NIKITA NATION

Nikita Clothing caught up with devilishly on-point illustrator and artist Spacegoth to learn more about her, her art, and how skateboarding tied them all together.

Tell us about your background. Where are you from and where do you live right now?

I kinda grew up all over the place. I’ve lived in Louisiana, Northern California, Orange County, San Diego and LA for the last 10 years. I'm temporarily caught up in OC at the moment. 

You are one multi-talented lady. Is there any surface you’re not already creating on? Anything you really want to get into with your art?

I’ve always wanted to do my own screen printing. I know how from making my own screens with crude little home made versions from silk scarves and elders glue. I have a real set up for screen printing, but I’ve just been too scared to dive in… Now that I say that, I have NO idea why.

What medium did you start with? Did you go to school for illustration? If not how did you get your start on this path?

I have been drawing and painting since I was a child… I learned anything I know how to do from either teaching myself or watching other methods and taking it on myself to try and make it work.

I used to share a little skate house with 5 dudes. One day at the house, I remember looking at a piece of paper I had been painting on and I figured out I could make SOMETHING out of it. Then I just started drawing more and more- trying to find a character that represented me. I can’t draw people, so I think my reaper came from trying to depict a human form to express myself.

When did you realize that art could be a source of income and how does that affect your use your social media?

I got fired from a job I had for 2 years and, although I’ve always been reliable for work, for whatever reason I panicked. Luckily, I had spent the last two years building an online audience for my work. I posted about being fired and having to sell some art until I could find a job…. I haven’t looked for one yet. Now, I have to keep my eye on my Instagram and Twitter pretty much all day- I’m either getting questions about a piece already on my website or someone is asking about commissions. I never expected it to be like this.

What keeps you inspired to keep working as an artist? How does this channel into your “style”? Do you fans provide this kind of support?

I feel as though all forms of art are simply an extension of ones personal perception of and struggle with the world. When I started creating I did so only to convey the pain and isolation I had experienced in my life as a whole up to this point and every day. I didn't realize that letting the pain go and sharing it with the rest of the world would be the thing that would ultimately alleviate it and bring me out of the isolation I was feeling.

I feel like that is the duty of all creative people- we have a responsibility to create and share in the hopes that it may alleviate someone else's pain and isolation as well. My fans are constantly reinforcing this belief in me- that response is overwhelming.

How has skating influenced your work and is there a connection between skating and your work?

I've been around skateboarding essentially my whole life. By being raised with young parents, I was able to experience the skateboarding community from an early age. I feel like the connection between the two is in my humor. I’ve learned to be extremely frank from hanging around with mostly guys. All of the girls I know who skate seem to have the same kind of weird humor that I do, and that makes me feel better.

When did you start skating and how did you first get into it? 

Well I’ve been pushing around since I was like 13. The last time I skated an actual park I hurt my wrist, and also recently actually hurt my ankle pushing around my old neighborhood. For me, it’s hard because I use my right hand to draw. If I hadn’t found illustration as a career, there’s a good chance I would have been able to focus on skating more. I suppose for me skating is something thats just a normal part of everyone’s life; and especially for my generation, I really think that’s true. Even kids that don’t skate have a best friend or sibling that does- this community is and always has been open to everyone who wants to really be in it.

Do you have a crew that you skate with or that keeps you motivated to keep skating?

I have a bunch of girl friends that skate. I rarely see them because of busy schedule or literally just crazy distance- those girls keep me hyped on it even though I’m not going out and skating anything sick- it makes me wanna go out.

What is your deck set up right now? Trucks/ wheels/ etc...

I most recently was using a tired board with independent trucks, but I really can’t remember what wheels are on it!

What's your favorite piece from the SS17 Nikita collection?

I love the mesh hoodie and i'm obsessed with beanies.

Follow Spacegoth now to see more of her eerily amazing art, and get more familiar with her and her hoard of reapers she keeps close to her heart.

