This project is a continuation of work on the GLADIATOR 2026 collection of SUP boards, which began with work on ELITE. In parallel, work is underway on the ORIGIN series.
Designed for confident riders and power users, the Gladiator Pro combines high performance with a bold, expressive aesthetic. These boards are tougher, more advanced, and designed for those who appreciate high-quality materials, control, and a vibrant visual identity.
The Pro series features a more aggressive, energetic character – darker decks, contrasting patterns, directional lines and a strong sense of movement. It reflects the user’s desire for progress and challenges, offering boards suitable for sport skating, training, long-distance travel and outdoor activities. The Pro epitomizes the dynamic side of the Gladiator brand – bold, confident, and visually impactful.
TASK
In the first phase of the development of the ELITE collection, we developed various concepts. Among the proposed concepts, the customer saw the one that he would like to implement in the future PRO collection.
As with the Elite collection, this project involves the development of SUP boards and accessories focused on a dynamic, bold, performance-oriented look. In addition, it did not take him long work to find the right concept.
The design should support the established Pro style while bringing a fresh and energetic visual language. It was necessary to use one of the concepts developed during the Elite project as a basis, but to create a new nose design that matches the more aggressive nature of the Pro series.
The plank should match the color of the deck, with additional contrasting PVC inserts or strips that complement the deck coating.
The direction of the drawing should convey movement with the help of oblique and directional lines, while maintaining professional expressiveness and purity.
A rebellious mood that challenges yourself and the people around you.
PROCESS
STAGE 1. CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Improving the initial concept, we develop various proposals. Initially, we pay special attention to the details of the design of the mat and the front side, and also offer color combinations.
Simplifying the panel by reducing the number of elements.
Determine the shape of the back of the board by adding a kicktail to it, and consider design options using a light color of the deck.
We are developing the concept of the color scheme of the collection in a standard board size of 12.6 T and without extensive work with shades.
Having completed the design of the upper part of the board and the concept of the color scheme, we move on to the next stage of the project.
STAGE 2. DESIGN ZOOM
We first adapt the approved design to each board in the collection, and then offer the exact colors and hue options available in the Pantone color palette to speed up the approval process.
After agreeing on a scale design and choosing a color for each board, we finish with the design of the top of the collection and move on to the other sides.
During 3 cycles of work on the design of the boards of the boards, we offer a large number of options and receive the approval of the design, which convinces the client both from an aesthetic and economic point of view.
Then we develop several design options for the underside of the boards, ranging from minimalistic to more sophisticated.
Once we’re done with the boards, we move on to the design of the accessories: fins, paddles, leash, pump, and bag.
FINAL DESIGN
RELEASED COLLECTION
Everything below is taken from Gladiator's promotional materials.
12’6W PRO
12’6LT PRO
12’6S PRO
12’6T PRO
11’6 PRO
11’4 PRO
11’2 PRO
10’8 PRO
10’6 PRO
TEAM
Rodion Usaev – project management, art management, design.
Yana Zhurkina – concept development, design elaboration.
Vlada Kopylova – graphic design, color selection.
