Independent Trucks Company is looking for an Art Director to lead the creative direction of one of the most recognizable names in skateboarding.
The role sits at the center of how the brand shows up across apparel, hardgoods, packaging, and marketing, shaping how ideas become finished products that connect with skaters around the world.
At the core of the brand is its rounded cross logo, used since the late 1970s. It was chosen for its sense of strength, balance, and simple but direct design.
From the beginning, it has stood for hardcore skateboarding and a focus on building durable trucks for serious riders. Over time, it has become one of the most familiar symbols in skateboarding.
The brand has also clarified the meaning of its logo.
According to Indy, the rounded cross is not the same as a flat sided Iron Cross. They are different symbols in both design and context.
RELATED: Tim Pool Acquires Old Indy Iron Cross Logo After Being Canceled Over Racism Accusations
The rounded cross used by Independent has not been presented as a hate symbol in its history. The company also states that it does not support racism or hate in any form and sees skateboarding as something that brings people together across different places and backgrounds.
For more than forty five years, the logo has served as a consistent identity for skateboarders who ride with the brand.
Within this context, the Art Director role carries both creative direction and hands on design work.
It involves working closely with the Brand Manager and Creative Directors to translate strategy into visual output.
This includes seasonal apparel graphics, hardgoods design, campaign development, and broader brand storytelling.
The work spans multiple teams including product, marketing, sales, and licensing. The Art Director helps identify ideas for new products, collaborations, and campaigns while ensuring visual consistency across categories.
RELATED: Skate Photographer Chris “Rhino” Rooney Turns Pro For Independent Trucks
There is also responsibility for guiding freelance artists and supporting internal teams with creative direction when needed.
The role requires involvement in hands on design work, especially in key product areas like apparel graphics, headwear, and accessories.
It also includes leading inspiration sessions and planning meetings to keep teams aligned on seasonal direction and product development.
Strong communication is important, especially when turning creative ideas into clear direction that others can work from.
The role involves making decisions on visual direction while working closely with designers, developers, and marketing teams throughout the process.
Candidates should have several years of experience in graphic design, apparel design, or brand design within skateboarding, lifestyle, or related culture driven industries.
A strong portfolio showing branding systems, apparel graphics, and campaign work is required, along with experience working across seasonal product lines and moving concepts into finished products.
The working environment is collaborative and fast moving, with regular in person time in Santa Cruz, especially during key product cycles and onboarding.
RELATED: Julian Agliardi Breaks Down Why He Chooses to Ride Only Independent Trucks
The company values people who can work through ideas in stages and refine them with input from others while maintaining clear direction.
The compensation package includes salary, bonuses tied to performance, health coverage, retirement support, and paid time off.
More than that, the role sits within a company that has been part of skateboarding for decades, with teams that have helped shape products and culture over a long period of time.
Many employees have built long careers there, contributing to its ongoing development.
Applicants are asked to submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio through the official application process here.