From obscure beats to featured namesakes you'll know and recognize; this latest forgirlswhoride Playlist from Spacegoth will get your creative interstellar juices flowing, whether you're riding your board on the streets or painting over an old one at home.

So turn it up, browse Spacegoth's latest on Instagram for some inspiration and Enjoy 👽

1 Troyboi- 4321

2 Two Feet- Go F*ck Yourself

3 Great Dane- Yeezy

4 Getter- Rip 'n Dip

5 Stooki Sound & Mr Carmack- Uppers

6 Troyboi- OG

7 Lapalux- Without you

8 XXYYXX Ft. 2 Chainz- About You (not available on spotify, link)

9 Radiohead- Jigsaw Falling Into Place

10 Radiohead- National Anthem

11 Rihanna x KorN - Bitch Better Have My Money (not available on spotify, link)

12 Zhu. x Skrillex x THEY - Working For It

13 Keith Ape ft. A$AP Ferg - It G Ma

14 Skrillex, Pusha T, Yogi - Burial

15 Wild Belle x Major Lazer- Be together

16 Skrillex and Diplo- Mind

17 Holy Other- Yr Love

18 Holy Other-  Touch

19 Holy Other- Know Where

20 Caribou- Odessa

21 Animal Collective- Who Could Win a Rabbit

22 Radiohead- Nude

23 A.Chal- Far From Home

24 Debbie Deb- Lookout Weekend

25 KC and The Sunshine Band- Boogie Shoes

26 Great Dane - Invite Only

27 Talking Heads- Burning Down The House

28 The Clash- Police and Thieves

29 Talking Heads- This Must Be The Place

30 The Clash- Straight to hell 

The June Playlist  is here and it’s packed with a whole lot of feminist music history to explore and enjoy. Featuring subversive female artists from the post-punk/ grunge/ and alternative genres; this midtempo mix starts off with faster favorites like Ex Hex, The Queen of Siam’s Lydia Lunch, Souxisie ATB, and then rounds out on a softer note with Nico, Anika and Sinead O’Connor. Let us know what gems you discover and of course follow us for more on Spotify @Nikita_Clothing. 

JUNE 2017 PLAYLIST #FORGIRLSWHORIDE: 

1. Don’t Wanna Loose - Ex Hex

2. Launderette - Vivien Goldman 

3. Atomic Bongos- Lydia Lunch

4. Split - Kleenex

5. Lola - The Raincoats

6. Hong Kong Garden - Siouxsie and the Banshees

7. Fools Rush In - Bow Wow Wow

8. I Wanna Be Where The Boys Are - The Runaways

9. Too Many Creeps - Bush Tetras

10. Stop It - Pylon

11. Mind Your Own Business - Delta 5

12. Hot Topic - Le Tigre

13. Spacer Woman - Charlie

14. Nautilus - Anna Meredith

15. Instant Hit - The Slits

16. Connection - Elastica

17. Lovetrap (ft. Ariel Pink) - Soko

18. Cannonball - The Breeders

19. No G.D.M. - Gina X Performance

20. Peek-A-Boo - Siouxsie and the Banshees

21. Hondo -  Beta Frontiers, Becky Ninkovic

22. So Destroyed- Prince Rama

23. Tom’s Diner - Suzanne Vega, DNA

24. Yang Yang - Anika

25. Janitor - Suburban Lawns

26. Metro - Berlin

27. I Found A Reason - The Velvet Underground 

28. Nightclubbing - Grace Jones

39. Island Song - U.S. Girls

40. All Apologies - Sinead O'Connor

Thanks for taking us out to one of your favorite hang out spots - how long have you lived in LA?  

Yeah no problem. I love the family arcade. My boyfriend and I always go there. I have lived in LA on and off for about a year. I am originally from Missouri. 

When did you start skating and how did you first get into it? 

