🛹 The Rise and Fall of Bueno Skateboards: A Creative Spark in Skate Culture

In the ever-evolving world of skateboarding, few companies have burned as brightly—and as briefly—as Bueno Skateboards. Founded in the mid-2000s by artist, writer, and skateboarder Michael Sieben, Bueno was more than just a deck brand. It was a creative experiment, a quirky, DIY-infused love letter to skateboarding’s weird and wonderful soul.

🎨 Origins: Art Meets Asphalt

Bueno Skateboards was born in Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant art scene and laid-back skate culture. Michael Sieben, already a respected illustrator and contributor to Thrasher Magazine, co-founded the company as a way to merge his artistic sensibilities with his passion for skateboarding. The brand quickly gained attention for its distinctive graphics, often featuring Sieben’s signature cartoonish, melancholic characters and offbeat humor.

🌟 What Made Bueno Stand Out?

Bueno wasn’t trying to be the next big corporate skate brand. It thrived on authenticity, creativity, and a sense of community. Their 2006 video Wizards of Radical became a cult favorite, showcasing not just skateboarding talent but a playful, irreverent spirit. The team included skaters like:

• Nick McLouth

• Shiloh Greathouse

• Mark Gutterman

• Nate Broussard

• Stacy Lowery

• Adam Young

• Tony Froude

These riders brought a mix of style, skill, and personality that matched Bueno’s ethos perfectly.

🤝 Sponsorships and Influence

While Bueno didn’t have the deep pockets of bigger brands, it still managed to sponsor a solid team and contribute meaningfully to the skate scene. Their riders were featured in videos and demos, and the brand became a recognizable name among skaters who valued creativity over conformity.

🧨 The Fade-Out: Dreams vs. Reality

Despite its cult following, Bueno Skateboards eventually shut down. Sieben himself has reflected on the experience with bittersweet honesty, describing the trajectory of the company as:

“Hopes up, dreams crushed, everybody is sad. The end.”

The lesson? In skateboarding—as in life—owning your company matters, and the business side can be just as gnarly as the tricks.

🔄 What’s Happening Now?

Though Bueno is no longer active, its spirit lives on. Michael Sieben continues to be a creative force in skateboarding:

• He’s the editor at Thrasher Magazine, shaping skate culture through words and art.

• He’s a key figure behind Roger Skateboards, another Austin-based brand that carries forward the quirky, DIY vibe.

• He’s involved in various art projects, including clothing collaborations and online shows like Internet Shack.

Bueno Skateboards "Wizards of Radical" (2006)

BRUNO BUENO -SKATEBOARDS