Try getting creative with your grip tape. Skateboards are more than just a deck with trucks, bearings and wheels. They are an expression of each individual skateboarder, and there are endless designs to choose from. Sure, grip tape serves an important function (keeping you from sliding off your board), but it can also look cool if you put it on in a non-standard way. If you're artistic, this may be especially fun for you to do.
The most important thing when applying grip tape in any pattern is to ensure that enough of your board is going to be covered that you won't slip. Don't get too crazy and leave the majority of your board untaped.
When designing your tape, draw on a separate piece of paper. This way you can place your design face down on the back of the grip tape, trace it , and when you cut the design out, it will be in the direction you intended. Use an exacto knife to cut out your design, just as you'd use one to trim excess tape off the sides of your deck.
Not sure where to start when designing your grip tape? Try shapes. Some skateboarders cut shapes to show a design on the deck. You can really cut any shape or pattern you want. If drawing isn't your thing, use a stencil. This will make it easy to trace the design you want onto a sheet of paper and then transfer it to your grip tape.
You can also spray paint it, giving yourself even more room to be creative. Using spray paints, paint markers or air brushing gives you the option to add color, which will certainly stand out among the legions riding plain black grip tape. When painting on tape you can put anything you can imagine on your skateboard. Some skateboarders paint musicians, logos or phrases on their skateboard. Painting also covers more of your deck than cutdesigns, meaning there's less chance for you to slip.
However you decide to design your grip tape, make sure it's functional and that it represents you as a skateboarder.
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