I started skating when I was around 12. I got into it because my brother started skating and I always did everything he did. My dad took me to the skatepark for the first time and it was on from there. 

How would you compare the skate scene in Kansas City to that of Los Angeles? Has moving affected your style at all? 

The scene in Missouri is obviously smaller than LA. In Missouri I have skated with the same group of friends my whole life so it's more of a family vibe for sure. I do love skating in LA though because of all the spots and the history. I don't think moving has affected my style except I started skating more street. 

What kind of tricks are you working on right now? Any tips? 

Right now I am working on front heels and just trying to be more consistent. The only tip I have is to have fun!

Do you have any words of wisdom for girls looking to advance their skating, or even just for beginners? 

Just to do you and don't listen to anyone that is trying to bring you down. 

Current motto/words to live by? 

I don't have a current motto but I will say to always wear sunscreen! 

How many boards do you own right now and which is your favorite? 

I have so many decks and cruisers at home I don't even know how many I have. My favorite right now is my current set up which is a Doomsayers deck, Spitfire wheels and Independent trucks. 

Will you be hitting up any concerts or music festivals this summer? If not, any travel plans?

I don't have any plans for music festivals but I plan on going to Florida to skate. I also want to go back to Missouri for a few weeks to see my family. I am always traveling last minute so who knows! 

What's your favorite piece from the SS17 Nikita collection? ;)

This is hard for me because everything is cute but I am a huge fan of jackets and I would have to say the Starward jacket. 

THANKS, HILARY!!!

And don't forget- follow @hilaryshanks_ on Instagram; photos by @rachel_hinman. 

Shop for Nikita now at EVO.

After an unpredictable snow season on the east coast of the US where riders were forced to stay on the groomers for fear of riding rocks and mud in January and then rejoiced at an unexpected snow storm that brought road closures and mini avalanches, this winter is finally coming to a close.

Through all of those ups and downs- Ari Morrone was hardly deterred. She was strapped into her snowboard at every opportunity; even for fitness breaks in the park (where she schooled anyone watching with the number of pull-ups she could perform while dangling her snowboard below her).

Go watch this tiny powerhouse of a human slay on everything from handrails to home-base baseball cages. We think you'll agree it's a home run.

Ari Morrone Street 2017 from big boulder PARK on Vimeo.

We're coming down from the excitement of the Nikita Retreat-A event last week, but we aren't quite ready to let it go yet.

And who would be? Three full days spent with some of the best girls you can think of, hot-lapping the park at Northstar during the day while sending it into the wee hours of the morning each night- this was a trip to remember.

Spotify Nikita Retreat-A Playlist

While we have a FOMO-inducing recap on it's way soon (sorry in advance, chickies), feel free to get your fix of Retreat-A feels by plugging in to this originally curated playlist that we rocked out to all week long.

And of course- stay tuned for more! The lifts may be closing, but that only means you need to keep squeezing as much out of this snow season as possible before it all melts away.

For those of us that have never been to SXSW (or even ATX) can you tell us a bit about the festival so we can get the lay of the land?

Imagine tens of thousand of techies, filmmakers, musicians and everything in-between all swarming a couple blocks of Austin at the same time- scrambling to find free food, merch and events. There are literally hundreds of official and unofficial events, ranging from panels to film screenings to art galleries to live music performances with up-and-coming and already established artists. Everyone is promoting themselves and their niche while consuming the work of others, all with a drink in hand. 

The busy streets of downtown Austin all benched off for the crowds of SXSW

What was your favorite show or event at SXSW? Or, maybe the best part was just getting to let loose?

I think my favorite part of SXSW is discovering new art. Every year I've attended SX (this is year 3) I've found my new favorite bands and musicians. It never ceases to amaze me just how much talent there is in the world, and you get to catch a huge chunk of it over the course of SX. 

SXSW 2017 Jazmyn Griffin POV from Nikita Clothing on Vimeo.

