From discarded skateboard decks to objects of art. Discover the story of João, the artisan behind JG Designs, who creates unique, handmade eyewear in Portugal.
The story of JG Designs begins with an unlikely material: a discarded skateboard deck. In a Portuguese workshop, artisan João takes these broken boards, once symbols of urban motion, and gives them a second life. He transforms the layered, coloured wood into unique, handcrafted eyewear, revealing a new beauty hidden within the old.
The journey of JG Designs is the journey of its founder. “Hello, my name is João,” is the simple, direct introduction from the man behind the craft. After a period of travelling the world and working in different fields, he felt a pull to find a vocation that brought him true happiness. He found it in the patient, deliberate art of woodworking. For João, the workshop is a sanctuary where “time stops. It’s just me, the tools and the wood”. This search for personal fulfillment is the soul of the brand, embedding each creation with a sense of purpose and quiet passion.
The choice of material is a statement in itself. Skateboard decks are made from seven layers of Canadian Maple, a wood known for being both incredibly light and resistant. Between these layers of wood are veneers of vibrant colour. Through João’s entirely manual process, these hidden strata are carved and sanded to reveal unique, unrepeatable patterns. It is a kind of magic, he says, “transforming this natural element into unique and personal art objects”. This commitment to reuse gives a second life to discarded material, ensuring that no two pairs of “João Spectacles” can ever be identical.
The process is a testament to the philosophy of slow craft. From the initial design to the final finish, every step is performed by hand, requiring “several hours of focus, dedication and love” to achieve the desired perfection in every detail. While recycled skateboard decks are his signature, João’s expertise extends to noble woods like ebony and ziricote, demonstrating a deep and versatile knowledge of his medium.
The result is more than an accessory; it is a personal artifact. The frames are exceptionally light and durable, but their true character lies in their individuality. Each pair is numbered, a mark of its exclusive origin, and can be further customized for its owner, making the piece truly one-of-a-kind. It fulfills the brand’s ultimate goal: “to do different, unique and special things like you”.
JG Designs represents a particular kind of Portuguese sensibility—one that finds beauty in the overlooked, values patience over speed, and understands that the richest stories are often held within the material itself. It is a quiet statement of identity, craft, and the art of the second look.
To wear a pair is to carry a story. We invite you to explore further the narrative of Portuguese materials and the hands that shape them.
