Santa Cruz Skateboards Logo PNG
The manufacturer’s emblem reflects energy and drive. The Santa Cruz logo, featuring a jumping skater full of power and flight, points out that its sports equipment will allow skateboarders to experience the real pleasure of the activity.
Santa Cruz: Brand overview
Meaning and History
First, the parent company NHS was founded, named after three friends. To obtain a concise and understandable form, they used the first letters of their names – Novak, Haut, Shuirman. At first, the company specialized in the supply of surfboard materials. Skateboarding in the lives of young entrepreneurs came later when the fateful call from the head of the McCully’s Bike Shop in Hawaii rang in the office. He approached them with a request to customize 500 skateboards. Friends accepted the application, and in 1973, they introduced the Santa Cruz skateboards. At the same time, the famous Road Rider Wheels and Independent Trucks wheels and bases were produced.
The debut models resembled a mini-cruiser. The decks were small and looked more or less like modern Penny skateboards. Back then, boards were the main task of skateboarding – fast downhill and speed racing. Therefore, their design was slightly different: a narrow base, large soft wheels, and noisy bearings. But with the advent of the trick era, they’ve been refined, so Santa Cruz is now believed to make the best skate components, and their wheels are sold separately.
What is the Santa Cruz logo?
Santa Cruz is an American manufacturer of legendary high-end skateboards and bicycles. It appeared in 1973 through a business partnership of three friends: Rob Roskopp, Rich Novak, and Mike Marquez. In 1993, the company started producing bicycles. The current logo is a red circle, across which the brand name is located, and below in small letters is marked “SKATEBOARDS.” The central inscription is placed diagonally, the lower one – in a semicircle. In Santa, both A’s are ramp-shaped.
With the development of the production base and improved skateboard performance, ramps began to appear massively in Americans’ backyards and skateparks in every corner of the United States. Precision bearings, urethane wheels, and boards with the iconic logo emerged in parallel. The brand owners have also focused on highly artistic graphics for their decks.
But in the 1980s, the parent company and all the brands it owns suddenly fell into crisis over Jay Shuirman’s passing. Thrasher Skateboard Magazine helped save the day. He became the “Bible” of skateboarders, brought attention to the sport, and put the industry on its feet. The rebirth of this brand took place in 1984-1985 with the help of Eric Swenson and Fausto Vitello, founders of Novak and Independent Trucks.
In the mid-1970s, NHS hired freelance designer Jim Phillips, who was instrumental in the brand’s success. He designed the legendary Road Rider Wheels emblems, the early “oblique” Santa Cruz logo, the Santa Cruz “Red Dot” insignia, and the “cross” symbol for Independent Trucks.
In addition, he presented a series of decks with the Rob Roskopp logo, which in 1989 became the most popular. Before that (in 1985), Jim had a revolutionary design that became a skateboarding-style icon. This is the legendary symbol of the Screaming Hand. He was present on almost all brand boards and even earned the attention of world art exhibitions. The Santa Cruz brand also owns other iconic skateboard icons. This is the logo of Neptune & Sungod (Jason Jessee), Toybox (Jeff Grosso), and Atomic Man (Jeff Kendall). All of them gained incredible popularity and became classics of skateboarding design.
The oblique stamp with the word “Santa Cruz” is the company’s iconic label. It is associated with the city in which skateboards were first produced. The mark is a red disc with a black line on the edge. In the center is the brand name diagonally in yellow letters with a few italics. The font is in uppercase. Each character has a shadow, which makes the text seem voluminous. “S” (it is elongated, ribbon-like) and both “A” (made in the form of pyramids) have an unusual design. At the bottom of the red circle is the word “Skateboards.”
Another iconic emblem is the Screaming Hand. It is the most recognizable logo in skateboarding, equated to a work of art. Its base is a turned left hand, depicted with an open palm forward. It is blue and looks like a stump, as evidenced by the veins and blood. A mouth is drawn on the palm. He opens wide in a cry of terror. Strong white teeth and a red tongue are visible against the backdrop of gaping darkness. All elements are complemented with shadows, which makes the hand volumetric. “Santa Cruz” is written under the lower lip in small letters.
Santa Cruz: Interesting Facts
Santa Cruz Skateboards, revered in the skateboarding realm, has established itself as a leader in both the quality of its skateboards and its profound impact on skate and surf culture worldwide. Launched in 1973 in Santa Cruz, California, by visionaries Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman, the brand has become a hallmark of skateboarding excellence.