Obviously there is SXSW, but then there’s also ACL, Levitation, Sound on Sound, etc… It seems like Austin has become an American epicenter for this sort of thing. What do you think it is about Austin in particular that draws so many music festivals and fans?

Something about Austin spawns creativity. The city is typically welcoming of creative talent, especially for those just starting out. We have so many amazing bands, PR firms, booking companies and more. People move from other places around Texas and the country to come to Austin to work in music, so it makes sense that it's a great place to showcase the talent from other places, too.  Also the weather is great....

As an avid music listener and student of journalism and communications, it seems only natural that you would start a music publication (http://www.viewsfromthepit.net/). How did this come about? Did you start it with friends? And, what do you hope to achieve with it? 

We used to work primarily with university affiliated music organizations, and got a great start there. The co-founders and I are all leaders by nature, so of course we'd love to be head of our own, independent, publication too! We're all double majoring in journalism and one other communication major, so we have a background in music writing, video and photography. Ultimately, we want to expose our audience to up-and-coming talent that we personally love. It also doubles as an on-going portfolio of work for us and our staff members, which is invaluable in communications fields. We want to celebrate the art we love and have others see the world through our lens, that's our motto :)

Jazmyn takes a rare break between all the amazing chaos that was SXSW

What type of music excites you most and what got you into that style?

I love psych music, mostly psych rock. My music progression is a long story but I went from being super into post-hardcore and pop punk to indie pop then ultimately landed in the niche of psych rock. It's most of what I play on my radio show so I'm constantly finding new psych artists to go on my playlists, which makes me listen to even more of it. I love how it's chill and exciting at the same time, like meditating while also grooving out. 

Are there any local ATX bands that we should be on the look out for?

Don't get me started. I love Austin bands. I'd say the best way to find out what to look out for in Austin is to check out my playlists on KVRX, or even look at local lineups on Facebook. Honestly, most of them are extremely good. 

Sooooo, now that SXSW is over, what is next for you & VFTP?

I'm going to sleep forever. 

But seriously, I'm going to go on a self-care binge and do crazy amounts of clean eating and exercise to cleanse my system of the past two weeks. Then, I'm going to look for an internship to get credit for for over the summer and continue to plan for graduation. At Views, we'll be working on booking more shows and events in Austin and working on some band and artist documentaries. Of course, I'll constantly have my eye out for the freshest talent.

Do you have any travel plans for this summer? If not, where would your dream destination be? What would you bring (essentials)?

I want to visit a few places I'm considering moving after graduation (L.A., NY, Detroit, Chicago, Boston, Philly, etc.) but I need to plan that out much more thoroughly in the coming months. My dream destination would probably be (back to) Rio de Janeiro. I studied abroad there and found immense amounts of peace and clarity among the chaos of the city. I'd bring my journal so I could reflect on my personal growth. So cliché, I know. 

Scouting the sights and the scenes of SXSW

If the world was taken over by zombies, and you could put only one record in a time capsule for the next civilization to enjoy…what would it be?

I think about things like this all the time, wow. 

It'd change with my mood and music faves of the moment, I'd say. Currently, I'd pick Hi+Lo by The Lemon Twigs. If I had to choose a song to play during the zombie apocalypse though, it'd be Sodus by Cemeteries because it sounds very final, like a conclusion of sorts is happening and you're coming to terms with it. It's beautiful.

If you haven't already, head to our IG @nikitaclothing to check out Jazmyn's posted coverage from her time at this year's SXSW event and be sure to hit her and her project with a brand new follow - @smoothjaz__ @vwsfrmthpt!

Ever dreamt of jumping on a plane to Japan, setting off on your very own unplanned perfect JAPOW adventure? Nikita Ambassador Summer Fenton stopped dreaming, started doing- and found herself a world away with no plans, lots of friends, and tons of great snow.

What made you want to go to Japan? 

