Stefan Janoski, a name synonymous with skateboarding, is more than just a pro skater. He’s an artist, a thinker, and a man driven by an insatiable curiosity. This exploration delves into his multifaceted life, from his unconventional upbringing to his significant impact on skate culture and beyond.
It’s a Wednesday, and Stefan and I are at the SoHo House in Malibu, discussing the nature of time over brunch. He doesn’t believe in it, claiming the growth of a tree is just an expression of entropy. This encapsulates the unique way he views the world. He’s not just another pro skater; he’s someone who questions everything, from the fundamentals of existence to the design of his own signature shoe. This inquisitive nature has shaped his life and career.
Stefan’s early life was far from the glitz of Malibu. Growing up on a 120-acre plot in Vacaville, Northern California, he experienced a rural existence, with well water, a generator for electricity, and limited TV channels. His younger sister, Anya, born with Cornelia de Lange syndrome, deeply influenced his life. He spent much time caring for her, fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion. He found solace and adventure in the remote surroundings, riding bikes, shooting tin cans, and letting his imagination roam free. This unconventional upbringing laid the foundation for his independent spirit.
While many pro skaters claim skateboarding was their first passion, Stefan initially gravitated toward art. Inspired by his half-sister’s portrayal of a “starving artist,” he aspired to the same path. His family encouraged his artistic pursuits, keeping his early drawings, paintings, and sculptures. Even when he discovered skateboarding at 12, art remained an integral part of his life. He joined a graffiti crew in high school, and kept painting and drawing as he honed his skateboarding skills. This dual focus set him apart from many of his peers in the skate world.
As his skateboarding progressed, he traveled to Sacramento and San Francisco, gaining attention. Despite his passion for art, he pursued professional skateboarding after graduating high school. The early years of his pro career, marked by skate houses and long van rides, hindered his ability to create art. However, he carried notebooks for sketching, patiently waiting for the opportunity to explore his creative side fully. This patience and dedication were the first hints of the future artist.
Moving to New York City in the late 2000s marked a turning point, providing the space he needed to cultivate his artwork. His move to a converted warehouse allowed him to work on large canvases and experiment with messy mediums like wax and clay. Stefan’s art often tells stories, filled with humor and satire, particularly around religion and myths. His paintings, such as “Off Duty Jesus” and “Horrorscope,” offer playful, yet critical interpretations of these themes. He doesn’t shy away from challenging traditional perspectives and has always pushed boundaries.
His creation, the Crucifloat, a crucifix-shaped pool float, perfectly embodies his blend of humor and critique. Inspired by his bronze sculpture “Relax…Jesus,” it has become a symbol of his unique perspective. Despite the religious undertones, his art is playful and accessible, even to those with different beliefs. He seeks to provoke thought and discussion, not confrontation.
Though his art has been featured in shows, Stefan doesn’t actively pursue sales, stating it’s not his primary goal. The success he has achieved through skateboarding has afforded him the privilege to create without the pressure of financial gain. This allows him to stay true to his artistic vision. He sees the art world as complicated, emphasizing the importance of genuine appreciation over commercial success.
Stefan’s approach to art is unconventional, mainly because he is a self-taught artist. He takes liberties in interpreting his work, resisting imposed meanings. For instance, when discussing his sculpture of a woman with an apple, he challenges the obvious biblical interpretation by suggesting other possibilities, like the golden apple of Eris. This highlights his contrarian nature and his preference for open-ended interpretations. This mindset extends beyond his artwork, influencing his views on everything from evolution to the design of skate shoes.
This contrarian streak is evident in his skepticism about Darwinian evolution. He believes that living beings have the consciousness and agency to influence their adaptations, rather than relying on random mutations. His fascination with the interconnectedness of matter and consciousness further reflects his deep philosophical curiosity. He challenges accepted narratives and questions the basis of reality, which fuels his creativity and defines his character.
Despite his deep thinking, Stefan considers himself to be non-confrontational. He is a deep thinker with a unique approach to the world, but has no desire to be drawn into conflicts. He is not afraid of what others may think of his beliefs and ideas, staying true to his individual perspective.
