Adobe, Cynthia Erivo Launch Digital Roller Skate Collection

Roller-skating saw a resurgence in popularity during the pandemic as people looked for a novel way to spend time outside during lockdown. But while the sport found a new audience (and some viral love on TikTok), roller-skating has deep roots in Black culture, with skating rinks serving as venues for desegregation protests in the ‘60s and hip-hop concerts in the ‘80s. Adobe and Emmy, Grammy and Tony-award winning actress and singer Cynthia Erivo are highlighting that connection with “Stories on Skates,” a series of six digital animations created using the software company’s 3D tools. Cynthia Erivo will boost the stories shared through the campaign on her Instagram. "I was so excited to work with Adobe on Stories on Skates to showcase Black skating culture, especially as an expression of Black joy and creativity," said Erivo in a statement. "This project brings to life stories from the rink that are inspiring, important and deserve to be remembered. My hope is that Stories on Skates is a fitting tribute to skating and Black culture while celebrating its rich history in music, movement, style, empowerment, community and legacy.” Using the skates as a canvas, each of the six designs embodies a different theme: Music incorporates cassette tapes, musical notes and vinyl to celebrate the hip-hop, funk and soul music that has provided a rink soundtrack for generations.Choreography shows a hot pink blur of movement and represents regional moves.Style is bedecked with glowing wheels, sequins, fur and ribbon to pay tribute to customization.Empowerment features headphones and is emblazoned with patches like “don’t hate, let’s skate” to represent how Black skaters found freedom to express themselves.Community features an “adult night” sign and plenty of neon to represent the welcoming nature of roller rinks.Legacy uses an antique style and a gallery of photos to pay tribute to the sport’s long history. "Community." The designs will be shared on Erivo’s and Adobe’s Instagram pages. The brand also enlisted five roller-skating influencers—skatealldae, justseconds, the_good_guy91, gr00vyquads, and lilyskatesalot—to each post how their personal stories relate to one of the 3D creations. "This project illuminates how Adobe’s 3D vision goes beyond just a set of tools and brings creative visions and culture to life in new, immersive mediums," said Sebastien Deguy, vp of 3D and immersive at Adobe, in a statement. "With Cynthia’s help, we hope Stories on Skates shines a light on the joy and impact of skating culture for the Black community.” The digital skate designs were given texture through Substance Painter, part of the new Adobe Substance 3D tool kit. The tools were introduced on June 23 with a series of YouTube videos that showcased their ability to render scenes and stage 3D models. 3D design became increasingly important during the pandemic, when retailers and brands used the technology as a substitute for conventional photo shoots. "Empowerment." "Legacy." "Music." "Style." "Choreography." Adobe Streamlines Marketing Offerings With New Customer Journey Tool

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Adobe Launches a Striking Digital Collection That Celebrates Black Roller Skating Culture

Award-winning performer Cynthia Erivo helps skaters tell their stories

Samantha Nelson

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Samantha Nelson