Hangouts and Hand-painting: 222tilMidnight x Hardway x Calle Ph Collaboration Decks

Nowadays, when every skater selects their new deck, whether brand new or used, one of the factors they consider is not only the brand but also the graphics on the deck. Some skaters like to see the full-blown brand’s name, some want those from their idols, some select it for the artwork, and some collect or maybe. Artworks on a deck have been a relevant part of the culture of skateboarding, especially after artists saw an opportunity to put life to their blank decks during the 1970s era, when graphics began to appear.

A few days ago, Niel Atienza, the man behind 222 Til Midnight, invited us to their crewmate’s studio in Pasay, to hang out and document what’s happening on their upcoming project: A set of 1-of-1 hand-painted skateboard decks for the collaboration of 222 Til Midnight, The HardWay, in partnership with Calle Skateshop.

From Neil Atienza’s words:

"For this project, we wanted to create something raw... It's a way of giving back to what we love first, skateboarding."

Blank decks became an actual canvas for the whole crew to illustrate and paint on, featuring works from Niel, Imba, Omchim, Ron Lopez, Zente, Soytey, Drew, and Dewer– most of which are from Pasay, Metro Manila.

"Para sakin very importantant ito and dapat ginagawa 'to; not just for the brand pero for the community. Dahil 'di natin alam, [baka] may isang bata dyan na skater na ma-inspire...gusto man maging artist someday or mag-create ng movement." Neil added.

The event will take place this November 29, in Gutter Lounge, Poblacion Makati. They will exhibit all the painted decks, which are all one-of-one, together with tattoo pop-ups, live DJ sets, and a day to hang out with fellow skaters, familiar faces, and homies.

See you there!