Words and illustration by Greg Simmons

When you’re skating you have to be on point! You have to really focus into the fine details in front of you, but also on your coordination, confidence, and precision. When I’m creating a piece of art, those external and internal reactions and nuances kick in. 

When I’m pushing around after a long car ride, or better yet, not skating for a week straight cause I’m locked in the studio, I have to warm up. I call it the “power hour”. The same rules apply with any art I create. You have to warm up. You may not reach your goal first try!

Once you land the trick, or finish a painting or design, that same therapeutic satisfaction takes you over for a bit. It can become addicting after a while, seeing your thoughts manifest. It’s empowering. Soon, after x amount of hours are clocked, the muscle memory kicks in and you’re able to venture into more difficult territories with more ease. After the power hour, you may be inspired to try a trick and chisel away at that. Maybe after completing an oil painting I find myself inspired to tackle a new medium. To me art and skateboarding are a cyclical process. You start with the basics and advance your moves, techniques, and points of view over time.

For me, the two go hand in hand; if I’m lacking inspiration in art, I’ll move on and get fresh air, skate, and focus on that. Afterwards, that satisfying rush leads me back to the drawing board, ready for what creation will come next.