Ever since I could remember, snowboarding in Japan has always been a bucket list dream of mine. I’m so happy I finally got the opportunity to fulfill it! 

Dreams: fulfilled p. Keith Rutherford

This was kind of a last-minute thing. How did you end up going to Japan?

I was back home in San Francisco and realized I had some rare spare time in between contests. My boyfriend and friends were in Japan and they kept telling me how awesome it was out there. I then got this gut feeling that I should go out there too and do some soul shredding for myself. No contests- just me and my board in Japan. I thought it was crazy that I was even thinking about hopping on a plane and leaving to Japan, especially since I had no actual agenda and knowing that I would be in a foreign country solo traveling, but then I got encouragement from my boyfriend and friends and knew in my heart that I needed to go and make this quick last minute decision for my own good. I packed my bags and left the San Francisco airport 24hrs later- it still gives me chills that I sent it out there.

Did you have a plan before you left?    

I had absolutely no plan whatsoever. I really was just following my instincts and heart. I remember sitting there thinking to myself, “What am I going to do once I land?” I didn’t know where I was staying or even what mountain to ride. I didn’t even know how I was going to get to the mountain town of Hakuba because it is a five hour trip away from the airport nor do I speak or read Japanese. But in the end it all worked itself out.

Spots don't build themselves- Summer and friends putting in the work p. Keith Rutherford

Who did you meet up with there? 

I knew I would meet with Taylor Elliot at the bus station in Hakuba (which was easier than expected). I ended up meeting up with some of the Too Hard/ Powanoia crew that included Taylor and Kendel Elliott, Fancy and Kieth Rutherford and Christine Savage.  We met a bunch of local Japanese riders too! It was so awesome riding with a crew that was motivated and constantly in good spirits. I was so stoked to be filming with them! Love all my new tomodachis!!! <3 Don’t know what I would do without them all!

Where did you go? How long were you there for? I was there for one week. While I was in Hakuba, I received a last minute invite to compete in the Burton U.S. Open in Vail, Colorado for the following week so I had to cut the trip short.

Something else that Japan has no shortage of- delicious drinks! Just make sure you pay attention to the pictures on the packaging if you don't read Japanese 😜

What was the weirdest thing you saw and/or did? The weirdest thing that I did was drink some herbal lemon relax tea that had cat nip in it. I thought cat nip was just for cats haha…it did make me feel relax though  Or the fact that you have to wear special shoes that are bright red and say toilet on them in the bathroom

What were your top three favorite moments while in Japan?  

Ahhh there were so many to choose from!

 1.) Obviously my favorite moment was riding that JAPOW! It is the fluffiest and just overall best powder ever! This one particular day was just magical- we went to a resort in the Hakuba area where it was only $32 to ride the mountain. Such a steal! There were only eight cars in the parking lot so we basically had the resort to ourselves for the entire day. So many endless face shots and fresh tracks all on the best snow I’ve ever ridden. Like- what?! Is this real life? Somebody pinch me!

Our last run of the day was the one to remember. The chair lifts were about to close and we found this one open area of untracked powder. I was in this unreal state of euphoria, peace, gratitude and presence. It was absolutely mind blowing! And then afterwards I ended the day with my favorite… RAMEN!

The goods were got. p Keith Rutherford

2.) I hit my first street spots! Street is scary and I loved every second of it from thinking creatively of what you can do and how you can hit the feature to having to go into the feature confidently without having any second thoughts. I think I liked that part the most because once you’re going you can’t chicken out and stop, you just have to go for it because if you don’t the consequences worsen. Hitting street has taught me so much about myself and I feel I have grown as a person. Landing tricks and lines in the streets were so rewarding and I hope to play in the streets more! 

From the pipe to the streets- Summer's ready for whatever, wherever.

