A R T B L E N D E R // CRAIG METZGER riginally from Queens in New York City, a job at éS ended up moving Craig Metzger’s base of operations and exploration to Long Beach, California five years ago. Although he’s been quoted as saying he would never leave New York for the land of freeways and foot-long burritos, he’s since changed his tune: “Now it’s hard for me to think about leaving this place. However, I do miss certain things about NY. For example, the skateboarding.”
new perspective: “It taught me that creative people can play major roles in all business aspects, not just making things look pretty.” This knowledge allowed him to grow as an artist who understands the wants of the skateboard market. And his ability to tap into other artists – such as Nathan Fox [foxnathan.com] and groups like The Mountain [themountain.me] – makes Craig one of the few who can anticipate the trends in product design and graphics.
Incase (just to name just a few), his personal work has also been featured in shows, books and magazines. Craig combines a graphic edge with a natural and organic tone through his use of fun-loving animals and characters – just don’t cross them or those flagpoles could become spears.
While still residing in New York, Craig founded Instant Winner Skateboards in 2002, which helped open the door to a
Along with his collective experience doing art and design work with companies such as Etnies, Vans, DC, Spitfire, Thunder, Nixon and
—Randy Laybourne
“Craig is the sleeping giant of the skateboard industry. He looks soft and gentle and innocent, but he’s really focused and talented. He’s like a really tall, smart baby seal. And skateboarding is better for having him around.” -Don Pendleton // artist, designer and skateboarder
clockwise from top left:
Instant Winner “Sleeper Series” boards (a collaberation with Nathan Fox.) Instant Winner “So Awesome” tee Ipath “Black Star” tee Spitfire “Charged” tee Spitfire “Trespass” tee Emerica “Letters” tee Personal “Keep Nature Close” tee 22
Concrete skateboarding
Craig became the marketing leader over at IPATH [ipath.com] in November 2009, which has led to a great improvement in their message, look and overall direction. craigmetzger.com
visit concreteskateboarding.com to download art blender wallpapers for your computer and iphone.
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“Art Piece” by Craig Metzger, created exclusively for Concrete Skateboarding.