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InspirationIllustration

Gnarly! Peter Phobia brings his passion for skateboarding to illustrated life

Peter Phobia is a German-born, New York-based illustrator whose work with clients including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Rimowa, Samsung, i-D and Absolut. We're big fans of his work, so we were excited to see him launch his latest project, inspired by his teenage years as a skateboarder.

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A skateboarder performs a kickflip mid-air above a curved ramp in an urban setting, whilst a figure in the water below watches and a cat sits on a skateboard nearby

Balance and Kickflips, says Peter, reflects on a creative mindset about freedom, friendship and adrenaline. Harnessing his distinctive illustration style, the series depicts a romantic idea of a community based on a shared passion, for exploring the city’s concrete obstacles.

That passion, he notes, gave him the chance as a youngster to connect with people regardless of origin, social status, age and gender, and showed him that being creative has the power to break barriers and push boundaries.

Perhaps most significantly, skateboarding also opened up his eyes to graffiti and art in the urban environment. Ultimately, this led to Peter pursuing a career in illustration, so this project brings things full circle in a highly personal and impactful way.

Illustrated skateboarder performing a trick in an urban setting with palm trees and coral-red sky, while other skaters ride in the background
Colourful illustration showing a diverse group of skateboarders and pedestrians enjoying an urban plaza with palm trees, a large red building, and various skateboarding tricks and activities taking place
Two skateboarders perform aerial tricks above a cityscape with palm trees, buildings and a pool, rendered in Peter Phobia's distinctive teal, coral and cream colour palette
Silhouetted cityscape with palm trees and buildings against a dramatic orange and purple sunset sky in Peter Phobia's illustrative style
Stylised illustration of young skateboarders in motion at a skate park, with one performing a kickflip whilst others watch, set against purple and coral tones
Figure from Peter Phobia's Balance and Kickflips series crouching with a white skateboard on a palm-tree-lined street under a coral sky
Illustrated figure in blue top and black-and-white split trousers performing a skateboarding trick under a warm sun with palm trees and other skaters in the background
Multiple skateboarders performing tricks in an urban plaza with palm trees and brick buildings under a warm peachy sky
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