3.) Lastly- exploring Shinjuku, Tokyo. Once I got to Shinjuku, I meant to go drop my board bag off at the hotel. Instead, I got lost and ended up walking and dragging my heavy board bag around the very crowded Shinjuku. It kind of reminded me of Times Square with all the bright lights and billboards, it was a beautiful sight. One bright side of getting lost in Shinjuku was that I practically walked the entire town so when I did finally find my hotel I knew exactly where I wanted to go. In this exact order I went to: 7-11 to grab a quick snack, after I got my fixing at the 7-11, I went straight to the arcade. I decided to go to the one that had popping Japanese music and a lot of pickachu games. Once I was done playing at the arcade, I went to a 24hr ramen shop and ate my life away haha!

I know, I know, you’re probably saying, "why 7-11 when we have those back in the states?" Let me tell you that 7-11 in Japan is the best for snacks and drinks. I didn’t know I liked 7-11 until I went to Japan. The fried chicken and sushi rice balls are so yummy and cheap. Also, there is a huge selection of the most delicious gummies ever invented.

Summer Fenton is a Nikita Snow Ambassador, regular competitor in the halfpipe circuit and lover of sand and waves. If you don't already, see where this jet-setter ends up next by following her on Instagram @badgirlsumsum

Back in September, we handed out 30 disposable cameras to girls across the US, planning on assembling an entire photo show without even knowing what we would get back. Scary? Yea, maybe a little 😅

Luckily, we had nothing to worry about. What we got back on those cameras was nothing short of awesome! We should've known that we could count on our Nikita Nation to deliver pic after pic of disposable gold ✨ There were photos from skate sessions at the park, hikes along mountain ridges, urban explorations and even cowgirls out on the ranch. Every image was like a snap straight from their lives, and we loved looking at every single one.

Our event went off better than we could've hoped, if you haven't checked out the recap of it yet you should now. Of course, there was no way we could include all of our favorite images in that show- we would've needed an art space the size of a real museum (maybe that's an exaggeration, but still, we would've needed a bigger space for sure).

Nevertheless- we buckled down, picked our favorites to show, and had an event to remember!

So here they are- in all their disposable glory. Enjoy these select images from our disposable Nikita Perspectives Project.

Perspective from Emily Bedell

Perspective from Amanda Proudfit

Perspective from Summer Fenton

Perspective from Grace Mayernik

Perspective from Heidi Venturine

Perspective from Quinn Poer

Perspective from Emily Bedell

Perspective from Amanda Proudfit

Have a favorite? See something cool? Want to just let us know what your unique perspective is? Connect with us on Instagram @nikitaclothing or Facebook Nikita Clothing! We can't wait to hear from you. 

Last week, ripping rider and Nikita Ambassador Julia Baumgartner took to the slopes with a crew of almost three dozen eager snowboarders at Nordkette Skylinepark for the first Shred Unit coaching event of the season!

A #tbt of Julia showing off her rail skills and why she was pumped to coach the up-and-comers at Shred Unit. 

The aim of the day was to improve their snowboard skills, while having a blast and getting to know other girls that loved to ride just as much as they did.

Getting ready to follow the pros through the park

Everyone grouped together with their coaches and paid close attention to not only what their mentor was telling them, but how they were showing it- with style. Students made mental notes and each took their turn to give it a try.

The whole group of riders, coaches, volunteers and everyone else who came out to make the Shred Unit event a reality!

At the end of the day, it was simply a gathering of great people having a great time. When you're in a place like Nordkette and riding with people like Julia, how could you not? 

Huge thanks to Shred Unit and Nordkette Skyline for hosting the event, as well as the other amazing coaches Hanna Volgger and Stefi Nitiv for continuing to spread the stoke.

👋🏻

You know and Nikita knows- Girls Are Awesome.

How awesome? Well have a look at the newest Crap to Bottom edit with our girl Elena Koenz and friend Sina Candrian from LAAX. These ladies take turns making turns and jibbing features in such a smooth way you'd think they practiced ballet in their off time.