I’ve been waiting almost two full years to post about this project! At the beginning of 2019, Vans commissioned me to create the poster for the 2020 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. It was a dream project, working with a dream team. As a lifelong Vans fangirl, I am beyond excited to cross it off my bucket list. (I was also hired to do a “prequel” poster for the 2020 Vans Pro, but the event was cancelled… so I’not sure where I stand on being able to share the artwork.)
Because of the pandemic, many events have been cancelled this year, but the VTCS is still on and going digital —the competition will run without a spectator audience.
Above is the official 2020VTRCS trailer that Vans released a couple of weeks ago. Below is the original poster artwork and design I created last year.
My original design for the 2020VTCS poster (with mock dates and sponsor logos).
The competition historically has three main events that take place at three different beaches on the North Shore of Oahu, during Hawaii’s infamous winter swell. I took design inspiration from the “high surf” warning signs that take up permanent residence along the coastline during this season. Like the high surf signs, my illustration centers around a diamond shape that houses the infamous North Shore waves, vignetted by trees, spectators, local cars, and a lifeguard tower. All surrounding elements are a collage of the three event stops: Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach, Sunset Beach, 'Ehukai/Pipeline, (and even a little bit of Waimea Bay).
Process work
Custom surface pattern, and typographic treatment to the VTCS logo/event locations.
Before the final typographic treatment was approved, I pitched an idea that included a little crown icon with the logo. We moved in a different direction, but I thought it would be fun to add a “Where’s Waldo?” element to the poster, and hid a number of little crown icons throughout the composition (this would have been more entertaining had the big tents and event banners been printed, and you could search for them on site). Many of the crowns are covered by the logo up top, but who doesn’t love Easter eggs? See below for the ones I can remember putting in.
Hidden crown icons
You can find more info about the competition at vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com, and official merchandise at www.vans.com.
Special thanks to Jenny, Nate, Seb, Chase and the rest of the VTCS crew!