Ed Templeton is a professional skateboarder, artist, photographer, and entrepreneur born in Orange County, California on July 28, 1972. Ed spent most of his childhood in Huntington Beach. His interest in skateboarding was piqued when he saw another kid his age perform tricks on the board.
At 13, Templeton began skateboarding and quickly gained the skills necessary to make a good skateboarder.
Templeton’s introduction into the local skateboarding scene began when he started high school at Edison High School. This was followed by competing in local contests and making a name for himself. When high school ended, Templeton decided to go pro.
His work required him to travel the world and soon sparked his interest in photography. He eventually ended up building a career in photography and juggling it with skateboarding.
Over his skateboarding career, he was sponsored by top-notch brands: New Deal Skateboards, Vans, and Emerica. Templeton stayed dedicated to skateboarding and won several accolades, including the 1990 Munster Cup, the Street Skater Of The Year by Transworld Skateboarding in 1994, and the 1995 Slam City Jam.
Templeton’s photography career also took off, leading him to display exhibitions in big galleries. Moreover, he delved into painting, sketching, and sculpting and received praise for his exhibitions and installations.
His art often reflects his interest in the culture of skateboarding and the sport itself. He has also published several photography books, including candid portraits of people he meets on his travels.
When it seemed like Templeton had peaked, he entered the business world and established himself as a successful entrepreneur. He founded Toy Machine Skateboards in 1993, which soon became one of the most popular skateboard brands to date.
The company produces skateboards, clothing, and accessories and is known for its unique graphics and designs. Most of the designs are created by Templeton himself and greatly reflect his signature style.
Sadly, with success came some challenges. Templeton was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2014 and underwent treatment for several months. Due to the difficulties of the disease, Templeton underwent depression and anxiety.
He has been open about these, talked about them in interviews, and advocated for seeking help when needed.
Ed Templeton married his long-time girlfriend, Deanna Templeton, in 2000. Deanna is also a well-known photographer and artist, and the couple has collaborated on art projects together. They have been married for over two decades and have no kids yet.
They have been open about their relationship and talked about their satisfaction often.
Templeton has been recognized throughout his career for his contributions to skateboarding and art. He was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2018 and has been featured in numerous publications and documentaries.
He has continued to skate and create art, and his influence on the skateboarding community and the contemporary art world is widely recognized.
As a multi-talented individual, Templeton remains an inspiration for many. His skateboarding, creative artwork, and entrepreneurial spirit have made him one of the most renowned people in each community.
I’m an aged skateboarder and I still shred responsibly. I started skateboarding 25 years ago but also love surfing, snowboarding, or anything that involves a board.