The mind of Aaron Draplin has left an tremendous legacy at Snowboard Magazine. One of the most defining characteristics of Snowboard is our history of unconventional covers, many of which that were designed under the careful and deliberate eye of Draplin. Our logo is on his list of work and the first issue of Snowboard Mag can be seen at his feet in the intro of this video. He helped make us different, recognized, bold and in many ways a perfect example of #LIVINGOFFTHEWALL. But the most qualified person to talk about his experience with Snowboard Mag is Draplin himself, which I have included along with a portfolio of his covers of the mag. We are tremendously proud to have featured his name on our masthead, and equally proud to present Vans‘ biography of this visionary designer.

“I spend my day designing stuff in my basement. I’m comfortable and pantless. It’s warm in the winter and a meat locker in the summer. That’s I how do it. Little to no honor, really. Gross, for the most part.

But, take these photographers and their yearly output. Think about this stuff for a second. The majority of the shots were taken out there. Chances are it was bitter cold, or the fuzz was bearing down on the scene, or the rider was having a hard time landing the trick, or the light was quickly dissipating…and there was a good chance the roads on the way up to the place were dangerous as shit too. Whatever the scenario, what impresses the hell out of me with each submission we get from our photographers is just how many shots that come in, that basically defy the reality they are facing out there.

Things often go wrong, and these guys keep sending in the right stuff. I’m in awe of just that.

Anymore, my eye doesn’t go to how high the rider is off the ground, or what trick he might be doing in the air. I gave that shit up a decade ago. I’m more interested in the composition, light, color and overall energy. I think about the moment. I think about all the things coming together for that one split second. I think about the logistics of time and space and weather and velocity and transition and then just maybe, I try to think about the riders and their respective style in the air. It’s enough to make you a little crazy.

So, be sure to get off on the effort it takes to bring you these photographs. I sure do, and give thanks to all the warriors out there who make our magazine so much fun to look at.”

— Aaron James Draplin, “Behind the Green Door,” Page 014, January 2007, Year 04, Issue 04

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