets between seasons, for example the Afterbang 2009-2012.

**This post was edited on Sep 1st 2018 at 9:58:30pm

I did think about that, and the 'simple' graphics are as good, tasteful or whatever you want to call it as detailed ones. I'm not saying that geometric, abstract graphics are bad or are less work to make. They just serve a slightly different purpose. I'm positive large companies hire talented graphic designers and pay them as much as any other company would. An example of what I mean is, the simple volkl graphics of recent years are extremely easy to identify on television and from a distance. They even made the logo bigger and blockier for visibility. They have done this to such an extent that it was easy for J skis and Steve Stepp to parody Volkl (see the skis Abraham Cain rides in 'Heart of Skiing'). In contrast, ON3P's topsheets all have fairly minute attention to detail which is lovely on close inspection, but is not as instantly recognizable from a distance. The aforementioned Volkls look pretty much the same in shop as they do on TV, in fact from across a large room it's easier to pick them out, especially if you've already seen them in videos.

As far as staying close stylistically across model years, the main reason companies do dramatically their graphics I suspect is to give the notion they've re-designed the ski, which is not often the case. Changing a graphic can even make a ski appear to have changed in width, sidecut or thickness, even though the difference may only be visual.

I do love those retro K2s, but only releasing them sometimes almost certainly ensures that they sell more units when they do drop that graphic.

**This post was edited on Sep 1st 2018 at 10:56:46pm

 

[mattm7]

I think faction are pretty bad for it with the CT series, I kinda wish they'd change up the graphics for them rather than colour swap every year. I think I'd be more likely to buy a pair then. That being said there's something I just love about the bright green k2 powabungas and I think the new marksman has the red white blue graphic this year

 

[powpatrol]

I think faction are pretty bad for it with the CT series, I kinda wish they'd change up the graphics for them rather than colour swap every year. I think I'd be more likely to buy a pair then. That being said there's something I just love about the bright green k2 powabungas and I think the new marksman has the red white blue graphic this year

powabungas were the shit

 

[skiP.E.I.]

I think faction are pretty bad for it with the CT series, I kinda wish they'd change up the graphics for them rather than colour swap every year. I think I'd be more likely to buy a pair then. That being said there's something I just love about the bright green k2 powabungas and I think the new marksman has the red white blue graphic this year

YEAH. I do appreciate the minimalism, but it would be cool to see at least some subtle change. One thing I do appreciate about Faction's consistency is that in media it puts more focus on the skier (does for me anyway), since you almost don't notice those skis after a while, the graphics are so quiet. When you see them from a distance too, you KNOW what brand they are automatically. It makes sense that you mention K2, since they really go the opposite way, making some of the loudest graphics out. The powabungas straight up glow-they can't help but be the most noticeable skis out.