Ski Topsheet Designs

Ali Gray ski topsheet design pink, yellow, teal chevrons

Party Time • I rock this design on my personal skis, but it’s really for all badass ladies out there • 2017

Category: Graphic design
Client: Maiden Skis
Year: 2013-present
Press: Maiden’s 5 Favorite Custom Skis of 2017 | 3 Reasons to Consider a Ski with Urethane Sidewalls

I periodically do design work for Maiden Skis, a custom ski business out of Jackson Hole, WY. My topsheet designs are in use on various pairs of their skis (and a pair of my own!).

Designed with stoke in mind

I want my designs to be unique. We all strive to stand out on the slopes. With technology allowing us to go higher and faster every day, we need skis that show off, as well.

Achieving my dreams

Designing for skis has always been a fantasy of mine. I’ve been an avid skier my entire life. I watched with disdain as the bright, crazy graphics of the 80s and 90s turned to boring blah during the 2000s. Snowboard graphic designers started having all the fun.

Lucky for us, during the last decade or so the ski design industry took off again. Now consumers can choose from a full lineup of amazing skis showcasing amazing artwork. I wanted in.

I love the design challenge skis offer. Long and narrow is such an intriguing shape, and it’s fun to brainstorm ideas that work with that extreme ratio. Plus, I enjoy getting creative with carrying the design across the divide between skis, or to mirror but not duplicate design elements.

I’ve only done a handful of ski topsheet designs so far, but hope to continue adding to my list in the years to come. It really has been a dream come true to meld my love of hitting the slopes and designing things for people to enjoy.

Me the first time I took my new babies out to the mountain

Ali Gray ski topsheet design teal, red chevrons

The Natural • Designed to show off the ski’s wood grain, this design works for anyone looking to stand out in a crowd • 2017

Some things I keep in mind when designing

“Ski and snowboard topsheets represent a unique challenge: The artwork won’t remain static, or be on walls in museums, galleries or homes. Instead, the creative product heightens an athletic experience in a rugged, outdoor, always-changing natural environment.” – Olivia Dwyer, REI Cop-Op Journal

[Do topsheets really sell skis?] “Absolutely, no question about it.” – Jed Duke, director of product for Blizzard Sport USA

“Skis are a tough canvas. Long and skinny drawings can be hard to conceive. You have to funnel your creativity into a final project with lots of parameters and rules.” – Lauren Bello, Coalition Snow Creative Director