While 'The Endless Summer' poster was designed at the Art Center College of Design in the contemporary style of its time, the image grew out of my relationship with Rick Griffin and our deep relationship to surf images.

John Van Hamersveld’s quote, "While 'The Endless Summer' poster was designed at the Art Center College of Design in the contemporary style of its time, the image grew out of my relationship with Rick Griffin and our deep relationship to surf images," reflects the creative process behind the iconic poster for the 1966 surf documentary, The Endless Summer. Van Hamersveld highlights that while the design of the poster was influenced by the artistic trends of the period, its true essence emerged from his collaboration with Rick Griffin and their shared connection to surf culture. The surf images they both embraced deeply influenced the poster's style and visual elements.

The mention of the Art Center College of Design indicates that Van Hamersveld was trained in a formal, contemporary design setting, but his work for The Endless Summer was not solely an exercise in academic design; it was also a personal and cultural project that tied into his love for surfing. The Art Center College of Design was known for nurturing creative talent, and Van Hamersveld’s experience there shaped his approach to design, even as the final result was deeply connected to the surf culture he and Rick Griffin were part of.

Van Hamersveld’s reference to his "relationship with Rick Griffin" and their mutual love for surf images highlights the influence of Griffin, a prominent artist in the surf scene, on the design. Their collaboration allowed them to create a visual representation that captured the spirit of surfing, which transcended the traditional design aesthetic. The poster is iconic for its fusion of artistic style and cultural meaning, reflecting both the contemporary design of the time and the surf culture that defined their personal and professional relationship.

The Endless Summer poster became one of the most recognized surf-related images of all time. This quote explains that while the design was rooted in the stylistic trends of the 1960s, its emotional connection to surfing and the artists’ shared history gave it a timeless quality. Van Hamersveld emphasizes that the poster was not just a commercial design but a product of his personal connection to surfing, which imbued it with authenticity and cultural relevance.