This stubbornness and individuality proved beneficial when designing his iconic Nike shoe. When Stefan joined Nike SB in 2006, he was determined to create a shoe that reflected his minimalist preferences, a stark contrast to the bulky skate shoes of the era. He consistently insisted on a “flat toe,” going against the conventional designs Nike was proposing. The development process was challenging, but he stood his ground. This stubbornness eventually led to the creation of a revolutionary shoe.
The Janoski, launched in 2009, was a sleek, thin shoe that resembled a boat shoe. It was unlike anything else in the Nike SB line at the time, marking a turning point in skate shoe design. It became hugely popular, selling millions of pairs in hundreds of variations for all ages. The design, free of excessive technology, appealed to skateboarders seeking a more minimalist feel. Its success solidified Stefan’s influence on the industry.
The Janoski shoe initially lacked many of the Nike technologies, but eventually adapted to incorporate them. Nike now offers variations including sherpa-lined hiking shoes and AirMax running shoes, among others. Stefan still has to approve each redesign, which has become much smoother. He only asks that Nike continues to make the original black and white version. The enduring popularity and versatility of his shoe highlight his lasting impact on skateboarding culture.
Visiting the factories where Janoskis are made in China was a surreal experience for Stefan. He gained a new appreciation for the craftsmanship and the sheer scale of production, realizing the large number of people who work on his shoe daily, each of them seeing his name every day. The juxtaposition of his name alongside Michael Jordan’s further emphasizes his unique position in the world of sports brands.
His mother is extremely proud of his achievements, showcasing the shoes and Nike ads that feature her son. Despite the instability often associated with skateboarding careers, Stefan has achieved remarkable success. Though he laughs off rumors that he sold his name to Nike, he acknowledges that he has earned a comfortable life in Los Angeles and Miami. He has stayed true to skate-related brands and has avoided the usual celebrity endorsements, proving his commitment to authenticity.
While he acknowledges his desire to create another full video part, his time is often consumed by smaller projects and media appearances, common in the life of a sponsored skater. Despite this, he continues to skate and remains a central figure in Nike SB. Stefan has a unique combination of skills, a strong support network, and a healthy personal life, which allow him to continue on his path without rushing any major career changes.
Stefan’s home reflects his unique personality, filled with surprises like a lizard living in his art studio and a stash of red ball gags. His backyard houses a rusted-out grill turned rat’s nest. These details highlight his comfort with the unexpected, which extends to his way of thinking.
He also shared an interest in Robert Anton Wilson, a science fiction author who founded the Guns and Dope Party, a Libertarian group that embraces both gun rights and cannabis legalization. Stefan finds fascination in the absurdity of it, reflecting his tendency to explore unconventional ideas. He’s not driven by controversy, but an urge to embrace alternative perspectives. Stefan values a life driven by curiosity, an idea that is at the core of his being.
He often questions things, whether it’s the nature of evolution, the idea of a day off for Jesus, or the design of a skate shoe. He has managed to harness his “what if” mentality to great success. He approaches art projects with a sense of curiosity, often achieving unexpected results, as shown by his award-winning stop-motion film. His future projects include making a Muppet-style puppet of himself, which will further showcase his creative versatility. This trait he shares with his father who has had multiple careers from engineer to vineyard owner.
Authenticity is a core value for Stefan. He criticizes artists who use assistants without acknowledging it. This philosophy extends to his skateboarding career. He’d never attempt to take credit for work he didn’t personally do. He values transparency and honesty, which is essential to his art and his way of life.
Stefan’s radically open mind leads to unconventional ideas, such as a Nike commercial consisting of only backside tailslides. Although this was rejected, his willingness to explore these ideas has led to many successful outcomes. His approach to life, art, and skateboarding is a testament to the power of curiosity and the willingness to embrace the unfamiliar. His journey demonstrates that the most exciting and rewarding paths are often the ones that begin with a question and a willingness to explore the unknown.
Stefan Janoski’s story is not just about skateboarding or art; it’s about a life lived with curiosity, authenticity, and a unique vision, making him an icon both on and off the board.
