When I started DeckArts, I knew one thing for certain: authentic skateboard art can't exist without authentic artists. That's why I'm incredibly excited to pull back the curtain and introduce you to our first artist collaborator – someone who embodies everything our brand stands for.
Finding the Right Creative Voice
The search for our inaugural artist wasn't taken lightly. I spent months walking through Prague's neighborhoods, studying the walls, observing the techniques, and most importantly, talking to the artists themselves. What I discovered was a thriving underground scene that most people never see – talented creators who've been perfecting their craft on city walls, always dreaming of bringing their work into homes.
Our first collaborator is Milan Kratochvíl, known in Prague's street art circles as "Krato." I first encountered his work on a weathered wall in Vinohrady, where his distinctive geometric patterns merged seamlessly with organic flowing lines. There was something about his style that immediately spoke to me – it had that raw energy of street culture but with a sophistication that would translate beautifully to interior spaces.
The Creative Process Unveiled
Working with Krato has been an incredible journey into understanding how street art transforms when it moves from concrete to skateboard decks. The process is far more complex than most people imagine.
Week 1: Conceptualization Krato and I spent hours discussing the vision. Unlike creating art for a wall, designing for a skateboard deck requires understanding the unique canvas – the curves, the proportions, and how the art will look when mounted. We explored themes that would resonate with both skateboard culture and modern interior design.
Week 2-3: Sketching and Refinement What fascinated me was watching Krato adapt his large-scale techniques to the intimate format of a 31-inch deck. He created dozens of preliminary sketches, each one exploring how his signature style could work within these constraints. The breakthrough came when he realized the deck's natural curves could enhance his geometric patterns rather than limit them.
Week 4-6: Production This is where the magic happens. Krato works with authentic 7-ply Canadian maple decks – the same quality used by professional skaters. Each piece starts with careful surface preparation, followed by multiple layers of his design. What sets his work apart is the attention to detail; every line is hand-painted, every color mixed specifically for that piece.
Bridging Street Culture and Home Design
One of the most rewarding aspects of this collaboration has been witnessing how Krato's street art aesthetic translates into home environments. His first series for DeckArts, "Urban Geometry," captures the essence of Prague's architectural diversity while maintaining the rebellious spirit of skateboard culture.
The collection features three distinct pieces that work individually or as a coordinated set. Each deck tells a part of Prague's story – from the medieval spires to the brutalist housing blocks, all reimagined through Krato's unique lens.
The Artist's Perspective
"Working with Stanislav opened up possibilities I never considered," Krato explains during one of our studio sessions. "Street art is temporal – it might be painted over tomorrow. But creating skateboard art means my work becomes part of someone's daily life, part of their home's identity."
This perspective shift has influenced both our approach and the final pieces. There's an intimacy to skateboard wall art that's different from both gallery pieces and street murals. It's personal, accessible, and carries the authenticity of street culture into living spaces.
Quality and Authenticity Standards
What many don't realize about authentic skateboard art is the level of craftsmanship involved. Working with Krato has reinforced my commitment to maintaining the highest standards. Each piece in our collaboration goes through multiple quality checks:
- Deck Quality: Only premium 7-ply Canadian maple
- Paint Durability: UV-resistant, archival-quality materials
- Finish Protection: Multiple clear coat layers for longevity
- Mounting Hardware: Professional-grade wall mounting systems included
These standards aren't negotiable because they ensure that each piece maintains its vibrancy and impact for years to come.
Behind the Business Side
Creating authentic artist collaborations isn't just about the creative process – it's about building sustainable partnerships. Unlike mass-produced skateboard art, our collaboration model ensures artists receive fair compensation for their work and maintain creative control over their pieces.
Krato retains rights to his original designs while DeckArts handles production, marketing, and distribution. This partnership allows him to focus on what he does best – creating incredible art – while we ensure it reaches people who will appreciate and value it.
You can read more about our commitment to authentic art in my previous post about why I created DeckArts and learn about proper presentation techniques in our guide on how to mount skateboard art.
What's Next
This first collaboration with Krato is just the beginning. We're already in discussions with several other Prague-based artists, each bringing their unique perspective to skateboard art. The goal isn't just to create beautiful pieces – it's to build a bridge between street culture and interior design, making authentic art accessible to everyone.
The response to Krato's "Urban Geometry" series has been overwhelming. Seeing these pieces in customers' homes, integrated into their personal spaces, validates everything we're trying to achieve with DeckArts.
Our next artist collaboration will explore a completely different aesthetic – stay tuned for announcements on our collection page.
About the Author: Stanislav Arnautov is the founder of DeckArts, bringing authentic skateboard art to interior spaces. Based in Prague, he works with local street artists to create limited-edition pieces that bridge urban culture and home design. Follow his journey on Instagram @rntv or visit stasarnautov.com.