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There’s something quietly compelling about seeing your home state on your gear. It’s not about bragging, it’s about identity, roots, and belonging. That’s the spirit behind ARTI’s State Collection, where local pride meets thoughtful paddle design.
Why States (and Stories) Matter
Pickleball is as much about where you play as how you play. Courts cluster in neighborhoods, cities, and regions, and players form tight-knit communities around local leagues and courts. For many, playing is as much about showing up for your place as it is about wins or losses.
With the State Collection, we wanted each paddle to feel like a badge, subtle but meaningful. When someone sees a paddle with their state or a color scheme that evokes “home,” it sparks connection, conversation, and rooting interest.
The Design Process: Balancing Aesthetic & Performance
Designing a state-inspired paddle goes beyond slapping on a shape of Texas or California silhouette. Here’s how ARTI approached it:
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Palette & Symbolism
We select color palettes that evoke state landscapes: think ocean teal for Florida, dusty orange for Texas. Each hue is chosen not only for visual beauty, but for how it pairs with paddle materials and mesh well in sunlight. -
Graphics with Purpose
Rather than literal maps, we often use stylized lines, negative space, or patterns that nod to regional features. These elements embed local identity without overwhelming the paddle’s functional face. -
Material Compatibility
We test how our graphics and coatings perform on different paddle cores and faces (carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc.). The visual elements must not interfere with grip, texture, or playability. We aim to ensure durability, no fading or peeling from constant sun, heat, or contact.
Stories & Community
One of our favorite feedbacks is hearing someone see a State Collection paddle at a court in another state, and instantly feel a connection. “Hey, you’re from Texas too? Which city?” becomes a conversation starter. The paddle becomes a passport, a way to bond with strangers over shared place.
We’ve also hosted state-themed demo events and giveaways, partnering with local leagues so players in Texas, California, Florida, and New York get early access to their home designs.
Looking Ahead
As ARTI grows, so will the State Collection. We’ll expand to more states, introduce territorial or city subsets, and experiment.
The core idea remains: your paddle should tell a story: where you play, who you are, and where home is. The State Collection is our way of embedding meaning into every swing.
