Reliving The Rad: Your Guide To 90s Skate Magazines

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Relive the golden era! This article explores the impact of 90s skate magazines, their iconic photography, influence on skate culture, and lasting legacy in today's digital world.

Table of Contents

Remember thumbing through the glossy pages of your favorite 90s skate magazine, soaking in the vibrant photography, edgy interviews, and the latest skate news? kizworld takes you back to that era, exploring the impact of these publications on skateboarding and beyond.

Aspect

Details

Era

1990s

Focus

Skateboarding

Key Elements

Photography, Interviews, Skate Culture, News, Trends

Impact

Shaped skate culture, influenced style, provided community

Legacy

Continue to inspire, offer a glimpse into skateboarding's past

The Rise of 90s Skate Magazines: From Zines to Glossy Pages

A DIY Revolution

Imagine a time before the internet, before social media, can you even imagine? That's where the 90s skateboarding scene thrived. Back then, 90s skate magazines weren't just about glossy photos and big-name sponsors, they were like secret handbooks, filled with raw energy and a DIY spirit. Think of them like those hand-drawn comic books you and your friends pass around, but instead of superheroes, it's skateboarders pulling off crazy tricks.

From Photocopied Pages to Big-Time Publications

These early magazines, often called "zines," were usually photocopied and stapled together, passed hand-to-hand at skateparks and local shops. They were all about showcasing local talent and the underground skate scene. It was like having a direct line to the coolest kids in town, sharing their stories, their style, and their love for skateboarding. As skateboarding grew in popularity, so did these magazines. They went from black and white photocopies to full-color publications, attracting bigger names and advertisers. It was like that small band you loved suddenly hitting it big, but they never forgot their roots.

Element

Zines

Glossy Magazines

Appearance

Photocopied, DIY aesthetic

Full-color, professional layout

Content

Local scene, raw photography, personal stories

Pro skaters, major events, industry news

Distribution

Limited, often hand-to-hand

Wider circulation, newsstands, subscriptions

The Rise of 90s Skate Magazines: From Zines to Glossy Pages

The Rise of 90s Skate Magazines: From Zines to Glossy Pages

Iconic Photography and Art Direction in 90s Skate Magazines

Capturing the Energy

Think about it – 90s skate magazines were like windows into a world you couldn't easily access back then. No internet, no smartphones, just you and the printed page. Photographers had this awesome responsibility to capture the energy, the style, the sheer coolness of skateboarding. They weren't just taking pictures; they were telling stories with every shot. You could practically feel the pavement under your feet, hear the roar of the crowd, and smell the hot asphalt.

Magazine

Known For

Thrasher

Raw, gritty photography

Transworld Skateboarding

Iconic skate photography, innovative layouts

Slap

Humorous, edgy photography and design

A Visual Feast

And let's not forget the art direction! Magazines like Transworld Skateboarding were pushing boundaries, experimenting with layouts, fonts, and graphics. It was like skateboarding itself – rebellious, creative, and full of personality. They weren't afraid to use bold colors, crazy collages, and handwritten captions. Flipping through those pages was like entering a visual feast, each spread a work of art that perfectly captured the spirit of skateboarding. If you're looking to start skateboarding, you can find more information about how to get started with skateboarding on our website. We have a variety of resources that can help you get started, including articles, videos, and more.

  • Skateboard Decks
  • Trucks
  • Wheels

90s Skate Culture Through the Lens of Magazines

Okay, imagine this: you're a kid in the 90s, totally stoked on skateboarding. You couldn't just hop online and see what pros were up to or learn a new trick. How to do a 180? You had to figure it out! That's where 90s skate magazines came in – they were like the bible for everything skateboarding. They showcased the clothes, the music, the attitude – it wasn't just about tricks, it was a whole way of life.

Looking back, it's wild to see how these magazines shaped skate culture. They gave us a glimpse into the lives of legends like Tony Hawk (check out skate Tony Hawk for more on him!), but they also celebrated the local heroes, the kids ripping up their backyards and DIY skateparks. Magazines like Thrasher had this raw, edgy vibe, while Transworld was more polished, but both captured the rebellious, creative spirit of the time. They made you want to grab your board, hit the streets, and express yourself!

Element

Impact on Culture

Photography

Defined the aesthetic, showcasing iconic tricks and style

Interviews

Gave voice to skaters, sharing their stories and perspectives

Music Coverage

Introduced readers to new bands, solidifying the skate-punk connection

Fashion Spreads

Popularized brands like DC Shoes, Vans, and Independent, influencing street style

90s Skate Culture Through the Lens of Magazines

90s Skate Culture Through the Lens of Magazines

The Legacy of 90s Skate Magazines in the Digital Age

Even though we can watch a zillion skate videos online now, those old 90s skate magazines still feel special, you know? It's like finding your older sibling's old skate Tony Hawk video game. They're like time capsules, showing us how skateboarding used to be. And honestly, they still inspire people today! Some magazines still print copies, and folks collect them like treasures. Plus, loads of people share those iconic photos and stories online, keeping that 90s spirit alive. It proves that some things, even without the internet, were just too cool to be forgotten.

Format

Pros

Cons

Print Magazines

Collectible, tangible, unique aesthetic

Harder to find, can be expensive

Online Archives & Communities

Accessible, shareable, connects fans

Might lack the tangible feel of print

The Legacy of 90s Skate Magazines in the Digital Age

The Legacy of 90s Skate Magazines in the Digital Age

Final Thought

90s skate magazines weren't just magazines; they were cultural artifacts. They captured the raw energy, rebellious spirit, and creative evolution of skateboarding. Even in the digital age, their influence resonates, reminding us of a time when print was king and skateboarding was finding its voice.