Surfpaints Interview Series
We hand-select individuals from our community to hear the stories behind their designs.
Hi Vann Little, Welcome to the Surfpaints Interview Series!
@ vanns_on_the_wall
1. Can you introduce yourself? Age, location, occupation, surfing experience?
My name is Vann Little. I was 12 (when I created my board). I live in Coolum beach, Sunshine Coast Qld. I am a school student and a drummer in the band the @psychoseagul. I surf regularly.
2. What made you want to paint your surfboard?
I have always been inspired by other artists who have drawn on surfboards. I’m always putting smaller graphics and tags on our family surfboards. But when I got my latest Hammo, I really wanted to personalise it.
3. What surfboard did you paint, and why that one?
Hammo Fireball - I got this for my birthday and haven’t had a custom-painted surfboard for a long time. So I wanted to create one that played on my name.
4. Where do you get your inspiration from?
I was putting a spin on the Vans logo and checkerboard pattern. The melting face was inspired by street art.
5. How do you rate your artistic skills?
8.5 out of 10
6. Roughly how long did it take to complete?
A couple of days
7. Any tips for preparing the surfboard before painting it?
Put the tape around the section of the surfboard you don’t want to paint and draw your idea in pencil first. Also, pre-sand the area with the sanding block provided.
8. What was one tool that helped you achieve this amazing design?
The paint pens and a foam brush.
9. What is your favourite thing about using Surfpaints?
They last a long time, and you can use them on more surfaces than surfboards. They are so easy to use, and you don’t have to use a paintbrush or spray paint to create your design.
10. One piece of advice you would like to give others about painting a surfboard for their first time?
Use a pencil to sketch your design on your surfboard, so you don’t stuff it up. If you do, you can rub it out. Also, seal your finished artwork with a clear lacquer. This will help it last - mine is still going strong after two years!!!
@ vanns_on_the_wall