Anthony Faucheux, aka XLR8, is a 33-year-old illustrator and designer, based in south west of France, whose distinctive style, fresh aesthetics and imaginative skill are internationally recognized. Surfer from the very beginning, Anthony naturally turns his intuitive work towards the surf imaginary to express himself. After studying arts and graphic design, Faucheux took work as Art Director in a graphic studio.

Bolstered up by this experience, he decided to work as freelancer to perfect his illustrative personal style. Since then, he’s been featured in many art exhibitions and successful commercial art. 

Anthony’s natural connection of surf and art made it natural for him to capture the energy and vibe of surfing and the surf community of the Lightning Bolt heritage brand. The result was a genuinely unique soul artwork: stunning compositions of clean and fluid shapes with linear contours taking precedence over smooth color combinations.

“Lightning Bolt has always been a cult brand for me, associated to surf legends that made and still make me dream. When I was younger I used to watch surf movies with these guys surfing powerful waves, with their insane style, on boards with the Bolt.

To be like them, I remember having drawn a bolt with a marker on my very first surfboard… it made me feel like one of crew!
But beyond this, Lightning Bolt represents for me the essence of surfing, without the surplus… just the essential!

And it was this spirit that inspired my artwork for this collaboration. Simple, powerful and timeless visuals. The very essence of surfing, just as it was fifty years ago, and as it will certainly be found in 50 years…
Sessions between friends, waves, boards… fashion is ephemeral, but the surf spirit remains. Just like Lightning Bolt.”

Anthony Faucheux