I’d say I’m a bit landlocked at the moment–a few steps too far from the ocean and few design clicks short of a masterpiece. As such, I take every chance I get to make my way to the water and paddle out or unleash my creativity and make art. When presented with an opportunity to merge my love of the ocean, outdoors, and all things creative, I find myself making my way to the water a little faster, paddling a little further, and letting my creative mind and hands work their magic.
Recently, SurfAid asked if I’d be willing to donate my art and graphic design talents towards a fast-approaching deadline for this year’s SurfAid Cup in Malibu. As a longtime supporter of SurfAid, avid artist/designer and surf enthusiast, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. I’m a big fan of last year’s event art created by Erik Abel, whom I’d had the pleasure of working with for SurfAid’s Board Art Benefit, and was honored to offer this year’s event a fresh design.
After a brief design consultation and some quick research with the folks at SurfAid, I was able to knock out a few sketches and then create the official art for the event. Additionally, I was able to provide design and creation of some marketing pieces for the event.
I am a fan of working with sharpies and acrylic paint and thought a piece of birch wood panel would lend itself well to the look and feel of the event. And so it began.
Sketches, sharpies, paints, details, more sharpie, a clear coat, a beautiful floating frame mount, a lot of coffee and good tunes. I drew inspiration from Mentawai tribal tattoos, headdresses, sunsets, geography, perfect pipes, palms, and the motion of the ocean, of course. It’s busy, it’s vibrant, it’s earthy and fun. It tells a story of good surf and energy with a touch of Mentawai native culture. With a quick scan, type setting and final file prep, she was on her way.
The original painting will be available throughout the weekend’s events. 100% of proceeds from the sale will be donated to SurfAid.
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Also available for purchase:
Limited edition signed 18”x24” prints with 20% of sales going to SurfAid. Please contact mlong003@yahoo.com for poster purchase details or like mLong Design on Facebook. For more information, check out my website: www.mLongdesign.com
Event info:
SurfAid Cup Malibu 2013 – September 7 at Surfrider Beach in Malibu.
Other weekend events:
Friday, September 6th
- Expression Session for SurfAid Cup participants and pros (Surfrider Beach, 4-5pm).
- SurfAid Cup Benefit Night (Duke’s Malibu, 6-10pm) – $25 entry, fundraiser benefiting SurfAid, includes light drinks and appetizers, silent auction, raffle and music.
Saturday, September 7th
- SurfAid Cup Malibu 2013 (Surfrider Beach, 1-5pm)
- SurfAid Cup After Party (Café Habana, 6-8pm)