- Trailblazer in the Industry: Standing as one of the longest-operating skateboard companies globally, Santa Cruz has consistently innovated skateboard design and graphics since its inception.
- The “Screaming Hand” Logo: The “Screaming Hand,” crafted by the renowned artist Jim Phillips in 1985, stands as a towering symbol within skateboarding culture. This emblem is deeply associated with the brand and is celebrated worldwide.
- Shaping Skate Culture: Santa Cruz’s impact extends beyond producing skateboards; it has nurtured skate culture by backing professional skateboarders, endorsing skate events, and creating skate videos that highlight the prowess and ingenuity of its team.
- Expansive Product Line: Known primarily for skateboards, Santa Cruz ventures into apparel, accessories, and surfboards through its sibling brand, Santa Cruz Surfboards, broadening its appeal across various action sports.
- Creative Collaborations: The brand has united with artists, musicians, and pop culture icons to forge distinctive, collectible skateboard designs. Notable collaborations include those with Marvel Comics, Star Wars, and The Simpsons.
- Innovations in Technology: Santa Cruz has been at the forefront of skateboard technology, introducing the ever-slick deck with a slide-enhancing bottom layer that augments performance during grinds and slides.
- Worldwide Skateboarding Team: The brand supports a worldwide team of professional skateboarders, spotlighting global talent and promoting skateboarding’s expansion as an international sport.
- Commitment to Sustainability: Aligned with California’s environmental values, Santa Cruz strives for sustainability, producing skateboards from recycled materials.
- Cinematic Celebrations: The brand’s story and cultural influence have been captured in documentaries and films, including “NHS Fun Factory,” which explores the narrative of Santa Cruz Skateboards and its parent company, NHS, Inc.
- Lasting Influence: Amidst shifts in the skateboarding scene and broader cultural movements, Santa Cruz Skateboards has preserved its beloved status among enthusiasts. Its legacy is built on unwavering quality, innovation, and the lasting allure of its vibrant graphics and designs.
By staying true to its origins yet evolving alongside the skateboarding community, Santa Cruz Skateboards remains a pivotal force in skate culture worldwide.
Font and Colors
Although the inscription is made in a typeface of our design, it is very reminiscent of the Santa Carla font. Its creator is Kirk Shelton, who focused on the techno style. The S looks like a railing and a skateboarding ramp at the same time.
The branded palette is bright, juicy, and rich, which corresponds to this sport because skateboarders are always at the peak of their emotions. Black, blue, red, white, and yellow are the main components of the logo color scheme.
FAQ
Who designed the Santa Cruz logo?
Jim Phillips created the iconic red dot logo for Santa Cruz skateboards. The logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in skateboarding and has greatly enhanced the brand’s appeal. It appears on all brand products, helping them stand out. The logo represents high-quality skateboarding equipment and skateboarding culture. Its popularity among skateboarders and fans worldwide has significantly contributed to the brand’s leadership in the industry.
What does the screaming hand symbolize?
The logo, created by artist Jim Phillips, is a famous symbol in skateboarding. This logo is considered a work of art with deep meaning. It features a hand screaming from the mouth on the palm, conveying the strong emotion and energy of skateboarding. The image reflects the struggle and excitement of skaters and represents rebellion against societal norms.
Where did the Santa Cruz logo come from?
The brand is known for its unique logos, each created through creative collaboration. These logos are well-known symbols of skate culture worldwide. The Screaming Hand, created by graphic artist Jim Phillips, is one of the most recognizable logos. It features a hand with a screaming mouth on the palm, reflecting the rebellious spirit of skateboarding. Jim Phillips and Jay Schuirman created another key logo, the Red Dot. It’s a simple yet striking red dot design that’s instantly recognizable and closely tied to the brand’s identity in skateboarding.
What is the Santa Cruz brand known for?
Founded in 1973, Santa Cruz is known for its high-quality skateboards and mountain bikes. Originally specializing in skateboards, the brand quickly made a name for itself in the skateboarding world. By 1993, the company expanded into mountain bikes, creating a dedicated design and manufacturing division.
Santa Cruz skateboards are recognized for their durability and innovative designs, significantly impacting skateboarding culture. The mountain bikes are known for their advanced design and ability to handle difficult terrain, making them popular among cycling enthusiasts.
